DNR Secretary Matt Frank Testimony from December 17th Meeting

Here is the text of Wiscsonsin DNR Secretary Matt Frank's testimony from the December 17th Department of Natural resources meeting.

Source: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources website:

Text of DNR Secretary Matt Frank’s testimony to joint session of legislative committees considering proposed changes to deer management unit population goals

News Release Published: December 17, 2009 by the Central Office
Contact(s): Robert Manwell (608) 264-9248

MADISON – Department of Natural Resources Secretary Matt Frank appeared before a joint Senate and Assembly legislative committee today to testify on proposed revisions to Deer Management Unit population goals. Secretary Frank also presented the joint session with a brief summary of the current deer hunting seasons.

The following is the text of Secretary Frank’s testimony.

December 17, 2009

Assembly Fish & Wildlife Committee and Senate Transportation, Tourism, Forestry & Natural Resources Committee

Good morning Chairs Hraychuck and Holperin and members of the Committees. I’m pleased to be here today to share with you a brief snapshot of Wisconsin’s 158th deer hunt before we address the proposed deer management unit population goals for the next three years. The annual deer report is normally first delivered to the Natural Resources Board at its December meeting which this year was canceled due to a pretty good Wisconsin snowstorm. A copy of the report has been provided to the Board and has been provided to you as well.

I was out at deer registration stations on opening weekend and also got away a couple of days to hunt myself. Since the season closed we have heard from a lot of hunters who were frustrated with the hunt. We intend to be responsive to those concerns, but I would first like to make some general observations.

The Wisconsin hunting heritage is a powerful force in our state; for families, for hunters, our economy and our quality of life.

Consider these facts from the current season:

• The hunting tradition is strong and vibrant in Wisconsin. We have some of the best deer hunting opportunities in the nation. For the 2009 deer hunt season to date, we sold 638,040 gun licenses and 204,833 bow licenses. These figures are just slightly below the numbers for last season. While 94 percent of hunters were Wisconsin residents, hunters from all 50 states once gain came to hunt in Wisconsin this year.

• Overall, the 2009 nine-day gun hunt was the fourth safest on record with no fatalities. There were seven nonfatal incidents.

• More than 10,000 10- and 11-year tried out deer hunting on the state’s new mentored hunting licenses. I thank the Chairs, the members of these committees, and the legislature for passing the mentored hunting bill in this past year. Of the new youth, 20 percent were girls. There was not a single hunting incident involving these hunters.

• The October Youth hunt harvest increased by 50 percent to more than 6,000 deer on the youth hunt weekend.

• Wisconsin annually ranks nationally in the top five states in the number of deer hunting licenses sold. And we are in the top three in total expenditures for hunting. Deer hunting is a $1 billion driver of our state economy.

We are one of the top three states in the nation for Boone and Crockett trophy whitetails, including a new state record buck taken by bow and arrow this fall.

While our hunting tradition is something we are both proud of and thankful for, of all the work done by the DNR, there is probably no subject that generates more controversy or criticism than deer herd management. That was true 50 years ago when the old Conservation Department was in charge, and it will probably be true 50 years from today. People are passionate about their opinions. Our challenge is to have a good system in place for public input, and to make the best science based decisions we can on how we manage the herd.

As we do so, good dose of humility is always in order. White-tail deer have lived on Wisconsin’s vast and varied landscape for thousands of years, long before any immigrants arrived. Understanding deer and how they interact with their ecosystem is a significant challenge. The ecosystem is constantly changing, and our understanding of the system is always evolving. For example, one of the areas we are focused on is the impact of natural predators in the ecosystem -- wolves, bears and coyotes. We are taking steps to improve the S-A-K population estimate model. And, we are laying the groundwork to do significant research on the impact of deer browse on forest regeneration.

Our 2009 pre-season forecast anticipated a lower harvest primarily due to an expected reduction in antlerless harvest. This reduction was a response to population declines in the last two years which were a result of herd reductions efforts as well as below average fawn production. Statewide preliminary registration figures indicate the harvest during the nine-day gun season was down 29 percent from 2008 to 196,098. This includes 86,708 antlered bucks -- a 12 percent decrease -- and 109,390 antlerless deer – a 39 percent decrease from 2008.

We know that the herd is smaller in some regions of the state which is why we took action to reduce the harvest in those areas. During this season, 13 deer management units had no bonus antlerless permits. 38 units were moved out herd control to regular season, and 29 units were moved out of earn-a-buck, all contributing to a decline in antlerless harvest. In all, the number of regular units increased from 21 in 2008 to 59 in 2009.

Following the 2008 season, hunters told us they told us they wanted fewer antlerless deer harvested. As a result, we greatly reduced the number of antlerless permits available and antlerless harvest went down accordingly. In 2009 there were 78 units (of 132 statewide) where we reduced antlerless deer hunting opportunity. This reduction in permits contributed to the decline in gun deer harvest.

In some areas of the state the deer population is below goal, and our efforts are focused on increasing the population. In other parts of the state, we are still above goal. For example, in the CWD zone in the southern part of the state, over-population has been a contributing factor to the increased prevalence of CWD in the deer herd, increasing the risk of spread of this disease.

Overall, fewer deer on the landscape equals fewer deer seen and fewer harvested. We must continue to manage toward a sustainable, healthy deer population.

Wisconsin’s experience in 2009 is not unique. Our neighboring Great Lakes states and provinces also experienced harvest declines. Deer harvest is down 12 percent in Minnesota, 10-20 percent in Michigan, 20-30 percent in the UP, and 24 percent in Quebec.

Over the next few months, our staff will look carefully at the data hunters provided us on their registration stubs – data that is the foundation of our science-based management -- to determine where we now stand with respect to the size of the deer population. We know the state’s herd varies by region and careful analysis is needed before we move ahead with future season recommendations.

We also will continue to seek input from the public on deer management objectives and policy. In addition to advisory groups, public meetings and hearings, hunters can now give us feedback through a modified deer registration stub and an online database where hunters can record field observations of weather conditions, hours hunted and number of deer seen.

Deer Management Units and Population Goals

This brings us to deer population goals and Deer Management Unit boundaries. The department remains committed to supporting Wisconsin’s hunting traditions and managing for a healthy, sustainable and ecologically balanced deer population. In the early part of this decade, the deer population reached unsustainable levels in much of the state. It’s the department’s job to bring populations down to the population goals approved through an extensive public process with ultimate review by the legislature. It is also our job to use deer management tools to raise the deer population in regions where it is below goal.

The criteria we must follow to determine deer population goals come from laws passed by the legislature. These laws require the Department to manage the deer population for conservation of ecosystems and for future generations’ use and enjoyment. They require the Department to keep agricultural and forestry damage to tolerable levels. Our administrative code further emphasizes the balance that deer goals must strike: NR 1.15 directs that the “department shall seek to maintain a deer herd in balance with its range and at deer population goals reasonably compatible with social, economic and ecosystem objectives for each deer management unit.”

Unit boundaries and population goals are reviewed at approximately three year intervals. In 2005, this committee reviewed and approved the goals that are now in place. Today you are reviewing Natural Resources Board changes approved in October that will guide our herd management decisions for the next three years. As we have done before, we once again welcome input from your committees before these goals are finalized.

The changes before you were developed with extensive public involvement. Beginning in January 2009, a large stakeholder group made up of representatives of hunting groups, landowners, foresters, farmers and ecologists convened to lead this goal review. I would like to extend our gratitude to these hard working volunteers who take deer management very seriously.

