Contact(s): Sawyer Briel, DNR communications, 608-288-5334
MADISON - The nine day gun deer hunt, a staple in Wisconsin's cultural framework, is almost here and a number of tools on the Department of Natural Resources website offers answers to many questions hunters have leading up to the hunt.
There are a few notable changes for this year's deer hunting season, and hunters can find them in a helpful "Deer Hunt 2016 - What do you need to know? [PDF]" document, found at dnr.wi.gov, keyword "deer."
Hunters are required to carry the appropriate carcass tag when hunting species requiring a tag; deer, bear, turkey and geese. The carcass tagging FAQ (search keywords "tag it"), will help hunters make sure they are ready for another year in the field, while the frequently asked questions offers additional information regarding changes for 2016.
When hunters register a harvested deer, the registration process will ask for the carcass tag number on the tag (not the customer ID), and they should have the carcass tag number handy when registering a deer. The carcass tag number is located near the top of the carcass tag. Hunters can contact the DNR Call Center with any questions at 888-936-7463.
Go Wild offers several options for displaying a hunting license, including an authorized Wisconsin Driver License, Conservation Card or electronic PDF image.
To help ensure every hunter is aware of registration options in 2016, a helpful GameReg tutorial is now available online. This video can be viewed in the field or at home, and provides a step by step look at what to expect in 2016.
A link to the GameReg system is available through the Pocket Ranger app for mobile devices. For more information regarding electronic registration, search "GameReg."
Many fall hunting and trapping seasons in Wisconsin are just around the corner, and the 2016 Fall Hunting and Trapping Forecast [PDF] is now available.
To view this year's hunting and trapping forecast, visit dnr.wi.gov and search keywords "forecast [PDF]" or "hunt."
People who missed three August live chats regarding deer hunting can review chat records online - search keyword "expert" and choose the chat of your choice. Hunters looking to brush up on their rules are encouraged to join DNR staff Nov. 10 at noon for a final deer season chat.
To receive email updates regarding deer hunting in Wisconsin, visit dnr.wi.gov and click on the email icon near the bottom of the page titled "subscribe for updates for DNR topics," then follow the prompts and select the "white-tailed deer" distribution list (found within the "hunting" list).
Early segments from Deer Hunt Wisconsin 2016 with Dan Small will help hunters prepare for another fall deer hunt - these short videos are now available and will allow viewers to get ready for deer season on-the-go. These early segments give hunters a sneak peek before the full Deer Show airs later this fall - for a preview, search keywords "deer show" or visit the department's Youtube page, select "playlists" and select "Deer Hunt Wisconsin 2016 with Dan Small."
For more general information regarding deer hunting in Wisconsin, search keyword "deer."
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Contact(s): Tami Ryan, DNR wildlife health section chief, 608-266-3143
MADISON - Wisconsin wildlife officials will continue testing harvested white-tailed deer for chronic wasting disease this year. This testing is part of the ongoing efforts to monitor the status and spread of the disease in Wisconsin.
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources will be testing deer from select areas of the state, with surveillance focusing on adult deer, since older deer are more likely to have the disease.
"We provide testing as a service to deer hunters, but it is also important in our efforts to monitor the distribution and prevalence of the disease," said Tami Ryan, DNR wildlife health section chief. "We will continue testing and tracking this disease within our long-term monitoring areas in southern Wisconsin where CWD is regularly found. Long-term monitoring provides useful data that increases our understanding of CWD dynamics and impacts."
A map of the 2016 CWD sampling area [PDF] can be found at dnr.wi.gov, keyword "CWD."
The department will continue to collect samples from deer harvested in Dane, Iowa, Rock, Walworth, Vernon, Crawford, Grant, Waukesha, Washington, Washburn, Polk, Burnett, Barron, Juneau, Adams, Portage, Marathon, Eau Claire, Clark, and Jackson counties.
New for 2016, wildlife staff will be sampling deer in Oneida, Vilas, and Forest counties, as well as in Oconto County in the areas around two CWD-positive captive deer facilities.
In Marquette and Green Lake counties, samples will be collected for the second consecutive year at select taxidermists throughout the deer hunting season.
