The 2010 Wisconsin Deer Management Unit information meetings will be held around the state from March 8-18. All meetings will open with a 15-minute video hosted by Scott Craven of the University of Wisconsin who will lead an informal round table discussion on emerging harvest patterns, unit-specific management, hunter surveys and a CWD update. Attendees will also learn about preliminary deer population estimates, possible deer hunting season structures for 2010, and unit level CWD status and historical perspectives of deer management. Some new DNR communications tools will be announced and attendees will learn more about how they can be involved in the research initiatives. For information about an individual meeting, contact the DNR wildlife staff listed for each meeting.
NORTHERN REGION
Tuesday, March 9
BAYFIELD AND DOUGLAS COUNTIES
DMUs: 2, 3, 6, and 9
Iron River Community Center, US Highway 2, Iron River 6:30 p.m.
Greg Kessler: 715-372-8539, ext. 115
FOREST COUNTY
DMUs:39, 40, and 44
7 p.m. Big 4+ Sportsmen's Club, Zepp Rd, Long Lake, WI
Jeremy Holtz: 715-528-4400 x119
LINCOLN COUNTY
DMUs:32, 42, and 52
6 p.m. Wisconsin National Guard Armory, 106 Memorial Dr., Merrill
Rick Weide: 715–536-4763
Wednesday, March 10
DOUGLAS COUNTY
DMUs: 1, 1M, 2, 4, 8, and 9
6-8 p.m. Superior Public Library, 1530 Tower Ave., Superior
Greg Kessler: 715-372-8539, ext. 115
Thursday, March 11
FLORENCE COUNTY
DMUs: 40 and 50
6 p.m. Florence Natural Resource Center, Lower Level Large Conference Room, Hwy 101, Florence
Jeremy Holtz: 715-528-4400 x119
IRON COUNTY
DMUs: 28, 29A, and 34
6 p.m. Mercer Community Center, 2648W Margaret Street, Mercer
Bruce Bacon: 715-476-7843
LANGLADE COUNTY
DMUs: 42, 43, and 52
Clover Rm., Multi-purpose Bldg., Langlade Co. 6 p.m. Fairgrounds, Antigo
Rick Weide: 715–536-4763
ONEIDA AND VILAS COUNTIES
DMUs: 29B, 31, 35, 36, 37, and 38
6 p.m. James Williams Middle School Auditorium, 915 Acacia Lane, Rhinelander
Ron Eckstein: 715-365-8999
Linda Winn: 715-358-9207
SAWYER COUNTY
DMU 13, 18, and 19
6-8 p.m. Hayward high School Auditorium, 10320 Greenwood Lane, Hayward, WI 54843
Laine Stowell: 715-634-9659 Ext. 3527
Monday, March 15
BARRON AND POLK COUNTIES
DMUs: 10, 15, 16, 21, 22, 22A, and 23
7 p.m.Turtle Lake High School Library, 205 Oak Street,Turtle Lake
Kevin Morgan: 715-637-6867
Michelle Carlisle: 715-485-3518
TAYLOR COUNTY
DMUs: 25, 26, 27, and 32
6 p.m. Medford Area Senior High School Cafeteria, 1015 W. Broadway Ave., Medford
WASHBURN & BURNETT COUNTIES
DMUs 8, 9, 11, 12, 15, and 17
6:30 p.m. Wisconsin Agricultural Research Station, Hwy 70 East, Spooner
Nancy Christel: 715- 635-4091
Tuesday March 16
BURNETT COUNTY
DMUs:10 and 16
6 p.m. Crex Meadows Wildlife Education and Visitors Center, 102 East Crex Avenue, Grantsburg
Pete Engman: 715-463-2896
PRICE COUNTY
DMUs 14, 20, 25, 29A, and 30
6 p.m. Price Co. Courthouse, Co. Board Rm., 126 Cherry Street, Phillips
Pat Beringer: 715-762-1340
RUSK COUNTY
DMUs: 18, 19, 23, and 24
6 p.m. Ladysmith High School Cafeteria, 1700 E. Edgewood Avenue, Ladysmith
Mark E. Schmidt: 715-532-4369
ASHLAND AND BAYFIELD COUNTIES
DMUs: 3, 6, 7, 28, and 78
6:30 p.m. Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center, County Hwy G, Ashland
Todd Naas: 715-685-2914
NORTHEAST REGION
Wednesday, March 10
BROWN, CALUMET, DOOR, KEWAUNEE, AND MANITOWOC COUNTIES
DMUs: 64, 64M, 80B, 80A, and 81
6:30-9 p.m. Denmark High School Cafetorium, 450 N Wall Street, Denmark
Aaron Buchholz: 920-755-4983
Dick Nikolai: 920-832-1804
Thursday, March 11
OCONTO, OUTAGAMIE, SHAWANO, AND
WAUPACA COUNTIES
