Keep the early season videos coming guys and gals. Bowhunting season starts tomorrow morning. Good luck to everyone! Send us your stories.
Showing posts with label Wisconsin Deer Hunting. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Wisconsin Deer Hunting. Show all posts
Friday, September 16, 2011
Monday, August 8, 2011
Disabled deer hunt sign up open through Sept. 1
MADISON – Hunters with disabilities can sign up for the 2011 disabled gun deer hunt by contacting sponsoring landowners directly to make arrangements. Hunters are encouraged to contact sponsors as soon as possible so sponsors can meet the Sept. 1 deadline to submit a list of participating hunters to DNR.
The list of sponsoring landowners for the 2011 hunt (pdf) is available on the Department of Natural Resources website.
The disabled gun deer hunt for hunters began in 1990 to give opportunities to hunt deer when temperatures are milder and mobility is less of a problem. The hunts are sponsored by private individuals or organizations and almost entirely take place on privately owned lands.
Hunters must possess a valid Class A Permit, a Class B Permit for People with Disabilities issued for more than one year and that authorizes shooting from a vehicle, or a Class C Disabled Hunting Permit to be eligible to participate in the Disabled Deer Hunt.
The annual disabled deer hunt will take place from Oct. 1-9 this year. More information is available on the Disable Deer Hunting page of the DNR website.
Source: Wisconsin DNR (http://dnr.wi.gov/news/DNRNews_article_Lookup.asp?id=1839)
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Deer captures to continue through March
MADISON – Wisconsin deer researchers have succeeded in capturing a total of 187 deer in two study areas as part of a multi-year effort designed to answer concerns hunters have voiced over population estimates that in part determine deer hunting season structure. Capture efforts are expected to continue through March 2011.
Spread across two study areas, one centered around Sawyer County representing a northern forest habitat, and one centered in Shawano County representing a farmland-forest habitat, the studies will take the closest look yet at the actual percentage of deer dying at the hands of hunters compared to all other causes of death from vehicle collisions to disease, to weather and importantly, to predators. Reproductive rates and causes of death in fawns are also being explored.
“The outpouring of offers to help and assist with providing access to land and deer trapping activities from hunters, landowners and conservation groups has been phenomenal,” said DNR research scientist, Chris Jacques. “Without their help it would be very difficult to pull this off and with that help, we can make this a better study that will accomplish more in answering their questions and addressing their concerns”
Captured deer have been fitted with radio collars and ear tags so that researchers can follow them to determine cause of death. New born fawns will also be located and collared for the same purpose. One important question hunters and researchers are trying to learn more about is the percentage of deer, both adult and fawns that are lost to predators such as black bear, bobcat, coyote and wolf.
Two primary methods have been used to date for capturing deer. Ground traps, which are either wooden boxes or netted frames, both with trap doors, and recent efforts to capture deer using nets shot from a low flying helicopter.
Like any statistical survey, as the size of the sample increases (the number of deer captured in this example) the more confident researchers can be that what they observe in the sample accurately represents the population as a whole.
“Capturing as many deer as possible at the start of this project is important,” said Jacques, and helicopters have proven to be the most efficient way to capture large numbers of deer in a short amount of time.”
Due to on-going mechanical problems, the company contracted for the helicopter work has suspended operations for the remainder of this capture season and returned to their base in Utah. The contractor did not have a replacement helicopter available to pick up the work.
Capturing wildlife by helicopter is a proven wildlife management technique used by biologists around the world. This is the first time is has been used in Wisconsin and it turns out, Wisconsin’s varied landscape adds some difficulty to the process.
Capturing wild deer can result in unintended mortality. Every animal captured represents an investment in the project in time, effort and expense so researchers take every possible precaution to keep mortality as low as possible. In the case of helicopter capture, keeping pursuit times and transport distances short and limiting handling time from the moment the net drops till the animal is released are important to survival.
Usually, less than 5 percent of captured animals die. Death can be due to physical injury such as broken bones or to capture myopathy, a disease resulting from capture-related stress. Mortality rates currently are running at 7.3 percent (9 mortalities in 123 captures) at the Shawano County study site and 4.5 percent (8 mortalities in 179 captures) at the Sawyer County site.
Eight of the 17 mortalities to date have been related to helicopter capture. Necropsies will be performed on the eight to determine cause of death.
“We try very hard to handle deer carefully to minimize stress, but there is really no other way to answer the questions hunters are asking about our population estimating process that doesn’t involve capturing and marking these deer and then following them to determine how they die,” said Jacques. “Our research partners the Wisconsin Conservation Congress, Whitetails Unlimited, Safari Club International, UW-Madison, UW-Stevens Point are aware of this and we are all working to keep research losses as low as possible.
“We will continue ground trapping efforts through the end of March and at that time we’ll review all our notes and data related to both ground and helicopter trapping efforts to increase our deer trapping efficiency and reduce mortalities in future years,” said Jacques.
