Attention Deer Hunters: DNR Customer Service is there for you MADISON -- Last minute questions from hunters at deer camp and from deer stands day or night is routine. It"s all in a day"s work for the Department of Natural Resources Call Center. The expanded hours call center – unique among state natural resources agencies – has handled more than 370,000 customer contacts in the last year, one quarter of them at night and on weekends. More than 21,000 customers have also taken advantage of their on-line chat feature so far this year. The highly trained representatives respond to a wide variety of DNR issues, from clarifying regulations on hunting and fishing to restrictions on firewood transportation. The call center is on pace to receive more than 370,000 calls this year, with more than 20 percent of these coming during nights and weekends. The Call Center"s motto, “We"re here for you!” Give them a call 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days per week. Read more here: FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
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Hunters may harvest deer with tags and collars
MADISON – With the upcoming nine-day gun season approaching fast, wildlife researchers are looking for assistance from Wisconsin hunters who may harvest any of the more than 240 white-tailed deer marked with radio-collars and approximately 200 deer marked with ear tags. The researchers say hunters" help may play a role in how Wisconsin"s white-tailed deer herd is managed for generations to come. That"s a big impact for help that may take each hunter who harvests a marked deer only a few minutes to provide. With the start of the early archery season a few weeks ago, we have now entered an important phase of the project that involves collecting harvest data from marked deer. “These deer were marked in 2011 and 2012 as part of a study to better understand how long deer live and how they die,” said Michael Watt, Natural Resource Research Scientist. ”Hunters are free to harvest these marked deer. And if they do, we would like some basic information that shouldn"t take more than a minute to provide.” The requested information about marked deer include:
Hunters are being asked to call Watt at (608) 221-6376 to report this information. Watt and his colleagues marked the deer in the northern counties of Rusk, Sawyer and Price, and the east central counties of Shawano, Waupaca and Outagamie as part of the buck mortality study and fawn predation study sponsored by:
“I want to stress that hunters should treat these deer like any other deer you might see. These deer may be harvested, but the information that hunters provide is important to the research and the future of our deer herd,” said Watt. While the DNR uses a deer population modeling system built upon sound science and data, Watt says challenges remain. “The distribution and numbers of predators has changed in the last 20 years and we hope this study can shed some light on how these changes are affecting our deer herd,” Watt says. “Not only is this a wildlife issue, it is an economic issue – Wisconsin"s tourism relies upon its healthy and abundant natural resources. Deer hunting is part of that tourism industry. Our deer hunters have expressed concerns about the impact that predation may be having on deer population growth and recruitment rates across the state – the department is listening to their concerns and trying to better understand predation impacts with our ongoing collaborative research.” And this is where the hunters come in, Watt says. “The only way we will be successful in our deer herd management is through hunters" participation,” Watt says. “And the research partners who make it possible for us to increase our ability to gather this key information.” Read more here: FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
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Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Other News: S746
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Other News: S738
Pockets of dead deer found in Columbia and Rock counties died from EHD
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| EHD: What's the story? Not as bad as believed, but diligence and 'eyes-on-the-ground' are needed. photo c. WDNR ©2012 |
DNR wildlife health specialists submitted the tissue samples for testing to Michigan State University’s Diagnostic Center for Population & Animal Health, which confirmed they died of EHD. Additional tests of deer from Waukesha and Walworth counties are pending and expected within the next one to two weeks.
“Our neighbor states have been seeing EHD outbreaks for the last several weeks and now it has made its way into southern Wisconsin,” said Eric Lobner, DNR southern Wisconsin wildlife supervisor.
EHD is a fairly common disease carried by midges -- commonly referred to as no-see-ums -- but the virus that causes the disease does not infect humans, according to health specialists, so people are not at risk when handling infected deer, eating venison from infected deer or being bitten by infected midges.
“We are fortunate that the public is tuned into our deer and was quick to report these small pockets of problems,” Lobner said. “By sharing information about the outbreak, we are hoping to get help from the public by providing more eyes on the ground in order to continue to collect observations of sick or dead deer. These observations will help us more clearly understand the geographic distribution and number of deer affected by this disease. This will be valuable information to inform management decisions for future years and provide a better understanding of overall impact of the disease on our deer population.”