"We know that CWD is found at higher prevalence rates in adult males than in other deer sex and age classes," said Ryan. "Working with taxidermists is a cost-efficient surveillance method to increase our sampling of older age bucks, and is our best method for detecting new disease locations."
CWD sampling will be offered at various locations throughout southern, central and northern Wisconsin. For information regarding where to take your deer for sampling, search keywords "CWD sampling" or contact the DNR call center at 888-936-7463. Hunters are reminded to contact sampling stations in advance to verify hours of operation.
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Contact(s): Tami Ryan, DNR wildlife health section chief, 608-266-3143
MADISON - Before participating in upcoming hunting seasons or setting out feed for wildlife, be sure to view counties in which baiting and feeding activities are currently banned.
State law requires that the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources enact a ban on feeding and baiting of deer [PDF] in a county in which the county or a portion of the county is within a 10-mile radius of the known location of a captive or free-roaming domestic or wild animal that has been tested and confirmed to be positive for chronic wasting disease or bovine tuberculosis.
Individuals may still feed birds and small mammals, provided the feeding devices are within 50 yards of a human dwelling and at a sufficient height or design to prevent access by deer.
Hunters are reminded to check the DNR website to learn more about baiting and feeding bans and see where these activities are prohibited before heading into the woods. To learn more search the DNR website, dnr.wi.gov, for keyword "bait."
Department staff are aware of the challenge such a sudden change may present for hunters, wildlife watchers and businesses that sell bait and/or feed. It is important to note that the sale of bait/feed is not restricted, and other uses for these products are allowed. With the ultimate goal of having a healthy wild deer herd, department staff would like to thank Wisconsin's citizens for their continued role in monitoring herd health and CWD.
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Contact(s): Sawyer Briel, DNR communications, 608-282-5334
MADISON - Join Department of Natural Resources experts Thursday, Nov. 10 at noon for an online chat regarding deer hunting in Wisconsin.
DNR staff will be on hand to answer questions ranging from safety and regulations to season forecasts. Visit the DNR website, dnr.wi.gov, and search keyword "chat" to submit questions and view responses from DNR experts. Here, you can also view past chats and sign up to receive email notifications.
For more information regarding deer hunting in Wisconsin, search keyword "deer."
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Contact(s): Bob Nack, DNR big game section chief, 608-264-6137
MADISON -- The public is invited to join the Department of Natural Resources, the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, the Wisconsin Conservation Congress, and other members of the Chronic Wasting Disease Response Plan Review Committee Nov. 14 for the second of four meetings regarding DNR's 2010-2025 CWD Response Plan.
The Nov. 14 meeting will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Lussier Family Heritage Center, 3101 Lake Farm Road, Madison. Additional information can be found on the department's online public meetings calendar (search keywords "CWD Response Plan Review").
The CWD Response Plan Review Committee will revisit the current CWD Response Plan, discuss research and disease management in Wisconsin, and provide recommendations for the next five years.
This initial five-year plan review is tied to Gov. Scott Walker's initiatives regarding the future of CWD management in Wisconsin. These initiatives, aimed at improving public engagement and transparency in addressing CWD, include seeking public input through County Deer Advisory Council (CDAC) meetings. A wide range of topics related to CWD, including Best Management Practices for the captive cervid industry, will be discussed during committee meetings.
The review committee consists of several governmental agencies and key partner organizations with an interest in CWD management in Wisconsin. This public involvement process is being coordinated jointly by DNR, the Wisconsin Conservation Congress and the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection.
Committee recommendations will be posted online for public comment following the final meeting. Following the public comment period, plan recommendations will be the topic of discussion at each county's CDAC meeting in January 2017. Final recommendations will be submitted for approval by the DNR to the Natural Resources Board in March 2017.
To learn more about the CWD Response Plan, search the DNR website, dnr.wi.gov, for keywords "CWD response plan." For more information regarding CWD in Wisconsin, search keyword "CWD."
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Contact(s): Jim Dick, DNR spokesperson, 608-267-2773
MADISON -- Fred Souba Jr. has been appointed Chief State Forester by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. The 40 year forest industry veteran will also serve as administrator for the DNR Division of Forestry.
