While the anticipation of Opening Day lures thousands onto Eagle River area lakes at the beginning of May, every angler knows it’s not until fall when the bites come one after another. Fall in Eagle River is also time for another kind of tradition – hunting.
Preparing for a long winter of inactivity, trophy fish like musky, walleye and bass are more than willing to see what bait’s on the end of your line in October and November. While there are thousands of musky swimming through the World’s Largest Chain of Freshwater Lakes® and other surrounding Eagle River area lakes, these fish aren’t caught easily with a nickname like “the fish of 10,000 casts.” Luckily, the area’s experienced fishing guides can help visitors catch a musky in less than 10,000 casts (but, no promises!). These talented guides also can assist first-time anglers who are more interested in smaller panfish.
There are plenty of opportunities to hunt on the land in the Eagle River area, too. With white tail deer roaming 240,000 acres of public land in Vilas County, there’s a good chance to bag a trophy during the gun hunt season in November.
While getting that big 10-point buck is exhilarating, any hunter knows the thrill of the hunt isn’t just about taking aim and pulling the trigger. Hunting in the Wisconsin Northwoods is steeped in tradition and personal bonds with family and friends. Father and son; uncle and niece; old childhood friends reconnecting – it’s really about the time spent together.
In addition to deer, the wooded Eagle River landscape is also home to wild turkey, many migratory birds and even black bear. Review licensing required to hunt before visiting Eagle River. For a full listing of hunting season dates and Wisconsin regulations, visit the Wisconsin DNR website.
Before finalizing your hunting and fishing plans this fall, take a shot and drop us a line at the Eagle River Area Chamber of Commerce at (800) 359-6315 or visit our fishing page.
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