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The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources reminds the public that anyone can participate in Operation Deer Watch and the Game Bird Survey.
No registration is needed and observations can be recorded using a mobile device.
“Wherever you are in Wisconsin, you can get involved and collect data in your area,” said Paul Frater, DNR surveys coordinator. “Sightings can easily be submitted through our Survey123 app, and every submission helps us better understand how wildlife are doing throughout the state.”
Under Operation Deer Watch, members of the public can report location, age, sex and the number of deer seen from dawn to dusk during the summer months. The information helps determine the fawn-to-doe ratio and, ultimately, deer population estimates. The deadline to submit observations is Sept. 30.
In the Game Bird Survey, members of the public can collect information on the types and numbers of game birds they observe during the summer months. This information is the basis for monitoring the reproduction of game birds for that breeding year. The deadline to submit observations is Aug. 31.
More information and linksare available on the DNR's Operation Deer Watch website at https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/WildlifeHabitat/summerdeer and Game Bird Survey website at https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/WildlifeHabitat/GameBirdBroodObservations.
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Michigan residents can contribute to conservation efforts by reporting fish and wildlife observations with the Eyes in the Field application at https://www2.dnr.state.mi.us/ors/Home.
Eyes in the Field includes forms for reporting observations of diseased wildlife, tagged fish, mammals such as cougars and feral swine, fish such as sturgeon, and birds such as wild turkeys, among other species.
To report their data, users select an observation location point on a map and submit other details, including habitat type and appearance of the animal, depending on the type of observation. Observers also can submit photos, videos and audio files through the application.
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Lake Michigan anglers near Marinette, Wis., were catching salmon but were finding them in deeper waters, according to the Wisconsin DNR. The near shore bite in waters less than 70 feet of water was unproductive.
The offshore walleye bite was good last week, with anglers finding fish around Green Island and Chambers Island. Trolling crankbaits or casting jig and crawlers was most popular. Most fish were 24 inches and larger, with most fish reported as being released.
The Michigan DNR reported this Upper Peninsula activity:
Little Bay de Noc: Walleye anglers reported fair fishing south of Little Bay de Noc and near portions of Green Bay. Shoals adjacent to deep water were the primary areas of focus. Anglers trolling used slim-profile crankbaits and crawler harnesses. Perch anglers reported slow fishing.
Munising: Boat anglers reported a slow bite in the bay and around Grand Island, catching a few splake, Chinook salmon, and lake trout while trolling and jigging. Anglers fishing near the Anna River mouth also reported a very slow bite but managed to catch a few splake on spinners and spoons. Lake trout was reported as hit or miss in Munising area.
Marquette: Most anglers began trolling north of White Rocks toward Granite Rock and the Clay Banks in 120 to 160 feet of water or jigging in 80 to 140 feet of water around structure near White Rocks and the surrounding islands of Presque Isle. Anglers caught fish throughout the water column, but the larger lake trout still appeared to be holding deeper, with many found in around 200 feet of water.
Manistique: Anglers fished south of Manistique and near the Garden Peninsula, targeting drop-offs and shallow points extending into deeper water. Anglers trolled with planer boards, weighted lines, divers, and downriggers, typically using spoons or flasher-fly combinations. Water temperatures fluctuated significantly throughout the week due to high winds. Anglers reported more bites on lures fished higher in the water column, 60 feet or less.
Keweenaw Bay/Huron Bay: Anglers reported fair to poor fishing over the past week, with catches consisting of a mixed bag of coho salmon, splake, and lake trout. Anglers also reported catching a few smaller Chinook salmon. Most anglers trolled spoons and flasher-fly combinations, while some jigged for lake trout and reported a fair bite. Most lake trout were caught on natural presentations in waters 150 to 200 feet deep.
Lake Independence, Big Bay: Fishing activity increased more with most anglers primarily targeting walleye. Anglers did best jigging in 10 to 12 feet of water using natural bait.
Traverse Bay/Portage Entry: Anglers trolling near structure in 80 to 120 feet of water reported catching good numbers of lake trout and a few coho salmon while using spoons and flasher-fly combinations. Most fish were caught near the bottom. Anglers jigging for lake trout reported a fair bite while using both natural and artificial baits, with most fish being caught in 100 to 140 feet of water.
Ontonagon River: The river experienced fair to low angling effort over the past week. Anglers reported catching walleye in varying numbers. Lake sturgeon were also caught by anglers fishing with natural baits. Anglers reported success when trolling and jigging. Shore anglers reported catching low numbers of walleye, rock bass, and lake sturgeon. Early morning hours were the most productive time of day for catching these fish.
Ontonagon/Silver City/Union Bay: Angling effort out of Ontonagon was fair over the past week. Effort from the Silver City and Union Bay access sites was lower in comparison. Anglers reported catching lake trout in fair to good numbers. In addition, some coho salmon and brown trout were caught, though less frequently. Anglers reported trolling in waters ranging from 80 to 180 feet deep to find these fish.
Black River Harbor: Angling effort from the harbor was low over the past week. Reports included fair catches of lake trout. Anglers reported trolling in waters ranging from 80 to 200 feet deep to find these fish. Shore anglers within the harbor boundaries reported occasional catches of white suckers.
Grand Marais: Boat anglers did well on lake trout when trolling and jigging for them. Boat anglers trolling also reported catching a few coho salmon.
St. Ignace: Anglers reported catches of walleye, perch, and rock bass on the Pine River. Walleye were caught while drifting leeches, and low numbers of perch were caught while floating nightcrawlers.