Mornin' to anyone interested in the Wisconsin Outdoors Calendar... 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.

This week’s weekly:

• West Nile Virus claims 2 lives in Wisconsin, another hospitalized 🦟 

• Man attempts to swim across Lake Michigan 🏊‍♀️

• Find public lands to hunt on this fall 🦌

• Should Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest increase fees? 💴 

West Nile Virus claims 2 lives in Wisconsin, another hospitalized—LINK

Ah, shucks…

The Wisconsin Department of Health and Human Services has confirmed two deaths and one hospitalization from West Nile virus. The cases occurred in Outagamie, Fond du Lac, and Brown Counties.

The West Nile virus spreads to humans and animals via mosquito bites, often after mosquitoes contract it from infected birds.

Most people do not experience symptoms, but severe cases can affect individuals of any age, especially those with weakened immune systems.

Health officials recommend preventing mosquito bites by using insect repellent, wearing protective clothing, and avoiding outdoor activities during peak mosquito activity. Welp, easier said than done…

Homeowners are advised to eliminate stagnant water and ensure screens are intact to keep mosquitoes out.

On average, Wisconsin sees 18 West Nile cases annually, most occurring in August and September.

The West Nile virus has also been detected in other animals and healthy blood donors statewide.

61-year-old “The Shark” bails on attempt to swim across Lake Michigan (for now)—LINK

Who doesn’t love a casual swim in the Great Lakes?

Apparently, ultra-distance swimmer Jim Dyer (nicknamed “The Shark”) loves it so much, he attempted to swim across the entire thing, without stopping, solo.

That’s 82.9 miles of swimming—or 72 hours of swimming (or more)—without sleep.

Unfortunately, Jim had to pull out after 40 hours of swimming due to some issues (thankfully, he reports he is safe), but it’s possible he may try again.

The 61-year-old is attempting this feat 26 years after becoming the only person to swim across Lake Michigan.

This time, Dreyer aimed to swim from McKinley Beach in Milwaukee to Grand Haven City Beach in Michigan.

If he attempts again, currents could push his total distance beyond 90 miles, eclipsing his historic 1998 swim from Wisconsin to Michigan, where he swam 65 miles despite planning for 50.

Read more about his historic attempt and his fundraiser for the Chief Petty Officers Association.

Find public lands to hunt on this fall—LINK

Freezer looking a little empty?

We’re all in luck, ‘cause Wisconsin boasts millions of acres of public land that you can try your luck on this hunting season.

Most public lands are open for hunting (or sleeping in your tree stand, that works too), but finding these areas can be a bit tough without some research.

The DNR offers online mapping tools to help hunters find public hunting areas, including state, federal, and county properties.

Specialized tools highlight game bird habitats and areas opened by the Voluntary Public Access Program, which incentivizes private landowners to allow hunting. Boo-yah.

Interested in making some memories this fall? Visit the DNR’s Hunter Resources webpage for more details.

Survey: Should Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest increase fees? —LINK

The Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest is proposing fee increases at several campsites following a recent market analysis.

Recreation Program Manager Karen Katz explained the new rates aim to align with other federal, state, county, and private campgrounds.

Currently, campsite fees range from $15 to $18, but under the proposal, they would increase to $20 to $24. Enrolled tribal members will continue to camp for free.

The majority of revenue from these fees will support campground improvements, maintenance, and operations like garbage and recycling services. Can we do something about the skeeters, please?

Planned upgrades over the next few years include host site improvements at seven campgrounds, such as Ada Lake, Perch Lake, and Spectacle Lake.

Public comments on the proposal are open until September 30th, after which a Citizen’s Advisory Committee will review the feedback and make a recommendation to the Regional Forester for a final decision.

Now forward this email to friend, and get out ‘der!

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Wiscampsin Weekly Poll

In last week’s edition, 51% of readers who voted said Resident WI State Park Pass sales grew faster! Nail bitter!

In fact, from 2019 to 2023, WI State Park Annual Pass sales grew by 53% for Nonresidents vs 25% for Residents. That was even faster growth in those four years vs the prior 12 years combined!

Wiscampsin Job Board

Land Protection Specialist - The Nature Conservancy (Remote): $60,000 - $71,000

Brand Manager Fishing - Johnson Outdoors (Racine): Competitive

Outdoor Leader - Urban Ecology Center (Milwaukee): $12.50/hour

Land Steward - The Nature Conservancy (Door Peninsula): $50,000 - $53,000

Senior Designer Product Developer - Duluth Trading Co (Mount Horeb): $90,000 - $125,000

Meme of the Week 😂

A review from the trail… We hit 5 cheeses every tailgate