More inforamation on deer research studies is available on the DNR website.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Christopher Jacques (608) 575-3874
Source: Wisconsin DNR, Weekly News Article Published: March 1, 2011 by the Central Office
Site: http://dnr.wi.gov/news/DNRNews_article_Lookup.asp?id=1681
Spread across two study areas, one centered around Sawyer County representing a northern forest habitat, and one centered in Shawano County representing a farmland-forest habitat, the studies will take the closest look yet at the actual percentage of deer dying at the hands of hunters compared to all other causes of death from vehicle collisions to disease, to weather and importantly, to predators. Reproductive rates and causes of death in fawns are also being explored.
“The outpouring of offers to help and assist with providing access to land and deer trapping activities from hunters, landowners and conservation groups has been phenomenal,” said DNR research scientist, Chris Jacques. “Without their help it would be very difficult to pull this off and with that help, we can make this a better study that will accomplish more in answering their questions and addressing their concerns”
Captured deer have been fitted with radio collars and ear tags so that researchers can follow them to determine cause of death. New born fawns will also be located and collared for the same purpose. One important question hunters and researchers are trying to learn more about is the percentage of deer, both adult and fawns that are lost to predators such as black bear, bobcat, coyote and wolf.
Two primary methods have been used to date for capturing deer. Ground traps, which are either wooden boxes or netted frames, both with trap doors, and recent efforts to capture deer using nets shot from a low flying helicopter.
Like any statistical survey, as the size of the sample increases (the number of deer captured in this example) the more confident researchers can be that what they observe in the sample accurately represents the population as a whole.
“Capturing as many deer as possible at the start of this project is important,” said Jacques, and helicopters have proven to be the most efficient way to capture large numbers of deer in a short amount of time.”
Due to on-going mechanical problems, the company contracted for the helicopter work has suspended operations for the remainder of this capture season and returned to their base in Utah. The contractor did not have a replacement helicopter available to pick up the work.
Capturing wildlife by helicopter is a proven wildlife management technique used by biologists around the world. This is the first time is has been used in Wisconsin and it turns out, Wisconsin’s varied landscape adds some difficulty to the process.
Capturing wild deer can result in unintended mortality. Every animal captured represents an investment in the project in time, effort and expense so researchers take every possible precaution to keep mortality as low as possible. In the case of helicopter capture, keeping pursuit times and transport distances short and limiting handling time from the moment the net drops till the animal is released are important to survival.
Usually, less than 5 percent of captured animals die. Death can be due to physical injury such as broken bones or to capture myopathy, a disease resulting from capture-related stress. Mortality rates currently are running at 7.3 percent (9 mortalities in 123 captures) at the Shawano County study site and 4.5 percent (8 mortalities in 179 captures) at the Sawyer County site.
Eight of the 17 mortalities to date have been related to helicopter capture. Necropsies will be performed on the eight to determine cause of death.
“We try very hard to handle deer carefully to minimize stress, but there is really no other way to answer the questions hunters are asking about our population estimating process that doesn’t involve capturing and marking these deer and then following them to determine how they die,” said Jacques. “Our research partners the Wisconsin Conservation Congress, Whitetails Unlimited, Safari Club International, UW-Madison, UW-Stevens Point are aware of this and we are all working to keep research losses as low as possible.
“We will continue ground trapping efforts through the end of March and at that time we’ll review all our notes and data related to both ground and helicopter trapping efforts to increase our deer trapping efficiency and reduce mortalities in future years,” said Jacques.
More inforamation on deer research studies is available on the DNR website.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Christopher Jacques (608) 575-3874
Source: Wisconsin DNR, Weekly News Article Published: March 1, 2011 by the Central Office
Site: http://dnr.wi.gov/news/DNRNews_article_Lookup.asp?id=1681
Monday, December 13, 2010
Statement of DNR Secretary Matt Frank on federal step in wolf delisting
MADISON –DNR Secretary Matt Frank made the following statement on the announcement by the Department of the Interior - US Fish and Wildlife Service that the service is moving ahead with efforts to remove the gray wolf from the federal endangered species list in the Great Lakes states of Wisconsin, Michigan and Minnesota.
“We are pleased the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is moving forward to delist the grey wolf. Scientific evidence supports delisting. Transferring management of the wolf to Wisconsin is timely and will lead to improved management through effective action on problem wolves. We have worked closely with the Department of the Interior on wolf delisting over the past two years and applaud Interior’s proposed action to delist the gray wolf.
“The DNR has a federally approved wolf management plan ready to be implemented when delisting occurs. With the growth of the wolf population in Wisconsin, problems with wolves killing valuable livestock and hunting dogs have grown to intolerable levels, Frank said.
“We are ready to carry out our federally approved state wolf management plan to both protect the long-term viability of the wolf and provide relief for farmers and pet owners,” said Frank.
In April, Wisconsin filed a petition with Department of the Interior Secretary Ken Salazar seeking delisting of the wolf in Wisconsin so the state could take over management of this large predator.
The wolf was considered extirpated from Wisconsin by 1960 due to bounties that lasted until 1957.
Wisconsin’s current wolf population descends from Minnesota as wolves, seeking new territories, moved into unoccupied habitat in Wisconsin. The wolf population recovered on its own due to protection, habitat management and education. As a result of the federal endangered status, the current population estimate of wolves in Wisconsin is nearly twice the level prescribed by the Wisconsin Wolf Management Plan.
