News Release Published: January 7, 2010 by the South Central Region
Contact(s): Robert Rolley, Population Ecologist, Madison: 608-221-6341 Don Bates, CWD Operations Supervisor, Dodgeville: 608-935-1947
FITCHBURG – Once again, Department of Natural Resources biologists will conduct an aerial deer count over parts of the chronic wasting disease Management Zone (CWD-MZ) of southwest Wisconsin during January, weather permitting.
Agency biologists will use a helicopter to determine the number of deer in Deer Management Unit 70A encompassing much of Iowa County and western Dane County, near Devil’s Lake State Park, and Hollandale.
Biologists estimate the survey will take at least 10 days but “everything is dependent on having at least three to four inches, preferably six to twelve inches, of snow on the ground to cover logs and stumps so deer are clearly visible on the landscape,” noted agency wildlife population ecologist Robert Rolley, Madison.
The blue and white colored helicopters will be manned by a pilot and two observers and “even in perfect weather we won’t be done until the third or fourth week of January,” added Don Bates, CWD operations supervisor, Dodgeville.
DNR frequently uses aircraft for wildlife population surveys, such as counting bald eagles and trumpeter swan nests, and tracking wolves. The helicopter deer survey flights are conducted about 100-150 feet above tree-top level at speeds of 35-40 miles per hour. If livestock are observed in the immediate area, the altitude is raised to avoid spooking the animals.
Showing posts with label DNR changes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label DNR changes. Show all posts
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
What Should the Wisconsin DNR do Next? Public Hearing, Thursday, December 17, 2009
In the last few weeks, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has taken fire from different groups and individuals. Experts in the department spend countless hours in the field and in the office trying to desperately find ways to help manage the herd. Whether we agree or disagree that the efforts they are putting forth are accurate and well executed, we still have to agree to come up with a solution.
To help come to the next "best" option for deer hunters and those that manage the deer herd, I ask that those who can make it, attend the public hearing on Thursday, December 17th, 2009 at our State Capitol.
Below you will see the official notice given of the public hearing so please attend or find a way to have someone voice your thoughts and opinions at this hearing, regardless of what side you are on.
Thank you
PUBLIC HEARING
Committee on Fish and Wildlife
The committee will hold a public hearing on the following items at the time specified below:
This will be a joint hearing with the Senate Committee on Transportation, Tourism, Forestry, and Natural Resources
2009 Deer Season Review
The Committee will be briefed by the Department of Natural Resources on the 2009 deer season and population management tools.
Clearinghouse Rule 09-053
Relating to deer management unit population goals.
To help come to the next "best" option for deer hunters and those that manage the deer herd, I ask that those who can make it, attend the public hearing on Thursday, December 17th, 2009 at our State Capitol.
Below you will see the official notice given of the public hearing so please attend or find a way to have someone voice your thoughts and opinions at this hearing, regardless of what side you are on.
Thank you
Assembly
PUBLIC HEARING
Committee on Fish and Wildlife
The committee will hold a public hearing on the following items at the time specified below:
Thursday, December 17, 2009
10:00 AM
411 South
State Capitol
This will be a joint hearing with the Senate Committee on Transportation, Tourism, Forestry, and Natural Resources
2009 Deer Season Review
The Committee will be briefed by the Department of Natural Resources on the 2009 deer season and population management tools.
Clearinghouse Rule 09-053
Relating to deer management unit population goals.
Lawmakers Call for Suspension of December Anterless Deer Hunt: Official Release
I came in contact with a copy of the official release submitted to the Wisconsin DNR to suspend this weeks Anterless deer hunt. Whether we agree to suspend or not its a good time to debate how the deer herd should be managed.
December 4, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Representative Scott Gunderson (608) 266-3363
Representative Dean Kaufert (608) 266-5719
MADISON… In a letter to the Natural Resources Board, state lawmakers, today, requested that the Board take immediate action to suspend the 2009 December antlerless deer hunt. During the 9-day deer gun season, hunters registered the fewest deer in 27 years and 29 % fewer deer than just last year.
“In light of the historic declines in deer harvest over the past two seasons and the overwhelming sentiment by the hunters of Wisconsin, a suspension of the 2009 December antlerless season is crucial to safeguard our deer herd,” said Representative Scott Gunderson (R-Waterford). “It is absolutely imperative that the Board takes swift action to protect Wisconsin’s deer heard from further harm that may take generations to recover from.”
Representative Dean Kaufert (R-Neenah) continued, “We have heard from countless discouraged and frustrated hunters from all across Wisconsin who do not believe the Department’s deer herd estimate because they are not seeing deer out in the woods, especially antlerless deer. We need to listen to our hunters when they report fewer deer sightings; mild weather and areas of fog cannot explain the drastic reduction in the number of deer registered.”
While hunters across Wisconsin continuously report the lack of deer in the woods, there is significant evidence that their experiences in the woods are consistent with the actual number of deer. The number of deer carcasses removed by state contractors has plummeted for seven consecutive years, and is currently at the same levels as the late 1980’s. Predation by an underestimated bear population and an ever-growing wolf population has decimated the deer herd in vast areas of Wisconsin.
“The nine-day deer gun season is, not only steeped in tradition, but it also has an economic impact of over $1 billion for the state of Wisconsin,” stated Gunderson. “A 29% lower deer harvest this season is cause for concern, but on top of last season’s 26% total deer gun season harvest reduction; we have reached a critical crossroads for our deer herd in Wisconsin.”
“Because of deep tradition and the economic impact deer hunting has in Wisconsin, it is imperative that we act now before there are long-lasting and devastating effects on not only Wisconsin’s white-tail population, but also our economy,” concluded Kaufert.
