Madison – Wake boats, the framework for the 2024 deer season, and the results of the DNR advisory question vote and spring Congressional Conservation hearing are just three topics the Natural Resources Board (NRB) will address during an in-person meeting at 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday, June 26, at the Oneida Hotel and Conference Center at 2040 Airport Drive in Green Bay.
NRB members will also hear about aquatic invasive species issues, two land exchanges, one land donation and several cash donations. The board will also be asked to approve two scoping statements, one regarding updating lead and copper requirements for public drinking water and the other regarding an alternative method for the municipality to establish proof of financial responsibility required for a solid waste facility.
Viewers will be able to watch the meeting on the platform DNR YouTube Channel.
MORE COVERAGE FROM WISCONSIN OUTDOOR NEWS:
Loggers look at the past and present deer herd in northern Wisconsin
For the first time since 2009, 50,000 turkeys were shot during the spring season in Wisconsin
Wisconsin state troopers at work: Violators caught on their own cameras
Upper Miss Refuge is accepting applications for waterfowl guide assistance until July 1
Winona, Minnesota – The Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge is accepting applications for a special waterfowl hunting guide exploit permit for the 2024 waterfowl hunting season. Eight commercial waterfowl hunting permits will be available by the end of the 2028 waterfowl season. Successful candidates will be given the opportunity to manage waterfowl hunters for up to five years. Annual permit renewal is required.
Entries must be postmarked or timestamped via email no later than July 1st. Interested applicants should obtain a copy of the Waterfowl Hunting Guide Services Program Requirements and Rules and permit application by contacting Stephanie Edeler, Refuge Specialist, by email at [email protected] or by mail to USFWS Attn: Waterfowl Guide Application, 102 Walnut Street, Suite 204, Winona, MN 55987. Citizens may apply by calling (507) 494-6221.
Michigan DNR forced to kill 31,000 BKD-infected hatchery Atlantic salmon
Harrietta, Mich. – DNR fisheries workers in Michigan had to euthanize just over 31,000 Atlantic salmon with bacterial kidney disease, or BKD.
In early April, an inspection of fish reared at the Harrietta State Fish Hatchery in Co. Wexford revealed the presence of BKD. Employees at the University of Michigan’s Aquatic Animal Health Laboratory observed signs of the disease.
A 28-day course of antibiotics was completed on May 17, but the treatment was not fully effective in eliminating the infection. After antibiotic treatment was completed, another group of fish was sent to the laboratory for analysis and signs of dynamic disease were still observed.
“The bacteria that causes BKD is listed as a Tier 1 restricted pathogen in the Great Lakes Model Fish Health Management Program,” said Ed Eisch, deputy chief of the DNR Division of Fisheries. “Fish that have tested positive for Tier 1 restricted pathogens may be farmed in places where the pathogen is already known to exist, but only if they are free from symptoms of the disease. This batch of fish still shows signs of active BKD and cannot be restocked.”
Harrietta isn’t the only Michigan DNR hatchery that raises Atlantic salmon. The Platte River State Fish Hatchery, about 25 miles west of Traverse City, Michigan, also raised Atlantic salmon. Fish in the Platte were fit and stocked in Torch Lake (15,883 fish), the Au Sable River in Oscoda (25,000 fish), the Thunder Bay River in Alpena (25,000 fish), Lexington Harbor on Lake Huron (40,000 fish), and River St. Marys in Sault Ste. Maria (27,000 fish).
The MacKenzie Center will host a free youth archery clinic on July 20
Poynette, Wis. – The DNR’s MacKenzie Center will host a free youth archery clinic from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 20.
This free clinic for children aged 8 to 15 will introduce children to the sport of archery or aid them improve their skills. The clinic is open to all skill levels. All equipment will be provided, so instructors ask students not to bring their own equipment. There will be two sessions lasting an hour and a half and a maximum of 15 students per session.
The first session will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. The second session will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. To register or for more information call (608) 635-8112.
BOW Shooting Clinic June 29 in Stevens Point
Stevens Point, Wis. – The next day of “Becoming an Outdoors-Woman” shooting fun will be held at the Bill Cook Branch at the Izaak Walton League in Stevens Point from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Saturday, June 29.
Instructors will have a variety of rifles, shotguns and handguns available for participants to try out while learning sheltered shooting practices from patient instructors in a non-competitive, supportive atmosphere. Guns, ammunition, safety gear, lunch, fun and camaraderie are included. Students must be over 18 years of age. No experience is necessary.
The fee is $225 per person and includes three hands-on shooting lessons with one-on-one coaching from experienced instructors, lunch and exploit of all equipment. There is no additional fee for playing. Call or text (715) 346-4562 or [email protected].
Moore Creek spill causes fish kills for a mile
MADISON (AP) – A fertilizer spill reported by an angler on Moore Creek in Monroe County on Saturday, May 18, caused a fish kill for more than a mile, according to DNR officials.
DNR officials said the farm’s fertilizer transportation system failed, but did not elaborate. The spill affected at least 1.2 miles of Moore Creek and an adjacent tributary. DNR officials said they did not estimate how much manure was spread.