News Release Published: December 13, 2010 by the Central Office
Contact(s): Adrian Wydeven (715) 762-1363; Robert Manwell (608) 264-9248
DATE: December 13, 2010 CONTACT: Adrian Wydeven (715) 762-1363; Robert Manwell (608) 264-9248
Source: Wisconsin DNR
Site: http://dnr.wi.gov/news/BreakingNews_Lookup.asp?id=1944
“We are pleased the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is moving forward to delist the grey wolf. Scientific evidence supports delisting. Transferring management of the wolf to Wisconsin is timely and will lead to improved management through effective action on problem wolves. We have worked closely with the Department of the Interior on wolf delisting over the past two years and applaud Interior’s proposed action to delist the gray wolf.
“The DNR has a federally approved wolf management plan ready to be implemented when delisting occurs. With the growth of the wolf population in Wisconsin, problems with wolves killing valuable livestock and hunting dogs have grown to intolerable levels, Frank said.
“We are ready to carry out our federally approved state wolf management plan to both protect the long-term viability of the wolf and provide relief for farmers and pet owners,” said Frank.
In April, Wisconsin filed a petition with Department of the Interior Secretary Ken Salazar seeking delisting of the wolf in Wisconsin so the state could take over management of this large predator.
The wolf was considered extirpated from Wisconsin by 1960 due to bounties that lasted until 1957.
Wisconsin’s current wolf population descends from Minnesota as wolves, seeking new territories, moved into unoccupied habitat in Wisconsin. The wolf population recovered on its own due to protection, habitat management and education. As a result of the federal endangered status, the current population estimate of wolves in Wisconsin is nearly twice the level prescribed by the Wisconsin Wolf Management Plan.
News Release Published: December 13, 2010 by the Central Office
Contact(s): Adrian Wydeven (715) 762-1363; Robert Manwell (608) 264-9248
DATE: December 13, 2010 CONTACT: Adrian Wydeven (715) 762-1363; Robert Manwell (608) 264-9248
Source: Wisconsin DNR
Site: http://dnr.wi.gov/news/BreakingNews_Lookup.asp?id=1944
Monday, August 23, 2010
Two more state parks open to hunting for regular gun deer season November 20-28
News Release Published: August 23, 2010 by the Northeast Region
Contact(s): Don McKinnon, Supervisor, Potawatomi State Park, 920-746-2893
Rick Ostrowski, Park Manager, Whitefish Dunes State Park, 920-823-2400
Potawatomi and Whitefish Dunes open to hunting during the 9 day gun deer season only
STURGEON BAY, Wis. – This year, for the first time, Potawatomi and Whitefish Dunes State Parks in Door County will be open to deer hunting during Wisconsin’s regular gun deer season, November 20-28, 2010.
The parks will not be open to hunting during any other early or late-season deer hunts, included in herd reduction areas, muzzleloader dates, special youth or disabled hunts, or other special hunting opportunities.
While hunting enhances recreational opportunities in the parks, its primary objective is vegetative and resource management. Once implemented, hunting will continue long-term in both parks.
DNR staff and other natural resources professionals agree that deer over-browsing is a serious problem at these parks. Forest regeneration is severely lacking and even completely absent in some areas. Ongoing deer management is necessary to maintain a healthy and balanced ecosystem. Any attempts to promote forest regeneration will be ineffective until deer browsing is under control.
The parks will allow firearms that are allowed for gun deer hunting in Door County, including rifles, shotguns, muzzleloaders, and handguns. Archery hunting is not allowed.
DNR strongly recommends that hunters review the 2010 Wisconsin Deer Hunting Regulations for restrictions on firearms. All firearms must be unloaded and enclosed within a carrying case when in or on a motor vehicle or within a closed area of the park. Hunters may enter the parks 1 hour prior to opening hunting hours.
Certain areas of the parks will be closed to hunting, and regular park users will still be able to use the parks during the hunting season. In fact, this 9-day deer season framework was chosen to have the least impact on other park users. The DNR recommends that anyone using any areas of these parks during this regular hunting season wear blaze orange as a safety precaution. Park users are in the parks at their own risk.
Hunters are advised to also consult the 2010 hunting regulations for additional information on hunting on state-owned lands. Certain hunting regulations relating to ground blinds, tree stands, casing of weapons, etc. apply when hunting on state property. Hunters may not pursue wounded deer into closed areas or drive deer from closed areas. Remember that any time a vehicle stops in a state park, a vehicle admission sticker is required.
Source: Wisconsin DNR
Site: http://dnr.wi.gov/news/BreakingNews_Lookup.asp?id=1801
Contact(s): Don McKinnon, Supervisor, Potawatomi State Park, 920-746-2893
Rick Ostrowski, Park Manager, Whitefish Dunes State Park, 920-823-2400
Potawatomi and Whitefish Dunes open to hunting during the 9 day gun deer season only
STURGEON BAY, Wis. – This year, for the first time, Potawatomi and Whitefish Dunes State Parks in Door County will be open to deer hunting during Wisconsin’s regular gun deer season, November 20-28, 2010.