Currently the owner and Senior Consultant of ProVision Forestry LLC, Souba brings a vast and unique set of skills and forestry experience to the position. Souba has been the chair of the Wisconsin Council on Forestry (exit DNR) for seven years. He has served as Vice President of Wood Supply and Sustainability for NewPage Corporation, which operated pulp and paper mills in Kentucky, Nova Scotia, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin and he brings an international perspective to the position having been the Vice President of Wood Supply U.S. for Stora Enso North America.
"We are fortunate to have found someone with Fred's diverse forestry background and dedication to sustaining one of the state's great resources," said DNR Secretary Cathy Stepp. "The citizens of Wisconsin can rest assured that our 16 million acres of forestland will be in good hands. Fred's experience will help guide the management of these acres to keep them sustainable and economically viable."
In addition, to his leadership on the Council on Forestry, Souba has served in a variety of leadership positions in forest management, forest product manufacturing operations, and administration. He has also been a recipient of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources 'Friend of Forestry' Award and University of Wisconsin Stevens Point College of Natural Resources Paper Industry Leadership Award. Souba begins his new position the week of Nov.14, 2016.
"It is a privilege to be appointed as Chief State Forester and to have the opportunity to continue to strengthen and improve the Division of Forestry." Souba said. "I am looking forward to working with DNR staff to listen and learn about the forestry programs and engaging stakeholders on their perspectives about forestry in Wisconsin." he concluded.
Souba was born in Minnesota and moved to Wisconsin shortly after graduating from the University of Minnesota with a B.S. degree in Forest Management and Administration. He and his wife Connie reside in Wisconsin Rapids. They have two married children and eight grandchildren.
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Contact(s): Brad Eggold, DNR Great Lakes fisheries supervisor, Bradley.Eggold@wisconsin.gov, 414-382-7921; Todd Kalish, DNR fisheries bureau deputy director, Todd.Kalish@wisconsin.gov, 608-266-5285; Jennifer Sereno, DNR communications, 608-770-8084, Jennifer.Sereno@wisconsin.gov
SHEBOYGAN, Wis. - Following announcement of the 2017 stocking plans for chinook, coho, steelhead, brown trout and lake trout in the Wisconsin waters of Lake Michigan, the Department of Natural Resources will launch its next phase of stakeholder engagement on management of the fishery at a meeting of the Lake Michigan Fisheries Forum Nov. 7 at UW-Sheboygan.
DNR fisheries biologists sought to achieve a balance in the 2017 stocking plans by maintaining chinook stocking at existing levels, increasing steelhead stocking and decreasing numbers of lake trout and brown trout. The decision, based on scientific measures including declining prey fish abundance and angler harvest results as well as extensive stakeholder input, represents Wisconsin's effort to address Lake Michigan's changing ecosystem in consultation with neighboring states.
However, the department's management of the fishery encompasses strategic efforts beyond the stocking activities, and stakeholder feedback on these initiatives will be critical to maximize the recreational, economic and biological benefits of the fishery, said Todd Kalish DNR fisheries bureau deputy director.
"Providing sustainable angling opportunities supports the economies of many local communities in Wisconsin," Kalish said. "We appreciated the involvement of our recreational anglers, charter captains and other stakeholders in development of the 2017 stocking plan and we are asking for continued engagement as we look ahead to additional management and outreach activities as well as the collection and review of data that will help ensure future progress."
The Monday, Nov. 7 meeting of the Lake Michigan Fisheries Forum runs from 6 to 9 p.m. at UW-Sheboygan, 1 University Drive, Sheboygan, 53081. The meeting, which is open to the public, will be held in the room 2114 (Wombat Room).
Brad Eggold, DNR Great Lakes fisheries supervisor, said the meeting would include an overview of the stocking plans and discussion about the distribution of fish. Other topics for the agenda include:
"The department is grateful for the continued support and participation of anglers, business leaders and other stakeholders," Eggold said. "We look forward to working with the regional clubs, recreational anglers, charter captains and others to further develop, implement and assess options to make the most of opportunities to promote and sustain this world class fishery."
