Conservation Patron License: Privileges aplenty for many
March 24, 2013
By: Department of Natural Resources
Frequently Asked Questions - March 24, 2013
Welcome to another special edition of a popular Warden Wire feature -- the Frequently Asked Questions. You may recall the recent installments of FAQs - the Special Edition during the recent sturgeon spearing and gun-deer seasons. Warden Wire again is publishing this special edition of Frequently Asked Questions -- this time dealing solely with The Conservation Patron License. This series represents some of the recent questions taken by the DNR Call Center. The Call Center is staffed daily, 7 a.m. - 10 p.m., and offers bilingual service in Spanish and Hmong. The number is 1-888-936-7463.
Question 1: I've heard a conservation warden talk about some bigger license that offers more than just a single hunting or fishing season. I’m interested but not sure what’s in it for me because I'm not the hunter or angler that some of my friends are -- but I do enjoy the outdoors a lot.
Answer: Glad you asked. It is called the Conservation Patron License. What’s in it for you? A lot.
Question 2: How so? A couple of my girlfriends and their husbands hunt and fish and they were talking this up the other day, but I’m more of a birder. Plus, if I can find a nature trail, or a hill to hike, I’m on it. And I’m a big reader.
Answer: Well, good news. This license is a good fit for your friends AND you. It has so many privileges – including an annual subscription to The Natural Resources Magazine. Throw an edition in your hiking backpack and take in an article on a rest stop. But, let’s get back to your question about the Conservation Patron License.
Yes, the Conservation Patron License is billed for the avid sportspersons like your girlfriends and their families. So the license is a good fit for them. But, and here’s where you come in, it offers a lot of privileges which also make it a good buy for outdoor fans just like you. One of the privileges included in this license is access to all state trails. But there is a lot more to it.
Whether you’re looking for a convenient way to purchase all of your basic hunting and fishing licenses at a great price, or want to contribute toward the management of all of Wisconsin’s fish and wildlife programs, including habitat conservation and research, the Conservation Patron License gives you that opportunity. Also, heads up on this one for you: an annual state park admission sticker, access to all state trails and a subscription to the award-winning Wisconsin Natural Resources magazine is included.
The Conservation Patron License also means you can fish in all Wisconsin waters, hunt deer, small game, waterfowl and upland game birds. Plus, if you get this license, maybe you’d like to investigate how to try some of the hunting and fishing your friends enjoy?
Question 3: OK, got it. Here’s my other question. Will I have to take out a second mortgage to buy one of these?
Answer: No! This is a great deal. It’s $165 for all of those privileges. The Conservation Patron license is available at more than 1,300 license agents statewide. Here’s a link to find one near you: http://dnr.wi.gov/permits/saleslocation.html
You also can get them through the DNR’s online license center at this link: https://jc.activeoutdoorsolutions.com/wi_public/goHome.do
Nonresident ($600) and Nonresident Junior ($77) Conservation Patron licenses also are available.
Question 4: What’s included and what’s not included in The Conservation Patron License?
Answer: Good question. Here you go:
What's included :
- Annual Fishing License
- Great Lakes Trout & Salmon Stamp
- Inland Trout Stamp
- Sturgeon Hook & Line Inland
- Sturgeon Hook & Line WI-MI
- Small Game License
- Pheasant Stamp
- Gun Deer Hunting License
- Archery License
- Trapping License
- Otter Application
- Fisher Application
- Spring Turkey Application
- Spring Turkey License (permit required)
- Turkey Stamp
- Fall Turkey Application
- Fall Turkey License (permit required)
- Early Goose Permit (upon request)
- Exterior Goose Permit (upon request)
- Regular Season Goose Application
- Waterfowl Stamp
- Annual Park Sticker (not included with the Conservation Patron Junior License)
- Annual State Parks Trail Pass (not included with the Conservation Patron Junior License)
- Admission to Heritage Hill State Park (not included with the Conservation Patron Junior License)
- Subscription to Wisconsin Natural Resources Magazine (not included with the Conservation Patron Junior License)
What's not included:
- Bear Application
- Class "A" Bear License
- Class "B" Bear License
- Bobcat Application
- Bonus Deer permits
- Federal Migratory Stamp
- Sturgeon Spearing License
- Sturgeon Spearing Upriver Application
- Sharp-tailed Grouse Application
- Spring Turkey after draw permits
- Fall Turkey after draw permits
- Wolf harvest application
If you have information regarding natural resource violations, please call: VIOLATION HOTLINE: 1-800-TIP-WDNR or 1-800-847-9367. The hotline is in operation 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Trained staff relay reported information to conservation wardens. Anyone who calls the Violation Hotline or provides information can remain anonymous.