The parks will not be open to hunting during any other early or late-season deer hunts, included in herd reduction areas, muzzleloader dates, special youth or disabled hunts, or other special hunting opportunities.
While hunting enhances recreational opportunities in the parks, its primary objective is vegetative and resource management. Once implemented, hunting will continue long-term in both parks.
DNR staff and other natural resources professionals agree that deer over-browsing is a serious problem at these parks. Forest regeneration is severely lacking and even completely absent in some areas. Ongoing deer management is necessary to maintain a healthy and balanced ecosystem. Any attempts to promote forest regeneration will be ineffective until deer browsing is under control.
The parks will allow firearms that are allowed for gun deer hunting in Door County, including rifles, shotguns, muzzleloaders, and handguns. Archery hunting is not allowed.
DNR strongly recommends that hunters review the 2010 Wisconsin Deer Hunting Regulations for restrictions on firearms. All firearms must be unloaded and enclosed within a carrying case when in or on a motor vehicle or within a closed area of the park. Hunters may enter the parks 1 hour prior to opening hunting hours.
Certain areas of the parks will be closed to hunting, and regular park users will still be able to use the parks during the hunting season. In fact, this 9-day deer season framework was chosen to have the least impact on other park users. The DNR recommends that anyone using any areas of these parks during this regular hunting season wear blaze orange as a safety precaution. Park users are in the parks at their own risk.
Hunters are advised to also consult the 2010 hunting regulations for additional information on hunting on state-owned lands. Certain hunting regulations relating to ground blinds, tree stands, casing of weapons, etc. apply when hunting on state property. Hunters may not pursue wounded deer into closed areas or drive deer from closed areas. Remember that any time a vehicle stops in a state park, a vehicle admission sticker is required.
Source: Wisconsin DNR
Site: http://dnr.wi.gov/news/BreakingNews_Lookup.asp?id=1801
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Wisconsin Continues to Advocate Wolf Delisting
Wisconsin’s gray wolf population at the close of the 2009-2010 winter is estimated to be 690 to 733 wolves, a roughly 10 percent increase over the 2008-2009 end-of-winter estimate of 626 to 662 wolves. The current estimate is more than twice the population goal prescribed by the Wisconsin Wolf Management Plan.
Wolves continue to be listed as endangered in Wisconsin and elsewhere. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has attempted to remove the wolf from this list in portions of the Great Lakes states so that management could be handed over to the states.
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources submitted a petition to the Department of the Interior and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service urging them to complete the delisting process and return management authority to the state. So far, attempts to delist the wolf have been blocked by the courts based on lawsuits brought by animal rights groups, including the Humane Society of the United States, the Center for Biological Diversity, Help Our Wolves Live, Friends of Animals and Their Environment, and Born Free USA.
“Wisconsin has worked cooperatively with the Department of the Interior on wolf recovery for more than 30 years and has supported Interior’s recent efforts to delist the gray wolf,” said DNR Secretary Matt Frank. “We believe, and scientific evidence supports, that delisting and transferring management of the wolf to Wisconsin is timely and will lead to improved management through effective action on problem wolves.”
With the growth of the wolf population in Wisconsin, there have been depredation problems with wolves killing livestock and hunting dogs. Although owners of livestock and hunting dogs have been compensated for their losses, additional management tools will allow better control of the population and greater protections for livestock and pet owners.
Deer hunters also question the impact wolves have on the number and distribution of deer, as evidenced by the fact that Wisconsin hunters harvested their lowest number of deer in 27 years during the 2009 season. The DNR estimates that wolves killed 13,000 deer in 2009. Researchers from DNR and the University of Wisconsin will be studying the impacts of predators (wolves, bears, coyotes and bobcats) on deer more intensely over the next three to five years.
The annual winter wolf count relies on aerial tracking of radio-collared wolves, trail cameras, and snow track surveys by DNR and volunteer trackers. Also included are wolf sightings by members of the public. The agency has conducted these counts since the winter of 1979-1980 when there were 25 wolves in the state.
A total of 180 wolf packs were detected in Wisconsin during the winter count consisting of at least 2 adult wolves each. Biologists found 30 packs distributed across central Wisconsin and 150 packs in northern Wisconsin. The largest packs in the state were the Moose Road Pack Douglas County with 11 wolves, the Crotte Creek Pack in Douglas County with nine wolves and the McArther Pine Pack in Forest County with nine wolves. At least 52 packs had five or more wolves in them.
The Wisconsin wolf population is considered to be one of the most closely monitored and managed animal species in the nation, according to Adrian Wydeven, a DNR conservation biologist and wolf specialist.
Wisconsin Offering E-mail Alerts on Wolf Activity
Dog trainers, pet owners and others interested in keeping track of recent wolf activity can now sign up for an e-mail or wireless service that will send an alert anytime wolves attack hunting dogs or pets.
The new feature relies on an easy-to-use service called GovDelivery. From the DNR home page search for “dog depredation by wolves” and follow the simple instructions for subscribing to the alerts. It is possible to unsubscribe at anytime.
The alert will be sent to a subscriber’s e-mail and/or wireless addresses of choice and will include a link to details of 2010 depredations and a caution map based on the location of any attacks. Wolves killed 23 dogs, including many hunting dogs, and injured 10 others in 2009, and 21 dogs were killed by wolves in 2008, according to the DNR.