Background information including a copy of the presentation to stakeholders from earlier this summer can be found by visiting the DNR website, dnr.wi.gov, and searching "Lake Michigan salmon and trout meetings."
The Lake Michigan Fisheries Forum offers opportunities for citizens and stakeholders to hear the latest research findings, management news and trends affecting the lake. The forum is facilitated by the University of Wisconsin Sea Grant Institute with support from DNR. Representatives from major sport fishing clubs on Lake Michigan and Green Bay, commercial fishers, the Conservation Congress and the University of Wisconsin System are formal members of the forum.
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Contact(s): Terry Margenau, DNR Lake Superior fisheries supervisor, 715- 779-4035, Terry.Margenau@wisconsin.gov; Jennifer Sereno, DNR communications, 608-770-8084, Jennifer.Sereno@wisconsin.gov
ASHLAND, Wis. - An online public survey outlining a variety of options for Lake Superior lake trout will help inform the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources in the development of new rules to help sustainably manage the fishery.
The options were outlined at recent public meetings and citizens and stakeholders have until Nov. 10 to provide feedback. Terry Margenau, DNR Lake Superior fisheries supervisor, said population assessments over the last eight to 10 years indicate that a decline in lake trout abundance is largely due to harvest. The current emergency rule expired Sept. 30 and recent surveys by the fisheries team show lake trout numbers remain well below historical averages.
In addition, new research indicates catch and release efforts with lake trout may result in hooking mortality rates that run as high as 38 percent. As a result, Margenau said, the new round of regulations includes options that extend the minimum size for harvest down to 15 inches to better account for the impact on younger fish that are caught.
The options for anglers and other stakeholders to consider include daily bag limits of:
Margenau said implementation of the last option would require the department to account for the relatively high hooking mortality of lake trout (particularly fish under the 20 inch minimum) by reducing the allocation for recreational anglers. The other options would maintain the existing allocation; however the proposals permitting more liberal harvest levels of two or more fish would increase the likelihood of an early season closure if harvest pressure resulted in reaching the sport quota prior to the end of the season on September 30.
"We appreciate the feedback we received from those who attended the recent stakeholder meetings and would like survey participation from others as well," Margenau said. In addition to the online survey, citizens may provide feedback by mailing Terry L. Margenau, Lake Superior fisheries supervisor, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, P.O. Box 589, 141 S. Third St. Bayfield, WI 54814; or emailing terry.margenau@wisconsin.gov.
To participate in the online survey, visit the DNR website, dnr.wi.gov by Nov. 10 and search for "Lake Superior lake trout survey." For more information about the fishery, search "Lake Superior fisheries management."
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Contact(s): Paul Holtan, state parks communications specialist, DNR office of communications, 608-267-7517 or paul.holtan@wisconsin.gov
MADISON - Visitors to any of 12 Wisconsin State Park System properties still have time to capture themselves in a "selfie" and post it to Twitter or Instagram to be entered into a drawing to win a 2017 Wisconsin state park admission sticker.
The Wisconsin departments of Natural Resources and Tourism and the Friends of Wisconsin State Parks are sponsoring the "12 Gem Challenge" that runs through Nov. 13. People visiting any of the 12 designated state park properties can take a "selfie" at any or all of the designated locations within, post it to Twitter or Instagram using the hashtag #wistateparks and images meeting the guidelines will be added to a photo gallery (exit DNR) on TravelWisconsin.com.
People can find the designated locations using a mobile-friendly story map (no longer available) that can be accessed through either the DNR or Travel Wisconsin websites or print out the 12 Gem Challenge locations from the DNR website.
One selfie that people take from each of the 12 properties will be entered into the sticker drawing. Sticker winners will be drawn randomly and individuals are only eligible to win one sticker. The Friends of Wisconsin State Parks is donating the 10 stickers for the drawing winners.
The 12 park properties in this challenge include: Brunet Island State Park; Governor Nelson State Park; Governor Thompson State Park; Harrington Beach State Park; Hartman Creek State Park; Lakeshore State Park; Newport State Park; Perrot State Park; Richard Bong State Recreation Area; Stower Seven Lakes State Trail; Wyalusing State Park; and Yellowstone Lake State Park.