EHD is often fatal, typically killing an infected deer within seven days. The last EHD observation in Wisconsin was in 2002 in Iowa County where 14 deer died from the virus. EHD is common across southern states and occasionally shows up as far north as the upper Midwest. This year, outbreaks of EHD have been reported in Michigan, Illinois, Indiana and Iowa. The disease is typically short lived as the flies that transmit the disease die with the first hard frost.
Individuals that observe deer exhibiting the following signs are encouraged to report their observations to the DNR:
- Excessive salivation or foaming around the nose and mouth.
- Appearing weak and approachable by humans
- In or near water sources. They will often lay in water to cool down or drink
Wildlife officials say there is no risk to people or pets from deer that have died of EHD and that deer carcasses can be left on the landscape to decompose. The DNR will not be collecting or removing deer that have died as a result of this outbreak.
As a result of this confirmation, the DNR is no longer collecting samples from dead deer found in Columbia and Rock counties; however, officials do want to take samples from dead deer reported in counties where EHD has not been confirmed. Also, in order to monitor the geographic distribution and the number of deer affected by this EHD event, the DNR does want people to continue to report sick or dead deer within Columbia and Rock counties.
“Often in cases of diseases like this, once we have confirmed the presence of the disease our goal is to have a better handle on the distribution and the number of deer that are affected by the disease,” Lobner said. “Keeping a close eye on the health of our deer is important. Though there is little we can do to prevent the disease, with the onset of cold weather and frost, this outbreak should be over soon. Any information we can get will help us better understand the impact of the disease on our herd. ”
To report a sick deer observation please call the DNR call center toll free at 1-888-WDNR- INFo (1-888-936-7463), email DNRInfo@Wisconsin.gov, or use the chat feature on the DNR website. Staff are available seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Please be prepared to provide details about the condition of the deer and the exact location where the deer was observed. Individuals interested in finding more information on sick deer in Wisconsin can visit the Wisconsin DNR website: search keyword [ sick deer ].
Read more here:
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
- Eric Lobner 608-235-0860
- Bill Cosh, DNR spokesperson, 608-267-2773
Sept. 22 proclaimed Hunting and Fishing Day in Wisconsin
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| National Hunting and Fishing Day, Govenor Walker's Official Proclomation: WHEREAS ... September 22, 2012 photo c. Wonders of Wildlife ©2012 |
National Hunting and Fishing Day, formalized by Congress in 1971, was created by the National Shooting Sports Foundation to celebrate conservation successes of hunters and anglers and is celebrated the fourth Saturday of every September.
Governor Walker issued the following proclamation for Wisconsin:
Proclamation
National Hunting and Fishing Day
September 22, 2012
WHEREAS, conserving our state’s natural and wildlife resources for future generations is one of the most important responsibilities we have, and
WHEREAS, hunters, trappers and anglers contribute $2.9 billion annually to Wisconsin’s economy through their purchases, and
WHEREAS, Wisconsin has national prominence as a destination for hunters and anglers with more than 600,000 participants in the annual deer hunt and over 1.4 million anglers, and
WHEREAS, sportsmen and women, through their organizations, contribute thousands of volunteer hours to conservation projects, youth and adult outdoor education programs, and fundraising for conservation, and
WHEREAS, Saturday, September 22, 2012 is National Hunting and Fishing day,
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Scott Walker, Governor of the State of Wisconsin, do hereby proclaim September 22, 2012 as Hunting and Fishing Day throughout the State of Wisconsin, and I commend this observance to all of our citizens.
Read more here:
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
- Bill Cosh, DNR spokesperson, 608-267-2773
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Other News: S737
More than 20,000 apply for Wisconsin wolf hunting license
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| 20,000 licenses applied for the first wolf hunt in WI in sixty years photo c. WDNR ©2012 |
The state Natural Resources Board approved a quota of up to 201wolves that could be harvested during the first season, 85 of which are reserved for Native American Indian tribes within the ceded territory of northern Wisconsin.
The Department of Natural Resources plans to issue 1,160 licenses for the 2012-13 season. Those permits will be awarded by random choice in a drawing that will be held this week. Successful applicants will be notified by letter and then be able to purchase a wolf harvest license for $100 for residents and $500 for nonresidents.
