Hunters advised to avoid ash trees when placing deer stands
Outdoors report
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IRON MOUNTAIN -- Foresters are advising hunters to avoid placing deer stands in or near ash trees as they start scouting properties ahead of the coming deer hunting season.
Most ash trees in the southern two-thirds of Wisconsin are dead or dying due to the emerald ash borer, and infestations in the northern part of the state are rapidly expanding, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources said.
Emerald ash borer has been confirmed in all 72 Wisconsin counties, and unreported infestations are also likely to be present. EAB has been confirmed in most Upper Peninsula counties, including Dickinson.
Trees infested with EAB may unexpectedly snap or drop large branches. Hunters should also be cautious around ash trees when on the ground, especially in windy conditions, as infested trees are susceptible to branch and stem breakage.
"Dead and dying ash trees are structurally weaker than healthy trees, so they are not safe places to put deer stands," said Bill McNee, Wisconsin DNR Forest Health Specialist. "In many cases, it can be hard to tell if a tree has been infested by emerald ash borer, so hunters should place deer stands in other types of trees instead."
Leaves on ash trees are composed of 5-11 leaflets and may be smooth or toothed. The only other oppositely branched tree with compound leaves is boxelder, which almost always has three to five leaflets, according to the Michigan State University Extension.
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The Agate Falls Scenic Site in Ontonagon County will be reopened to visitors Sept. 4, but the off-road vehicle trail above the falls will remain closed due to construction delays at the site's trestle bridge.
The Michigan DNR previously announced plans for repairs and improvements to the trestle. The project is funded through a $1.6 million Federal Highway Administration Recreational Trails Program grant, which provides funding to states to develop and maintain recreational trails and related facilities for motorized and nonmotorized uses.
The site's railroad trestle was originally built in 1900 before being given a second life as a trail bridge for ORV and snowmobile riders. To ensure it remains safe, the bridge will remain closed while continuing to undergo structural rehabilitation work.
The construction delays have pushed back the anticipated Nov. 1, 2026, reopening of the ORV trail. An updated reopening date for the ORV trail will be announced. The trestle bridge will remain closed to pedestrian and ORV access in the meantime.
Considered one of Michigan's most picturesque waterfalls, Agate Falls is located off state Highway M-28 in Ontonagon County. The site offers scenic views and recreational opportunities; including fishing, hiking and ORV riding.
Riders can view an ORV reroute using the DNR's interactive ORV trail and route map at https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/157358bb456447b9a2be49f8d6d86a09.
Information about a potential snowmobile reroute will be provided when it becomes available.
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The Michigan DNR reported U.P. fishing activity:
Little Bay de Noc: Anglers targeting walleye reported an uptick in action, catching decent numbers of fish near drop-offs and flats. Anglers reported good fishing during both the morning and evening. Some cast for them primarily near the bottom, while others trolled worm harnesses at slow speeds. Yellow perch anglers reported good fishing, with the overall catch increasing dramatically. Most of the perch measured 8 to 11 inches, although some larger fish were reported.
Marquette: Most anglers continued to troll north of White Rocks out toward north of Granite Rock and the Clay Banks in 120 to 160 feet of water for lake trout, catching fish throughout the water column. Good sized lake trout were also caught out near White Rocks.
A few anglers reported catching salmon and brown trout near Little Presque Isle and the Clay Banks in 60 to 100 feet of water, along with a few steelhead in slightly shallower depths. Few anglers headed out to Sand River and Shot Point, resulting in lower lake trout catches compared to previous early August reports. Prior to the weekend, some coho salmon were reported in 60 feet of water between the Lower Harbor Lighthouse and the Chocolay River, with lines set 25 to 30 feet down.
Munising: Boat anglers did well on lake trout when trolling and jigging around Grand Island and Wood Island. Anglers trolling the bay reported a few Chinook salmon and coho salmon along with a few splake. Anglers fishing off the Anna River reported a slow bite on splake.
Manistique: Anglers targeting Chinook salmon out of Manistique reported good fishing south of the port and near the Garden Peninsula. Anglers reported good numbers of fish caught, including some individuals around 20 pounds. Spoons were the most common lure trolled.
Ontonagon. Anglers reported catches consisting primarily of lake trout in fair-to-low numbers. Brown trout were also reported by anglers, but with much lower frequency. Anglers trolled depths ranging from 70 to 150 feet to find fish.
Keweenaw Bay/Huron Bay: Anglers reported poor-to-fair fishing over the past week, with a mixed bag consisting mostly of lake trout along with a few coho salmon, splake, and Chinook salmon. Trolling spoons and flasher-fly combinations yielded the most success, while jigging for lake trout produced a slow bite. Anglers jigging reported better success using natural baits in water deeper than 150 feet.