All selfies must be taken at the designated locations within the park and will be verified by park staff before images are included in the challenge drawing. Each image must include the #wistateparks hashtag as well as the name of the park where the image was taken in the image description. All images become the property of the Wisconsin DNR, Wisconsin Department of Tourism and Friends of Wisconsin State Parks to be used in promotional campaigns, print and social media platforms.
Winners will be notified after the drawing has been completed through social media messaging.
For more information and detailed drawing terms and conditions search the DNR website for keywords "gem challenge" or go to TravelWisconsin.com. (exit DNR)
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Contact(s): Paul Kloppenburg, DNR forester, Paul.Kloppenburg@wisconsin.gov , 608-355-4476; Steve Schmelzer, Devil's Lake State Park property supervisor, Steven.Schmelzer@wisconsin.gov, 608-963-0199; Jennifer Sereno, DNR communications, Jennifer.Sereno@wisconsin.gov, 608-770-8084
BARABOO, Wis. - Work now underway to remove high risk, damaged, diseased and slow growing trees on 327 acres at Devil's Lake State Park exemplifies the benefits of forest management for wildlife, recreation and the economy.
Paul Kloppenburg, Sauk County forester with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, said the timber sale involves removal of competing trees in some areas so that the next generation of trees can thrive. Sustainable forestry management often requires cutting trees in a given stand to encourage a healthier and more vigorous forest in the future.
"The purpose of the harvest is to maintain a healthy and productive forest by reducing crowding," Kloppenburg said. "In identifying the trees to be cut, priority was given to retaining large, healthy oak and hickory trees to provide a seed source for wildlife and future seedlings. These trees also will provide den and nesting opportunities for wildlife."
High risk, low vigor, poorly formed and declining trees will be harvested to allow oak, maple and other hardwood seedlings and saplings in the understory to flourish.
The 327 acre timber sale has been established by DNR forestry staff in an area bounded by Solum Lane, Tower Road and State Highway 113. The Devil's Lake State Park property covers close to 10,000 acres, many of them forested.
Visitors to the area may see six aspen clear cut patches established within the harvest area. These patches currently contain aspen trees that are declining and the clear cuts will allow for regeneration.
Aspen trees provide highly nutritious forage for deer and grouse, host a large diversity of insects and are associated with shrub species that provide valuable food and cover. Aspen and birch trees are typically the first to regrow after disturbances; without periodic disturbances, active forest management is required to maintain these early successional habitats.
Kloppenburg said a segment of the Ice Age trail passes through part of the timber sale area and will be visible to trail users. For this portion, tree harvesting will focus on safety and aesthetic concerns. However, the trail will need to be crossed by logging equipment and the crossings will be designated and monitored by DNR staff as operations proceed.
Steve Schmelzer, Devil's Lake State Park property supervisor, said a few visitors to the park have asked about the work.
"There are a couple of spots where you can see the work going on from the road and people have been curious," Schmelzer said. "We're happy to say that it's going to improve the quality of the forest for years to come."
To minimize disturbance to the soil and surrounding habitat, harvesting activity will be restricted during wet conditions. The work also will be restricted from April 1 through to August 24 as an oak wilt prevention measure and to protect threatened or endangered species.
Beyond producing a healthier forest, the harvest will create a number of economic benefits including revenue to the state for saw logs and pulpwood delivered to mills in Endeavor, Wisconsin Rapids and Tigerton. The harvest may continue through the winter months as conditions permit and may last up to 3 years.
Wisconsin's forests provide important environmental, social and economic benefits, supporting more than 64,000 jobs and providing $3.7 billion in annual wages. Each year, Wisconsin's 17.1 million acres of forest lands grow nearly two times more wood volume than is harvested. In 2015 for example, forest lands in the state contained 22.4 billion cubic feet of growing stock volume and grew by another 586 million cubic feet while timber harvests totaled 305 million cubic feet.
To learn more, visit dnr.wi.gov and search "forestry" for information about managing forested lands or "forestry and the Wisconsin economy" for information about forestry's economic impact.