The DNR received nonresident applications from people in 38 other states from Maine to California and Alaska to Texas, with the largest numbers from Illinois (179) and Minnesota (102).
Applicants who are not successful in the drawing will be awarded a preference point toward future drawings.
Starting with the 2013-14 season, one half of available permits will be issued randomly among all permit applications and the second half will be issued through a cumulative preference point drawing.
Dane County Circuit Court Judge Peter Anderson last month temporarily blocked wolf hunters from using dogs or training dogs to hunt wolves while he considers the lawsuit. A DNR motion to dismiss the case is scheduled to be heard on Sept. 14.
As a result of this ruling, the Department of Natural Resources is advising people that the use of dogs for tracking and trailing of wolves is not authorized when hunting wolves under a wolf harvesting license. Also, the use of dogs for training to track or trail free ranging wolves is not authorized at this time. As this is a temporary injunction, the injunction on the use of dogs for wolf hunting and training could be lifted at a future date.
Read more here:
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
- Kurt Thiede, DNR Land Division administrator, 608-266-5833
- Bill Cosh, DNR spokesman, 608-267-2773
2012 deer hunter wildlife survey begins
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| 2012 Deer Hunter Survey time is here again. Trailcam photos are needed. See details below. photo c. WDNR ©2012 |
“Deer hunters often ask if there is a way they can tell the DNR what they are or are not seeing from their deer stand, this survey provides them with the means to do that” said Jes Rees, DNR wildlife survey technician.
Wildlife officials ask that hunters record all of their hunting activity throughout the deer season, even if no wildlife sightings were made during a hunt. The survey period ends January 2013. These observations have provided the DNR with an index to abundance for many wildlife species.
“With the recently released Deer Trustee report recommending more input from the hunting public on herd status, this tool provides the hunter with an excellent way to communicate their sightings,” Rees said. “All they need to do is record the date, number of hours, county, deer management unit, weather conditions, and the type and number of animals observed each day of deer hunting. Hunters can also enter their email address along with their observations and I will send them an email summary of their hunting activity at the end of the survey period.”
Many other states in the Midwest and around the country use these types of surveys to gather hunter input into deer and other wildlife abundance.
This is the fourth year of the survey and deer hunters are asked to report their field observations of a variety of wildlife species, hunting conditions and hours spent pursuing game. Thousands of observations are reported each year.
The Deer Hunter Wildlife Survey overlaps another citizen-participation survey. Operation Deer Watch started Aug. 1 and runs through Sept. 30. The primary objective of Operation Deer Watch is to determine trends in deer reproductive success by reporting does and fawns seen together during the late summer and early fall.
Trail Camera Photos Wanted
The wildlife surveys program is also interested in photographs of rare or endangered species hunters may have captured on their trail cameras. Photos can be emailed to DNR Wildlife Management. This information will help document their existence and location within the state. Trail camera photos can be viewed in our online trail camera gallery on Shutterfly.com.Questions about the Wisconsin Deer Hunter Wildlife Survey, accessing the tally sheet, reporting your observation, or the results of the survey, can be referred to Jes Rees at 608-221-6360.
Read more here:
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
- Jes Rees at 608-221-6360
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Other News: S736
Fall wild turkey and ruffed grouse seasons open Sept. 15
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| 2012 fall wild turkey and ruffed grouse seasons are set to open, hunter prospects look good.illustration c. OOAK Digital Gallery ©2012 |
MADISON – The 2012 fall wild turkey and ruffed grouse seasons are set to open, and state wildlife officials say that hunter prospects are good for both seasons. The turkey season will open statewide at the start of shooting hours on Sept. 15, as will the grouse season in Zone A. Grouse hunters interested in pursuing grouse in southeastern Wisconsin should be aware that the grouse season does not open until Oct. 20 in Zone B.
Overall, Wisconsin’s statewide wild turkey population remains strong, and wildlife officials have set the number of fall turkey permits available at 96,700, a 1,000-permit increase over the number of permits offered during last year’s fall turkey season. Permits were increased by 600 in Zone 2 and by 400 in Zone 7 in order to better accommodate demand by hunters.