# # #
December 4, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Representative Scott Gunderson (608) 266-3363
Representative Dean Kaufert (608) 266-5719
Lawmakers Call For Suspension of the December Antlerless Hunt
Action by Natural Resources Board Imperative to Protect Deer Herd
MADISON… In a letter to the Natural Resources Board, state lawmakers, today, requested that the Board take immediate action to suspend the 2009 December antlerless deer hunt. During the 9-day deer gun season, hunters registered the fewest deer in 27 years and 29 % fewer deer than just last year.
“In light of the historic declines in deer harvest over the past two seasons and the overwhelming sentiment by the hunters of Wisconsin, a suspension of the 2009 December antlerless season is crucial to safeguard our deer herd,” said Representative Scott Gunderson (R-Waterford). “It is absolutely imperative that the Board takes swift action to protect Wisconsin’s deer heard from further harm that may take generations to recover from.”
Representative Dean Kaufert (R-Neenah) continued, “We have heard from countless discouraged and frustrated hunters from all across Wisconsin who do not believe the Department’s deer herd estimate because they are not seeing deer out in the woods, especially antlerless deer. We need to listen to our hunters when they report fewer deer sightings; mild weather and areas of fog cannot explain the drastic reduction in the number of deer registered.”
While hunters across Wisconsin continuously report the lack of deer in the woods, there is significant evidence that their experiences in the woods are consistent with the actual number of deer. The number of deer carcasses removed by state contractors has plummeted for seven consecutive years, and is currently at the same levels as the late 1980’s. Predation by an underestimated bear population and an ever-growing wolf population has decimated the deer herd in vast areas of Wisconsin.
“The nine-day deer gun season is, not only steeped in tradition, but it also has an economic impact of over $1 billion for the state of Wisconsin,” stated Gunderson. “A 29% lower deer harvest this season is cause for concern, but on top of last season’s 26% total deer gun season harvest reduction; we have reached a critical crossroads for our deer herd in Wisconsin.”
“Because of deep tradition and the economic impact deer hunting has in Wisconsin, it is imperative that we act now before there are long-lasting and devastating effects on not only Wisconsin’s white-tail population, but also our economy,” concluded Kaufert.
# # #
Monday, December 7, 2009
Wisconsin Legislators Pushing for Suspending This Weeks Wisconsin Antlerless Deer Hunt
What a week it has been for the DNR.
Just last week the DNR was under fire, no pun intended, from Senate Majority Leader Russ Decker. Now a group a legislators are requesting that this weeks antlerless deer hunt be suspended.
According to a new release posted by the Associated Press, 22 legislators made their request in a letter to the Wisconsin Natural Resources Board. The letter dated last Wednesday was released to the media Friday, December 7th.
With a poor harvest in last months Wisconsin nine-day gun season, concerns are mounting and bringing out fire from Wisconsins top brass. Figures from the DNR show that Wisconsin hunters harvested fewer than 200,000 deer in comparison to recent years where 320,000 to 350,000 deer were harvested.
The antlerless-deer is scheduled for this week, Dec. 10-13.
Just last week the DNR was under fire, no pun intended, from Senate Majority Leader Russ Decker. Now a group a legislators are requesting that this weeks antlerless deer hunt be suspended.
According to a new release posted by the Associated Press, 22 legislators made their request in a letter to the Wisconsin Natural Resources Board. The letter dated last Wednesday was released to the media Friday, December 7th.
With a poor harvest in last months Wisconsin nine-day gun season, concerns are mounting and bringing out fire from Wisconsins top brass. Figures from the DNR show that Wisconsin hunters harvested fewer than 200,000 deer in comparison to recent years where 320,000 to 350,000 deer were harvested.
The antlerless-deer is scheduled for this week, Dec. 10-13.
Proposal for Wisconsin 16-day Deer Hunt in 2010 on Hold
How long will the season be for the 2010 Wisconsin gun deer season? It wont be 16 days long, yet. The DNR's proposal for the 16-day Wisconsin gun deer season has taken a back for the moment. Wisconsin DNR experts first want to take a moment to "analyze" this years deer hunt before making any more proposals.
According to the Associated Press, DNR secretary Matt Frank, released in a letter, "The department first wants to analyze data from the recently completed nine-day hunt, which produced the lowest kill number in years."
"Frank says a 16-day season remains an option for population control in the future. But he says it's more important now to review this season's numbers so the DNR can make better decisions in the future."
This is a step in the right direction for the moment.
According to the Associated Press, DNR secretary Matt Frank, released in a letter, "The department first wants to analyze data from the recently completed nine-day hunt, which produced the lowest kill number in years."
"Frank says a 16-day season remains an option for population control in the future. But he says it's more important now to review this season's numbers so the DNR can make better decisions in the future."
This is a step in the right direction for the moment.
Friday, December 4, 2009
Whitetails Unlimited Opposes Wisconsins 2010 16-day Deer Season Proposal
Wisconsin --(AmmoLand.com)- Whitetails Unlimited sent a letter today to members of Wisconsin’s Natural Resources Board, opposing an expanded 16-day gun deer hunt in Wisconsin in 2010.
“There is always tension between hunters and DNR regulators, and we understand that,” said Whitetails Unlimited President Jeff Schinkten. “But the results of the 2009 gun deer season show that hunter numbers were down in Wisconsin, and the number of bucks killed was at a 25-year low for the second straight year. Until we can get a handle on the true deer population in Wisconsin, we need to hold off on the 16-day gun season.”
Schinkten also pointed out that car-deer accidents have had a dramatic and steady decline for the last five years, and a survey of WTU members showed a large gap between opinions of Wisconsin hunters and the opinions of DNR policymakers.