Wisconsin’s dog training season opens July 1 and runs through Aug. 31 leading up to the opening of Wisconsin’s 2010 black bear season on Sept. 8. Bear season runs through Oct. 12. It is legal during this training period for hunters with a class A or B bear hunting license to train dogs on wild bear on public property open to bear-dog training.
“This new system will give dog trainers rapid alerts to problem areas with information that can help them avoid attacks on their dogs,” said Wydeven. “We will post new alerts just as soon as attacks are confirmed. We’ll also continue to maintain our wolf alert web pages with documentation of all attacks throughout the current season.”
Wolves with pups leave the den area where the pups were born and occupy one or more rendezvous sites within the pack territory during summer months. A wolf pack changes rendezvous sites somewhat unpredictably but will defend the current site and pups from any hunting dogs that get too close.
Alerts on other topics are also available through the GovDelivery feature. At the DNR home page select “Subscribe to DNR Updates” and select the topics you want to follow.
Source: NRAHuntersRights.org
Site: http://nrahuntersrights.org/Article.aspx?id=3584
Wolves continue to be listed as endangered in Wisconsin and elsewhere. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has attempted to remove the wolf from this list in portions of the Great Lakes states so that management could be handed over to the states.
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources submitted a petition to the Department of the Interior and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service urging them to complete the delisting process and return management authority to the state. So far, attempts to delist the wolf have been blocked by the courts based on lawsuits brought by animal rights groups, including the Humane Society of the United States, the Center for Biological Diversity, Help Our Wolves Live, Friends of Animals and Their Environment, and Born Free USA.
“Wisconsin has worked cooperatively with the Department of the Interior on wolf recovery for more than 30 years and has supported Interior’s recent efforts to delist the gray wolf,” said DNR Secretary Matt Frank. “We believe, and scientific evidence supports, that delisting and transferring management of the wolf to Wisconsin is timely and will lead to improved management through effective action on problem wolves.”
With the growth of the wolf population in Wisconsin, there have been depredation problems with wolves killing livestock and hunting dogs. Although owners of livestock and hunting dogs have been compensated for their losses, additional management tools will allow better control of the population and greater protections for livestock and pet owners.
Deer hunters also question the impact wolves have on the number and distribution of deer, as evidenced by the fact that Wisconsin hunters harvested their lowest number of deer in 27 years during the 2009 season. The DNR estimates that wolves killed 13,000 deer in 2009. Researchers from DNR and the University of Wisconsin will be studying the impacts of predators (wolves, bears, coyotes and bobcats) on deer more intensely over the next three to five years.
The annual winter wolf count relies on aerial tracking of radio-collared wolves, trail cameras, and snow track surveys by DNR and volunteer trackers. Also included are wolf sightings by members of the public. The agency has conducted these counts since the winter of 1979-1980 when there were 25 wolves in the state.
A total of 180 wolf packs were detected in Wisconsin during the winter count consisting of at least 2 adult wolves each. Biologists found 30 packs distributed across central Wisconsin and 150 packs in northern Wisconsin. The largest packs in the state were the Moose Road Pack Douglas County with 11 wolves, the Crotte Creek Pack in Douglas County with nine wolves and the McArther Pine Pack in Forest County with nine wolves. At least 52 packs had five or more wolves in them.
The Wisconsin wolf population is considered to be one of the most closely monitored and managed animal species in the nation, according to Adrian Wydeven, a DNR conservation biologist and wolf specialist.
Wisconsin Offering E-mail Alerts on Wolf Activity
Dog trainers, pet owners and others interested in keeping track of recent wolf activity can now sign up for an e-mail or wireless service that will send an alert anytime wolves attack hunting dogs or pets.
The new feature relies on an easy-to-use service called GovDelivery. From the DNR home page search for “dog depredation by wolves” and follow the simple instructions for subscribing to the alerts. It is possible to unsubscribe at anytime.
The alert will be sent to a subscriber’s e-mail and/or wireless addresses of choice and will include a link to details of 2010 depredations and a caution map based on the location of any attacks. Wolves killed 23 dogs, including many hunting dogs, and injured 10 others in 2009, and 21 dogs were killed by wolves in 2008, according to the DNR.
Wisconsin’s dog training season opens July 1 and runs through Aug. 31 leading up to the opening of Wisconsin’s 2010 black bear season on Sept. 8. Bear season runs through Oct. 12. It is legal during this training period for hunters with a class A or B bear hunting license to train dogs on wild bear on public property open to bear-dog training.
“This new system will give dog trainers rapid alerts to problem areas with information that can help them avoid attacks on their dogs,” said Wydeven. “We will post new alerts just as soon as attacks are confirmed. We’ll also continue to maintain our wolf alert web pages with documentation of all attacks throughout the current season.”
Wolves with pups leave the den area where the pups were born and occupy one or more rendezvous sites within the pack territory during summer months. A wolf pack changes rendezvous sites somewhat unpredictably but will defend the current site and pups from any hunting dogs that get too close.