Ruffed grouse populations in Wisconsin appear to be entering a downswing, according to this spring’s drumming survey results. Ruffed grouse populations are known to boom and bust over an 8-11 year period, and the index that the state uses to track ruffed grouse numbers decreased statewide by 25 percent between 2011 and 2012. This decrease isn’t a surprise, as Wisconsin was overdue for the expected downturn, but weather conditions in the spring were excellent for nesting and brood-rearing, and should mean a good year for reproduction. First-year birds may therefore help offset the cyclic downturn in numbers, and hunters can expect good hunting again during the 2012 season.
Fall wild turkey and ruffed grouse season dates and reminders
2012 Fall Wild Turkey Season Dates (all zones):
- Sept. 15 through Nov. 15
2012 Fall Wild Turkey Extended Season Dates for Zones 1-5 ONLY:
- Nov. 26 through Dec. 31
2012 Ruffed Grouse Season Dates:
- Zone A: Sept. 15, 2012 through Jan. 31, 2013
- Zone B: Oct. 20 through Dec. 8
2012 Woodcock Season
Sept. 22 through Nov. 5
For more information, see the Wisconsin wild turkey, ruffed grouse, and Harvest Information Program pages on the DNR website.
Read more here:
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
- Scott Walter, upland wildlife ecologist: (608) 267-7861
- Krista McGinley, assistant upland wildlife ecologist: (608) 261-8458
Turkey and grouse hunting have special safety concerns
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| "Wear blaze orange clothing and stay in visual contact with your hunting partners at all times."Part of the mindset necessary for a safe hunting season.photo c. Dan Small Outdoors, LLC. ©2012 |
MADISON -- Hunters need to keep safety in mind when hunting turkey and grouse.
“There’s something very special about turkey and grouse hunting,” says Jon King Department of Natural Resources hunter education program administrator. “And with the enthusiasm that goes along with this type of hunting, we should all be mindful of making sure we return home safe and sound at the end of each hunt.”
Here are some things King says hunters need to keep in mind when going afield after ruffed grouse and fall turkey:
Follow the four basic rules of firearm safety: TAB+K.
- Treat every firearm as if it is loaded.
- Always point the muzzle in a safe direction.
- Plan your hunt and hunt your plan.
- Know your safe zone of fire, know where your hunting partners are and always advance forward in unison and don’t get ahead of or behind your hunting partner.
- Be certain of your target and what’s beyond it.
- Shooting into thick cover or heavy brush without positive identification can lead to a tragedy.
- Wear blaze orange clothing and stay in visual contact with your hunting partners at all times. If you lose sight of each other, stop hunting, call, and listen until you locate each other.
- Other hunters and non-hunters will be afield so take the time needed to ensure you have a safe shot.
- Keep your finger outside the trigger guard until you’re ready to shoot.
- 34 percent of hunting incidents are self-inflicted and preventable.
King suggests that you advise someone else of where you will be hunting and when they should expect you back. If something should go wrong, at least someone will know where to start looking.
“Famed conservationist Aldo Leopold once wrote, ‘There are two kinds of hunting: ordinary hunting, and ruffed grouse hunting,’” King says. “Don’t let careless hunting practices spoil this special tradition.”
Read more here:
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
- Jon King, hunter education program administrator: 608-575-2294
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Other News: S735
Wolf regulations now available online and soon in hardcopy
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| Regulations for WI 2012 Wolf Hunting/Trapping are set and available in hardcopy photo c. WDNR ©2012 |
MADISON – The 2012 Wolf Hunting and Trapping Regulations [PDF] are now available on the Department of Natural Resources website search the keyword “wolf.” Hard copies are going to print and will be mailed to successful applicants along with notification that they have drawn a permit.
As of Tuesday morning August 28, 15,708 hunters and trappers have submitted applications for Wisconsin’s first modern wolf hunting season, putting their names into the lottery for what is expected to be roughly 1,100 harvest permits. The permit application period closes Aug 31. Even if a hunter or trapper doesn’t draw a permit this year, applying will give them a preference point, and a better chance, in future drawings.
