Loon Rescued from Lure in Foot

     Terry and Debbie Wall contacted Mark and Joni Zich indicating that a Hula Popper lure was attached to a Muskie Bay loon’s foot.  The loon was hanging close to the shoreline in the bay near the CTH B bridge. 

     With advice from Loon Rescue Coordinator Linda Grenzer Mark and Joni felt comfortable enough to try night capture with Phil and Mary Stanfield when darkness set in.  The Stanfield’s pontoon worked great with Phil’s good navigation and directions from Mary.

We coordinated the light stream into the loon’s eyes after closely following the loon.  Hula Foot Waggle eventually allowed us to net it shortly after dark.

     Two small treble hooks were tough to snip out, but we were able to safely cut and remove them.  A small piece of hook remained inside the foot but we were able to successfully extract that piece of hook as well.  Safely captured, unhooked, and released Hula Foot Waggle paddled around the bay during the night and finally felt well enough to leave the bay the next day.

     We are truly grateful for the keen eye of Terry and Debbie spotting this hooked loon and for the removal of the hook. The Hula Foot Waggle loon is now swimming and diving freely.

     Please respect the wildlife on the Chippewa Flowage and navigate watercraft safe distances and speeds around the loon families and all wildlife.