IRON MOUNTAIN — A few anglers have started hitting the ice, with a 22-inch walleye among the best catches.

Anglers have reported anywhere from 2 to 7 inches of ice, although conditions can be sketchy as daytime temperatures climb above freezing, said Fay Whisler at Whisler Outdoors in Florence, Wis.

“They’re catching some walleye,” she said, noting the 22-incher. Panfish — mainly bluegills — have also been biting.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources advises that temperature swings, strong winds, currents and underground springs can all create weak spots in the ice on lakes and ponds.

“It may look solid to the naked eye, but that isn’t always the case,” the DNR said in its outdoor report. “There can be cracks and changes in the ice thickness that you won’t see until it’s too late.”

Wisconsin’s four-day statewide antlerless deer hunt continues through Sunday. Only antlerless deer may be harvested, regardless of weapon type. Hunters may use any unfilled antlerless harvest authorization, but it must be used in the zone, county and land type designated.

High-visibility orange or pink clothing is required during this hunt, even if using a bow or crossbow.

Michigan’s 10-day muzzleloader season wraps up Sunday. As of Friday night, 48 deer had been taken during the muzzleloader season in Dickinson County, including 15 bucks. Iron County’s muzzleloader total on the DNR’s online reporting system was 52 deer, including 21 antlered.

Wisconsin black bear season applications are due by the end of Sunday.

Hunters can purchase applications for permit drawings online through Go Wild, the DNR’s license portal, or at an authorized license agent.

Preliminary estimates show hunters harvested more than 2,900 bears during Wisconsin’s 2023 season. Final harvest totals will be available at a later date. In the meantime, DNR staff and the Bear Advisory Committee are determining recommendations and harvest quotas for the 2024 season.

The drawing for 2024 harvest authorizations will take place in early February.

Bear permit applicants must apply at least once during any period of three consecutive years to retain their accumulated preference points. Otherwise, all accumulated preference points will be lost.

Applications for the 2024 spring turkey season in Wisconsin are also due by the end Sunday.