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Contact(s): Shelly Thomsen, DNR lakes and rivers team Leader, 608-266-0502, Shelly.Thomsen@wisconsin.gov; Jennifer Sereno, DNR communications, 608-770-8084, Jennifer.Sereno@wisconsin.gov
MADISON - Lake and river groups, as well as local governments, are encouraged to apply for surface water grants from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
The deadline for submitting planning grant applications is Dec. 10. The surface water grants program provides $6.5 million annually to local groups to protect and improve water quality and aquatic habitat and control aquatic invasive species.
DNR's surface water planning grants are intended to help communities understand the condition of their lake, river or watershed, develop a management plan and prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species. In addition to the Dec. 10, 2016 deadline for planning grants, Feb. 1, 2017 is the deadline for management grants.
"The surface water grant program provides organizations the resources they need to create effective plans for managing lakes and rivers," said Shelly Thomsen, DNR's lakes and rivers team leader, who coordinates the grant effort. "The grants enable lake and river groups and local government to take steps toward improving or protecting the health of their local water bodies. The success of past grant recipients has made this a popular and competitive program."
Organizations interested in applying for the DNR surface water grant program are encouraged to contact their local aquatic invasive species, lake or river coordinator as soon as possible to discuss project ideas. Local grant coordinators are familiar with both the grant process and the issues affecting local areas.
"The involvement of your local lake or river coordinator is key to writing and submitting a competitive grant application," Thomsen said.
For more information on the lakes, rivers and aquatic invasive species grant program, including contact information for local coordinators and application materials, visit the DNR website, dnr.wi.gov, and search "surface water grants."
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Contact(s): Tim Lizotte, DNR Adopt a Wildlife Area program coordinator, 262-364-7581; Angie Rusch, DNR wildlife technician, 414-303-0111
MADISON - A local chapter of the Pheasants Forever conservation organization is teaming up with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources to help manage a major state wildlife area through the Adopt A Wildlife Area program.
The Ozaukee/Washington County Chapter of Pheasants Forever has teamed up to manage Jackson Marsh Wildlife Areas in Washington County.
State wildlife officials says the Adopt a Wildlife Area program provides a positive impact to the environment while giving people of all ages and interests an opportunity to participate in hands-on conservation work.
"If we can show the public that we partner with our state and federal agencies to help preserve what we have got, and help people have a place to recreate and hunt and even just enjoy it, that's part of what we are about," said Jeff Stolen, vice president of the Ozaukee/Washington County Chapter.
Jackson Marsh Wildlife Area is a 2,312 acre property located in eastern Washington County. The property is comprised mostly of forested wetland surrounded by grasslands, croplands, scattered ponds and wetlands, feeder streams, and small woodlots. It is a popular area for waterfowl and deer hunting as well as bird watching and other recreation.
At the first work day, chapter members learned more about chainsaw safety and took part in cutting to aid in habitat work and invasive species control. Moving forward, they will work to improve the landscape for all types of users - including the wildlife that call Jackson Marsh home.
"Several years ago I had a conversation with a colleague about an idea very similar to AWA, so I am happy to see this concept become a reality," said DNR wildlife technician Angie Rusch. "I am very excited to work with the Ozaukee/Washington Chapter of PF and make a difference on the landscape at Jackson marsh."
Adopt a Wildlife Area
Wisconsin State Fisheries Areas, Wildlife Areas, Flowages, Wild Rivers and Riverways provide critical fish and wildlife habitat along with outstanding nature based recreation. Adopt a Wildlife Area Participants receive a first-hand look at how the department uses management goals to maintain thousands of acres of property throughout Wisconsin and play a key role in enhancing wildlife habitat and recreational opportunities for others to enjoy.
Key adoption activities include habitat enhancements, invasive species control, nest box construction, trail and facility maintenance, and more. All safety and maintenance equipment, training, and certification is provided by the department.
Those interested in adopting a State Fish or Wildlife Area can participate individually, or as part of a group - please submit an application [PDF] at the nearest DNR office location.
To learn more about adopting a Wisconsin Wildlife Area, visit the department website, dnr.wi.gov, and search keyword "volunteer."
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Read more: Previous Weekly News
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