Mornin' to the firefighters that freed the Blue Heron caught in a fishing line. 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:

• Wisconsin ranks 3rd in fatal car collisions with animals 🚘

• Man determined to swim across Lake Michigan again, damnit! 🏊‍♀️

• Connecting Wausau to Tomahawk via Bike route 🚲

• Be bear aware at Peninsula State Park 🐻 

Wisconsin ranks 3rd in fatal car collisions with animals—LINK

Watch out for deer!

Wisconsin ranks third in the nation for fatal animal-vehicle crashes, according to a study by personal injury law firm Anidjar & Levine.

From 2018 to 2022, 12.3% of Wisconsin’s fatal crashes involving a non-fixed object were due to animals, trailing only Montana and North Dakota. Wisconsin had 53 fatal crashes in that time.

Deer are a major culprit, especially during their active season in October and November. Ya know, huntin’ season.

During this time, deer are moving more, due to colder weather, “the rut,” and hunters in the woods.

Wisconsin averages between 15,000 and 20,000 deer-related accidents each year.

As Jim Dreyer notes, “The thing that people don’t necessarily understand is how the conditions can change out there so quickly.”

One minute they’re feeding in your backyard, the next, they’re taking out your bumper…

Stay safe and remember - don’t swerve!

Man determined to swim across Lake Michigan again, damnit!—LINK

Jim Dreyer, a long-distance swimmer and very motivated ‘Scon, is determined to conquer Lake Michigan again, but with an extra 25 miles added to his 1998 swim.

Despite setbacks, including GPS malfunctions and what he calls a "navigational nightmare," Dreyer remains focused on his goal to swim 82.5 miles from Milwaukee to Grand Haven, Michigan.

Dreyer battles more than waves and cold water—he also faces hallucinations.

“As you get into that second night...there’s always some level of hallucinations,” Dreyer explained. His secret? Training through them. Ah, simple enough…

Dreyer stays mentally sharp by swimming familiar routes, telling himself that the “large pier” he sees isn’t real.

Although he's faced four failed attempts since August 2023, Dreyer remains undeterred, likening his quest to open-water endurance training: “You have to take it in bite-sized pieces...but I think it is a doable thing."

Connecting Wausau to Tomahawk via bike/hike route—LINK

A new hiking and biking trail connecting Wausau to Tomahawk, dubbed “Jenny Road,” promises scenic views (and a safer route) for outdoor lovers.

Jon Krohn, President of the River District Development Foundation, explained the rising popularity of trails in the area, saying, “The picnic parking lots are almost empty, but the trailheads are overflowing.”

The trail would run alongside the Wisconsin River, offering a family-friendly alternative to busy highways.

With plans to eventually connect to the Hiawatha, Bearskin, and Mountain Bay trails, this project could attract tourists and new residents, boosting local economies.

Funded primarily through private donations and grants, the trail has already secured $2 million in support. Although some property owners expressed concerns, developers aim to ease worries by using highway rights-of-way where necessary.

The plan is expected to be finalized by late October. Start planning a trip, folks!

Be bear aware at Peninsula State Park—LINK

At Peninsula State Park, officials are urging visitors to be "bear-aware" after three recent black bear sightings, including one where a bear strolled through a camper's tent! Forget the bug spray, how about bear spray??

As Park Superintendent Eric Hyde warned, “Odds are, a black bear is probably in the park.” Signs have been posted to remind campers to store food securely and avoid leaving any picnic paw-tential inside their tents.

Bears may be curious, but they’re easily spooked by humans—so keep the snacks locked up. While black bears rarely pose a danger, fed bears can become a problem, and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) would need to take action if one became a nuisance.

So, if you're camping in Door County, be vigilant and follow the bear tips!

Boy saves father from black bear mauling—LINK

We know, we covered this last week…

But the story of the 12-year-old boy who shot—and killed— the 200lb wounded black bear that was mauling his father is now gaining national coverage.

So in case you missed it, here's the epic tale once more.

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

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Wiscampsin Weekly Poll

Well, well, 30% of readers guessed accurately when the peak fall colors would arrive for Door County falling on the third weekend in October (18-20th).

Wiscampsin Job Board

Fisheries Technician - DNR (Adell): $18/hr

Prescribed Fire Specialist - DNR (Mount Horeb): $18/hour

Forestry Hiring and Onboarding Program Coordinator - DNR (Statewide): $22-$24/hour

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

Meme of the Week 😂

A review from the trail… Ope, sorry! We have it here if you need it again.