Wisconsin Elk Hunting: Four Participants Awarded

Following a 30-day application period and a great deal of anticipation, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources staff conducted the random drawing for four lucky residents who will participate in the first managed elk hunting season in state history.

"This is an historic time for the department and I would like to sincerely thank all those who applied for an elk license," said Kevin Wallenfang, DNR deer and elk ecologist. "It was a privilege to call all the winners and personally congratulate them - each one recognizes that this will be a unique and exciting experience."

Over 38,000 Wisconsin residents entered the drawing for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity - four hunters were selected to receive a license for Wisconsin's inaugural elk hunt. Successful applicants were from Merrill, Kenosha, Appleton and Green Bay. In addition to license fees, over $13,000 in donations was received to benefit elk management in Wisconsin.

An additional license will be awarded through a raffle conducted by the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. The raffle winner will be drawn Aug. 11, and tickets can be purchased on their website [EXIT DNR]. All Wisconsin residents may enter the raffle, including hunters that applied in the state drawing. Raffle tickets may be purchased for $10 each; the same cost as the state application fee.

Proceeds from elk license applications and the RMEF drawing are earmarked for elk management in Wisconsin.

"Offering this hunt has taken Wisconsin's elk management program to a whole new level," said Wallenfang. "There has been high interest and excitement since we announce the hunt, and it has brought a level of awareness to a lot of people who didn't even know that we have elk in our state. It's an important opportunity to inform and build advocacy for our elk reintroduction effort, while providing a limited, but exciting, recreational opportunity. We anticipate more tags in the future as the herds grow."

The 2018 hunting season will occur only in the Clam Lake elk range in parts of Sawyer, Bayfield, Ashland, and Price counties in far north-central Wisconsin where the original restoration effort was initiated with 25 elk from Michigan in 1995. The herd is projected to comfortably surpass 200 animals this year.

Prior to purchasing an elk hunting license, all winners will be required to attend a Wisconsin elk hunter orientation offered prior to the hunt. The class will cover a hunting area overview, field sampling and health testing, regulations and more.

"The hunt will occur after the rut and the area is dense forest with openings, so it won't be easy," said Wallenfang. "But we estimate about 70 adult bulls in the Clam Lake herd, so it will be a hunt to remember for those lucky winners."

For more information regarding elk in Wisconsin, go to dnr.wi.gov and search keyword "elk." To receive email updates regarding current translocation efforts, 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 "elk in Wisconsin" and "wildlife projects" distribution lists.

Post Published by Wisconsin DNR - https://dnr.wi.gov/news/releases/article/?id=4545

Wisconsin Deer Hunting In July

Well we have hit a new month in 2018 and its the one month where deer hunters in Wisconsin are doing a variety of summer scheduled plans. This includes enjoying our Independence Day with family and friends tops the list while remembering those that provided us this freedom to do so. We thank those that served and hope you know we appreciate everything you have done for us.

Moving into the later stages of July, deer hunters know that the season is quickly coming around the corner. It's the time that scouting for the elusive whitetail begins to heat up. As summer days get hotter there are a few more things you can do to prepare for the upcoming season even though being in the woods this time of year can be brutal at times.

Here are a few checklist items you should be doing in July to prepare for the upcoming 2018 deer hunting season:

1. Camera's placed on watering holes - patterns of deer travel during the summer months will include more stops at watering holes.

2. Camera's placed on crops - if you are lucky enough to have crops around your deer stand, placing cameras in July on food sources will continue to heat up as crops start to produce more food sources.

3. Repairing Deer Stands - If you didn't already do so this spring, you should be checking deer stands for any repairs or tightening. This task actually should be done a couple times during July and August as storms and wind will often cause deer stands to move. If you want to reduce your footprint in September, July and August are a good time to get into the woods quickly to repair stands.

3. Shooting and More Shooting - I know many of you shoot year round and thats a great way to stay in archery shape. For those who haven't shot since last fall, its time to dust off the bow and get shooting. Shooting a few arrows a week or even a day can help get you into archery shape. I know many hunters who also don't get their gun out the week before gun season. While this practice may be applicable due to time constraints, its worth noting that taking a few shots a month will help create confidence and better shot placement than just a couple shells right before gun season opener.

4.  Share the woods with a young one - Spending time in the woods with children is tough during the fall. Kids are full of sports, school activities and homework. Weather during the fall, winter and spring can also make it difficult to share outdoor experiences with kids. Take a moment during a day in July and spend some time with your children in the woods. Have them help with deer stand repair, show them summer deer trails that are popping up and enjoy natures gift. Its a great way to spend some quality time and enjoy the outdoors together.

5. Check your hunting clothing for replacement - Its important to check your hunting clothing now. Let's be honest here...many of us grow a couple inches each year whether it be vertically or horizontally. Make sure your clothes fit and make sure they are still in optimal working conditions. Doing this in July helps save you money. You can get last year's models for less money if you need to replace your outfit and you are buying in the off-season so take advantage of discounts.

6. Replenish supplies - similar to number five, make sure your supplies for the upcoming season are ready to go. Items that you can replace, upgrade or repair can be done at a discount during the off-season. Check your bow for items that could be repaired: String, silencers, peeps etc...replacing bow equipment during the off-season could save you hundreds of dollars. It also gives you time to practice with the new equipment if you choose to replace or upgrade.

I hope this post helps and if you have any other suggestions, please do not hesitate to comment below.

Have a great Fourth!

WWN