6:30-9 p.m. DMUs: 47, 62B, 63A, 63B, and 51B
Clintonville High School Auditorium, 64 W. Green Tree Rd. Clintonville
Kay Brockman-Mederas: 715-526-4226
Monday, March 15
MARINETTE, OCONTO, FLORENCE, AND FOREST
DMUs: 41, 44, 45, 49A, 49B, 50, 51A and 51B
6-8 p.m. Crivitz Village Hall, 800 Henriette St, Crivitz
John Huff: 715-582-5047
Dave Halfmann: 715-856-9160
Tuesday, March 16
GREEN LAKE, MARQUETTE, WAUPACA, AND
WAUSHARA COUNTIES
DMUs: 65A, 65B, 67A, and 67B
Wautoma High School Performing Arts Center, 514 S. Cambridge St. (Hwy 21/22), Wautoma
5:30-7:30 p.m. Video Presentation, a question and answer period and then DMU discussions
Jim Holzwart: 920-361-3149
Paul Samerdyke: 920-787-4686 ext. 3012
FOND DU LAC AND WINNEBAGO COUNTIES
DMUs: 66 and 68A
6-9 p.m. J.P. Coughlin Building, UW Extension Meeting Rooms 'A' & 'B', 625 E. Co. Rd. 'Y', Oshkosh
Mark Randall: 920-424-7896
WEST CENTRAL REGION
Wednesday, March 10
CLARK COUNTY
DMUs: 27, 55, 57B and 58
4-8 p.m. (with presentation at 6 p.m.) Greenwood High School, Greenwood
Michele Windsor: 715-284-1403
CRAWFORD, LA CROSSE, MONROE AND VERNON COUNTY
DMUs 59D, 59M, 72, 74A, and 74B
4-8 p.m. (with presentations at 4:30 and 6:30 p.m.) Community Room, Bekkum Memorial Library, 206 N. Main, Westby
Dave Matheys: 608-637-3938
Ron Lichtie: 608-785-9992
Tim Babros: 715-284-1423
MARATHON COUNTY
DMUs: 57, 57A, 33, 46, 62A
5-7 p.m. John Muir Middle School, Large Group Room, 1400 West Stewart Ave., Wausau
Cortney Schaefer: 715-359-6405
MARATHON, PORTAGE, AND WOOD COUNTIES
DMUs: 57C, 62A, and 65A
6-8 p.m. Portage County courthouse Annex, Conference room #1, 1462 Strongs Ave., Stevens Point
Greg Dahl: 715-421-7818
BUFFALO COUNTY
DMU: 61
7 p.m. Alma School Gym, State Hwy 35 north, Alma
Kris Johansen: 608-685-6222
Thursday, March 11
ADAMS, JUNEAU AND WOOD COUNTY
DMUs: 53, 54A, 54B, 54C, and 56
3-7 p.m. (with presentations at 4, 5 and 6 p.m.) Necedah Village Hall, 101 Center St., Necedah
Wayne Hall: 715-884-2437
Jon Robaidek: 608-339-4819
JACKSON AND TREMPELEAU COUNTY
DMUs: 55 and 59C
7 p.m. American Legion, 124 N. Hoffman St., Hixton
Michele Windsor: 715-284-1403
Kris Johansen: 608-685-6222
Monday, March 15
CHIPPEWA, DUNN, EAU CLAIRE, AND PEPIN COUNTIES
DMUs: 22A, 59A, and 59B
3-7 p.m., with presentations at 3 4, 5 and 6 p.m. Dunn County Fish and Game Clubhouse, 1600 Pine Ave., Menomonie
Jess Carstens: 715-232-1519
Tuesday, March 16
PIERCE AND ST CROIX COUNTIES
DMUs: 60A, 60B, and 60M
7-9 p.m. DNR Service Center, 890 Spruce St., Baldwin
Harvey Halvorsen: 715-684-2914 ext.113
SOUTHEAST REGION
Monday, March 15
FOND DU LAC, SHEBOYGAN, WASHINGTON, AND DODGE COUNTIES
DMUs: 68B, 69, 69C, 77C, 77D, 77E, and 77M
6:30-9:30 p.m. Henry S. Reuss Ice Age Visitor Center, N2875 Hwy. 67, Campbellsport Just west of Dundee off of state highway 67
Dale Katsma: 920-892-8756 ext. 3013
Tuesday, March 16
KENOSHA, RACINE, WALWORTH, WAUKESHA, AND MILWAUKEE COUNTY
DMUs: 77M, 77C, 77B CWD, and 77C CWD
6-8:30 p.m. Big Bend/Vernon Fire Station #3, W233S7475 Woodland Lane, Big Bend,
Tim Lizotte 262-574-2120
SOUTH CENTRAL REGION
Monday, March 8
GRANT COUNTY
DMUs: 73A, 73B, 73D, 73B-CWD, and 75D-CWD
5-8:30 p.m. Grant County Youth and Ag Building - 916 East Elm St., Lancaster
Dan Goltz: 608-375-4123
Bill Ishmael: 608-935-1918
Wednesday, March 10
COLUMBIA, RICHLAND AND SAUK COUNTY
CWD DMUs: 54B, 70, 70B, 70E, 70F, 70G, 71
5-8:30 p.m. UW Baraboo – Sauk County Campus cafeteria, 1001 Connie Rd., Baraboo
Becky Roth: 608-3432
Sara Kehrli: 608-635-8123
Bill Ishmael: 608-935-1918
Monday, March 15
GRANT, IOWA AND LAFAYETTE COUNTY
5-8:30 p.m.
