Madison (AP) — A group of GOP lawmakers has introduced a bill that would ban hunters from killing antlerless deer in northern Wisconsin for four years, a move aimed at protecting female deer and expanding the region’s herd.
Some hunters in the Northern Forest Region have complained for years that the number of deer roaming the area is decreasing. The zone covers about the northern third of the state.
Over the past 10 years, hunters have killed 14.7% fewer deer in the north Nine-day gun hunting season in November compared to the five-year average, according to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources’ total harvest. Doe harvest in this zone was 27.2 percent below the five-year average.
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DNR wildlife officials blame the harsh 2022-23 winter for the decline in deer numbers. Some hunters believe the huge number of predators is decimating the region’s deer herd. Those predators include black bears, coyotes, wolves and bobcats.
Under legislation introduced Jan. 17 by Reps. Chanz Green, Angie Sapik, Rob Swearingen, Calvin Callahan and Sen. Romaine Quinn, hunters would be prohibited from killing antlerless deer in the northern zone for four years.
DNR seeking more tips on illegal shooting of two cow elk in Jackson County in 2022
Madison — The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) needs the public’s assistance in its ongoing investigation into the illegal taking of two female moose during separate events in Jackson County during the 2022 deer hunting season.
DNR staff received and responded to a mortality call from a monitoring collar on a female moose on Sunday, November 20, 2022. The moose was found on private property near Whitney Road in the Town of Knapp. DNR staff received a second mortality call from a monitoring collar on another female moose on Tuesday, November 22, 2022. DNR staff found the second moose near Castle Mound and Brockway Roads in the Town of Brockway.
Autopsy confirmed that each animal had been shot. The deaths of two breeding cows are a loss to the growth of the elk population. The DNR issued a plea for tips when the investigation began in slow 2022, but information provided so far has been inconclusive and more information is needed. Members of the public can share tips of any kind by calling the DNR’s confidential tip line at (800) 847-9367.
Moose were reintroduced to Jackson County in 2015.
DNR hearing on fish reserve regulations to be held February 5
Madison — DNR to hold public hearing at 5:30 p.m.
Monday, Feb. 5 via a Microsoft Teams meeting link on emergency regulations and proposed lasting regulations to create fish shelters in Milwaukee, Outagamie and Waupaca counties. The regulations would also create a statewide mechanism for implementing momentary fish shelters to protect fish from overfishing, especially in areas where they congregate to spawn.
This emergency rule creates a year-round refuge on the Milwaukee River, including a fish passage at Kletzsch Park Dam, prohibiting fishing in the passage and surrounding area. The proposed lasting rule would continue the fish refuge on the Milwaukee River. It would also create seasonal refuges in spawning marshes connected to the Wolf River in Outagamie and Waupaca counties.
The hearing will provide details regarding the purpose and location of each proposed refuge and the mechanism for implementing momentary fish refuges. Public comments will be accepted at the hearing. The public may also submit written comments to [email protected]. The draft rule is posted on the DNR website.
The white-tailed eagle observation days start on February 10th
Madison — The 38th annual free Bald Eagle Watching Days in Wisconsin will be held Saturday, Feb. 10 in Sauk City and Prairie du Sac. This year, eagle watchers will be able to apply the newly renovated viewing area at 490 Water Street in Prairie du Sac. Volunteers will be there to answer questions from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Visitors can also watch live raptor demonstrations at the River Arts Center at Sauk-Prairie High School, with bird trainers from the Schlitz Audubon Nature Center in Milwaukee, and a recently recorded bald eagle release.
“These events offer a unique opportunity for people to come together and celebrate the successes of rebuilding and protecting the bald eagle population in Wisconsin,” said Sumner Matteson, avian ecologist with the DNR.
Active bald eagle nests can be found in every county in the state.
Nominations open for Safety Instructor Award
Madison — DNR is accepting nominations for the 2023 Hunter Education Instructor of the Year, Hunter Education Group of the Year and Archery Education Instructor of the Year awards.
“Download the nomination form from the DNR volunteer website and email it to [email protected] until February 15th.
Two Wisconsin sports showcases announced for 2024
Wausau, Wisconsin — Wausau and Marinette will be the sites of two sporting events in 2024, spanning central and northern Wisconsin and northeastern Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.
The Central Wisconsin Sports Show will be held Feb. 9-11 at the Rothschild Convention & Expo Center. Classes will be offered in boat safety, fly fishing and concealed carry.
The Fishing-Boating-Outdoor Show will be held March 1-3 at the Marinette Rec Center. The show will feature fishing, hunting and camping exhibitors, as well as boats, pontoons, power sports machines and campers.
Both shows are held at the following times: Friday, 3:00 AM – 8:00 PM; Saturday, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Sunday, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM. Adults are $8, children under 12 are free.
