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Mornin' to everyone excited to hear the snowy owls have been arriving in Wisconsin! This is the Wiscampsin Weekly - the email that gets you in the know on the Wisconsin outdoors in 5 minutes or less. New reader? Subscribe here.

Ope - a reader called us out and said last week’s graphic had a European badger in it. Sorry ‘bout it!

This week’s weekly:

🐺 Hunter who shot gray wolf while duck hunting not charged

🎿 Famous ABR nordic center donated for future generations

🐻 2024 Bear hunt results in harvest rebound and success

🦌 Story of the week: 2024’s gun deer hunt season

🐺 Hunter who shot gray wolf while duck hunting not charged LINK

• A 19-year-old hunter in northern Wisconsin was cleared of charges after shooting a gray wolf he said posed a threat to his group during a waterfowl hunt.

• The Oneida County District Attorney concluded that the hunter acted out of genuine fear for safety, supported by a DNR investigation.

• Gray wolves are protected under the Endangered Species Act (thus the careful investigation). The DNR did not classify this as a wolf attack. A wolf misunderstanding, maybe?

🎿 Famous ABR nordic center donated for future generations LINK

• Eric and Angela Anderson, founders of Active Backwoods Retreat (ABR), are transitioning ownership of their Nordic ski center to a nonprofit foundation to preserve it for future generations.

• Over nearly three decades, they expanded ABR from 13 to over 100 kilometers of trails, fostering a welcoming, community-oriented atmosphere that skiers cherish.

• The new executive director, Jay Sween, aims to maintain ABR's unique charm while exploring updates like digital enhancements and summer activities, ensuring its long-term sustainability through the Anderson Bluffs and River Trails Foundation. We’re here for it!

🐻 2024 Bear hunt results in harvest rebound and success LINK

• Wisconsin hunters harvested 4,285 bears in the 2024 season, rebounding significantly from the below-average 2023 harvest of 2,922 bears.

• Increased success, with a 37% statewide rate, was attributed to reduced natural food availability and the strong bear condition following last year’s low harvest.

• The five-week season met or exceeded targets in most zones, with over 1,000 bears harvested on opening day, contributing to population management goals. Way to fill ‘da freezer, folks.

STORY OF THE WEEK: 2024’s gun deer hunt season LINK

It’s finally here!

Wisconsin’s ~highly anticipated~ 2024 gun deer hunting season begins Saturday, November 23, and runs through December 1, marking the latest possible dates for the nine-day hunt under state law.

Over 560,000 licenses have been sold for deer hunting this year, including 205,075 for gun hunting, proof of the enduring popularity of this tradition in a state renowned for its white-tailed deer hunting.

But while Wisconsin hunters are known for producing some of the largest bucks in the nation, this year’s conditions present a mix of challenges (and opportunities).

The later start date places the season further from the rut (deer mating season), meaning deer movement may be less active than in years with earlier openers.

Historical trends suggest that this timing could result in a harvest decrease of 10% or more, but other factors, such as colder weather and potential snow cover, might improve hunting conditions.

Furthermore, last year’s mild winter has likely bolstered fawn production and antler growth, leaving hunters optimistic about encountering a robust deer population—and maybe a giant!

Preliminary data from this year’s archery season offers hope, particularly in the Northern Forest Zone, where harvest numbers are returning to five-year averages following significant declines in 2023.

Last year saw an 18% drop in deer harvest statewide (173,942 deer were harvested in the gun season), including nearly 12,000 fewer deer taken in the Northern Forest Zone compared to 2022.

But that shouldn’t discourage anyone from giving it a go—you never know when that giant buck will come walking by! (Just make sure you don’t shoot that white deer in Kaukauna.)

If you want to join in on this historic condition, read up on the regulations, grab some friends, and get out ‘der.

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READER GIVEAWAY

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Wiscampsin Weekly Poll

Well folks, weekend trip recommendations received 48% of the votes, and outdoor events of the week received 37%, so guess what? We are going to combine them both into a special section and give you the best of both worlds! You-betcha

Trip itinerary of the week

Need to get away? How about heading up to Tomahawk, Wisconsin for the weekend with the hubby!

Where to stay: Charming 1940s Cabin on Mohawksin (Firepit, Kayaks, Etc)

Where to eat: Silver Birch Supper Club or Pine Tree Supper Club (or both)

What to do: Cast a line, check out the 1,000 miles of hiking trails, or check out the 59th Annual Venison Feed this weekend (free venison, just buy the beer. What a deal)!

Meme of the Week 😂

A review from the trail… Good info, thanks!