CWD DMUs: 70A, 70C, 70D, 73B, 73E, 75B,
75C, and 75D
Dodger Bowl, 318 King St., Dodgeville
Bruce Folley: 608-575-9288
Dan Goltz: 608-375-4123
Don Bates: 608-935-1947
DODGE COUNTY
DMU: 68B
5:30 p.m. Horicon Marsh Internation Education Center – Auditorium, N7725 Highway 28, Horicon
Brenda Kelly: 920-387-7882
Tuesday, March 16
DANE, GREEN AND LAFAYETTE COUNTY
CWD DMUs: 75A, 76, and 76M
5:30-7:30 p.m. Fitchburg Community Center, 5520 Lacy Road, Fitchburg
Jake Fries: 608-275-3250
Don Bates: 608-935-1947
Thursday, March 18
DODGE, JEFFERSON AND ROCK COUNTY
DMUs: 76A CWD and 77A CWD 6-8:30 p.m. Ft. Atkinson High School Library, 925 Lexington Blvd, Fort Atkinson, WI 53538 (located off the south side of Hwy 12, approximately ½ mile southeast of Hwy 26)
Doug Fendry: 608-275-3230
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
Source: http://dnr.wi.gov/org/caer/ce/news/2010_DMU_meetings.pdf
Showing posts with label wisconsin deer herd. Show all posts
Showing posts with label wisconsin deer herd. Show all posts
Friday, March 5, 2010
Monday, March 1, 2010
Investing in Wisconsin’s Whitetails
MADISON – Department of Natural Resources Secretary Matt Frank announced a major new initiative to improve the DNR’s population estimates for white-tailed deer. The information was presented today by wildlife management staff at a meeting of the Natural Resources Board.
“We have heard from hunters who are frustrated and skeptical about the DNR’s deer population estimates. In response to hunter and legislative concerns, we are taking action to improve the model for the deer population estimate, perform additional research, involve hunters more extensively in our efforts, and improve communication with the public on survey results and research findings. Many of these actions have been advocated by hunting organizations,” Frank said.
Frank announced actions, both short-term and long-term, that will include:
1.Fully implementing the recommendations of the 2006 Sex-Age-Kill model audit, including initiating a buck recovery rate study this year.
2.Partnering with the University of Wisconsin to do research and data analysis on buck mortality as well research on fawn mortality, including the roles of predators, habitat and weather, beginning with a study in 2011 in northwest Wisconsin.
3.Beginning this month, the DNR has begun an evaluation of an alternative deer population estimation technique called “distance sampling method” using aircraft. This study is being conducted in areas not previously surveyed with aircraft in both western and eastern Wisconsin. Helicopter and fixed-wing aircraft population surveys will continue in the Chronic Wasting Disease Management Zone in southern Wisconsin.
4.Working with the Minnesota and Michigan Department of Natural Resources to share insights from data and research projects in all three states regarding deer population trends and dynamics.
5.Hiring a researcher to review deer-vehicle collision data from salvage operators, Department of Transportation summaries of officer-investigated accidents, and insurance company data to assess usefulness and make recommendations as part of the population estimating process.
6.Invite hunting organizations to provide input and participate in DNR deer research and studies, and expand efforts to build a data base from hunters’ field observations from deer registration and observations reported on the DNR Web site.
Frank said that “the department will continue to work with the legislature regarding other suggestions, including bringing in an outside, independent third party to verify the accuracy of the data and math used in the preparation of deer population estimates.”
Frank added that the initiative to improve the DNR’s deer population estimate would not have been possible without a significant new investment of federal funds, over $2 million, through additional federal Pittman-Robertson funds allocated to the Wisconsin this year.
“While this is a significant sum, we believe that this is a worthwhile investment to improve the long-term management of a sustainable and healthy deer herd for generations to come,” Frank said.
The presentation to the NRB was made at the board’s Feb. 24 meeting in Madison. The presentation was video recorded and is available online, along with a document received by the board, “Investing in Wisconsin’s Whitetails,” detailing past, present and future deer research and outreach efforts.
The department will be putting out a steady stream of information and updates for hunters and observers of deer and has a new Internet-based delivery system that allows citizens to receive the latest information at home in their email in the form of an alert that something of interest has been posted. Called GovDelivery, users can subscribe and unsubscribe as they wish at anytime and select from a list of subjects that they wish to monitor.
Hunters and others interested in deer can also attend a series of deer management unit information meetings scheduled around the state March 10-25. Meeting locations and times are also available on the DNR Web site.
Natural Resources Board hears update on deer research
News Release Published: February 24, 2010 by the Central Office
Contact(s): Robert Manwell (608) 264-9248
Article Source: http://dnr.wi.gov/news/BreakingNews_Lookup.asp?id=1603
“We have heard from hunters who are frustrated and skeptical about the DNR’s deer population estimates. In response to hunter and legislative concerns, we are taking action to improve the model for the deer population estimate, perform additional research, involve hunters more extensively in our efforts, and improve communication with the public on survey results and research findings. Many of these actions have been advocated by hunting organizations,” Frank said.
Frank announced actions, both short-term and long-term, that will include:
1.Fully implementing the recommendations of the 2006 Sex-Age-Kill model audit, including initiating a buck recovery rate study this year.
2.Partnering with the University of Wisconsin to do research and data analysis on buck mortality as well research on fawn mortality, including the roles of predators, habitat and weather, beginning with a study in 2011 in northwest Wisconsin.
3.Beginning this month, the DNR has begun an evaluation of an alternative deer population estimation technique called “distance sampling method” using aircraft. This study is being conducted in areas not previously surveyed with aircraft in both western and eastern Wisconsin. Helicopter and fixed-wing aircraft population surveys will continue in the Chronic Wasting Disease Management Zone in southern Wisconsin.
4.Working with the Minnesota and Michigan Department of Natural Resources to share insights from data and research projects in all three states regarding deer population trends and dynamics.