Alerts on other topics are also available through the GovDelivery feature. At the DNR home page select “Subscribe to DNR Updates” and select the topics you want to follow.
Source: NRAHuntersRights.org
Site: http://nrahuntersrights.org/Article.aspx?id=3584
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Hunting and fishing licenses go on sale March 10
Licenses for current year expire on March 31
MADISON – 2010-11 Wisconsin hunting, fishing, trapping and other licenses and harvest permits for fish and wildlife activities in Wisconsin go on sale Wednesday, March 10. Annual licenses are valid from April 1, 2010 through March 31, 2011. Hunting and fishing licenses for the 2009-10 license year expire on March 31, 2010.
“We’re here to answer questions regarding licenses as folks plan their hunting and fishing trips, purchase a recreational vehicle, or pursue other activities. Just contact our call center,” said Kevin Huggins, chief of licensing and information for the Department of Natural Resources.
DNR customer service staff is available to assist the public by phone and online from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week. Spanish and Hmong bilingual customer service representatives are also available.
Customers may reach Customer Service at 1-888-WDNRINFo (1-888-936-7463) or by e-mail at csweb@wisconsin.gov. An online chat link is also available at dnr.wi.gov/contact.
Information on renewing a Conservation Patrons License, which offers many different privileges, including licenses, stamps, applications, park admission and more, was included in the February issue of Wisconsin Natural Resources magazine, along with a bonus pamphlet showing how fish and wildlife license and permit fees are spent to bolster outdoor recreation.
Hunting and fishing licenses can be purchased over the Internet through the DNR Web page (click on Hunting & Fishing Licenses and Permits under Online Services); by calling toll-free 1-877-WI LICENSE (1-877-945-4236); at license sales locations; or DNR service centers during their regular business hours (check service center link for hours of operation, which vary by service center).
Source: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
Site: http://dnr.wi.gov/news/weekly.asp#art3
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Bureau of Customer Service and Licensing, (608) 266-2621
MADISON – 2010-11 Wisconsin hunting, fishing, trapping and other licenses and harvest permits for fish and wildlife activities in Wisconsin go on sale Wednesday, March 10. Annual licenses are valid from April 1, 2010 through March 31, 2011. Hunting and fishing licenses for the 2009-10 license year expire on March 31, 2010.
“We’re here to answer questions regarding licenses as folks plan their hunting and fishing trips, purchase a recreational vehicle, or pursue other activities. Just contact our call center,” said Kevin Huggins, chief of licensing and information for the Department of Natural Resources.
DNR customer service staff is available to assist the public by phone and online from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week. Spanish and Hmong bilingual customer service representatives are also available.
Customers may reach Customer Service at 1-888-WDNRINFo (1-888-936-7463) or by e-mail at csweb@wisconsin.gov. An online chat link is also available at dnr.wi.gov/contact.
Information on renewing a Conservation Patrons License, which offers many different privileges, including licenses, stamps, applications, park admission and more, was included in the February issue of Wisconsin Natural Resources magazine, along with a bonus pamphlet showing how fish and wildlife license and permit fees are spent to bolster outdoor recreation.
Hunting and fishing licenses can be purchased over the Internet through the DNR Web page (click on Hunting & Fishing Licenses and Permits under Online Services); by calling toll-free 1-877-WI LICENSE (1-877-945-4236); at license sales locations; or DNR service centers during their regular business hours (check service center link for hours of operation, which vary by service center).
Source: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
Site: http://dnr.wi.gov/news/weekly.asp#art3
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Bureau of Customer Service and Licensing, (608) 266-2621
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
DNR Secretary Matt Frank announces successful inaugural hunting heritage conference
ROTHSCHILD – Department of Natural Resources Secretary Matt Frank congratulated and thanked the participants of the first Hunting Heritage Conference who met over the weekend to share ideas about broadening participation in the state’s hunting heritage.
The conference was funded by a grant from the National Shooting Sports Foundation and The Hunting Heritage Partnership. The grant provided funding to cover the complete cost of those attending the two-day conference.
The Department of Natural Resources invited representatives of local and statewide hunting and conservation organizations to the first ever event. About 115 hunting enthusiasts from mentors to safety instructors gathered at the Stoney Creek Inn for the two-day conference devoted to exploring ideas about building the state’s hunting future for generations to come.
“Wisconsin is a great hunting state with a wide range of hunting opportunities for both novice and experienced hunters,” Frank said. “But we cannot take our hunting tradition for granted. We are looking to build on our past efforts to work with young people as well as adults who have never had an opportunity to hunt. If we want our next generation not only to enjoy our natural resources but to become future conservationists, we need to think creatively and build upon our past efforts.”
The Feb. 19-20 conference focused on educating and training experienced mentors in passing on their knowledge to the next generation of Wisconsin hunters through the DNR’s popular Learn to Hunt program. DNR records show that in 2009, the Learn to Hunt Program had more than 1,500 participants in the turkey, pheasant, deer and waterfowl programs.
“We are very proud of our Learn to Hunt program, which has had the strong support of local conservation groups and volunteer instructors who work with our staff,” Frank said. “We are looking for ways to build mentor participation in this program – and expand it to more youth – boys and girls – from all ethnic backgrounds.”
