Blood drives across Wisconsin are essential for keeping up the blood supply.

Red Cross spokeswoman Laura McGuire says there’s no way around how hospitals currently get blood. “Blood cannot be manufactured. The only way that we can get blood is through one another.”

Donations come in many forms and are used in many different ways. McGuire says the look for donations from all donors, but are especially interested in the red blood cells of those who are blood type O-. “When people are in emergencies or accidents or in the emergency room, and there is a need for blood, the very first thing that personnel reach for is O-.” Similarly, people who are blood type AB are sought out for plasma donations.

Donations typically take an hour and can save three lives.

Anglers looking to land some big fish in central and southern Wisconsin have plenty of options this weekend.

Delafield based fishing guide Mike Smith says anglers in central and southern Wisconsin should be ready for some excellent panfishing this weekend. “Crappies spawn with temperatures in the low 60’s so they’re getting ready to make their move. Bluegills are coming in just for the warmer water. Bass are coming in because the bluegills are there.”

Walleyes are also post spawn in southern Wisconsin and are hanging around the shallows, says Smith. “Live bait presentation is going to be the way you want to go. Minnows and leeches are going to be the key for walleye fishing.”

DNR biologists say several strong seasons of walleye stocking has resulted in large sized walleyes for this year. Make sure to check the bag limit restrictions on the lake you’re on before you head out.

Anglers looking to fish on the Wisconsin River should be careful of high flows and high waters. Wardens remind you to be safe on the water and always wear your flotation devices

You can find out more about the opening of fishing season online at the Wisconsin DNR’s fishing regulations page. .

Expect cold waters and maybe even some ice in the Northwoods for the start of the fishing season.

Minocqua based guide Kurt Justice says Lake Minocqua in Oneida County still had 32 inches of ice in places as of last weekend. “The ice is in poor shape, and it’s going to be a day to day thing.”

The good news about the cold water and the ice cover is that it’s driving fish closer to the shore. “We’re going to see a lot of walleyes coming up to spawn, so we should see a lot of good shore fishing opportunities,” says Justice.  “You can fish with a minnow, a jig and a swim bait, or a stick bait like a Rapala.”

If you are planning to put your boat into the water, Justice says it’s more important than ever to be aware of the ice around you. “If there’s wind blowing, you want to make sure that ice isn’t going to move between you and your landing. ” He also says that moving ice can damage your boat if you’re not careful.

“Some of the smaller lakes and flowages should have some open water to put your boats in. The larger lakes will take a little longer, they’ve got more ice, more volume to warm up and that ice is in better condition so it takes a little bit longer.”

You also need to wear your flotation devices if you’re out on the water, since the cold temperature can cause hypothermia very quickly. “Life vests or these new floating jackets that we use for ice fishing are very helpful this time of year. It’ll keep you warmer and it will also help keep your head above water and able to get back to shore,” says Justice.

The Wisconsin inland fishing opener is Saturday. You can find out more online at the DNR’s fishing guide.

Spring showers and storms have pushed across the state over the past 24 hours, helping soak parched areas and cut down on fire risks.

Most of the state is now under low to moderate fire conditions, with parts of northwest Wisconsin still showing high fire risk.

Parts of western Wisconsin were under extreme fire risk and red flag warnings earlier this week, and Governor Walker declared a state of emergency on Tuesday.

The DNR reminds people to check with local fire departments before getting burning permits. You can see your local fire risk online at the DNR’s Fire Restrictions page.

Governor Walker is ordering state agencies to step up containment efforts to fight chronic wasting disease in the state’s deer herd.

Under the new guidelines, deer farms will need to improve their fencing, deer farmers won’t be able to move any deer from CWD quarantine areas, and hunters won’t be allowed to move whole deer carcasses out of CWD quarantine areas.

“We need to protect Wisconsin’s hunting traditions and long-standing heritage by working together to contain the spread of chronic wasting disease in deer,” said Governor Walker. “Wisconsin put together a comprehensive plan years ago that implemented new testing procedures to identify and root out CWD while committing to new steps to combat CWD. Today, we will move forward on implementing new rules that will place us among the leaders in the nation’s fight against CWD.”

Wisconsin Wildlife Federation director George Meyer says that the new rules will help contain the spread. “Hopefully we won’t have as rapid of a spread into other areas of the state, which will slow down the disease.”

Meyer calls these efforts a good first step, and but more extensive monitoring may be needed. “Clearly there’s a need for additional monitoring of the deer herd in the state. The DNR did step it up last fall, but they may may have to wait until the next state budget.”

Both the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection as well as the Department of Natural Resources will be tasked to implement the new measures.