The process for this goal review included the stakeholder panel, 40 public meetings to gather input, several web based surveys, eight public hearings across the state to review this rule, as well as Natural Resource Board review and approval.

There are many factors to consider when establishing deer goals -- preserving Wisconsin’s great deer hunting tradition for future generations, forest impacts, agricultural impacts, public safety as measured by car-deer collisions, preventing animal disease transmission, and others.

Wisconsin’s 16 million acres of forest land support great deer habitat as well other important economic and environmental values. When the deer population is too high the regeneration of our forests is put at risk, threatening deer habitat and future deer hunting opportunities as well as our forestry based economy. Wisconsin’s paper and wood products industry is #1 in the country. Our forests are a tremendous natural resource that provide the foundation for 68,000 family-supporting jobs. Forestry related companies are the #1 employer in 23 Wisconsin counties.

Deer also impact another vitally important sector of Wisconsin’s economy, agriculture. The year 2000 was a peak year in Wisconsin’s deer hunt -- over 615,000 deer were harvested. As we have moved closer to deer population goals over the last few years, agriculture impacts have been reduced. In 2000, over 15,000 acres were damaged by deer and 339,000 bushels of corn lost, as well as 71,000 bushels of soybeans lost. By comparison, in 2008, a little over 8,000 acres were damaged by deer, 172,000 bushels of corn lost, and 30,000 bushels of soybeans lost.

Public safety is another factor that the Department must consider in setting deer population goals. While most Wisconsin citizens expect that car-deer collisions are a part of living in Wisconsin, they expect the DNR to keep these collisions in an acceptable range. As we have moved closer to deer population goals over the past decade, the number of deer caused collisions have declined. DNR numbers for deer carcass removals from our highways declined from 48,000 in 2003 to 28,000 in 2008. The number of car-deer collisions reported by police to DOT declined from over 20,000 in 2000, to just over 15,800 in 2008.

These numbers are not just statistics. Ten people died on our highways last year from car-deer collisions. In the 1990s, the trend was better, with fatalities from car-deer crashed averaging just over 5 per year, compared with 10 per year since 2000.

Disease management also remains a key concern. Chronic Wasting Disease poses a serious threat to a healthy, sustainable deer herd and our hunting heritage. Population goals inside and outside the CWD zone need to reflect our strongest efforts to slow disease spread.

Balancing all of these goals is a challenging task. Our responsibility is to establish goals that will sustain our great hunting heritage, result in a healthy deer population that is sustainable on our landscape, and consider the impacts deer have on all facets of life in Wisconsin. The rule before you today follows the recommendations of the stakeholder group, with extensive public input. These rules represent our best efforts to strike an acceptable balance that will ensure ecosystem conservation and sustain our hunting heritage for generations to come.

Thank you for the opportunity to be here today. We look forward to answering any questions you may have.

You can also find the text at:
http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/news/BreakingNews_Lookup.asp?id=1533

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/

Political push for a new DNR Wildlife Management Team?

Two years of poor hunting seasons and a growing number of concerns for the deer herd has brought on a request for change in the DNR Wildlife Management team.  This request however is not coming from local hunters, its coming from state representative Russ Decker(D).
According to the WEAU news release "Democratic Senator Russ Decker says the DNR has mismanaged the deer herd and a new team needs to be brought in to do the job. Decker is calling on the Secretary of the DNR Matt Frank to make the replacement and if he doesn't the DNR board should.

DNR Conservation Warden Michael Young says warm weather, corn and wet conditions were responsible for a disappointing deer season. Decker adds the DNR is a master of excuses and hunters are sick of them.

He believes they need a management team that knows what they are doing and will listen to hunters."

Hunters across the state are reporting poor hunts, lack of deer, and confusion on the need of more seasons.  Many questions still need to be addressed by the DNR in the next few months but hunters are going to want to know the following for sure: What is the DNR doing to determine actual whitetail deer herd counts in Wisconsin?  If the deer herd is determined to be down, why are increasing hunting seasons?

Sited Source: http://www.weau.com/home/headlines/78471632.html

Hunters register 195,647 deer in November hunt

MADISON – A survey of Wisconsin deer registration stations conducted by the state Department of Natural Resources has yielded a preliminary tally of 195,647 for the just-ended, nine-day November gun deer hunt. This includes a buck tally of 86,251 and an antlerless tally of 109,396.
This number is preliminary and is expected change before a final report is published in late winter. It does not include harvest information from the archery, October antlerless gun deer hunt, muzzleloader, December antlerless deer gun hunt or late archery seasons. The preliminary harvest count in 2008 was 276,895.
“Deer populations are variable throughout the state,” said Keith Warnke, DNR’s big game biologist, “and we believe people when they say they did not see deer in their hunting area. We have also received reports from successful camps. As always, local populations make all the difference.
“Wildlife management and especially deer management is a process of continual adjustment. In response to hunter input we adjusted seasons this year to reflect lower populations across the north and central forests and suspended EAB in many areas.”
DNR wildlife officials anticipated the total harvest would be down due to changes in season structure that significantly reduced the antlerless deer harvest, lower fawn production and tough weather conditions for deer and hunters alike. In some northeastern units it was not possible to shoot an antlerless deer and in other northern region units the small supply of bonus antlerless deer tags did not meet demand. Careful adjustment of antlerless tag numbers is an important tool in managing deer numbers.

“There are still days to hunt in 2009 in herd control units where deer are above goal and in CWD units. The muzzleloader hunt is underway and the December antlerless hunt is around the corner.”
In February, DNR biologists will compare unit-level harvest numbers against overwinter population estimates and will adjust the recommended season structure for 2010 to address any significant trends.
“A pillar of Wisconsin deer management is the accurate harvest figures provided by hunters,” said DNR wildlife biologist Jeff Pritzl. “Periods of stable deer populations have always been relatively short-lived in Wisconsin. Mandatory deer registration allows us to respond quickly to changing population levels. We have annually adapted our harvest strategies, and will continue to do so in consideration of what the 2009 harvest tells us about the deer population.”
“This year, in response to hunter input, we moved 29 units from earn-a-buck to herd control status and 38 units from herd control to regular unit status. The total number of regular units grew from 21 in 2008 to 59 this year.” said Warnke. “The result was inevitably less antlerless opportunity and lower antlerless harvest numbers.”
A table of county by county (pdf; 39kb) harvest broken down by DNR region, with a comparison to the 2008 preliminary harvest is available on the DNR Web site.
Young hunters prove themselves safe and responsible

“What is really exciting, is the 9,907 mentored hunting licenses purchased by 10- and 11-year olds,” said Diane Brookbank, chief of DNR’s licensing and customer service unit. “These are the future hunters and conservationists that will step into the woods in place of the hunting ‘retirees’ as our population ages.”

Wardens reported no firearm incidents among these young hunters.

Hunt fourth safest in history

DNR hunter education administrator and conservation warden Tim Lawhern said there were seven hunting incidents during the nine-day gun hunt. A possible eighth incident remains under investigation.
"Our hearts go out to the families whose loved ones suffered injury during the hunting season,” said Lawhern. “Our goal is to eliminate all injury and loss of life while hunting. Every incident is investigated to learn what happened so we can work to prevent such incidents in the future.”

Self-inflicted gunshot injuries accounted for 57 percent (4 of 7) of this season’s incidents. Deer drives contributed to 25 percent of all incidents. Both categories and all firearm related incidents can be attributed to failure to observe one of the basic rules of firearm safety according to Lawhern.