"Whitetails Unlimited has been a strong partner with DNR agencies across the country, working on programs in support of regulated hunting,” said Schinkten. “That will not change. In fact, there is an agenda item for the next NRB meeting that is a donation from our Flambeau Chapter for habitat work in the Upper Chippewa Wildlife Management Area. However, we don’t want to see the number of hunters drop, and when those numbers drop in Wisconsin, where deer hunting is a passion, we get concerned. DNR policy can have a huge effect on hunter satisfaction, and we just want a common-sense approach to wildlife management.”
The text of the letter to the NRB is as follows:
To: Members, Wisconsin Natural Resources Board
From: Whitetails Unlimited
Date: December 3, 2009
The Wisconsin DNR has a tremendous responsibility in managing the natural resources of the state, and it comes as no surprise that deer hunters in the state are very passionate about their sport. While there may always be tension between hunters and policymakers, the divergence of opinion in recent years has led to a level of tension that is actually damaging the sport.
After seeing the preliminary numbers of license sales and deer kills for the 2009 season, it is obvious that the hunting public is increasingly dissatisfied. This problem will get worse if the DNR continues under the existing philosophy, methods and goals.
Whitetails Unlimited is very concerned about the future of deer hunting in the state, and urges the DNR to fully evaluate all data, and to listen to deer hunters in establishing future hunting seasons and regulations.
The fact that Wisconsin has had two consecutive years of buck kills at 25-year lows, and a reduction of the total number of deer hunters this year, are troubling indications that Wisconsin hunters are joining in the decline in hunting popularity. While there can be many reasons for the decline in hunters, it is undeniable that DNR policies can be a major factor in hunter satisfaction, and that the DNR needs to be responsive to those who provide a major funding source for their operations.
Whitetails Unlimited is the nation’s largest organization of deer hunters, and we take our mission of “Preserving an American tradition” very seriously. Our national headquarters is located in Wisconsin, and Wisconsin is the state with our largest number of members. When we conducted a survey of our Wisconsin members this year, their opinion was overwhelming that they believe there are fewer deer than DNR estimates, and they oppose many DNR policies. Anecdotal opinions of WTU staff, friends, and family members, hunting all over the state, agree with our members. We are very concerned that the DNR is damaging their credibility by continuing with policies that are not believed or supported, and even actively opposed, by hunters in the state.
I am not a biologist, but it seems like a common-sense approach is needed, rather than the drastic changes in season length that have been proposed. This is based on back-to-back seasons of buck kills at 25-year lows, a steady and dramatic reduction in car/deer accidents over the last five years, and hunters refusing to go deer hunting.
We understand the difficulty of trying to estimate and manage a population of wild animals, months and months in the future, but the solid numbers of this past deer season need to be incorporated into the evaluation, and are significant enough to warrant the DNR to revisit decisions made earlier this year.
Whitetails Unlimited has a long history in working with the DNR, in Wisconsin and many other states, in projects and programs that advance regulated hunting, and this will not change. However, we cannot stand silently when we feel that actions by the DNR will result in fewer deer hunters enjoying an American tradition.
For the record, Whitetails Unlimited is opposed to lengthening the traditional nine-day gun season, based on the information detailed above. We urge the DNR to get a firm handle on the deer population numbers before making drastic changes to deer hunting regulations.
Sincerely,
Jeffrey Schinkten
President, Whitetails Unlimited
About:
Founded in 1982, Whitetails Unlimited is a national nonprofit conservation organization. Our mission is to raise funds in support of education, habitat enhancement and acquisition, and the preservation of the hunting tradition for the benefit of the white-tailed deer and other wildlife. When it comes to the whitetail and its environment, WTU’s degree of professionalism and dedication has earned us the reputation of being the nation’s premier whitetail organization.
Article Source: LuckyGunner.com
Original Article Sitehttp://www.ammoland.com/2009/12/03/whitetails-unlimited-opposes-16-day-deer-season-in-2010/
“There is always tension between hunters and DNR regulators, and we understand that,” said Whitetails Unlimited President Jeff Schinkten. “But the results of the 2009 gun deer season show that hunter numbers were down in Wisconsin, and the number of bucks killed was at a 25-year low for the second straight year. Until we can get a handle on the true deer population in Wisconsin, we need to hold off on the 16-day gun season.”
Schinkten also pointed out that car-deer accidents have had a dramatic and steady decline for the last five years, and a survey of WTU members showed a large gap between opinions of Wisconsin hunters and the opinions of DNR policymakers.
"Whitetails Unlimited has been a strong partner with DNR agencies across the country, working on programs in support of regulated hunting,” said Schinkten. “That will not change. In fact, there is an agenda item for the next NRB meeting that is a donation from our Flambeau Chapter for habitat work in the Upper Chippewa Wildlife Management Area. However, we don’t want to see the number of hunters drop, and when those numbers drop in Wisconsin, where deer hunting is a passion, we get concerned. DNR policy can have a huge effect on hunter satisfaction, and we just want a common-sense approach to wildlife management.”
The text of the letter to the NRB is as follows:
To: Members, Wisconsin Natural Resources Board
From: Whitetails Unlimited
Date: December 3, 2009
The Wisconsin DNR has a tremendous responsibility in managing the natural resources of the state, and it comes as no surprise that deer hunters in the state are very passionate about their sport. While there may always be tension between hunters and policymakers, the divergence of opinion in recent years has led to a level of tension that is actually damaging the sport.
After seeing the preliminary numbers of license sales and deer kills for the 2009 season, it is obvious that the hunting public is increasingly dissatisfied. This problem will get worse if the DNR continues under the existing philosophy, methods and goals.