The conference also featured researchers from the University of Wisconsin-System who shared their research designs on recruiting hunters and testing the effects of social networking and new media technologies to promote hunting.
“The main goals of the conference were to build community around the issue of hunter recruitment and retention; to facilitate networking between organizations; and, to share best practices for hosting successful Learn to Hunt Programs,” DNR Deputy Conservation Warden Benjamin Mott said of the event he helped coordinate. “And another main goal was to make sure clubs understand how they can receive reimbursement for conducting Learn to Hunt Programs.”
The Learn to Hunt Program is designed to help inexperienced hunters, both youth and adults, have a high quality, safe, and rewarding first-time hunt under the guidance of qualified Hunter Education instructors and hunting mentors. Participants receive both classroom and field instruction prior to an actual hunt.
Frank said the DNR hopes to make the conference an annual event.
Article Source: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
Site: http://dnr.wi.gov/news/weekly.asp#art3
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Benjamin Mott, Deputy Conservation Warden, Madison: (608) 444-1244; Todd Schaller, Conservation Warden, Madison: (608) 267-2774
The conference was funded by a grant from the National Shooting Sports Foundation and The Hunting Heritage Partnership. The grant provided funding to cover the complete cost of those attending the two-day conference.
The Department of Natural Resources invited representatives of local and statewide hunting and conservation organizations to the first ever event. About 115 hunting enthusiasts from mentors to safety instructors gathered at the Stoney Creek Inn for the two-day conference devoted to exploring ideas about building the state’s hunting future for generations to come.
“Wisconsin is a great hunting state with a wide range of hunting opportunities for both novice and experienced hunters,” Frank said. “But we cannot take our hunting tradition for granted. We are looking to build on our past efforts to work with young people as well as adults who have never had an opportunity to hunt. If we want our next generation not only to enjoy our natural resources but to become future conservationists, we need to think creatively and build upon our past efforts.”
The Feb. 19-20 conference focused on educating and training experienced mentors in passing on their knowledge to the next generation of Wisconsin hunters through the DNR’s popular Learn to Hunt program. DNR records show that in 2009, the Learn to Hunt Program had more than 1,500 participants in the turkey, pheasant, deer and waterfowl programs.
“We are very proud of our Learn to Hunt program, which has had the strong support of local conservation groups and volunteer instructors who work with our staff,” Frank said. “We are looking for ways to build mentor participation in this program – and expand it to more youth – boys and girls – from all ethnic backgrounds.”
The conference also featured researchers from the University of Wisconsin-System who shared their research designs on recruiting hunters and testing the effects of social networking and new media technologies to promote hunting.
“The main goals of the conference were to build community around the issue of hunter recruitment and retention; to facilitate networking between organizations; and, to share best practices for hosting successful Learn to Hunt Programs,” DNR Deputy Conservation Warden Benjamin Mott said of the event he helped coordinate. “And another main goal was to make sure clubs understand how they can receive reimbursement for conducting Learn to Hunt Programs.”
The Learn to Hunt Program is designed to help inexperienced hunters, both youth and adults, have a high quality, safe, and rewarding first-time hunt under the guidance of qualified Hunter Education instructors and hunting mentors. Participants receive both classroom and field instruction prior to an actual hunt.
Frank said the DNR hopes to make the conference an annual event.
Article Source: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
Site: http://dnr.wi.gov/news/weekly.asp#art3
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Benjamin Mott, Deputy Conservation Warden, Madison: (608) 444-1244; Todd Schaller, Conservation Warden, Madison: (608) 267-2774
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Flip-flopping Doyle on Major DNR Issue
Here is an interesting article from the Wisconsin Rapids Tribune about how Governer James Doyle quickly changed his position as soon as he removed himself from the re-election running. Some would say that this isnt a surprise.
MADISON -- Question: When can an elected official ignore his constituency at no risk to his political career?
Answer: When he no longer is a candidate.
Thus, Gov. James Doyle -- a lame duck in political parlance -- has vetoed Assembly Bill 138, which removes authority to appoint the secretary of the Department of Natural Resources from the governor's office and returns it to the Natural Resources Board.
Doyle announced this past summer that he would not seek re-election, then proceeded to veto the bill, irritating supporters of the legislation who have fought for years to take DNR leadership and decision-making out of the political arena.
"This is a bill that has been sought by hunters, anglers, trappers and others interested in the outdoors for the last 14 years," wrote George Meyer, head of the Wisconsin Wildlife Federation, an umbrella group encompassing more than 120 outdoor-related citizen organizations throughout the state.
Even more frustrating to the bill's proponents is that Doyle switched sides on the issue, even using his early support for restoring Natural Resources' Board control to his political advantage.
"Remind the governor that he fought to change to a governor's appointed secretary in 1995 when he was attorney general," Meyer urged his constituency in an e-mail.
"Also remind him that when he ran for governor in 2002 and 2006, he ran for office indicating he wanted the Natural Resources Board to appoint the DNR secretary."
Meyer pointed out that 85 percent to 90 percent of those voting at the state's annual fish and game spring hearings favored Natural Resources Board control of the secretary position.
