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Mornin’ to everyone thankful that this Wisconsin women is OK after a black bear attack. 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:

🛥️ 1880 shipwreck discovered in Wisconsin River by accident

🦌 2025 Hunting and trapping forecasts published

⛈️ Warming climate drives extreme weather, warmer temps on Great Lakes

🤔 STORY OF THE WEEK: Why are there more fireflies this year?

🛥️ 1880 shipwreck discovered in Wisconsin River by accident LINK

• A routine sonar survey of the Fox River accidentally uncovered a 90-foot wooden shipwreck, likely the L.W. Crane, a paddlewheel steamer that burned and sank in 1880 near Oshkosh.

• Conducted by the Wisconsin Historical Society and Underwater Archaeology Association, the high-res mapping revealed a hull buried in debris—unexpectedly distinct from the 1870 wreck they originally set out to study.

• Built in 1865 and used for ferrying freight and passengers between Green Bay and Oconto, the L.W. Crane is now part of an ongoing underwater investigation into the river’s hidden history.

🦌 2025 Hunting and trapping forecasts published LINK

• The Wisconsin DNR has released its Fall 2025 hunting and trapping forecasts, offering species-specific insights for deer, bear, upland birds, migratory birds, and furbearers.

• Based on wildlife surveys, weather trends, and field reports, the forecasts help hunters and trappers plan for success while staying up to date on season dates, public land access, and game registration.

• The full forecast series is now available on the DNR’s Hunting webpage, providing a one-stop resource for Wisconsin’s fall outdoor traditions.

⛈️ Warming climate drives extreme weather, warmer temps on Great Lakes LINK

• The Great Lakes region has warmed nearly 3°F since 1951, with a 15% increase in precipitation and more frequent extreme weather events, including heavy rain, heatwaves, and fluctuating lake levels.

• Warmer winters and reduced ice cover are contributing to declines in lake whitefish, while tree species are shifting northward and older trees are showing unexpected growth, enhancing their role in carbon storage.

• Scientists warn that without major reductions in fossil fuel use, the region could see up to 10°F of additional warming by the end of the century, threatening ecosystems, water quality, and infrastructure.

WISCAMPSIN WEEKLY POLL

25% of last poll’s voters got it right! As of July 8th Madison was 1.7 inches below their average year to date rainfall totals (looks like Madison is right on average now!).

In celebration of Wisconsin’s own Kate Witkowski setting the Standing Chop World Record at 2025 World Championships this past weekend:

A review from the trail… Wow a perfect score!