Still, noted Lawhern, hunting remains a safe sport and has gotten safer over time as more and more hunters are graduates of hunter safety education courses. This is especially true in Wisconsin where the incident rate for hunters is well below the national average. The incident rate for 2009 in Wisconsin was 1.11 incidents per 100,000 hunters – the national average is 3 per 100,000.

“This was the fourth safest season ever and the fourth time in history that we’ve had a gun deer season with less than 10 incidents,” said Lawhern, “Nonetheless, our goal is zero incidents.”

More than 638,000 gun deer licenses sold

DNR’s automated License Issuance System, known as ALIS, peaked at 200 transactions per minute at 5:30 p.m. on the Friday before gun season. The 638,040 gun licenses sold through the end of the season on Nov 29 represent a near identical number of hunters as in 2008 when 642,419 hunters hit the woods.

•Nearly one in five hunters age 15 and younger is female and women bought 8.6 percent of all gun licenses sold
•All 50 states are represented in license sales with the highest number of nonresident hunters coming from Minnesota, Illinois and Michigan.
•The most licenses were sold in Dane County.
•All ages participate with over 54,000 hunters age 65 and older buying licenses.

Source: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
http://dnr.wi.gov/news/BreakingNews_Lookup.asp?id=1511
News Release Published: December 1, 2009 by the Central Office
Contact(s): Keith Warnke (608) 264-6023

Late Season Deer Hunting Tactics

Hunt the Early Season Stands - Many deer hunters during the regular season the first few days or weekends of the season and then bag their deer or run out of time. These hunting spots have been untouched for a period of time and the smartest of deer will know this. Areas you know that haven’t been hunted or have received little disturbance since early to mid season are great spots to check back into as these spot may seem obvious but rarely get hunted from the early season on.


Let the Moon be Your Guide - Even though there is a lot of talk about this during the early season, late season hunting will require you pay even more attention to the moon phases. Deer naturally become more nocturnal during the winter in part because of the energy benefits they receive by resting during the day when it’s a bit warmer and moving around to feed at night when the temperature is at its coldest. Pay special attention to the nights where there is less moonlight and nights with heavy cloud cover, deer will be making the move in the mornings to get back to bedding areas in the morning. Remember that during the late season, deer will require less food so bites to eat will become quicker and less frequent.

Hunting the Weather Fronts – Cold weather and cold fronts will push deer to look for food or a bedding area. Cold weather requires high energy consumption so watch for cold fronts coming through and either get out in front of it or grab that chilly morning to sit. Mature bucks may try to ride out the cold front but even mature bucks will need to replenish the energy they are spending to staying warm so consecutive nights of chilly weather will make the mornings a great time to catch that big guy looking for a quick bite to eat.

Deer Pattern You – Like I stated above, stands, or areas that you or others hunted in your area, get away from them and hunt the areas that have not seen pressure. Deer pattern people as much or more than people pattern deer. Find un-hunted travel corridors as well as wooded creeks and swamps that deer love. Mature bucks may walk across a property without being spotted, even if it means going across a wide open field where he knows you are not. Consider hunting untraditional areas at untraditional times, especially during a full moon. During a full moon, deer move more during mid-day, and if you are in the travel line less traveled, you may just get that big guy to walk right on by.

Post Rut Bucks - Although early winter creates harsh conditions with low temperatures, rain and snow, it is one of the few times during the year when bucks carrying trophy racks may be seen together. Because the rut is over the bucks are no longer antagonistic toward each other, and they often begin to reform the bachelor groups they were in before the rut. They are also in search of high quality foods, in order to gain back the weight they lost during the rut. This combination of factors provides late season hunters the opportunity to see several bucks, including some that are trophy class, together on a regular basis.

2009 Wisconsin Opening Weekend of Nine-Day Gun Deer Season Harvest

Below are the statewide deer harvest totals from the Wisconsin Whitetail Deer Hunting Opening Weekend. 
STATEWIDE TOTALS


2009

• BUCKS - 49583
• ANTLERLESS - 50478
  2009 TOTAL - 100330

2008

• BUCKS - 52477
• ANTLERLESS - 81351
  2008 TOTAL - 133828

2008 vs. 2009 - % Difference 2008 vs. 2009

• BUCKS -  (-5.5148)
• ANTLERLESS - (-37.95036324)
  2008 vs. 2009 TOTAL - (-25.03063634)

Source: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
To see a county by county breakdown go to http://dnr.wi.gov/org/caer/ce/news/pdf/open_weekend_09.pdf

DNR Board Sets December Agenda

December 8 & 9 , 2009 Natural Resources Board Agenda

For meeting at:

Room G09, State Natural Resources Building (GEF 2)

101 South Webster Street

Madison, Wisconsin

 

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Natural Resources Board will convene at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, December 8, 2009, in Room G09, State Natural Resources Building (GEF 2), Madison, Wisconsin. The Board will act on items 1-3 as listed on the Agenda.

 

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that the Natural Resources Board will convene at 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday, December 9, 2009, in Room G09, State Natural Resources Building (GEF 2), Madison, Wisconsin. The Board will act on items 1-7 as listed on the Agenda.

 

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that matters concerning natural resource issues or the Department's program responsibilities or operations specified in the Wisconsin Statutes, which arise after publication of this agenda may be added to the agenda and publicly noticed no less than two hours before the scheduled board meeting, if the Board Chair determines that the matter is urgent.

 

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Order of Business

1.Organizational Matters
    A.Calling the roll
    B.Approval of agenda for December 8 & 9, 2009

2.Information Items
    A.Air, Waste and Water//Enforcement
    None

    B.Land Management, Recreation, and Fisheries/Wildlife

1. Report and preliminary results of the 2009 firearm deer season (Tom Hauge, Keith Warnke, Randy Stark, and Diane Brookbank, 60 minutes)

3.Action Items
    A.Air, Waste and Water//Enforcement
    None

    B.Land Management, Recreation, and Fisheries/Wildlife

1. Request Adoption of Board Order WM-20-09, related to establishment of the deer hunting season frameworks (Keith Warnke, 60 minutes)

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Order of Business

1.Organizational Matters
    A.Calling the roll
    B.Approval of minutes from October 21, 2009
    C.Approval of minutes from November 13, 2009

2.Ratification of Acts of the Department Secretary
    A.Real Estate Transactions

3.Action Items
    A.Air, Waste and Water//Enforcement

1. Request Authorization for Public Hearing on Board Order WT-15-09, Watershed Management’s Housekeeping Rule Revisions to chs. 102, 103, 105, 106, 108, 110, 114, 200, 203, 205, 210, 241, 299, 328, and 341 (Tom Mugan, 10 minutes)

