Time For Trophy Fishing
 Many of the heaviest muskies landed by anglers come in autumn, when the fish begin bulking up for the cold weather ahead. / Photo Credit: iStock/GIXEdwards
There really isn't a poor time to go fishing. After all, it's been said that even a bad day on the water beats a good day at work.
That's especially true here in Wisconsin. With more than 15,000 inland lakes, 42,000 miles of perennial streams and rivers, 1,000 miles of Great Lakes shoreline and 260 miles of the Mississippi River, there's bound to be a good bite happening somewhere in the state.
Still, if you ask most experienced anglers to pick just one season they like best here, you'll likely get a strong response in favor of the fall months — for a variety of reasons.
In short, fall represents a convergence of social, ecological and biological factors that create optimal conditions to chase Wisconsin's most prized fish.
Learn why fall is considered "trophy time" and some strategies you can use to target popular game fish species this autumn in the latest issue of Wisconsin Natural Resources magazine.
Find these stories and more in the fall digital edition, or get the print issue delivered to your doorstep. Subscribe online or call 1-800-678-9472 to sign up, renew or give a gift subscription.
Spot The Difference Between Elk & Deer
Elk occasionally venture outside of Wisconsin's two elk ranges, especially during the fall breeding season. Positively identifying your target ensures the safety of other people and avoids accidental shooting of non-target animals.
Here are some more tips to help identify elk this deer season:
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Adult elk are larger than adult deer. An adult elk stands about 1-2 feet taller than an adult deer at the shoulders. An elk calf will be about the same size as an adult white-tailed doe but will display similar coloration to adult elk.
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Spot the difference in the antlers. White-tailed deer antlers curve forward, whereas elk antlers are larger and sweep back from their heads.
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Look closely at color. Elk have a tan rump patch, black legs and a dark brown mane. Deer have legs the same color as their bodies, a white throat patch and a fluffy white tail.
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Check for additional markers. Elk moving throughout the state may have noticeable markers, including colored ear tags or tracking collars. These collars are fixed around the neck and are typically orange in color, sometimes with a visible printed number.
Since there are still isolated incidents where hunters mistake an elk for a white-tailed deer, the DNR reminds hunters that any illegally taken elk may result in a fine and a revocation of hunting licenses.
For help with differentiation between white-tailed deer and elk, please refer to this informational poster.
Purchase Your Hunting License Today
October is halfway gone, and deer are breaking out of their summertime patterns.
If you haven't yet had a chance to hang a stand or get into the woods, this is your sign to dust off the bow and start planning your next hunt. You can grab your 2025 archery or crossbow license using Go Wild in just a few minutes.
Don't miss your chance to bag a trophy or bring home some meat for the table this fall.
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Making The Most Of Yard Waste
Mulching leaves and composting yard materials helps protect air quality and promote biodiversity. Using leaves for mulch and composting can enrich the health of lawns and gardens, save you money on fertilizer and improve water retention in your soil.
You can also save some leaf and brush piles to help pollinators who rely on them for a safe place to overwinter.
Try one of the following easy methods to manage leaves, branches, grass clippings and other yard trimmings at home:
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Home composting. There are many simple structures you can build or buy to start composting. Be sure to maintain a mix of "browns" (fallen leaves, dead plants and small branches) and "greens" (grass clippings, green plants and food scraps). Finished compost can be sprinkled into lawn soil or used in a garden to provide organic material, nutrients and improve water retention. Ultimately, this builds soil organic content and reduces the need for fertilizers and frequent watering.
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Mulching leaves in place. Leaves are rich in carbon, phosphorus and potassium – all essential nutrients plants need, including turf grasses. Consider mowing leaves along with the grass during fall, and leave the finely chopped material on your lawn. Another option is to rake up the leaf pieces and use them as winter ground cover for gardens and around trees and shrubs. This will help insulate plants and protect them from winter freeze damage.
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Keep leaves handy for next season. Dry leaves keep well in plastic bags. Many people keep a few bags of leaves from the fall to add "browns" to their compost piles throughout the year. You can also use your stored leaves for mulch. In the spring, spread them on your garden and around trees and shrubs to save on buying new mulch.
Learn more, and if you're opting for composting, learn how to compost at home on the DNR's website.
Photo Credit: iStock/Joey Ingelhart
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