5.Hiring a researcher to review deer-vehicle collision data from salvage operators, Department of Transportation summaries of officer-investigated accidents, and insurance company data to assess usefulness and make recommendations as part of the population estimating process.
6.Invite hunting organizations to provide input and participate in DNR deer research and studies, and expand efforts to build a data base from hunters’ field observations from deer registration and observations reported on the DNR Web site.
Frank said that “the department will continue to work with the legislature regarding other suggestions, including bringing in an outside, independent third party to verify the accuracy of the data and math used in the preparation of deer population estimates.”
Frank added that the initiative to improve the DNR’s deer population estimate would not have been possible without a significant new investment of federal funds, over $2 million, through additional federal Pittman-Robertson funds allocated to the Wisconsin this year.
“While this is a significant sum, we believe that this is a worthwhile investment to improve the long-term management of a sustainable and healthy deer herd for generations to come,” Frank said.
The presentation to the NRB was made at the board’s Feb. 24 meeting in Madison. The presentation was video recorded and is available online, along with a document received by the board, “Investing in Wisconsin’s Whitetails,” detailing past, present and future deer research and outreach efforts.
The department will be putting out a steady stream of information and updates for hunters and observers of deer and has a new Internet-based delivery system that allows citizens to receive the latest information at home in their email in the form of an alert that something of interest has been posted. Called GovDelivery, users can subscribe and unsubscribe as they wish at anytime and select from a list of subjects that they wish to monitor.
Hunters and others interested in deer can also attend a series of deer management unit information meetings scheduled around the state March 10-25. Meeting locations and times are also available on the DNR Web site.
Natural Resources Board hears update on deer research
News Release Published: February 24, 2010 by the Central Office
Contact(s): Robert Manwell (608) 264-9248
Article Source: http://dnr.wi.gov/news/BreakingNews_Lookup.asp?id=1603
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Deer Management Open House Slated for March 10th, 2010
BARABOO – Once again, the Department of Natural Resources will host an Open House here to present information on deer management, herd status and hunting in Columbia, Richland and Sauk Counties.
The Open House will be held on Wednesday, March 10, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the UW Baraboo – Sauk County Campus cafeteria, 1001 Connie Rd., Baraboo.
DNR wildlife biologists Becky Roth, Spring Green, Sara Kehrli, Poynette, and Bill Ishmael, Dodgeville, will focus on the 2009 deer harvest and season summary for deer management units (DMU) 54B, 70, 70B, 70E, 70F, 70G and 71.
They will also show a video covering updates on deer management, hunter involvement in deer management, new research initiatives, communications and the DNR’s proposed chronic wasting disease (CWD) management plan.
The biologists emphasize that the Open House is aimed primarily for those persons who hunt, reside or are interested in the deer herd status of the three counties and the seven DMUs.
For more information, contact Roth at 608-588-3432, Kehrli at 608-635-8123 or Ishmael at 608-935-1918.
News Release Published: February 19, 2010 by the South Central Region
Contact(s): Becky Roth, Wildlife Biologist, Spring Green: 608-588-3432, Sara Kehrli, Wildlife Biologist, Poynette: 608-635-8123, Bill Ishmael, Wildlife Supervisor, Dodgeville: 608-935-1918
The Open House will be held on Wednesday, March 10, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the UW Baraboo – Sauk County Campus cafeteria, 1001 Connie Rd., Baraboo.
DNR wildlife biologists Becky Roth, Spring Green, Sara Kehrli, Poynette, and Bill Ishmael, Dodgeville, will focus on the 2009 deer harvest and season summary for deer management units (DMU) 54B, 70, 70B, 70E, 70F, 70G and 71.
They will also show a video covering updates on deer management, hunter involvement in deer management, new research initiatives, communications and the DNR’s proposed chronic wasting disease (CWD) management plan.
The biologists emphasize that the Open House is aimed primarily for those persons who hunt, reside or are interested in the deer herd status of the three counties and the seven DMUs.
For more information, contact Roth at 608-588-3432, Kehrli at 608-635-8123 or Ishmael at 608-935-1918.
News Release Published: February 19, 2010 by the South Central Region
Contact(s): Becky Roth, Wildlife Biologist, Spring Green: 608-588-3432, Sara Kehrli, Wildlife Biologist, Poynette: 608-635-8123, Bill Ishmael, Wildlife Supervisor, Dodgeville: 608-935-1918
Monday, February 22, 2010
Deer Management Meeting Slated for March 8th, 2010
LANCASTER – Once again, the Department of Natural Resources will host an Open House here to present information on deer management, herd status and hunting in Grant County.
The Open House will be held on Monday, March 8, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Grant County Youth and Ag Building, 916 East Elm St., Lancaster.
DNR wildlife biologists Dan Goltz, Boscobel, and Bill Ishmael, Dodgeville, will focus on the 2009 deer harvest and season summary for deer management units (DMU) 73A, 73B, 73D, 73B-CWD and 73E-CWD.
They will also show a video covering updates on deer management, hunter involvement in deer management, new research initiatives, communications and the DNR’s proposed chronic wasting disease (CWD) management plan.
The biologists emphasize that the Open House is aimed primarily for those persons who hunt, reside or are interested in the deer herd status of Grant County and the five DMUs.
For more information, contact Goltz at 608-375-4123 or Ishmael at 608-935-1918.