A permit application costs $10 and may be purchased through the DNR Online Licensing Center, at all authorized license agents, at DNR Service Centers (Hours for service centers vary; check the DNR website for service center days and hours of operation; DNR Service Centers are not open on Saturdays), or by calling toll-free 1-877-LICENSE (1-877-945-4236).
Those selected for a harvest permit this year will receive notification by mail in early September following the drawing. Everyone else will receive a preference point toward next season’s drawing.
Hunters and trappers may also wish to check out the department’s wolf webpage, which offers identification tips, maps, reports and pack territory information.
Read more here:
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
- Scott Walter,(608) 267-7861
- Krista McGinley, 608) 261-8458
Fall migration takes wing as experts keep an eye out for drought impacts
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| Hummingbirds are among the next wave of winged migrants to head south. photo c. WDNR ©2012 Ryan Brady |
Great birding opportunities abound
MADISON – The avian parade continues with hummingbirds, warblers and vireos the next species to begin their migration south, providing Wisconsin birders some great viewing opportunities and experts more insight into how the early spring and drought has affected Wisconsin’s winged travelers.
“The next three weeks will be the peak of fall migration for land birds that migrate to central and south America,” says Andy Paulios, a Department of Natural Resources biologist. “We’re past peak for orioles, but birders should expect to see good numbers of hummingbirds, warblers, vireos, thrushes and other migrants in their local migration hotspots or even in their backyard if they have good natural cover.”
Paulios says that birders should also watch the skies over the next few days as they could expect to see migrating common nighthawks and chimney swifts in the evening.
What exactly will turn up and when on the landscape and at birdfeeders, however, is uncharted territory given the warm, early spring, record heat and the drought experienced in much of the state, says Kim Grveles, an avian biologist with DNR’s Endangered Resources Bureau.
“It’s hard to know exactly what we’ll see with migrations this fall,” Grveles says. “Warm weather definitely brought the short-distance (overwinter in southern U.S.) migrants up north earlier than usual and some long-distance migrants as well. But they do not seem to be leaving for wintering grounds sooner.”
Paulios suspects that migration through drought-stricken areas of Wisconsin will be more stressful this year. “My guess is that there will be less food for insect eaters in dry years as many insects have moisture-dependent abundances…but birds are very adaptable and may be able to move or adjust along their routes.”
“Homeowners can always help by providing a water source and by providing native trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants that produce lots of bugs and fruit for birds to eat and shelter during migration,” he says.
Gveles says that the hummingbirds she’s seen in the Madison area are struggling to find food because the blossoms just aren’t there because of the drought. “So the feeders become really important,” she says. “There is less seed available because of things not flowering due to the drought for gold finches and even for migratory birds that depend on seeds, like towhees, finches and grosbeaks.
“Flyover land” a vital stopover in fall and birding mecca
Every spring and fall, tens of millions of migrating birds sweep through Wisconsin and other Great Lakes states and stop at a variety of sites on their way to breeding grounds as far north as Greenland and the Arctic Ocean and wintering grounds as far south as Argentina's Tierra del Fuego. These stopover sites provide birds with critical food and shelter en route, a function described in “Respites for Migratory Birds,” in the August 2011 Wisconsin Natural Resources magazine.
They also provide bird watchers a unique opportunity.
“The beauty of migration is you don’t have to go to the world’s best birding place to see these beautiful birds,” Paulios says. “On some days, these things will be in your backyard. So explore your local parks and natural areas.”
Paulios says the general rule of thumb for finding fall migrants is to look for shrubby, woody edges with morning sun. These places tend to have the right mix of fruit and bugs, especially if they get morning sun. Native bushes and trees with fruit like black cherry trees, viburnum or dogwoods are a draw for many bird species.
Read more here:
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
- Kurt Thiede - 608-266-5833
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Other News: S733
2012 Wisconsin waterfowl hunting seasons set
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| According to WDNR's Kent Van Horn Wisconsin waterfowl hunters should have enjoy a good season; despite this year's unusual weather. photo c. WDNR ©2012 |
“Despite this year’s unusual weather patterns Wisconsin waterfowl hunters can expect a good season,” said Kent Van Horn, DNR waterfowl ecologist.
