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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Showing posts with label WDNR. Show all posts
Showing posts with label WDNR. Show all posts
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
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
Friday, July 6, 2012
Other NewsS727
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 Breeding waterfowl numbers “about average” in an unusual spring
“Overall, wetland numbers this spring were down but in Wisconsin our abundant permanent water contained in 15,000 lakes reduces the impact of dry conditions on the ducks,” said Kent Van Horn, Department of Natural Resources migratory waterfowl biologist. “Some areas have good wetland conditions while other areas are still very dry. But despite those dry conditions across important duck breeding areas in Wisconsin, this spring, the total breeding duck numbers in Wisconsin appear to be near the average of the last 10 years. 2012 should provide fair to good duck production across Wisconsin. Summer rains will be particularly important this year to maintain brood rearing habitat.” Wisconsin’s warm weather in March triggered an early duck migration and breeding activity among mallards and Canada geese. However, in April a return of cold temperatures stalled the breeding activity of blue-winged teal and the migration of other duck species through Wisconsin. As a result, the spring waterfowl survey was initiated earlier than normal on April 23 in order to have the best count of breeding mallards; blue-winged teal that were still in migration through the state were counted. Wisconsin had a dry, mild winter and entered a March where temperatures were 14 to 16 degrees above normal. Winter precipitation was 25 percent below normal which provided fewer temporary and seasonal wetlands when ducks arrived in Wisconsin this spring. However, rain did come in some northern and central state areas and the spring (March- May) rainfall was 15 percent above normal statewide, which filled seasonal wetlands in some regions. Variation from year to year in wetland conditions and breeding ducks is part of the natural cycle in the world of wetland wildlife. Wetlands need dry periods to maintain long-term productivity and ducks are able to adapt to changing wetland conditions among years and across the continent. Conservation dollars and efforts of waterfowl hunters over the decades have protected and managed wetland and upland habitats important to breeding ducks. Protection of these areas even in dry years provides the setting for good duck responses when the rainfall increases during wet years. Read more here: For more information:
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Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Other News S726
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Recent hot weather, low water prompts fish kills in southern Wisconsin; citizens asked to report dead fish to DNR
A long stretch of hot weather combined with a lack of precipitation has created low water and oxygen levels in many waterways, said Scot Stewart, DNR south central district fisheries supervisor. “As water temperatures go up, water is not able to hold as much oxygen, which fish need,” said Stewart. “Respiration by plants can reduce the amount of oxygen to levels lethal to fish. That’s when summer fish kills occur.” The four fish kills occurred in the Rock River in Dodge County, upstream from the Horicon dam; near Hustisford in Dodge County at the base of Lake Sinissippi; Beckman Mill Pond in Green County; and on the Yahara River below Lake Kegonsa in Dane County. The department estimates the Rock River kill caused the death of more than 500 fish, mostly carp, but a number of walleye also. The fish kill near Hustisford involved close to 2,000 fish, including a large number of walleye and channel catfish. The agency is still investigating the other two fish kills, said Stewart. “Unfortunately, fish kills due to hot weather and from other factors happen every summer around the state, and we encourage citizens to call the DNR as soon as they think they see one,” said Stewart. Stewart added that the sooner the DNR knows about a fish kill, the more accurate information staff can collect, which helps the department learn the exact causes. To report a potential fish kill, or if you see dead fish, please call the DNR Tip Line at 1-800-TIP-WDNR (1-800-847-9367). Read more here: For more information:
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Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Other News: S717
Born wild: Animal babies best left in nature
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| The well-intended person may attempt to rescue or to feed a wild animal baby because, in the human world, we perceive the baby as being afraid, alone and abandoned. It usually is not. photo WDNR ©2012 |
Like their human counterparts, wild animal mothers share the dedication to protect, to feed and to care for their babies. But state wildlife officials say people should know that wild animal mothers do this in different ways.
“Unlike humans, one way an animal mom protects her baby is to conceal it and leave it hidden from predators under natural vegetation,” said Amanda Cyr, a wildlife biologist with the Department of Natural Resources
The mother returns to feed the babies, but often under the cover of darkness or brush, Cyr said, adding this is something people may not understand because it is so removed from what a human mother does.
“The well-intended person may attempt to rescue or to feed a wild animal baby because, in the human world, we perceive the baby as being afraid, alone and abandoned,” Cyr said. “It usually is not. Its mother is following natural behavior instincts to help the babies survive and thrive. Human interventions, while done with good intentions, instead can damage the health and well-being of the baby animal.”
Too much human or domestic animal disturbance or activity near a baby animal also could cause the mother to shy away from the area. She also advises to keep a close watch on pets so they don’t disturb a nest of baby animals. To prevent a wild animal from making a nest near your home or in the chimney, vent, window well, Cyr suggesting placing caps or covers on those areas. “Seal any unintended opening or hollow,” she said.
Cyr also warns feeding a wild animal with human foods can cause more damage to the wild animal because their digestive systems are different. Wild animals require different foods and nutrient levels that cannot be met with human diets.
Read more here:
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
- Amanda Cyr - DNR Wildlife Biologist – (715) 359-5508
- Joanne Haus - (206) 267-0798
Friday, March 16, 2012
Other News: S711
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RESULTS FOR POLL S710
Do you think Wisconsin should have a hunting season on sandhill cranes?
YES 55.6% | NO 44.4% | MAYBE 0% | UNDECIDED 0% | COMMENTS [1]
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Charge the same fee for resident and non-resident fishing licenses?
As in most states, fishing license options differ or Wisconsin residents and nonresidents. Nonresidents have more short-term license options, but are charged significantly higher fees than residents for comparable licenses. A resident annual fishing license, for example, is $20, while a comparable nonresident annual license is $50. Although higher license fees for nonresidents are a long-standing tradition, the reason why this is done is unclear. READ MORE HERE: | |||||||||||
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 THE EVENTS CALENDAR HAS BEEN MOVED DANSMALLOUTDOORS.COM/EVENTS•FISHING CONTESTS: Find them ALL online: @ American Fishing Contests | |||||||||||
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Leftover spring turkey permits available beginning week of March 19
The following zones have leftover permits, and the scheduled sales dates are as follows:
Customers may purchase one permit per day. Read more here: For more information contact:
Volunteers needed for 2012 sturgeon guard
While groups of male sturgeon battle it out for the opportunity to fertilize a female’s eggs, standing on the shore are groups of volunteers making sure the fish are not touched. It has been this way for nearly 30 years and will happen again in 2012. The Department of Natural Resources is looking for volunteers for the Sturgeon Guard. This elite group was created in the mid-1980s to make sure the fish, which slam themselves along the shoreline during spawning, aren’t illegally netted or speared. “Those working as members of the sturgeon guard are extremely important to the continued strength of the sturgeon population,” said warden supervisor Carl Mesman, DNR sturgeon camp coordinator, “Our volunteers are not only passionate about protecting the fish, but have become part of this incredible success story. Many come back year after year just to be a part of it.” Spawning usually takes place between a five and nine day period. Those who can be available day or night have the best chance of observing the spawning sturgeon. Guards should be prepared for any and all weather conditions and are encouraged to pair up with a friend or family member to keep them company during their 12-hour shifts. Anyone interested in volunteering should visit the DNR website and search for “sturgeon guard.” Read more .... FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
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• Jeff qualifies again for the USA Ice Team
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