Whitetails Unlimited is very concerned about the future of deer hunting in the state, and urges the DNR to fully evaluate all data, and to listen to deer hunters in establishing future hunting seasons and regulations.
The fact that Wisconsin has had two consecutive years of buck kills at 25-year lows, and a reduction of the total number of deer hunters this year, are troubling indications that Wisconsin hunters are joining in the decline in hunting popularity. While there can be many reasons for the decline in hunters, it is undeniable that DNR policies can be a major factor in hunter satisfaction, and that the DNR needs to be responsive to those who provide a major funding source for their operations.
Whitetails Unlimited is the nation’s largest organization of deer hunters, and we take our mission of “Preserving an American tradition” very seriously. Our national headquarters is located in Wisconsin, and Wisconsin is the state with our largest number of members. When we conducted a survey of our Wisconsin members this year, their opinion was overwhelming that they believe there are fewer deer than DNR estimates, and they oppose many DNR policies. Anecdotal opinions of WTU staff, friends, and family members, hunting all over the state, agree with our members. We are very concerned that the DNR is damaging their credibility by continuing with policies that are not believed or supported, and even actively opposed, by hunters in the state.
I am not a biologist, but it seems like a common-sense approach is needed, rather than the drastic changes in season length that have been proposed. This is based on back-to-back seasons of buck kills at 25-year lows, a steady and dramatic reduction in car/deer accidents over the last five years, and hunters refusing to go deer hunting.
We understand the difficulty of trying to estimate and manage a population of wild animals, months and months in the future, but the solid numbers of this past deer season need to be incorporated into the evaluation, and are significant enough to warrant the DNR to revisit decisions made earlier this year.
Whitetails Unlimited has a long history in working with the DNR, in Wisconsin and many other states, in projects and programs that advance regulated hunting, and this will not change. However, we cannot stand silently when we feel that actions by the DNR will result in fewer deer hunters enjoying an American tradition.
For the record, Whitetails Unlimited is opposed to lengthening the traditional nine-day gun season, based on the information detailed above. We urge the DNR to get a firm handle on the deer population numbers before making drastic changes to deer hunting regulations.
Sincerely,
Jeffrey Schinkten
President, Whitetails Unlimited
About:
Founded in 1982, Whitetails Unlimited is a national nonprofit conservation organization. Our mission is to raise funds in support of education, habitat enhancement and acquisition, and the preservation of the hunting tradition for the benefit of the white-tailed deer and other wildlife. When it comes to the whitetail and its environment, WTU’s degree of professionalism and dedication has earned us the reputation of being the nation’s premier whitetail organization.
Article Source: LuckyGunner.com
Original Article Sitehttp://www.ammoland.com/2009/12/03/whitetails-unlimited-opposes-16-day-deer-season-in-2010/
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
16-day deer hunt starting Saturday before Thanksgiving proposed for 2010
MADISON – A 16-day gun deer hunt starting the Saturday before the Thanksgiving holiday will be the basis of a proposed 2010 deer season framework presented to the Natural Resources Board for consideration at its December 8 meeting in Madison.
“The special committee formed by the Natural Resources Board to develop effective alternatives to earn-a-buck discussed dozens of ideas and season structures,” said DNR Secretary Matt Frank. “They ended up recommending a 16-day gun hunt with either an early or a traditional start date. At public hearings we heard sentiment overwhelmingly against an early start date so we are recommending a traditional opening date to the board at this time.
“This was one of the most heavily attended public hearing schedules in recent history. On behalf of the department, I want to thank all the organizations and individuals that participated in the public review process over the past few months. Public involvement in this decision process is invaluable.”
The complete proposal is available on the Natural Resources Board meeting adenda for December page of the DNR Web site. The special committee’s report [PDF] is also available on the Natural Resources Board Web pages.
If approved, the 16-day season would be an alternative to the use of earn-a-buck in areas outside the chronic wasting disease management zone beginning with the 2010 season. The season would open on the Saturday before the Thanksgiving holiday. Numerous Wisconsin hunting and conservation organizations have registered preference for the Saturday before Thanksgiving opener.
Other key features of the proposal include: extending the archery season through all gun seasons and extending archery season until the end of January in herd control units; addition of a four-day October antlerless only statewide muzzleloader hunt; a four-day October antlerless only gun hunt in herd control units; a four-day youth hunt that coincides with the October antlerless hunt; a seven-day statewide December muzzleloader hunt; a four-day December antlerless only gun hunt and a 10-day buck plus quota holiday hunt in farmland and central forest deer management units.
“An understandable reaction to creating additional hunting seasons is a concern that deer herds will be over harvested,” said Keith Warnke, DNR big game ecologist. “The safeguard against this is the existing quota system. Under this system the harvest of female deer is limited by permit to maintain populations at healthy, sustainable levels.”
The proposal calls for a unit by unit review of the effectiveness of any new season structure. In units that are more than 20 percent over goal and the expected harvest under a third year of any new season structure is unlikely to bring the herd to within 20 percent of goal, additional harvest measures will be considered.
More than 1,600 people attended the series of 11 public hearings held across the state in October and November. An additional 6,500 people used the web-based comment form or submitted email or mailed comments. Department social researchers also mailed a randomized survey to 1,000 hunters to gauge opinion. The response rate to the survey was a very respectable 71 percent.
Legislative review of any NRB action should be completed by March 2010 with any changes taking effect in time for deer season setting in April 2010
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Keith Warnke - (608) 264-6023 or Bob Manwell - (608) 264-9248
“The special committee formed by the Natural Resources Board to develop effective alternatives to earn-a-buck discussed dozens of ideas and season structures,” said DNR Secretary Matt Frank. “They ended up recommending a 16-day gun hunt with either an early or a traditional start date. At public hearings we heard sentiment overwhelmingly against an early start date so we are recommending a traditional opening date to the board at this time.