Southern Wisconsin wetlands were dry during the summer but this has resulted in good growth of plants that produce duck food so if rains return before fall, the ducks will have an excellent dinner table set for them, Van Horn said.
“Most of the waterfowl season dates for 2012 are the same as 2011 adjusted for the calendar shift. One important change proposed by duck hunters during the public involvement process was a Monday through Friday closure to the duck and goose seasons from November 5 through 9 in order to extend the end of the north zone duck season for late season hunting to November 25,” Van Horn said. “According to harvest data about 90 percent of the duck harvest in the north zone is over by November 1, so the remaining hunters are those that are very passionate about duck hunting and this change came from those hunters. Some hunters will be excited about this change while others have concerns over the closed days in early November. We will see how this season goes and we can decide next year if the hunters would like to continue with this change.”
As is the case every season, Van Horn said, successful hunters will usually be those who log the most preseason hours scouting out-of-the way potholes and waterfowl habitat, looking for new hunting opportunities away from crowds and hunting pressure. A duck hunter’s fall hunting success depends mostly upon scouting, fall water conditions and weather patterns.
“Thanks to all the folks who took time to come to our public meetings or send us their comments and participate in this season setting process,” adds Van Horn. “Waterfowl hunting is a blend of traditions, friendships and memorable days on the marsh. We wish you a successful hunt and leave you with a reminder to be safe out there in everything you do.”
The season structure includes:
- Early September Canada goose season – Sept. 1-15
- Daily bag of five geese
- Youth Waterfowl Hunt – Sept. 15-16
- Daily bag is the same as the normal season bag. Youth participants who may hunt geese should note that Sept. 15 is part of the early goose season (early season permit required, 5 bird daily bag), while the Sept. 16 falls during the regular goose season (exterior or Horicon permit required, two bird daily bag)
- Ducks (Note: opening day shooting hours begin at 9 a.m.)
- Northern Zone season Sept. 22-Nov. 4 and Nov. 10-25
- Southern Zone season is Sept. 29-Oct. 7 and Oct. 13-Dec. 2
- Mississippi River Subzone season is Sept. 22-30 and Oct. 13-Dec. 2
- Duck bag for all seasons
- Daily bag of six ducks total which may include no more than
- four mallards of which only 1 may be a hen
- three wood ducks
- one black duck
- two redheads
- four scaup
- two pintail
- one canvasback
- For species of duck not listed such as teal and ring-necks, the combined bag total with all other species may not exceed six ducks.
- Daily bag of six ducks total which may include no more than
- Coot
- Daily bag of 15
Read more here:
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
- Kent Van Horn - 608-266-8841
Time to plan this fall’s Learn to Hunt event
Have family and friends get in the game! |
| A Learn To Hunt event can be the perfect way to for a novice to experience their first hunt. For more informtion contact the WDNR. photo courtesy WDNR ©2012 |
For many of us in Wisconsin, fall is the best time of year. The days are shorter, temperatures can be crisp, and the skies a brilliant blue. Geese are migrating, deer are beginning to get into the fall pre-rut patterns, and I know I’ll be making firewood for the winter.
It may be high summer now, but fall is a few short weeks away and now is the time to be thinking about how you will fit a Learn to Hunt opportunity into the busy fall. I’ll be hosting one in late September in the Madison area. A LTH can be the perfect way to for a novice to experience their first hunt. Maybe your neighbor down the block is interested. Or, what about your children’s friends? There are many ways to foster new hunting experiences, and now is the time to start planning.
Get to your club or chapter and start brainstorming about how you can build on what you did last year, or start something entirely new. Can you reach out beyond the regular hunting “choir” to introduce someone new? Someone who would not get the chance to hunt any other way? That will really go a long way to making a new hunter.
Last year the goal was 2,000 new learn-to-hunt participants. We made it! The final tally was 2,136 participants, a 23 percent increase. That is a solid, grass roots effort to pass along the hunting tradition. We’re still working toward a goal of one learn-to-hunt event in every county, but last year there were events in 60 counties -- a large increase over 2010. The challenge this year is to build numbers in each county. Let’s try to add another 5 percent this fall and next spring.
