Record-setting rainfalls have left many parts of the southern half of Wisconsin under water, with flooding, washed-out roads, basements under water, downed electrical lines, and the uncertain safety of drinking water just a few of the hazards faced by people living in the rain-soaked and flooded areas...

Rules and recommendations aimed at getting a better handle on how much groundwater is pumped out of Wisconsin aquifers and at assuring trout streams and other high quality waters get the groundwater to sustain aquatic life take effect Sept. 1, 2007...

The 2007 fall wild turkey and ruffed grouse seasons are set to open at the start of shooting hours on September 15. The grouse population continues to climb as it is still on the upward side of this popular game bird’s 10-year population cycle and wildlife officials have increased the number of fall turkey permits to 94,800 from last year’s 90,600 as the wild turkey continues to expand its populations in Wisconsin...

The first of the fall deer hunting seasons is set to open on Sept. 15 with the start of archery deer hunting. The early archery season runs Sept. 15 through Nov. 15 and the late archery season runs Nov. 26 through Jan. 6, 2008. Archery hunting in both Chronic Wasting Disease management zones is open continuously Sept 15 – Jan 6...

Although most of Wisconsin has received rain in the past week, with more than 2 inches reported in some southern and southwestern parts of the state, moderate to severe drought conditions continue across the northern half of the state...

Lake Laura Hardwoods, an 852-acre old-growth forest of maple, basswood, red oak and hemlock that contains diverse wildlife from bald eagles to bobcats, has been permanently protected through designation as the 500th State Natural Area in Wisconsin...

As the last days of summer draw near and the changing colors of leaves signal the approach of autumn, chinook salmon fishing on Lake Michigan continues to provide a great angling experience for both boaters and shore anglers...

Hunters anxious for the fall hunting seasons will have their first opportunities when the 2007 Wisconsin early Canada goose and mourning dove hunting seasons open Sept. 1...

Wisconsin hunters who registered an antlerless deer last season in a deer management unit that was not Earn-a-Buck (EAB) then but is under EAB requirements this year will begin receiving their 2007 buck authorization stickers by mail later this week, according to state wildlife officials...

Wisconsin Deer hunters are reminded that over-the-counter sales of antlerless deer tags for regular deer management units (DMUs) and deer hunting access permits for state parks begin Saturday Aug 25 at noon...

Big four-year-old Chinooks, lots of two and three year olds are making up the catch on most boats. Now is the time to get out on the water. All species are active in all sizes. The wind has been light with east wind and west moving the temp break up and down. Check for the location of 52-degree water for the best action...

Despite some locally heavy rain that fell late last week across the state, conditions across Wisconsin remain very dry. Water levels on most lakes and streams continue to be at very low and the rain that fell did little to raise lake or river levels...

Commercial fishers of yellow perch in Green Bay could be looking forward to larger harvest limits in 2008. A rule change allowing the increased harvest will be the topic of Aug. 13 public hearings in Green Bay and Peshtigo...

2007 marks the 30th anniversary of the Wisconsin trout stamp and state fisheries biologists say trout anglers have plenty of reason to celebrate. Data collected from streams throughout the state show that trout populations -- and anglers fishing inland waters – have benefited significantly from habitat restoration work supported with trout stamp funds...

A tree-shaded canopy, beautiful native plants and a meandering stream at the Department of Natural Resources park at Wisconsin State Fair provide a pleasant respite for fair-goers of all ages and a great place to learn about Wisconsin’s natural environment...