“This was one of the most heavily attended public hearing schedules in recent history. On behalf of the department, I want to thank all the organizations and individuals that participated in the public review process over the past few months. Public involvement in this decision process is invaluable.”
The complete proposal is available on the Natural Resources Board meeting adenda for December page of the DNR Web site. The special committee’s report [PDF] is also available on the Natural Resources Board Web pages.
If approved, the 16-day season would be an alternative to the use of earn-a-buck in areas outside the chronic wasting disease management zone beginning with the 2010 season. The season would open on the Saturday before the Thanksgiving holiday. Numerous Wisconsin hunting and conservation organizations have registered preference for the Saturday before Thanksgiving opener.
Other key features of the proposal include: extending the archery season through all gun seasons and extending archery season until the end of January in herd control units; addition of a four-day October antlerless only statewide muzzleloader hunt; a four-day October antlerless only gun hunt in herd control units; a four-day youth hunt that coincides with the October antlerless hunt; a seven-day statewide December muzzleloader hunt; a four-day December antlerless only gun hunt and a 10-day buck plus quota holiday hunt in farmland and central forest deer management units.
“An understandable reaction to creating additional hunting seasons is a concern that deer herds will be over harvested,” said Keith Warnke, DNR big game ecologist. “The safeguard against this is the existing quota system. Under this system the harvest of female deer is limited by permit to maintain populations at healthy, sustainable levels.”
The proposal calls for a unit by unit review of the effectiveness of any new season structure. In units that are more than 20 percent over goal and the expected harvest under a third year of any new season structure is unlikely to bring the herd to within 20 percent of goal, additional harvest measures will be considered.
More than 1,600 people attended the series of 11 public hearings held across the state in October and November. An additional 6,500 people used the web-based comment form or submitted email or mailed comments. Department social researchers also mailed a randomized survey to 1,000 hunters to gauge opinion. The response rate to the survey was a very respectable 71 percent.
Legislative review of any NRB action should be completed by March 2010 with any changes taking effect in time for deer season setting in April 2010
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Keith Warnke - (608) 264-6023 or Bob Manwell - (608) 264-9248
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Natural Resources Board to hear deer season proposal based on public panel’s recommendations
Natural Resources Board to hear deer season proposal based on public panel’s recommendations
WI DNR
MADISON – The state Natural Resources Board will review proposed changes to deer hunting seasons based on recommendations of a public panel and consider a request by the Department of Natural Resources to hold public hearings on the proposed changes in October.
The earliest any proposed changes would take effect would be the 2010 hunting season. The proposal is based on recommendations of a public panel charged by the Natural Resources Board with developing effective and hunter-supported alternatives to the earn-a-buck program.
“My thanks go out to the members of the public panel who accomplished a great amount of work on a very tight timeline,” said DNR Secretary Matt Frank. “The next step is Board approval for public hearings, an important step to continue the public’s role in shaping deer management. Participation in shaping natural resource management decisions is the right of every Wisconsin citizen and a cornerstone of our conservation legacy.”
The proposal is available on the September 2009 Natural Resources Board agenda page of the DNR Web site later Tuesday, Sept. 8. In addition to hearings around the state, citizens will be able to submit comments online. DNR staff will outline the season structure proposal to the NRB and present proposed hearing locations for board approval. After a round of public hearings, the proposal will come back to the board, likely in December. Citizens may also testify before the board on the proposal at that time.
The proposal includes the public panel’s recommendation for a 16-day gun deer season starting two Saturdays before the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. The proposal also includes concurrent 5-day youth, early muzzleloader and herd control hunts beginning the second Saturday in October.
“Deer viewing and deer hunting represent a long standing tradition in Wisconsin,” said Frank. “Wise management is necessary to keep the herd and its habitat healthy, ensuring the future of the tradition. The public’s opinions are important and we want to continue hearing from them.”
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Bob Manwell (608) 264-9248; Keith Warnke (608) 264-6023
WI DNR
MADISON – The state Natural Resources Board will review proposed changes to deer hunting seasons based on recommendations of a public panel and consider a request by the Department of Natural Resources to hold public hearings on the proposed changes in October.
The earliest any proposed changes would take effect would be the 2010 hunting season. The proposal is based on recommendations of a public panel charged by the Natural Resources Board with developing effective and hunter-supported alternatives to the earn-a-buck program.
“My thanks go out to the members of the public panel who accomplished a great amount of work on a very tight timeline,” said DNR Secretary Matt Frank. “The next step is Board approval for public hearings, an important step to continue the public’s role in shaping deer management. Participation in shaping natural resource management decisions is the right of every Wisconsin citizen and a cornerstone of our conservation legacy.”
The proposal is available on the September 2009 Natural Resources Board agenda page of the DNR Web site later Tuesday, Sept. 8. In addition to hearings around the state, citizens will be able to submit comments online. DNR staff will outline the season structure proposal to the NRB and present proposed hearing locations for board approval. After a round of public hearings, the proposal will come back to the board, likely in December. Citizens may also testify before the board on the proposal at that time.
The proposal includes the public panel’s recommendation for a 16-day gun deer season starting two Saturdays before the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. The proposal also includes concurrent 5-day youth, early muzzleloader and herd control hunts beginning the second Saturday in October.
“Deer viewing and deer hunting represent a long standing tradition in Wisconsin,” said Frank. “Wise management is necessary to keep the herd and its habitat healthy, ensuring the future of the tradition. The public’s opinions are important and we want to continue hearing from them.”