News Release Published: February 19, 2010 by the South Central Region
Contact(s): Dan Goltz, Wildlife Biologist, Boscobel: 608-375-4123, Bill Ishmael, Wildlife Supervisor, Dodgeville: 608-275-3317
Link: http://dnr.wi.gov/news/BreakingNews_Lookup.asp?id=1599
The Open House will be held on Monday, March 8, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Grant County Youth and Ag Building, 916 East Elm St., Lancaster.
DNR wildlife biologists Dan Goltz, Boscobel, and Bill Ishmael, Dodgeville, will focus on the 2009 deer harvest and season summary for deer management units (DMU) 73A, 73B, 73D, 73B-CWD and 73E-CWD.
They will also show a video covering updates on deer management, hunter involvement in deer management, new research initiatives, communications and the DNR’s proposed chronic wasting disease (CWD) management plan.
The biologists emphasize that the Open House is aimed primarily for those persons who hunt, reside or are interested in the deer herd status of Grant County and the five DMUs.
For more information, contact Goltz at 608-375-4123 or Ishmael at 608-935-1918.
News Release Published: February 19, 2010 by the South Central Region
Contact(s): Dan Goltz, Wildlife Biologist, Boscobel: 608-375-4123, Bill Ishmael, Wildlife Supervisor, Dodgeville: 608-275-3317
Link: http://dnr.wi.gov/news/BreakingNews_Lookup.asp?id=1599
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
When It Comes to the Wisconsin Deer Herd: Its a Numbers Game
As the deer population number debate goes on, its time to become educated on how numbers are derived when determining population counts. Obviously, the numbers arent going to be exact, but numbers should be close....or closer. Here is a good article from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel about the numbers game that is being played from hunters in Wisconsin, state officials and the Wisconsin DNR.
"DNR's numbers don't add up
Hunters are taking fewer deer, and that could be because there are fewer deer out there than the DNR says. That's a problem.
The state Department of Natural Resources says it is listening to deer hunters' complaints about the agency's management of the state's deer herd. If so, it needs to do a better job of convincing hunters because many of them aren't buying the explanation.
Hunters' complaints need to be more seriously addressed, especially on management issues and on how the agency estimates the size of the herd. A thorough review of both is in order.
The dissatisfaction has only increased in the wake of the last gun deer season, in which hunters registered 195,647 deer, the fewest in 27 years and 29% fewer than in 2008. Journal Sentinel business reporter Joe Taschler reported that the effect of the low numbers is being felt across a number of businesses, including body shops, butchers, farmers, taxidermists and auto insurance companies.
"If you've lost the hunters, you've lost the program," state Sen. Neal Kedzie (R-Elkhorn) said at a public hearing last month, waving a packet of 8,400 comments from hunters.
Kedzie's right. The DNR - and Wisconsin - can't afford to lose the hunters.
Ron Kulas, a representative of the Wisconsin Bowhunters Association, presented data at last month's public hearing showing car-deer collisions have fallen to the same level as 1983, when the DNR post-hunt population was 586,000 deer.
And Greg Kazmierski, representing the Wisconsin Hunters Rights Coalition, said the 2009 gun deer harvest of bucks was the lowest since 1980, when the DNR estimated 565,000 deer overwinter.
The current overwinter goal is 737,000 deer, but there is reason to question the DNR's numbers given the claims of hunters. The DNR cannot manage the herd or set reasonable population goals if its numbers are off. The state is slated to receive an estimated $14.4 million this year from a wildlife restoration fund. It should use that to improve herd estimates and to get a better handle on such factors as the effect of natural predators and the loss of some previous hunting areas to development and private purchases. The state also needs to look at its regulations on hunting antlerless deer.
Hunters aren't the only ones putting pressure on the DNR. In a unanimous vote, the Assembly Committee on Fish and Wildlife and the Senate Committee on Transportation, Tourism, Forestry and Natural Resources refused last week to approve the DNR's proposal for its deer population goals for this winter, sending the proposal back to the DNR for revision.
As Journal Sentinel outdoors writer Paul Smith has pointed out, deer management is a tough job. And it certainly gets tougher when state officials have to also deal with mitigating factors such as chronic wasting disease, a deadly and not fully understood wildlife disease that has the potential to devastate the deer's herd.
It's also true that, as DNR Secretary Matt Frank has argued, that the agency has to balance a number of complex factors when setting deer population goals, including hunting, forestry, agriculture, public safety and animal disease. And it's entirely possible that some hunters have become spoiled by the large size of deer herds in previous years.
But even with all that, something is still not right. State officials need to do a better job of responding to the concerns of hunters and legislators."
Source :http://www.jsonline.com/news/opinion/81039082.html
Date: Posted: Jan. 9, 2010
"DNR's numbers don't add up
Hunters are taking fewer deer, and that could be because there are fewer deer out there than the DNR says. That's a problem.
The state Department of Natural Resources says it is listening to deer hunters' complaints about the agency's management of the state's deer herd. If so, it needs to do a better job of convincing hunters because many of them aren't buying the explanation.
Hunters' complaints need to be more seriously addressed, especially on management issues and on how the agency estimates the size of the herd. A thorough review of both is in order.
The dissatisfaction has only increased in the wake of the last gun deer season, in which hunters registered 195,647 deer, the fewest in 27 years and 29% fewer than in 2008. Journal Sentinel business reporter Joe Taschler reported that the effect of the low numbers is being felt across a number of businesses, including body shops, butchers, farmers, taxidermists and auto insurance companies.
"If you've lost the hunters, you've lost the program," state Sen. Neal Kedzie (R-Elkhorn) said at a public hearing last month, waving a packet of 8,400 comments from hunters.
