Some large flocks of geese along with goldeneye and mallard ducks have been seen along the on the Wisconsin River in Columbia County. And a final reminder, permits are required to cut live trees for the holidays from those county, state, and national forests that allow this practice. Check with forest offices to find out if tree cutting is allowed and to obtain a permit. A new report is put on the line each week. Numbers by deer management unit are not out yet.
Most lakes now have a thin layer of ice.
Mild, unexciting weather has kept most game and bird activity to a minimum. Grantsburg Christmas Bird Count is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 18. Spring turkey applications are due this Friday, Dec. 10. The snow that we received on Nov 23 is totally gone in this part of the area and the melt has done very little to replenish wetland water levels. Farmers are taking advantage of the dry weather by doing a lot of fall plowing.