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Bob Manwell (608) 264-9248; Keith Warnke (608) 264-6023
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Wisconsin fall hunting seasons forecast available
Wisconsin fall hunting seasons forecast available
WI DNR
MADISON – Flocking blackbirds, browning grasses, shorter days and cooler nights all are signs of fall’s arrival and so is the publishing of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources’ Fall Seasons Forecast. Published for the first time in an electronic magazine format, the department hopes the new presentation will be useful to hunters and wildlife watchers searching for the latest information from DNR biologists, foresters, conservation wardens and scientists on what to expect in the fields and forests this fall.
The new all-electronic version includes clickable links to greater in-depth background and information on dozens of topics as well as tips for hunting upland game and waterfowl.
In addition to statewide and regional outlooks for such popular game as deer, black bear, and waterfowl, the forecast also offers analysis and recommendations for a variety of upland game and furbearers. Season dates, bag limits and new regulations are also highlighted.
A newer feature to the Fall Seasons Forecast will give readers a look at some examples of the research wildlife and social scientists with the department’s Bureau of Science Services are conducting to better understand both the biology and the human dimensions of hunting and land management.
Reminders familiar to past readers include hunter safety, the importance of preseason scouting, and renewing your hunting access contacts with landowners.
Deer hunters urged to check deer management units for antlerless permit status.
Deer hunters viewing the deer season structure maps will notice many more deer management units identified as “regular” units in 2009, especially in the northern third of the state and in the central forest deer management region. Regular units are either close to deer population goals or in some cases below goals. In both cases, antlerless deer tags are limited by a quota and numbers of bonus tags may be low or unavailable for some units. Hunters should check their unit’s status early since it may have changed after several years of herd control status.
And no Fall Seasons Forecast would be complete without a reminder to take someone new out hunting. With the recent signing of Wisconsin’s new Mentored Hunting Law, any licensed hunter can take anyone age 10 and older out hunting under certain conditions without the new hunter having to fulfill hunter safety education requirements. The new law applies to any hunting season and is a great way to do for someone else what someone once took time to do for you.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Robert Manwell (608) 264-9248
WI DNR
MADISON – Flocking blackbirds, browning grasses, shorter days and cooler nights all are signs of fall’s arrival and so is the publishing of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources’ Fall Seasons Forecast. Published for the first time in an electronic magazine format, the department hopes the new presentation will be useful to hunters and wildlife watchers searching for the latest information from DNR biologists, foresters, conservation wardens and scientists on what to expect in the fields and forests this fall.
The new all-electronic version includes clickable links to greater in-depth background and information on dozens of topics as well as tips for hunting upland game and waterfowl.
In addition to statewide and regional outlooks for such popular game as deer, black bear, and waterfowl, the forecast also offers analysis and recommendations for a variety of upland game and furbearers. Season dates, bag limits and new regulations are also highlighted.
A newer feature to the Fall Seasons Forecast will give readers a look at some examples of the research wildlife and social scientists with the department’s Bureau of Science Services are conducting to better understand both the biology and the human dimensions of hunting and land management.
Reminders familiar to past readers include hunter safety, the importance of preseason scouting, and renewing your hunting access contacts with landowners.
Deer hunters urged to check deer management units for antlerless permit status.
Deer hunters viewing the deer season structure maps will notice many more deer management units identified as “regular” units in 2009, especially in the northern third of the state and in the central forest deer management region. Regular units are either close to deer population goals or in some cases below goals. In both cases, antlerless deer tags are limited by a quota and numbers of bonus tags may be low or unavailable for some units. Hunters should check their unit’s status early since it may have changed after several years of herd control status.
And no Fall Seasons Forecast would be complete without a reminder to take someone new out hunting. With the recent signing of Wisconsin’s new Mentored Hunting Law, any licensed hunter can take anyone age 10 and older out hunting under certain conditions without the new hunter having to fulfill hunter safety education requirements. The new law applies to any hunting season and is a great way to do for someone else what someone once took time to do for you.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Robert Manwell (608) 264-9248
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Hunters: stay legal and ask to hunt private lands
Hunters: stay legal and ask to hunt private lands
Source: WI DNR
Got your eye on a prime hunting spot resting on choice Wisconsin private lands for your fall hunting expedition?
That’s a solid, smart first step to a successful hunt, says the Department of Natural Resources hunter education administrator. Forgetting the next step could cost you.
“‘Where am I going to go hunting?’ is one of the most important questions you need to be asking yourself now,” Conservation Warden and Administrator Tim Lawhern says. “If you want to hunt private land, you need to be seeking permission now if you haven’t already done so.”
The state of Wisconsin owns more than 450,000 acres, and leases about 17,000 more acres, of lands open to public hunting. State and federal forests provide 2 million acres, and county forests another 2 million acres open to hunting and fishing. In addition, property owners who participate in the damage and abatement and the Forest Tax Law programs must allow access to their lands, adding more public access.
Hunters who want to use private lands need to have landowner permission to avoid trespassing, and they need to behave courteously and considerately to be invited back the next year. “It all comes down to hunter etiquette,” Lawhern said.
When hunters contact the landowner to seek permission, Lawhern urges hunters introduce themselves by telling where they’re from, what they wish to hunt, and display your hunter education certificate.
“Regardless of the landowner’s answer, your response should simple be the same – thank you,” Lawhern said.
He also suggests hunters offer to help the landowner on his or her land before the hunting season, whether it’s with daily chores, haying, or some other need. “You might be surprised how far your willingness to shovel manure for a whole day will get you,” he said
After the hunt, Lawhern says, hunters should share their game with the landowner, and remember the landowner outside the hunting season. “Give them a Christmas card, a small gift, a thank you card,” he said. “Landowners always appreciate being remembered outside the hunting season.”