    B.Land Management, Recreation, and Fisheries/Wildlife

1. Request Adoption of Board Order FH-23-09, to revise Ch. NR 25 relating to the total allowable commercial harvest of whitefish in Lake Michigan (William Horns, 15 minutes
2. Request Adoption of Board Order LF-08-09, to revise NR 52 relating to the Public Use of Lands Acquired under the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program (Pat Henderson and Doug Haag, 20 minutes)
3. Land Acquisition - Statewide Natural Areas - Oneida & Vilas Counties (Richard Steffes, 5 minutes)
4. Land Acquisition and Donation - Baraboo Hills Recreation Area - Sauk County (Richard Steffes, 5 minutes)
5. Land Acquisition - White River Fishery Area - Waushara County (Richard Steffes, 5 minutes)
6. Land Acquisition & Project Boundary Modification - Hartman Creek State Park - Portage County (Richard Steffes, 5 minutes)
7. Land Acquisition & Project Boundary Modification - Brunet Island State Park - Chippewa County (Richard Steffes, 5 minutes) Deleted
8. Land Acquisition - Wildcat Mountain State Park - Vernon County (Richard Steffes, 5 minutes)
9. Land Donation - Statewide Wildlife Habitat Area - Pierce County (Richard Steffes, 5 minutes)
10. Land Donation - Paul Olson Wildlife Area - Wood County (Richard Steffes, 5 minutes)
11. Land Donation – Statewide Natural Area - Door County (Richard Steffes, 5 minutes)
12. Land Donation - C.D. Besadny Fish & Wildlife Area - Kewaunee County (Richard Steffes, 5 minutes)
13. Land Donation & Project Boundary Modification - Green Bay West Shores Wildlife Area - Oconto County (Richard Steffes, 5 minutes)
14. Easement Donation - Statewide Natural Areas - Marquette County (Richard Steffes, 5 minutes)

4.Citizen Participation
   A.Citizen Recognition

1. Rebecca Wallace Award

   B.Citizen Participation
   None

 

5.Board Members' Matters
    A.Approval of 2010 Meeting Locations

6.Special Committee Reports
   None

 

7.Department Secretary's Matters
   A.Retirement Resolutions

1. Steven J. Thomas
2. Gregory J. Pittz
3. Ronald W. Becker
4. Linda L. Netzer

    B.Donations

1. The Friends of Kohler-Andrae State Park, Inc. will donate a Kubota Utility Vehicle at a value of $13,000 to Kohler-Andrae State Park
2. Whitetails Unlimited Inc. will donate $5,615.17 to Upper Chippewa Area Wildlife Management for habitat work

8.Information Items
    A.Air, Waste, and Water/Enforcement

1. Update on Ballast Water Permitting (Russ Rasmussen, 20 minutes)

    B.Land Management, Recreation, and Fisheries/Wildlife
    None

 

Printable version of the December 8 & 9, 2009 Natural Resources Board Agenda (PDF)

 

Natural Resources Board Contact:
Laurie Ross, Natural Resources Board Liaison
Phone: 608.267.7420
Email: Laurie.Ross@wisconsin.gov

 

Public Participation Information
Public Participation at Natural Resources Board Meetings

Source: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resource
See website for updates at: http://dnr.wi.gov/org/nrboard/2009/December/12-09-NRB-Agenda.htm

Hunters register 100,330 deer opening weekend of 2009 season

MADISON – Warm temperatures and heavy fog in many areas greeted hunters on the opening weekend of Wisconsin’s 158th gun deer hunt. Hunters participating in the traditional November 9-day gun deer hunt registered a preliminary tally of 100,330 deer over the first two days of the hunt.

The 2009 preliminary count compares to a similar opening weekend count of 133,828 from 2008. Buck harvest statewide in 2009 was 49,583 (52,477 in 2008) and antlerless harvest was 50,478 (81,351 in 2008)

“We want to remind folks that these preliminary numbers come from a staff call-around to deer registrations stations this morning,” said Tom Hauge DNR’s wildlife management director. “The final opening weekend tally will likely be somewhat larger, when all the registration stubs are entered into the data base over the next couple of months.”

A breakdown of the harvest by DNR Region and county is available in portable document format.

This fall, wildlife staff indicated that they expected lower total harvest numbers - especially antlerless deer harvest numbers - due to several factors including lower deer numbers in many areas of the state, fewer herd control units and no earn-a-buck units outside of the chronic wasting disease management zone.

“There was pretty dense fog until 10-11:00 a.m. opening morning,” reported Kris Belling DNR West Central Region wildlife expert. “The fog coupled with wet conditions, made it hard to hear anything coming and definitely impacted the morning hunt. Hunters I talked to (in West Central Region) enjoyed the mild temperatures and it was comfortable enough for them to stay out hunting, and that seems to have offset the original difficulties due to the fog. Overall, it was just a nice week-end to be out. Lots of interest in getting the deer butchered quickly.”

However, the weather improved later in the day.

“Many folks take this week off leading up to the Thanksgiving holiday and given the slower start to the season, there should continue to be good opportunity out there in many areas. There is still a lot of hunting left,” said Keith Warnke, DNR big game ecologist.

As of early Monday afternoon, 571 “opening weekend” hunting trip reports have been recorded on the department’s new online reporting database. Hunters reported seeing 796 total deer on those trips which translates to an average of 1.39 deer per trip. These numbers will also likely change as trip reports were still coming in at a rapid pace. Hunters wish to report their hunting experiences can do so from the DNR website.

Enthusiasm for hunting remains high

DNR Secretary Matt Frank visited several registration stations along the I-39, Saturday morning.

“At the stations I visited it was really gratifying seeing our next generation of hunters taking their place,” said Frank. “I especially enjoyed the chance to visit with the youngsters who brought in their first deer. Congratulations to all hunters for keeping our heritage strong. I wish them all success and an enjoyable and safe hunting experience during the remainder of the seasons.

The department’s license sales office reported 626,404 hunters hit the woods with a license to participate in the 2009 nine-day gun deer season. The number of gun hunting licenses included a new category this year, 9,592 10- and 11-year-old hunters who for the first time were able to participate as mentored hunters under Wisconsin’s new Mentored Hunting Law.

Deer license and tag sales will continue through the hunting seasons.

The long custom of buying a license on the way to deer camp is also intact. Over 43 percent – nearly half - of all deer hunters purchased a license in the eight days preceding the gun deer opener; 82,463 licenses were sold on Friday. At peak, which occurred at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, the DNR’s online licensing system – known as ALIS – was processing 212 transactions per minute.

Nearly 270,000 licenses were issued in the eight days preceding the season opener.

Of the hunters hitting the woods on Saturday:

• 592,287 (95 percent) were residents and 34,117 were nonresidents;
• More than 79,000 youth hunters under 18 years old participated in this year’s hunt, representing 13 percent of the total number of deer hunters;
• More than 54,000 hunters were age 65 or older, and over 191,000 (31 percent) are under 30-years-old;
• Females represent 8.5 percent of the total hunters, and 20 percent of new 10- and 11-year-old hunters;
• Hunters throughout the U.S. and several foreign countries purchased a Wisconsin gun deer license. The highest number of nonresident hunters came from Minnesota (16,413), Illinois (8,568), Michigan (1,078), and Florida (898);
• The most deer licenses were sold in Dane County (29,024), with Brown, Washington, Marathon and
• Waukesha counties following;
• More than 170,000 antlerless deer tags have been sold this year

Wisconsin Conservation Congress delegates also shared their experiences over the weekend.

Scott McCauley, Conservation Congress delegate from Wood County was hunting in Waupaca County and noted that for his party opening day was off to a promising start.

“Last year we had our best season ever taking nine deer. This year is looking even better with five people taking three deer and the season is just starting,” said McCauley.

Mike Riggle, Conservation Congress delegate from Taylor County called in, “Seven in camp now, including 11-year-old Austin Riggle hunting for his first time as a mentored hunter. Austin didn’t see anything but enjoyed being in camp and will be out again having a good time.”

Injury report

There were no confirmed fatal shooting incidents recorded during the first two days of the hunt but there were five non-fatal firearms-related incidents, reports DNR Hunter Education Administrator Tim Lawhern.

