Contact(s): Laurie Ross, board liaison, 608-267-7420
March 29, 2016
MADISON - Approval of the 2016 Wisconsin migratory game bird hunting season structure and proposed rule changes governing activities, visitor use and management of state properties including parks, forests, trails, shooting ranges and other recreation areas are among the items the state Natural Resources Board will address when it meets April 13 in Madison.
The migratory game bird season structure [PDF] that the Department of Natural Resources is proposing for board approval includes seasons for duck, geese, dove, woodcock and other migratory game birds that are nearly identical to last year's structure as a result of substantial public support for the current seasons.
The only change reflects a simplification in the Horicon Canada goose hunting zone where goose hunters would be allowed to hunt on any day of a continuous 92-day season instead of selecting a specific period as they have in the past.
As a result of changes in the federal process for setting annual waterfowl hunting seasons, all migratory game bird hunting seasons will now be approved in April rather than the longstanding August decision. This gives hunters more time to plan and prepare for the fall seasons.
The board will also consider a broad range of changes to Chapter NR 45, Wis. Admin. Code [PDF], the principal rule governing activities on and use of properties it manages. Proposed rule changes include modifications to the campsite reservation process, updates to language regarding the state trails system, updates to fee structures, and amending existing language to clarify that all-terrain and utility terrain vehicles can be operated on designated roads open to motor vehicles on DNR properties a as authorized through a master planning process. The rule also creates general rules for department shooting ranges, including restricting the possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages at ranges and limiting what materials may be used as target.
Other items on the agenda include:
The complete April board agenda is available by searching the DNR website, dnr.wi.gov for keyword "NRB" and clicking on the button for "view agendas."
The meeting will begin at 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday, April 13, in Room G09, State Natural Resources Building (GEF 2), 101 South Webster St., Madison.
The public must pre-register with Laurie Ross, board liaison, to testify at the board meeting. Registration information is available on the agenda on the DNR website.
The deadline to register to testify or submit written comments for this business meeting is 11 a.m. on Friday, April 8, 2016. More information is available on the DNR website.
Board meetings are webcast live. People can watch the meeting over the Internet by going to the NRB agenda page of the DNR website and clicking on webcasts in the Related Links column on the right. Then click on this month's meeting. After each meeting, the webcast will be permanently available on demand.
Need an expert?
The Office of Communications connects journalists with DNR experts on a wide range of topics. For the fastest response, please email DNRPress@Wisconsin.gov and the first available Communications Specialist will respond to you.
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