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Tim Lawhern (608) 266-1317 or Joanne Haas - (608) 267-0798
Source: WI DNR
Got your eye on a prime hunting spot resting on choice Wisconsin private lands for your fall hunting expedition?
That’s a solid, smart first step to a successful hunt, says the Department of Natural Resources hunter education administrator. Forgetting the next step could cost you.
“‘Where am I going to go hunting?’ is one of the most important questions you need to be asking yourself now,” Conservation Warden and Administrator Tim Lawhern says. “If you want to hunt private land, you need to be seeking permission now if you haven’t already done so.”
The state of Wisconsin owns more than 450,000 acres, and leases about 17,000 more acres, of lands open to public hunting. State and federal forests provide 2 million acres, and county forests another 2 million acres open to hunting and fishing. In addition, property owners who participate in the damage and abatement and the Forest Tax Law programs must allow access to their lands, adding more public access.
Hunters who want to use private lands need to have landowner permission to avoid trespassing, and they need to behave courteously and considerately to be invited back the next year. “It all comes down to hunter etiquette,” Lawhern said.
When hunters contact the landowner to seek permission, Lawhern urges hunters introduce themselves by telling where they’re from, what they wish to hunt, and display your hunter education certificate.
“Regardless of the landowner’s answer, your response should simple be the same – thank you,” Lawhern said.
He also suggests hunters offer to help the landowner on his or her land before the hunting season, whether it’s with daily chores, haying, or some other need. “You might be surprised how far your willingness to shovel manure for a whole day will get you,” he said
After the hunt, Lawhern says, hunters should share their game with the landowner, and remember the landowner outside the hunting season. “Give them a Christmas card, a small gift, a thank you card,” he said. “Landowners always appreciate being remembered outside the hunting season.”
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Tim Lawhern (608) 266-1317 or Joanne Haas - (608) 267-0798
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
2009 WI Deer Hunting - State Park Unit Access Permit Sales Information
2009 WI Deer Hunting - State Park Unit Access Permit Sales Information
WI DNR News
Wisconsin deer hunters who would like the opportunity to hunt in certain State Park and Forest Deer Management Units in 2009, may purchase $3 access permits on a first-come, first-serve basis for these units until sold out. Deer hunters should first check the 2009 Wisconsin Deer Hunting Regulations to see which properties require special access permits, and to find special season information and weapon restrictions within those properties (pages 42-46): http://dnr.wi.gov/org/land/wildlife/regs/Deer09regs42-47.pdf.
The State Park and Forest deer management units that require $3 access permits are as follows: Brunet Island (23A), Council Grounds (52A), High Cliff (64A), Harrington Beach (69C), Kohler-Andrae (77E), Lake Wissota (59E), Loew Lake (77D), Peninsula (80C), Perrot (61A), Rib Mountain (57D), Wildcat Mountain (72A), and Wyalusing (73A).
Access permits for even numbered units will be sold beginning at noon on Saturday, August 22, but will not be sold on Sunday, August 23. Access permits for odd numbered units will be sold beginning at noon on Sunday, August 23. Any State Park Units with remaining access permits available will resume sales on Monday, August 24 until sold out or until the hunting season ends.
Hunters are encouraged to purchase their 2009 Wisconsin gun or archery deer hunting license first before the day they purchase their access permit. Hunters may purchase deer hunting licenses and state park access permits at any DNR licensing location http://dnr.wi.gov/org/caer/cs/licenseagents/ or online https://jc.activeoutdoorsolutions.com/wi_public/goHome.do.
Visit the following links on the DNR web site for access permit availability and other details:
http://dnr.wi.gov/org/caer/cs/BonusAvailability.htm#StatePark
Antlerless (Bonus) Tags for Regular Units go on Sale August 22 and August 23, 2009
Antlerless (Bonus) Tags for Regular Units go on Sale August 22 and August 23, 2009
WI DNR News
Wisconsin deer hunters who plan on hunting in Regular Deer Management Units in 2009, and wish the opportunity to harvest antlerless deer, can purchase unit-specific antlerless (bonus) tags on a first-come, first-serve basis for most of these units ($12 each for residents, $20 each for non-residents). Deer hunters should check the 2009 Deer Season Structure map first to find their unit designation (Regular units are in white): http://dnr.wi.gov/org/land/wildlife/hunt/deer/dmu.pdf.
Antlerless tags for even numbered Regular units will be sold beginning at noon on Saturday, August 22, but will not be sold on Sunday, August 23. Antlerless tags for odd numbered Regular units will be sold beginning at noon on Sunday, August 23. Deer Management Units with remaining antlerless tags available will resume sales on Monday, August 24 until sold out or until the hunting season ends. The first-come, first-serve system replaces the "Hunter's Choice" application process, which was last used in 2005. Hunters will be limited to purchasing one unit-specific antlerless tag per day.
Hunters are encouraged to purchase their 2009 Wisconsin gun or archery deer hunting license first before the day they purchase their bonus antlerless tags. Hunters may purchase deer hunting licenses and antlerless tags at any DNR licensing location http://dnr.wi.gov/org/caer/cs/licenseagents/ or online https://jc.activeoutdoorsolutions.com/wi_public/goHome.do.
Archery deer hunters will automatically receive one free antlerless tag which is valid in any unit statewide, but may purchase additional unit-specific tags if they are available. Thirteen Regular units will not have unit-specific tags available for 2009, and most gun hunters will be limited to buck-only deer hunting in these units.