“We are grateful these five incidents were not fatal and wish a speedy recovery to the victims, but the fact remains that all five could have been prevented if strict firearm safety rules had been observed by the shooters and by the victims who wounded themselves.”

Three woundings occurred on Saturday. In Grant County a hunters was struck in the back of the leg by shrapnel when a hunting companion’s gun discharged into the door of a vehicle as he attempted to unload the gun.

In Price County, a hunter suffered a self-inflicted wound in the left hand from a handgun, and in Green County a hunter sustained a gunshot wound to his leg when he slipped crossing a stream on a log and his shotgun discharged

On Sunday a Barron County hunter was wounded in the thigh by a bullet, and in St Croix County a hunter sustained a self-inflicted gunshot would to the right hand from a .30-30 caliber rifle.

Hunter Safety Administrator Tim Lawhern noted that historically about half of Wisconsin’s shooting incidents happen during deer drives, usually because someone wasn’t where they were supposed to be or someone shot at a deer when they did not have a safe backstop or in a direction they should not have been shooting. “It is really important that hunting parties wanting to drive deer have a plan and that they follow that plan to the letter. Knowing where your hunting mates are and where safe shooting lanes are is critical,” he said.

Statistically, about half the hunting incidents happen during opening weekend. “I am hoping we buck that statistic and can avoid further incidents this year,” Lawhern said. “Compared to the ‘good ole’ days,’ hunting is safe and getting safer. In 1915, of the state’s 155,000 hunters then, 24 were killed and 26 were injured. That meant 1 in about 3,100 hunters could expect to be killed or injured. Today it’s 1 in 100,000 or better. Still any shooting incident is one too many. Hunters need to remember the shooting TAB-K safety rules and be careful with deer drives later this week,” he said.

 

Article Source: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resource

Article Site: http://dnr.wi.gov/news/BreakingNews_Lookup.asp?id=1505

TV and radio host Dan Small greets hunters and offers a season outlook

MADISON – Television and radio host Dan Small of Outdoor Wisconsin and Outdoors Radio has teamed up with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources to give hunters a heads-up on important deer season information and the latest season forecast as opening day approaches.

The opening greeting to hunters and the five regional forecasts are available for viewing on the DNR Web site.

“On the eve of Wisconsin’s 158th deer hunt I want to wish hunters, their families and friends my best wishes for a safe and enjoyable season,” said DNR Secretary Matt Frank. “The traditions and the meaning of the season are as varied as the individuals and families holding them. Deer season is something special in Wisconsin.”

The DNR information line 1-888-DNR INFo (936-7463) is staffed 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week for last minute questions. The 2009 Wisconsin Deer Hunting Regulations also are available online for hunters. Wildlife and law enforcement officials at the DNR encourage hunters to check the regulations for the unit they hunt to be sure they understand the rules and have the correct tags.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Keith Warnke (608) 264-6023 or Robert Manwell (608) 264-9248
Source: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resource

Remembering the Hunters and the Tragedy

We all remember the hunters from Northern Wisconsin that lost their lives in a senseless act by another hunter. I will not go into race, I will not go into why it happened as we all either know the story or have heard about the story. All that I ask is that we remember and learn from this tragedy.

Please, this year, be safe, don’t trespass and if you find yourself in an unknown area, be respectful and find your way back out or get help. If you find a trespasser, be courteous, this hunter may not know they are in the wrong spot or on the wrong land. Hunters are hunters regardless of race, color, religion or whatever difference we have. Hunting is a sport that should not have tragedy associated with it.

Good luck this weekend, and be safe. I will post all the pictures and stories I get from you.

2009 gun deer hunt on the doorstep

MADISON – Hunters anxiously waiting for opening morning of the 2009 gun deer hunt won’t have to sit still much longer with the Nov. 21 opener just days away.

“Deer hunting is part of the bedrock of our traditions in Wisconsin and I’d like to wish hunters and their families the best of luck for a safe and successful hunt,” said Department of Natural
Resources Secretary Matt Frank.

Last minute reminders

Every deer season is a little different and 2009 is no exception. DNR wildlife managers and conservation wardens wish to remind hunters of some important changes for this year’s hunt.

• Most of the north and central forest region deer management units are designated as Regular Deer Management Units in 2009. Consequently, the free antlerless tags valid in Herd Control Units are not valid in these regular units. Hunters wishing to harvest an antlerless deer in these units must purchase a unit-specific antlerless deer carcass tag ($12 for residents, $20 for nonresidents).
  
• Unit-specific antlerless deer carcass tags are limited in number. There are no antlerless tags available in 13 northeastern Wisconsin units and some units with low numbers of tags have already sold out. Check the regulations and be sure you know the rules for your unit and have the right tags.
  
• The free antlerless deer carcass tag that comes with a gun deer license is good only in herd control units.
  
• Only CWD Management Zone units will have earn-a-buck in 2009.
  
• The venison pantry program is celebrating its 10th anniversary – a list of participating processors is available on the Deer Donation page of the DNR Web site. This program – made possible by hunters - has had a tremendous positive impact on thousands of families.
  More information on deer hunting in Wisconsin is available on the DNR Web site.
  

Safety
Safety should always be the number one priority as hunters head to the woods. Research shows that every firearms-related incident is a violation of one or more of the four basic rules of firearm safety.

“All four are common sense and should be part of every hunting activity you do,” said conservation warden and Hunter Education Administrator, Tim Lawhern, who is also president of the International Hunter Education Association.

• Treat every firearm as if it is loaded
• Always point the muzzle in a safe direction
• Be sure of your target and what is beyond it
• Keep your finger out of the trigger guard until you are ready to shoot

Youth Hunting
Remember when you were a kid, when your dad or mom or an uncle took you to deer camp or out on opening morning for the first time?

Think about sharing that experience and the wonder of the hunt with a youngster. Wisconsin’s new Mentored Hunting Law makes it possible for hunters as young as 10 years to hunt with a mentor.

The mentored hunter does not have to complete Hunter Safety Education to hunt under this program. The mentor does have to be a licensed hunter. There can be only one firearm between the mentor and mentored hunter, and they must remain within arm’s length of each other.

These common sense requirements make this the safest and best young-hunter program in the country. Mentored Hunting Law details are available on the DNR Web site.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Keith Warnke - (608) 264-6023 or Bob Manwell - (608) 2649248

Source: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

Spanish and Hmong translations of hunting regulations available

MADISON – Wisconsin’s 2009 Deer Hunting Regulations are now available in Spanish [pdf; 2.7MB] Hmong [pdf; 2.6MB] languages on the hunting and trapping regulations page of the Department of Natural Resources Web site. The 2009 Small Game Hunting Regulations, including the Fall 2009 and Spring 2010 Turkey Regulations, are also available online in Spanish [pdf; 1.1MB] and Hmong [pdf; 1MB] on the DNR Web site.

The regualtion pamphlets are available in hard copy at license sales locations and DNR Service Centers.

Spanish and Hmong speaking customer service representatives also are available to answer questions on the DNR Information Line 1-888-WDNR –INFo (936-7463).

“Extending information sources and availability to Wisconsin’s Hispanic and Hmong communities in a variety of convenient formats is an important goal for our customer service and licensing team,” said Vance Rayburn, DNR’s administrator of customer services, licensing and information services. “Our Spanish and Hmong speaking customers have told us they greatly appreciate having their questions answered in their native language.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Laurel Steffes - (608) 266-8109 or Bob Manwell - (608) 264-9248
Source: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
http://dnr.wi.gov/news/DNRNews_Lookup.asp?id=194#art3

Trail Cam Videos: Whitetails and Bears

From whitetail bucks to big ol bears, the northland trail cam is starting to pick up some great video clips.