Kedzie's right. The DNR - and Wisconsin - can't afford to lose the hunters.
Ron Kulas, a representative of the Wisconsin Bowhunters Association, presented data at last month's public hearing showing car-deer collisions have fallen to the same level as 1983, when the DNR post-hunt population was 586,000 deer.
And Greg Kazmierski, representing the Wisconsin Hunters Rights Coalition, said the 2009 gun deer harvest of bucks was the lowest since 1980, when the DNR estimated 565,000 deer overwinter.
The current overwinter goal is 737,000 deer, but there is reason to question the DNR's numbers given the claims of hunters. The DNR cannot manage the herd or set reasonable population goals if its numbers are off. The state is slated to receive an estimated $14.4 million this year from a wildlife restoration fund. It should use that to improve herd estimates and to get a better handle on such factors as the effect of natural predators and the loss of some previous hunting areas to development and private purchases. The state also needs to look at its regulations on hunting antlerless deer.
Hunters aren't the only ones putting pressure on the DNR. In a unanimous vote, the Assembly Committee on Fish and Wildlife and the Senate Committee on Transportation, Tourism, Forestry and Natural Resources refused last week to approve the DNR's proposal for its deer population goals for this winter, sending the proposal back to the DNR for revision.
As Journal Sentinel outdoors writer Paul Smith has pointed out, deer management is a tough job. And it certainly gets tougher when state officials have to also deal with mitigating factors such as chronic wasting disease, a deadly and not fully understood wildlife disease that has the potential to devastate the deer's herd.
It's also true that, as DNR Secretary Matt Frank has argued, that the agency has to balance a number of complex factors when setting deer population goals, including hunting, forestry, agriculture, public safety and animal disease. And it's entirely possible that some hunters have become spoiled by the large size of deer herds in previous years.
But even with all that, something is still not right. State officials need to do a better job of responding to the concerns of hunters and legislators."
Source :http://www.jsonline.com/news/opinion/81039082.html
Date: Posted: Jan. 9, 2010
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Cougars in Western Wisconsin?
According to the DNR website, DNR biologists have been tracking a cougar in western Wisconsin.
EAU CLAIRE – Biologists with the state Department of Natural Resources have tracked what could be the same cougar through parts of St. Croix, Pierce and Dunn counties in western Wisconsin.
It is possible this is the cougar that was photographed and tracked Dec. 11 in Stillwater, Minnesota. That cougar was moving east, and it would have been easy for the big cat to cross the frozen St. Croix River. Tracks found in Stillwater and in St. Croix County are similar in size.
This question may be resolved as DNA samples (hair) were collected in Stillwater and in Pierce County and then again today in Dunn County. These are being sent to the Wildlife Genetics Lab in Missoula, Montana, for analysis. Results are not expected for at least two weeks.
This past Wednesday, a farmer photographed cougar tracks near Spring Valley, about 25 miles east of the St. Croix River near the border of St. Croix and Pierce counties. DNR biologist Harvey Halvorsen picked up the trail on Friday and tracked the cougar for more than a mile to the Eau Galle River.
A motion-activated trail camera took a photograph of the cougar Saturday night, south and west of Downsville in Dunn County. DNR biologist Jess Carstens verified the tracks on Monday, indicating the cougar has continued to move south and east at a rate of 5 to 7 miles per day.
It had been expected that the cat would make a kill and Carstens found a cache Monday, a fawn deer that had been partially eaten and then covered with corn stalks from a farmer’s field. Evidence examined today shows the cat likely returned to the cache overnight.
The DNR has no immediate plans to capture the animal. Landowners in the lower Chippewa River valley are being asked to be observant for signs of the cougar.
If an individual finds what appear to be cougar tracks the best course of action is to take the highest quality photographs possible with something in the frame – a ruler is preferred but cash money will work – as a reference for measurement.
Instructions for reporting rare animal signs – and up to date information on cougar sightings in Wisconsin – can be found online at: http://dnr.wi.gov/org/land/er/mammals/cougar/sightings.htm. This information includes e-mail addresses for transmitting digital photographs.
This is the second time cougar signs have been found in this part of Western Wisconsin. In May, confirmed cougar tracks were found on a farm in Pepin County.
A cougar first spotted near Milton, Wisconsin, in January 2008 was the first confirmed instance of a wild cougar in Wisconsin since they were extirpated from the state in the early part of the 20th Century.
Biologists suspect that the handful of sightings since then are the result of male cougars dispersing from breeding populations in the Dakotas. Parts of western and southwestern Wisconsin offer ideal habitat for cougars with heavily wooded terrain, high-ridged valleys and large deer populations. There is no evidence of breeding populations in Wisconsin.
Cougars are listed as protected in Wisconsin. It is illegal to kill a cougar except to prevent injury to a human.
Wildlife officials said there is no reason for concern as cougars typically avoid any contact with humans. While the risk of a cougar attacking a human is exceedingly small, it does exist. Officials from Arizona, which has a large population of cougars, offer this advice:
If you encounter a mountain lion:
News Release Published: December 23, 2009 by the West Central Region
Ed Culhane, DNR communications, Eau Claire, (715) 839-3715
EAU CLAIRE – Biologists with the state Department of Natural Resources have tracked what could be the same cougar through parts of St. Croix, Pierce and Dunn counties in western Wisconsin.
