2017 Migratory bird season proposals and public hearing dates and locations
In the next few weeks, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will finalize the annual federal waterfowl structure under which states within the Mississippi Flyway may establish waterfowl hunting seasons. These federal season proposals will be the subject of a series of public meetings throughout Wisconsin in mid-March.
The 2017 migratory bird season proposals are now available. The department will accept public comments on the proposed waterfowl season structure at each public hearing. People who would like to provide input directly or are unable to attend a hearing may submit written comments through midnight Friday, March 17. Written comments can be sent to Taylor Finger, Wisconsin DNR, PO Box 7921, Madison, WI 53707, via email to Taylor.finger@wisconsin.gov or by calling 608-266-8841.
Public hearings regarding proposed 2017 waterfowl season structure will be held March 13 - 16. Feedback received from the public in recent years helped the department develop current season structure, which has been favored by most hunters.
Post-Flyway Council meetings/sessions and public hearings will be held at the following locations:
Post Flyway Meetings and Special Sessions
- Saturday, March 11, Wisconsin Rapids - Wisconsin Waterfowl Hunters’ Conference –The Mead Hotel, 451 E Grand Ave, Proposed season breakout session March 11 at 11:30 a.m. and 2:45 p.m.
Public Hearings (hearings will start at 7 p.m.)
- Monday, March 13, 7 p.m., La Crosse - State Office Building, Rooms B-19 and B-20, 3550 Mormon Coulee Road.;
- Tuesday, March 14, 7 p.m., Rice Lake - AmeriVu Inn, 1710 South Main St.;
- Wednesday, March 15, 7 p.m., Appleton - Agricultural Services Center, Main conference room, 3369 West Brewster St.; and
- Thursday, March 16, 7 p.m., Pewaukee - Wildwood Lodge, N14 W24121 Tower Place.
For more information regarding waterfowl hunting in Wisconsin, visit dnr.wi.gov and search keyword “waterfowl.”