One of my trailcams that is positioned in Cameron Wisconsin had some intersting videos this week. Bigger whitetail bucks are starting to move as I figured they would with the rut starting to pick-up. What a big suprise to see the bear crawling across the trail. Enjoy.

Wisconsin Deer Baiting and Wildlife Feeding Regulations

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resource WM-456-2008

I have been in some serious discussions with hunters in the past two - three years about what is the rule, what is right, and what is wrong with baiting whitetail deer. I have almost done a 360 about ten times and even though I have opinions on what is wrong, it only matters that I follow the restrictions that the Wisconsin DNR provided me. I have included it below to help my fellow hunters get the information they are debating over. Until the rules change, these are what we should and are supposed to follow.


Counties where baiting and feeding IS prohibited (shaded counties):
Remainder of the state – where baiting and feeding deer is NOT prohibited (non-shaded counties):

Baiting Wild Animals - For hunting purposes is prohibited.
No person may place, use or hunt over bait or feed material for the purpose of hunting any wild animals (except deer as provided below and for bear, see Wisconsin Bear Hunting Regulations) unless authorized by a special permit or license issued by the department.

Scents: Scent may be used for hunting deer or other wild animals, but the scent may not be placed or deposited in a manner that it is accessible for consumption by deer, and scents shall be removed daily at the end of hunting hours established for deer. However, two ounces or less of scent may be placed, used or deposited in any manner for hunting game and does not need to be removed daily at the end of hunting hours.

Natural Vegetation and Plantings: You may hunt with the aid of material deposited by natural vegetation or material found solely as a result of normal agricultural or gardening practices, or with the aid of crops planted and left standing as wildlife food plots.

Feeding Wild Animals - For Non-Hunting Purposes is Prohibited.
No person may place, deposit or allow the placement of any material to feed or attract wild animals for non-hunting purposes including recreational and supplemental feeding, except as allowed below for birds and small mammals.

Feeding Birds and Small Mammals: Material may be placed solely for the purpose of attracting and feeding wild birds and small mammals if:

• Placed in bird feeding devices and structures at a sufficient height or design to prevent access by deer, and
• The structures and devices are within 50 yards of a dwelling devoted to human occupancy.
• When deer, bear or elk are found to be utilizing bird feeding devices or structures, the devices or structures shall be enclosed or elevated higher to prevent access by deer.
Note: The placement of plain water for drinking or for birdbaths is allowed.

Feeding Animals by Hand: Feeding of wild animals, other than deer, elk or bear, by hand is not encouraged, but is allowed if:
• Feed is placed not more than 30 feet away from the person feeding.
• The person feeding cleans up the unconsumed feed before moving a distance greater than 30 feet from the deposited feed.

Natural Vegetation and Plantings: Feed that is deposited by natural vegetation or found solely as a result of normal agricultural or gardening practices, as well as standing crops planted and left standing as wildlife food plots that may be used by wild animals, is not considered feeding for the purposes of these regulations and is allowed statewide.

Baiting Wild Animals - For hunting purposes is prohibited. No person may place, use or hunt over bait or feed material for the purpose of hunting any wild animals (except deer as provided below and for bear, see Wisconsin Bear Hunting Regulations) unless authorized by a special permit or license issued by the department.

Scents: Scent may be used for hunting deer or other wild animals, but the scent may not be placed or deposited in a manner that it is accessible for consumption by deer, and scents shall be removed daily at the end of hunting hours established for deer. However, two ounces or less of scent may be placed, used or deposited in any manner for hunting game and does not need to be removed daily at the end of hunting hours.

Natural Vegetation and Plantings: You may hunt with the aid of material deposited by natural vegetation or material found solely as a result of normal agricultural or gardening practices, or with the aid of crops planted and left standing as wildlife food plots.

Deer Baiting – What is Allowed For Deer Hunting Purposes

Amount: No person may place, use or hunt over more than 2 gallons of bait or feed at any feeding site.

Placement: No person may place, use or hunt over:
• More than 2 gallons of bait on each contiguous area of land under the same ownership that is less than 40 acres in size, or for each full 40 acres that make up a contiguous area of land under the same ownership. (Note: Parcels of land that do not touch but are separated only by a town, county or state highway are considered contiguous.) Note: Feed at feeding sites may be spread out or divided into more than one pile as long as the total amount of feed material is not more than 2 gallons per forty acres.
• Any feeding site that is located within 100 yards of any other feeding site located on the same contiguous area of land under the same ownership.
• Any feeding site if the person doing the hunting is within 100 yards of more than 2 gallons of bait or feed located on the same parcel of land.
• Any feeding site that is located within 50 yards of any trail, road, or campsite used by the public, or within 100 yards from a roadway, having a posted speed limit of 45 miles per hour or more.

Timing: No person may:
• Place, use or hunt over bait or feed during the closed season for hunting deer, but may start to place bait for deer hunting 24 hours prior to the deer archery and the deer gun seasons. (Note: The 24-hour period is the period from 12:00 am to 11:59 pm on the day immediately before the season.)
• Hunt over bait or a feeding site that is in violation of these regulations, unless the area is completely free of bait or feed material for at least 10 consecutive days prior to hunting, pursuing animals or dog training.

Content: No person may place use or hunt over any bait or feed material that:
• Contains any animal part or animal by-product.
• Is contained in or deposited by a feeder that is designed to deposit or replenish feed automatically, mechanically, or by gravity.
• Contains or is contained within, metal, paper, plastic, glass, wood or other similar processed materials. This does not apply to bait or feed placed in hollow logs
or stumps (see Wisconsin Bear Hunting Regulations) or to scent materials.
License: No person may use or hunt over bait or feed material placed for deer without possessing an appropriate valid archery or gun deer license and unused carcass tag.

Feeding Wild Animals – Allowed for Certain Species for Non-Hunting Purposes with the Following Restrictions:

FEEDING DEER:
Amount: No person may place or allow the placement of more than 2 gallons of feed material at any feeding site.

Placement: No person may place or allow the placement of:
• More than 2 gallons of feed for each owner-occupied residence or business, regardless of property size.
• A deer feeding site more than 50 yards from an owner occupied residence or business.
• A deer feeding site within 100 yards from a roadway having a posted speed limit of 45 miles per hour or more.
• A deer feeding site without the approval of the owner of the owner-occupied residence or business.
• Feed at a deer feeding site that the person knows is being used by bear and elk. If the owner of the residence or business is notified by the department or otherwise
becomes aware that bear or elk have been using a deer feeding site, the owner must discontinue feeding for a period of not less than 30 days.

No person may place any bait or feed material for deer that:
• Contains any animal part or animal by-product.
• Is contained in or deposited by a feeder that is designed to deposit or replenish feed automatically, mechanically, or by gravity.

FEEDING OTHER WILD ANIMALS: No person may place, deposit or allow the placement of any material to feed or attract other wild animals for nonhunting purposes including recreational and supplemental feeding, except as allowed below for feeding birds and small mammals.

FEEDING BIRDS AND SMALL MAMMALS:
Material may be placed solely for the purpose of attracting and feeding wild birds and small mammals if:
• Placed in bird feeding devices and structures at a sufficient height or design to prevent access by deer, and
• The structures and devices are no further than 50 yards from a dwelling devoted to human occupancy.
• If deer, bear or elk are utilizing bird feeding devices or structures, the devices or structures shall be enclosed or elevated higher to prevent access by the deer, bear or elk.
Note: The placement of plain water for drinking or for birdbaths is allowed.