You can design your own unique learn to hunt. How about a family learn-to-hunt outing? Focus on bringing the whole family out to the field and sharing our tradition and knowledge with them.
Remember, if you’re hosting a LTH pheasant, sponsors can get free pheasants from the DNR game farm for the event.
For more information on all your LTH needs, check the DNR, Learn To Hunt page.
I know you’ll take pride and step up again. As you already know, the future of hunting is up to us – those of us who hunt. Let’s get in the game!
Read more here:
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
- Keith Warnke, Hunting and Shooting Sport Coordinator - 608-576-5243
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Other News: S732
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 Results available from survey on turkey management plan revision
“While there’s a lot of information yet to comb through, our initial summary provides unique insight into how hunters view various aspects of Wisconsin’s turkey season framework,” said Krista McGinley, assistant upland wildlife ecologist for the Department of Natural Resources. The survey showed strong approval of the current permit drawing process for the spring season, but also suggested that it might be time to make some changes to the fall permit drawing process. “Over half of the survey takers indicated that they’d support the elimination of the fall permit drawing in favor of over-the-counter permit sales,” McGinley said. “We greatly appreciate the time folks took to participate in the public input process. Thanks to this input, we’ll be able to develop a plan that continues to reflect the desires and concerns of our state’s hunters.” Following their successful reintroduction to Wisconsin in the 1970s, wild turkeys have expanded their range so that they now occupy all counties in the state, and spring and fall turkey hunting have become very popular outdoor activities. DNR biologists believe the current Wisconsin Wild Turkey Management Plan, written in 1996, is in need of revision in order to remain pertinent to contemporary issues related to turkey management in the state. A critical part of the revision process includes soliciting, gathering, and analyzing input from the public regarding challenges and opportunities in turkey management and hunting in Wisconsin. During late April and early May of 2012, 11 public input sessions were held around the state, during which attendees were presented with background information and asked to complete a survey that addressed important issues related to the future direction of turkey management. The survey was also available online through the end of May. Information from this survey will help all of the partners involved in managing our state’s turkey flock in developing a plan that protects the turkey resource, but also optimizes recreational opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. “There's no question that the DNR and the Wisconsin Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation have done a masterful job restoring wild turkeys back to Wisconsin,” says Cory Catlin, president of the federation’s Wisconsin chapter. “This was particularly evident a couple of years ago when our state led the nation in spring harvest. Now that we've seen those numbers level off a bit, it's time to move forward with management changes that improve habitat, hunting opportunities, and the overall health of our sport.” People can review the survey results by going to dnr.wi.gov and searching for turkey management. Read more here: FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Friends of Poynette Game Farm to host Learn to Hunt Pheasant programs
The friends group will run four free programs at the MacKenzie Environmental Education Center in Poynette this September and December. The programs are focused on youth and novice hunters over 10 years of age. “The two-day Lean to Hunt programs focus on the basics of pheasant hunting in a fun and relaxing atmosphere,” said Bob Nack, Poynette State Game Farm manager for the Department of Natural Resources. Nack said adults and family groups are encouraged to attend. Free programs include classroom instruction, dog training demonstrations, trap shooting, tours of the Poynette game farm and a mentored pheasant hunt. Dates and audiences for the pheasant programs include:
Applications are due August 24, and programs are limited to 20 participants. Overnight lodging is provided at the MacKenzie dormitories. Learn to Hunt application forms and other Friends of Poynette Game Farm information can be found on the Friends of Wisconsin Hunting website (exit DNR), or by calling 608-635-8120. Friends of the Poynette Game Farm can also be found on Facebook. Applications should be mailed to FPGF The friends group supports the mission of the DNR State Game Farm and is dedicated to providing pheasant hunting opportunities and to promoting the strong tradition of upland bird hunting in Wisconsin. More than 50,000 pheasants from the Poynette facility are annually released on more than 70 public hunting grounds annually. These pheasants provide the only pheasant hunting opportunities for the average WI hunter. One of the friends group’s goals is to increase the number of pheasants released on public hunting grounds through public awareness and fund raising. "We have many fond memories of hunting trips and want new hunters to make memories of their own,” said Vic Connors, FPGF president. Read more here: | ||||
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