"The governor has repeatedly appeared before the Conservation Congress and many other groups indicating that he would sign the bill," Meyer added.
So why has Doyle backtracked?
Apparently the view from the governor's chair does not provide the same perspective as a seat outside that arc of power.
Doyle has said the DNR is better off under gubernatorial control and that returning the secretary a Natural Resources Board position "harms a strong environmental agenda."
Proponents of the bill contend that when DNR's key administrator serves at the discretion of the governor, that official is subject to being swayed by initiatives likely to keep the governor in office.
It's no secret that DNR personnel feel less secure commenting on fish and wildlife issues than they did in the past. Agency personnel worry about offending key legislators, causing the governor to lose political capital.
Prior to gubernatorial control, it was common for the DNR secretary to take the lead role in addressing legislative initiatives affecting the agency or the hunting and fishing public. Rarely is the secretary heard these days.
Before the position became a gubernatorial appointee, the DNR secretary typically had a strong background in the natural resource field.
Since becoming governor, Doyle has appointed two DNR secretaries with little training in natural resources. His first selection was from the publishing industry and the current choice was an administrator in the criminal justice system.
Now we have a huge brouhaha over the DNR's deer management policies, which resulted in a 2009 gun deer season buck kill that is the lowest in nearly 30 years.
Deer hunters are upset. Should some of their ire be directed at the governor? After all ... he's been in charge of the agency for the past eight years.
Author: By Jim Lee • Gannett Wisconsin Newspapers • January 17, 2010
Source: http://www.wisconsinrapidstribune.com/article/20100117/WRT0204/1170447/1835/WRT02
MADISON -- Question: When can an elected official ignore his constituency at no risk to his political career?
Answer: When he no longer is a candidate.
Thus, Gov. James Doyle -- a lame duck in political parlance -- has vetoed Assembly Bill 138, which removes authority to appoint the secretary of the Department of Natural Resources from the governor's office and returns it to the Natural Resources Board.
Doyle announced this past summer that he would not seek re-election, then proceeded to veto the bill, irritating supporters of the legislation who have fought for years to take DNR leadership and decision-making out of the political arena.
"This is a bill that has been sought by hunters, anglers, trappers and others interested in the outdoors for the last 14 years," wrote George Meyer, head of the Wisconsin Wildlife Federation, an umbrella group encompassing more than 120 outdoor-related citizen organizations throughout the state.
Even more frustrating to the bill's proponents is that Doyle switched sides on the issue, even using his early support for restoring Natural Resources' Board control to his political advantage.
"Remind the governor that he fought to change to a governor's appointed secretary in 1995 when he was attorney general," Meyer urged his constituency in an e-mail.
"Also remind him that when he ran for governor in 2002 and 2006, he ran for office indicating he wanted the Natural Resources Board to appoint the DNR secretary."
Meyer pointed out that 85 percent to 90 percent of those voting at the state's annual fish and game spring hearings favored Natural Resources Board control of the secretary position.
"The governor has repeatedly appeared before the Conservation Congress and many other groups indicating that he would sign the bill," Meyer added.
So why has Doyle backtracked?
Apparently the view from the governor's chair does not provide the same perspective as a seat outside that arc of power.
Doyle has said the DNR is better off under gubernatorial control and that returning the secretary a Natural Resources Board position "harms a strong environmental agenda."
Proponents of the bill contend that when DNR's key administrator serves at the discretion of the governor, that official is subject to being swayed by initiatives likely to keep the governor in office.
It's no secret that DNR personnel feel less secure commenting on fish and wildlife issues than they did in the past. Agency personnel worry about offending key legislators, causing the governor to lose political capital.
Prior to gubernatorial control, it was common for the DNR secretary to take the lead role in addressing legislative initiatives affecting the agency or the hunting and fishing public. Rarely is the secretary heard these days.
Before the position became a gubernatorial appointee, the DNR secretary typically had a strong background in the natural resource field.
Since becoming governor, Doyle has appointed two DNR secretaries with little training in natural resources. His first selection was from the publishing industry and the current choice was an administrator in the criminal justice system.
Now we have a huge brouhaha over the DNR's deer management policies, which resulted in a 2009 gun deer season buck kill that is the lowest in nearly 30 years.
Deer hunters are upset. Should some of their ire be directed at the governor? After all ... he's been in charge of the agency for the past eight years.
Author: By Jim Lee • Gannett Wisconsin Newspapers • January 17, 2010
Source: http://www.wisconsinrapidstribune.com/article/20100117/WRT0204/1170447/1835/WRT02
Thursday, January 7, 2010
DNR to Conduct Aerial Deer Herd Survey in CWD Zone
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.
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.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Getting The Whitetail Itch: Looking for Trail Cam Pictures and Videos
Getting the Whitetail Itch
Ben Halverson
I put out the camera the last few weeks and have been seeing a lot of fawns and does. I decided, its time to start posting these videos and hope that if you have any videos of your trail cams to send them in with a little story of where the video was taken. I dont know about you, but even the small bucks are giving me the itch to get out there and start bowhunting.
This video isnt the greatest video, nor is it the biggest buck, but its a start. Enjoy
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