Feeding Animals by Hand: Feeding of wild animals, other than deer, elk or bear, by hand is not encouraged, but is allowed if:
• Feed is placed not more than 30 feet away from the person feeding.
• The person feeding cleans up the unconsumed feed before moving a distance greater than 30 feet from the deposited feed.

Natural Vegetation and Plantings: Feed that is deposited by natural vegetation or found solely as a result of normal agricultural or gardening practices, as well asstanding crops planted and left standing as wildlife food plots that may be used by wild animals, is not considered feeding for the purposes of these regulations and is allowed statewide.

Definitions:
Animal part or animal by-product means honey, bones, fish, meat, solid animal fat, animal carcass or parts of animal carcasses, but does not include liquid scents.
Bait means any material placed or used to attract wild animals, including liquid scent (includes salt and mineral blocks); does not include plain drinking water.
Bird feeding devices and structures means any device or structure that has the primary purpose of attracting or feeding birds or small mammals.
Business means a building used primarily to carry out commercial activities at which regular scheduled business hours are maintained for employees and the public such as restaurants and retail stores, but does not include associated lands, warehouses, outbuildings or other buildings that are not normally open to the public.
Feed means any material that may attract or be consumed by wild animals that is placed for any non-hunting purposes including recreational and supplemental feeding, but does not include plain drinking water.
Feeding site means any location or area in which bait or feed is placed or deposited or that contains bait or feed material used to attract wild animals for recreational
and supplemental feeding or for hunting purposes.
Hunt over means hunting within 100 yards of any feeding site where a person knows or reasonably should know that the area contains a feeding site.
Owner-occupied residence means a dwelling or building devoted to human occupancy when used while feeding deer as a residence by the owner, members of the owners immediate family, or when used as a residence by individuals as a rental property while feeding deer.
Roadway means that portion of a highway between the regularly established curb lines or that portion which is improved, designed or ordinarily used for vehicular travel, excluding the berm or shoulder.
Scent means any material, except animal parts or animal by-products, used to attract wild animals solely by its odor.
Small mammal means all mammals other than bear, deer and elk.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources provides equal opportunity in its employment, programs, services and functions under an Affirmative Action Plan. If you have any questions, please write to Equal Opportunity Office, Department of the Interior, Washington, D.C. 20240.
This publication is available in Braille, audio cassette, large print or computer format upon request. To order, call 608-266-8204.

NOTE: Additional Counties may be included in the ban if: 1) A CWD Management zone is established in the county or a portion of the county, or; 2) A new CWD
or bovine tuberculosis positive captive or free-roaming, domestic or wild animal is confirmed in the county, or; 3) The county or portion of the county is within a 10 mile radius of a new captive or free-roaming, domestic or wild animal that has been tested and confirmed to be positive for CWD or bovine tuberculosis.

30 Pointer in Fond Du Lac: More Photos

30 Pointer in Fond Du Lac
Photo credits Patrick Flood from the Reporter

Wayne Schumacher of Fond du Lac
Unofficial count of 30-points
20 and a 1/2 inch spread
Weight of 225 pounds.

Wisconsin Public Land Giant

“Unofficially” green scores:
189 1/8 Gross
184 5/8 Net
Weighed in at 250lbs. field dressed
Shot on public land near Menomonie, Wi

Youth Deer Hunt October 10th & 11th, 2009

Youth Deer Hunt
This year's hunt: October 10 & 11, 2009

The youth deer hunt was made possible through the Deer 2000 and Beyond Project. The hunt is designed to give youth hunters ages 10-15 an opportunity to hunt deer and gain valuable hunting experience at a time when other hunters are not authorized to hunt deer with a firearm. Starting in 2009, hunters 10-15 years of age, with or without hunter education certification, are eligible to participate in the youth gun deer hunt with a mentor (see below for details).

On the first morning of the 2008 Youth Hunt, 12 year old Nelson Kreciak of Butternut, WI, shot this 7 point buck on his family's property in rural Price County. His step-father, John Kelto, commented: "the deer dropped where it stood with one shot of his .308 at 70 yards. I'm not sure which one of us was more excited! With a great first experience like this, I'm sure that Nelson will be a hooked on deer hunting for a long time." Congratulations Nelson!

Youth Hunt Rules and Regulations:

• Youth hunters may hunt deer with a gun on October 10 & 11, 2009 in all deer management units, except state park units and deer management unit 48.
  
• The bag limit is one buck with their Gun Buck Deer Carcass Tag plus additional antlerless deer per Antlerless Deer Carcass Tag valid for the DMU the youth is hunting.
  
• In Deer Management Units (DMU's) designated as CWD, youth hunters are exempt from the earn-a-buck requirements, but are only allowed to tag one buck and must use their one "Gun Buck Deer Carcass Tag" during the October 10 & 11, 2009 youth gun deer hunt if a buck is tagged. This exemption only applies to the two day youth gun deer hunt. During all other deer hunting seasons, youth hunters are required to follow earn-a-buck requirements in DMUs designated as CWD.
  
• Allowable types of guns are those authorized on the first day of the regular 9-day, November gun deer season.
  
• One adult may not accompany more than 2 youth hunters. If one youth is under the “mentored hunter” rules, the adult may “accompany” no more than one other youth at the same time and only if the 2nd youth is at least 12-15 years of age and has completed hunter education (see rules below for details).
  
• All other hunting regulations apply. See the 2009 Wisconsin Deer Hunting Regulations for more information.
  

For youth hunters 12 - 15 years of age (resident and non-resident) who possess a hunter education certificate of accomplishment and a gun deer hunting license:

• Hunters must be accompanied by an adult 18 years of age or older. To “accompany” means the adult is within both visual and voice contact of the youth. The adult does not have to be a licensed hunter or a hunter education graduate to accompany 1 or 2 youth who are at least 12 years of age and have completed a hunter education course.
  
• Adults accompanying youth hunters may not “gun hunt” for deer during the youth hunt, but may possess a bow or gun and hunt for a game species that is open for them to hunt at that time.
  An adult may not accompany more than two youth hunters during the youth gun deer hunt at any given time.
  

For all youth hunters 10-11 years of age, or youth hunters 12-15 years of age who do not possess a hunter education certificate, but possess a gun deer hunting license:

• Hunters must be “mentored” by an adult who is within arm’s reach at all times during the hunt.
  
• Qualified adult mentors must be at least 18 years of age and have the youth’s parent or guardian’s permission to mentor the youth hunter.
  
• Mentors must possess a valid hunting license for the current year (any type of game).
  
• If the mentor was born on or after 01/01/73, they must be a graduate of a hunter education course or have completed basic training with the U.S. Armed Forces.
  
• Qualified adult mentors may only mentor one youth hunter who is age 10 or 11, or who has not completed hunter education at any given time.
  
• Only one firearm may be possessed between the mentor and youth who is age 10 or 11, or who has not completed hunter education, if participating in the youth gun deer hunt.
  

Mentors are encouraged to go over the four basic rules of firearm safety with the youth prior to hunting:

• Treat every gun as if it were loaded;
  
• Always point the muzzle in a safe direction;
  
• Be sure of your target and beyond; and
  
• Keep your finger out of the trigger guard until you are ready to shoot.
  
• Both resident and non-resident youth hunters are eligible to participate with a mentor.
  