It is possible this is the cougar that was photographed and tracked Dec. 11 in Stillwater, Minnesota. That cougar was moving east, and it would have been easy for the big cat to cross the frozen St. Croix River. Tracks found in Stillwater and in St. Croix County are similar in size.
This question may be resolved as DNA samples (hair) were collected in Stillwater and in Pierce County and then again today in Dunn County. These are being sent to the Wildlife Genetics Lab in Missoula, Montana, for analysis. Results are not expected for at least two weeks.
This past Wednesday, a farmer photographed cougar tracks near Spring Valley, about 25 miles east of the St. Croix River near the border of St. Croix and Pierce counties. DNR biologist Harvey Halvorsen picked up the trail on Friday and tracked the cougar for more than a mile to the Eau Galle River.
A motion-activated trail camera took a photograph of the cougar Saturday night, south and west of Downsville in Dunn County. DNR biologist Jess Carstens verified the tracks on Monday, indicating the cougar has continued to move south and east at a rate of 5 to 7 miles per day.
It had been expected that the cat would make a kill and Carstens found a cache Monday, a fawn deer that had been partially eaten and then covered with corn stalks from a farmer’s field. Evidence examined today shows the cat likely returned to the cache overnight.
The DNR has no immediate plans to capture the animal. Landowners in the lower Chippewa River valley are being asked to be observant for signs of the cougar.
If an individual finds what appear to be cougar tracks the best course of action is to take the highest quality photographs possible with something in the frame – a ruler is preferred but cash money will work – as a reference for measurement.
Instructions for reporting rare animal signs – and up to date information on cougar sightings in Wisconsin – can be found online at: http://dnr.wi.gov/org/land/er/mammals/cougar/sightings.htm. This information includes e-mail addresses for transmitting digital photographs.
This is the second time cougar signs have been found in this part of Western Wisconsin. In May, confirmed cougar tracks were found on a farm in Pepin County.
A cougar first spotted near Milton, Wisconsin, in January 2008 was the first confirmed instance of a wild cougar in Wisconsin since they were extirpated from the state in the early part of the 20th Century.
Biologists suspect that the handful of sightings since then are the result of male cougars dispersing from breeding populations in the Dakotas. Parts of western and southwestern Wisconsin offer ideal habitat for cougars with heavily wooded terrain, high-ridged valleys and large deer populations. There is no evidence of breeding populations in Wisconsin.
Cougars are listed as protected in Wisconsin. It is illegal to kill a cougar except to prevent injury to a human.
Wildlife officials said there is no reason for concern as cougars typically avoid any contact with humans. While the risk of a cougar attacking a human is exceedingly small, it does exist. Officials from Arizona, which has a large population of cougars, offer this advice:
If you encounter a mountain lion:
- Do not approach the animal. Most mountain lions will try to avoid a confrontation. Give them a way to escape.
- Stay calm and speak loudly and firmly.
- Do not run from a mountain lion. Running may stimulate a mountain lion’s instinct to chase. Stand and face the animal. Make eye contact.
- Appear larger. Raise your arms. Open your jacket if you are wearing one. Throw stones, branches, or whatever you can reach without crouching or turning your back. Wave your arms slowly. The idea is to convince the lion that you are not easy prey and that you may be a danger to it.
- Maintain eye contact and slowly back away toward a building, vehicle, or busy area.
- Protect small children so they won’t panic and run.
- Fight back if attacked. Many potential victims have fought back successfully with rocks, sticks, caps, jackets, garden tools, their bare hands, and even mountain bikes. Since a mountain lion usually tries to bite the head or neck, try to remain standing and face the animal.
News Release Published: December 23, 2009 by the West Central Region
Contact(s): Adrian Wydeven, conservation ecologists, Park Falls, (715) 762-1363
Kris Belling, regional wildlife supervisor, Eau Claire, (715) 839-3736Ed Culhane, DNR communications, Eau Claire, (715) 839-3715
Friday, September 4, 2009
More Trail Camera Videos
More Trail Camera Videos
Ben Halverson
Here is another video I recently pulled off the trail cam. So its not a whitetail deer, but these turkeys are still a fun game to look at. Remember to send me your videos or pictures with a short description of where you filmed it and when.
Ben Halverson
Here is another video I recently pulled off the trail cam. So its not a whitetail deer, but these turkeys are still a fun game to look at. Remember to send me your videos or pictures with a short description of where you filmed it and when.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Still space in Buckhorn youth learn to hunt workshop and youth hunt
Still space in Buckhorn youth learn to hunt workshop and youth hunt
Weekly News Article Published: July 7, 2009 by the Central Office
NEECEDAH, Wis. – Space is still available for youths interested in a “Learn to Deer Hunt” workshop and special hunt that will be held at Buckhorn State Park located on the Castle Rock Flowage near Neecedah. Applications for the hunt must be received at the park by July 15.
The Buckhorn State Park Youth Deer Hunt Program includes a one-day workshop on August 22 or 23, and a hunt on Nov. 7 and 8. Previous youth hunters had quality deer hunting experiences with their chaperones, according to Joe Stecker-Kochanski, Buckhorn State Park supervisor.
To participate applicants must be age 12 but not older than 17 by Nov. 7, 2009. They must have a hunter education certificate by August 22 and must not have previously participated in a Learn to Deer Hunt program. Participants who have not previously harvested a deer with a firearm will receive preference. Applicants who have harvested a deer with a firearm can still apply, but will be selected on a drawing on July 16 if any spots remain available.
