THE NORTHWOODS - Plenty of blaze orange all over the Northwoods today for the gun deer opener. Hunters look forward to the nine day season all year long and were out in full force today.
More than 614,000 people registered to go hunting this year...that's a 2 percent increase over last season.
The warm temperatures and lack of snow on the ground made deer sightings more difficult.
Guys weren't the only ones enjoying the outdoors and trying to harvest a deer. The DNR reported about 30% of “new buyer” licenses were sold to females.
70 percent of deer harvested during the 9 day season are shot on opening weekend. At the DNR in Rhinelander, 227 bucks were tagged over the last two days and 110 does were brought in.
Initial reports around the state indicate hunters are seeing more deer than last year and the antler size of bucks is larger.
Many happy hunters shared their experiences from this weekend.
STATEWIDE - Camping in the Northwoods just got a little more high-tech, thanks to a new website and iPhone app. You can download the Northern Highland American Legion State Forest app on your iPhone.
The app lets you see what campsites are available, and reserve your spot online. It also gives information about trails and other activities in the area.
In the “old days” travelers could always call ahead about site availability, but by the time out of town visitors arrive, they might be full.
MINOCQUA - “This disease is called the great imitator for a good reason,” says Jeff Waite.
Lyme disease can be good at hiding.
“Lyme disease is a bacterial type infection spread by a spiral keet, which is also considered a parasite. And it can be carried in the spit glands and intestinal track of ticks in this area. Particularly the deer tick," said Dr. Kurt Landauer.
EAGLE RIVER - The initiative will help to rebound what's thought of as a suffering walleye population by adding hundreds of thousands of the fish to Wisconsin lakes.
The project could improve fishing for the state's most popular game fish and tourism in the state. George Langely, a local fishing guide at Eagle Sports bait shop in Eagle River, says walleye fishing isn't what it used to be.
"The walleye population has pretty much suffered in the last twenty years and it's really nice to see Madison recognizing that and taking some steps to do something about it. It will take a while but it's a great start."
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