Additional information on Wisconsin’s Mentored Hunting Program web page.
Article: http://www.dnr.wi.gov/org/land/wildlife/hunt/deer/youthhunt.htm

Back to Basics Deer Tactics

Back to Basics Deer Tactics
By Scott Loomans
Wisconsin DNR 2009 Fall Hunting Forecast

Though once an important part of the deer hunter’s craft, still hunting has given way to waiting from a stationary position, or stand hunting, as the most popular way to hunt deer. Consider giving still hunting a try. If you’re successful, and even if you aren’t, you could be amazed at just how exciting is.

Still hunting is not just the punch line to an old joke about what a deer hunting widow’s spouse has been doing for the last nine days. Still hunting is the active pursuit of a deer with the goal of seeing it and having a shooting opportunity before the deer sees the hunter. The hunter and the quarry are on the ground together pitting their skills against each other.

As described by the late Wisconsinite George Mattis in his famous 1969 book, Whitetails, Fundamentals and Fine Points, the hunter’s movements are slow and measured, requiring even more patience than stand hunting. In getting started you can use an old logging road or deer trail, frozen waterway, or grassy field edge to cover ground silently. You’d be surprised by how often you can move quietly through freshly fallen leaves by waiting until just that hour when morning frost softens and dampens the ground cover. In the ridge-and-river country of Western Wisconsin, a still hunt can almost become more of a spot and- stalk type of pursuit.

Always be looking ahead and looking for more than just the deer. Parts of the deer like an ear, antler, the horizontal line of their back, or the white belly of a bedded animal are more often seen first.

Sometimes people miss out on the opportunity to still hunt because they are afraid to scare deer off of a property. If you are worried about that, consider doing your still hunting during the week or during the middle of the day while others are at lunch.

Post a stander along known escape routes. Consider just not worrying about it so that you can enjoy this style of hunting.

Sneaking up on a deer that doesn’t know you are after it is challenging but it is also one of the most exciting ways to hunt – and it may not be as difficult as you think. When I was younger I marveled at Mattis’ success stories but didn’t quite believe it was still possible to do in Wisconsin. Since then I have proven myself wrong a number of times hunting on both private and public land.

If you are looking for a hunt that will totally engross your senses, engage all of your hunting skills, and that will quite possibly be the most exciting hunt you can have, give still hunting a shot.

Researchers to evaluate additional deer population estimation methods

Researchers to evaluate additional deer population estimation methods
By Chris Jacques, DNR Research Scientist
Wisconsin DNR 2009 Fall Hunting Forecast


The Department of Natural Resources currently uses two main methods of estimating deer populations; the Sex- Age-Kill (SAK) model and an accounting-style model.

Mathematical models used to estimate game populations rely on certain assumptions. In the case of the department’s SAK population model, one of the key assumptions is that buck harvest rates are relatively stable over time. Because buck harvest rates are impacted by season structure – such as earn-a-buck, and hunter practices – such as Quality Deer Management (QDM), accounting style models are used in large areas of eastern and western farmland management regions.

Accounting style models are sensitive to and assume that the starting number or the “balance” in the checkbook analogy can be estimated with reasonable accuracy. Researchers at DNR’s Bureau of Science Services want to evaluate techniques to use in “calibrating” the accounting model to assure the greatest possible accuracy in that starting number over time. During the 2010-2012 timeframe researchers will evaluate the usefulness in Wisconsin of a method of aerial population sampling known as “aerial distance sampling.” They’ll do this using still other population estimating techniques for calibrating the important starting point for the accounting model of population estimation.

“It’s a little like sighting in a rifle,” says Jacques. “You bring home a new gun and sight it in at say, 200 yards. That first year it drives a tack at 200 and still kills deer for a couple more seasons. But then one day you sight on a deer’s vitals at 200, squeeze the trigger and in the scope see hair clipped at the top of the back…a pure miss. The gun’s accuracy has drifted over time.

The visual you witnessed in the scope was evidence of needing to resight or in the case of our model, using additional information or data to recalibrate deer population estimates for increased accuracy.”

For more information on this research effort contact Chris Jacques (608) 221-6358.

Wisconsin Nature Conservancy Hunting Guidelines

Wisconsin Nature Conservancy Hunting Guidelines
http://www.nature.org


To hunt on Nature Conservancy lands hunters must agree to the following rules and statements:
Hunting opportunities differ from preserve to preserve. Contact the Madison Field Office at (608) 251-8140 for more information on species that may be hunted on each Conservancy property.

Deer baiting and deer drives are not allowed.

No fires, camping, littering (including the use of plastic flagging), or dumping of waste on Conservancy property.

Only temporary, non-damaging deer stands may be used. You should place your name and contact info on your stand. You may not put up a stand more than seven days before the start of the season in which you are hunting, and the stand must be removed within seven days after the close of that season. No stands shall be placed within 50 yards of a property boundary or another stand. The Conservancy assumes no responsibility for lost or damaged stands left unattended.

No cutting, breaking or clearing of vegetation. Planting of food plots or other vegetation is not allowed.

No off-road vehicle use.

No hunting is allowed within a 200-yard radius of any inhabited dwelling.

Hunters on preserves that require a Conservancy permit must carry a fully signed permit and wear an assigned I.D. badge at all times while on Conservancy property.

Alcohol is not allowed on Conservancy preserves or in the parking lot.

Unnecessary shooting or shooting at targets is prohibited.

A hunter may be accompanied by one or more of his/her own children to hunt on Conservancy lands. The minor must be at least 12 years of age and have all licenses or permits required to hunt under Wisconsin law. The adult hunter agrees to take full responsibility for the minor. A) If the minor is 12-13 years of age no additional permit or fee is required; the adult hunter agrees to keep the minor within sight and voice contact and to directly supervise the minor at all times. B) Minors 14-17 years of age may hunt without supervision if they have first taken a required hunter safety course. You must obtain a separate permit and pay an additional hunting fee for a minor hunter who is 14-17 years old. C) If the minor is not the child of the adult hunter they will be hunting with, then the Conservancy must receive a Parental Consent and Release of Liability form (available from the Conservancy at wisconsin@tnc.org) signed by the minor's parent and the accompanying hunter, prior to the minor entering Conservancy property. prior to the minor entering Conservancy property.

A hunter may be accompanied by no more than one non-hunting guest while hunting on Conservancy preserves.

By hunting on Nature Conservancy lands you acknowledge that hunting is inherently dangerous and that you are aware of the risks and dangers involved. By engaging is hunting as an activity you hereby assume all responsibility for any injury to persons or damages to property which occur in connection with your use of the Conservancy's property. As a hunter, for yourself, your heirs, successors and assigns, you hereby agree to release, indemnify, and hold the Conservancy harmless from any and all claims, liabilities, losses, damages, costs and expenses incurred in connection with your and any accompanying minor child’s activities or presence on the Conservancy's property, whether or not due to any negligent acts or omissions of the Conservancy.

In addition to the above rules, hunters must comply with all local, state, and federal laws and ordinances governing hunting activities, including obtaining all required government licenses or permits.

The Nature Conservancy does allow hunting of wild turkey and pheasant on our properties in the Military Ridge Prairie Heritage Area during the regular DNR posted seasons, with no prior permission from the Conservancy required. Dogs are allowed off-leash for pheasant hunting during pheasant season. Dogs must be on-leash the rest of the year, especially during the breeding bird season.

Permit Application ProcessShould you agree to the above terms and conditions and need to apply for a permit at a preserve where it is still required, follow this link to the Deer Hunting Application Process page.