A chaperon must accompany all applicants. Applicants may select a chaperon or authorize Buckhorn Park to assign a qualified chaperon. This person will not be allowed to hunt or carry a firearm and must be at least 21 years old. The chaperon must have at least five years of hunting experience.
Applications are available on the Buckhorn Learn to Deer Hunt Web page and must be submitted by July 15. Successful applicants will be notified about July 24. Note: A student who has participated in the Sandhill youth deer hunt program is not allowed to participate in the
Buckhorn hunt and vice versa.
Successful applicants and their chaperons are required to attend a workshop in order to participate in the hunt. Chaperon must be the same person at both workshop and hunt weekend.
A deer gun hunting license is not required. A back tag will be furnished. This is a bonus deer and will not preclude the harvest of a deer during the regular season. The bag limit will be one deer of either sex. Only shotguns will be permitted; muzzleloaders and rifles are not permitted. A fee will be $25 to cover course and hunt materials.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Buckhorn State Park - (608) 565-2789
View all articles in this issue or check our previous Weekly News Issues.
Weekly News Article Published: July 7, 2009 by the Central Office
NEECEDAH, Wis. – Space is still available for youths interested in a “Learn to Deer Hunt” workshop and special hunt that will be held at Buckhorn State Park located on the Castle Rock Flowage near Neecedah. Applications for the hunt must be received at the park by July 15.
The Buckhorn State Park Youth Deer Hunt Program includes a one-day workshop on August 22 or 23, and a hunt on Nov. 7 and 8. Previous youth hunters had quality deer hunting experiences with their chaperones, according to Joe Stecker-Kochanski, Buckhorn State Park supervisor.
To participate applicants must be age 12 but not older than 17 by Nov. 7, 2009. They must have a hunter education certificate by August 22 and must not have previously participated in a Learn to Deer Hunt program. Participants who have not previously harvested a deer with a firearm will receive preference. Applicants who have harvested a deer with a firearm can still apply, but will be selected on a drawing on July 16 if any spots remain available.
A chaperon must accompany all applicants. Applicants may select a chaperon or authorize Buckhorn Park to assign a qualified chaperon. This person will not be allowed to hunt or carry a firearm and must be at least 21 years old. The chaperon must have at least five years of hunting experience.
Applications are available on the Buckhorn Learn to Deer Hunt Web page and must be submitted by July 15. Successful applicants will be notified about July 24. Note: A student who has participated in the Sandhill youth deer hunt program is not allowed to participate in the
Buckhorn hunt and vice versa.
Successful applicants and their chaperons are required to attend a workshop in order to participate in the hunt. Chaperon must be the same person at both workshop and hunt weekend.
A deer gun hunting license is not required. A back tag will be furnished. This is a bonus deer and will not preclude the harvest of a deer during the regular season. The bag limit will be one deer of either sex. Only shotguns will be permitted; muzzleloaders and rifles are not permitted. A fee will be $25 to cover course and hunt materials.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Buckhorn State Park - (608) 565-2789
View all articles in this issue or check our previous Weekly News Issues.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
DNR Official Resoponse to Earn-A-Buck
After all the talk, all the meetings, and all the voting, the DNR has released its official reponse to all the noise surrounding the earn-a-buck rule.
Below is the official release which can be found on the Wisconsin DNR website.
DNR Indefinitely Suspends Earn-a-Buck: Will work with hunters, farmers, foresters to develop alternative
News Release Published: April 23, 2009 by the Central Office
Contact(s): Adam Collins (608) 358-3629
MADISON – The Wisconsin Natural Resources Board (the Board) today adopted the Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) recommended fall season structure for the 2009 deer hunt, which includes no Earn-a-Buck units outside of the CWD management zone and 40 fewer deer management units with the October antlerless hunt. Overall, the number of units set to have a regular deer season has increased by 180 percent from 2008. Earn-a-Buck will continue within the CWD management zone during the 2009 season.
The Board also passed a resolution indefinitely suspending Earn-a-Buck and directing the DNR to begin a new process to develop effective, hunter supported alternatives to the program. Units within the CWD zone, where disease management efforts are ongoing, will continue to have Earn-a-Buck until those herds are at goal or effective alternative management strategies are developed. The Board also reaffirmed the importance of achieving a good balance to support Wisconsin’s strong deer hunting tradition and a quality hunt while maintaining a healthy, sustainable deer herd and protecting agriculture, forestry and ecosystems.
DNR Secretary Matt Frank issued the following statement about the action of the Natural Resources Board:
“DNR and the Natural Resources Board hear hunter concerns regarding the 2008 fall deer hunt, DNR deer population estimates, state deer population goals, and Earn-a-Buck regulations. We are not only listening, we are taking action by indefinitely suspending Earn-a-Buck. Concerns have been raised in extensive hearings conducted by the DNR and the legislature throughout the state, as well as by the Conservation Congress and numerous conservation organizations. While we should not underestimate the challenge we face in developing effective alternatives to Earn-a-Buck that will control the deer population where it is over goal, the DNR is strongly committed to working with hunters, landowners and the public to do just that.”
“Beyond finding an alternative to Earn-A-Buck, we will be taking important additional action over the next year. We will review and revise the state’s deer population goals covering the next three years. Strong public input will be critical to that process. We will also review and make necessary improvements to our system for estimating the deer population, including how we measure the impact of winter severity, natural predators, and other factors.”
“We look forward to working with the Natural Resources Board, the Legislature, the Conservation Congress, hunters, landowners, conservation organizations on these important issues.”
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