Visit the following links on the DNR web site for bonus antlerless tag availability and other details:
http://dnr.wi.gov/org/caer/cs/BonusAvailability.htm
http://dnr.wi.gov/org/land/wildlife/hunt/deer/tagging.pdf
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Online survey seeks opinions on deer herd control alternatives
Online survey seeks opinions on deer herd control alternatives
WI DNR
Weekly News Article Published: July 21, 2009 by the Central Office
MADISON – A special advisory committee created at the direction of the Natural Resources Board and charged with developing potential alternatives to Earn-a-Buck (EAB) will be seeking public opinion through an online survey beginning July 25.
Visitors to the Special Advisory Committee for Hunter and Landowner Support of Effective Alternative Deer Population Control Methods Web site [deerherd.editme.com] (exit DNR) can request email notification as soon as the survey is available on the committee’s website. Additional information on deer hunting in Wisconsin is available on the Department of Natural Resources Web site.
The Natural Resources Board created the committee to represent a broad range of deer interest groups and to bring the board a set of possible EAB alternatives. The committee’s Web site is intended to be a source of public information on the committee’s work and lists the stakeholder organizations represented on the committee, the committee’s working notes and links to the same reference materials and data committee members are discussing.
The special advisory committee began work in early June 2009, will submit completed recommendations in early August, and is under a very tight timeline in order for any proposed changes to be adopted in time for the 2010 deer hunting seasons. The members of the advisory committee were invited to participate as volunteers from organizations representing deer hunters and landowners along with representatives of the deer science and research community.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Jason Fleener (608) 261-7589 or Robert Manwell (608) 264-9248
View all articles in this issue or check our previous Weekly News Issues.
WI DNR
Weekly News Article Published: July 21, 2009 by the Central Office
MADISON – A special advisory committee created at the direction of the Natural Resources Board and charged with developing potential alternatives to Earn-a-Buck (EAB) will be seeking public opinion through an online survey beginning July 25.
Visitors to the Special Advisory Committee for Hunter and Landowner Support of Effective Alternative Deer Population Control Methods Web site [deerherd.editme.com] (exit DNR) can request email notification as soon as the survey is available on the committee’s website. Additional information on deer hunting in Wisconsin is available on the Department of Natural Resources Web site.
The Natural Resources Board created the committee to represent a broad range of deer interest groups and to bring the board a set of possible EAB alternatives. The committee’s Web site is intended to be a source of public information on the committee’s work and lists the stakeholder organizations represented on the committee, the committee’s working notes and links to the same reference materials and data committee members are discussing.
The special advisory committee began work in early June 2009, will submit completed recommendations in early August, and is under a very tight timeline in order for any proposed changes to be adopted in time for the 2010 deer hunting seasons. The members of the advisory committee were invited to participate as volunteers from organizations representing deer hunters and landowners along with representatives of the deer science and research community.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Jason Fleener (608) 261-7589 or Robert Manwell (608) 264-9248
View all articles in this issue or check our previous Weekly News Issues.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
July 1 marks start of summer deer observation period
July 1 marks start of summer deer observation period
Weekly News Article Published: July 7, 2009 by the Central Office
MADISON – July 1 marks the beginning of the three-month summer deer observation (pdf) period during which DNR biologists, foresters, property managers and staff, wardens and staff from the U.S. Departments of Agriculture and Forest Service record the deer they see as they go about their daily duties. The observations are one of many factors biologists use in developing deer population estimates and monitoring herd health.
Summer deer observations are one of many factors biologists use in developing deer population estimates.
Direct observations from the field are vital information for deer managers, especially in northern and central forest deer management units (DMU) where harsh winter weather can have a much greater impact on fawn production the following spring. In the northern and central forest regions observations are bunched into “population modeling” groups of 3 to 4 DMUs each and plugged into the department’s deer population estimating model. Each summer fresh observation data are put into the population estimation.
“Wildlife populations are estimated by blending science, hunter harvest, history and observation,” said Keith Warnke, DNR deer and bear ecologist. “Variations in local habitat and conditions, and nature’s whims make this challenging and it’s important to keep in mind that these are estimates. Deer movement and location are influenced by many factors beyond population numbers.”
In addition to DNR staff summer field observations, the department also mails a summer wildlife inquiry (pdf) to about 5,000 rural landowners across the state. The landowner survey is not incorporated directly into population models but is compared to previous years as a signal of broad population trends.
The summer wildlife survey asks respondents to report observations of nine species of wildlife including coyote, red fox, skunk, bobcat, wild turkey, gray partridge, ring-necked pheasant, ruffed grouse and deer.
Farmland Regions
To people living in and traveling around Wisconsin it is not a surprise that there are ecological and climate differences between the southern farmlands and the northern forests.
In most years, winter weather simply doesn’t have the impact on southern deer in the way it does in the north. So in farmland regions biologists don’t adjust the fawn-doe ratio yearly like in the north, but they do analyze summer deer observations for trends that suggest a change in reproductive success in the herd. Also the population groupings contain more DMUs compared to the northern and central forests.
“Summer deer observations are important to hunters because the number of fawns per doe are one factor that is included in the population model,” explained Warnke, “that is why we collect this information. They are also an important factor in overall population management as deer management units approach established population goals.”
Wildlife managers emphasize that deer populations vary across the state with some areas heavily populated and others less so. Local population swings are not always predictable in the space of a single season and can result in lowered viewing opportunity in a given hunting area. Having a flexible hunting plan can be an important factor in a successful hunt.
“In areas where deer are at healthy levels, fewer deer may be seen than in the past when populations were out of balance with their habitats,” says Warnke. “The traditional hunter’s skills and strategies of scouting, patience, knowledge of deer behavior and woodsmanship are worthy of practice and perfection.”
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Keith Warnke (608) 264-6023 or Bob Manwell - (608) 264-9248
View all articles in this issue or check our previous Weekly News Issues.
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