DNR Publishes Annual Report Card On Efforts To Protect Wisconsin’s Drinking Water Supplies

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Sept. 14, 2020
Contact: Steve Elmore, DNR program director,
Bureau of Drinking Water and Groundwater
Steve.elmore@wisconsin.gov or 608-259-6100

DNR Publishes Annual Report Card On Efforts To Protect Wisconsin’s Drinking Water Supplies

Last year, more than 99% of Wisconsin’s public water systems provided water that met safe drinking water standards. / Photo Credit: iStock.com/Alter_photo

MADISON, Wis. – The Department of Natural Resources recently published its 2019 Annual Drinking Water Report which summarizes compliance with the drinking water requirements and highlights statewide efforts to help public water systems provide safe and adequate drinking water supplies.

Last year, more than 99% of Wisconsin’s public water systems provided water that met safe drinking water standards.

“This level of success depends on a lot of hard work by many people all over the state,” said Steve Elmore, program director of the Bureau of Drinking Water and Groundwater. “Managing Wisconsin’s drinking water resources and adhering to state and federal regulations would not be possible without strong collaborative partnerships between the DNR, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), public water systems, county health officials, professional associations, individual operators, other water quality organizations and water consumers.”

Helping achieve compliance takes many forms. The DNR inspects public water systems regularly and provides on-site assessments when bacterial contaminants are detected. Through the Safe Drinking Water Loan Program, the DNR provided more than $60 million in assistance to 29 communities around the state in 2019 to help them make repairs and improvements to their drinking water systems.

Gov. Tony Evers declared 2019 the Year of Clean Drinking Water, focusing attention on the importance of safe drinking water and initiating new efforts to address concerns about contamination from nitrate, lead and PFAS.

“Wisconsin faces numerous challenges, including aging infrastructure, limited funding, nitrate contamination and threats from emerging contaminants,” said Adam DeWeese, DNR Public Water Supply section chief. “But the DNR and many other people are working hard to meet those challenges and protect the state’s drinking water.”

View the 2019 Annual Drinking Water Report here or call 608-266-1054 to request a copy.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Sept. 14, 2020
Contact: Meghan Pluemer, DNR assistant resource sociologist
Meghan.Pluemer@wisconsin.gov or 608-261-6416

Statewide Deer Hunter Diary Study

To Be Conducted This Fall

Hunters contacted are encouraged to participate in the deer diary survey this season. / Photo Credit: iStock.com/Michael-Tatman

MADISON, Wis. – This fall, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is launching its largest ever survey of deer hunters to better understand which harvest opportunities hunters decide to take.

Participating hunters will use an online diary to record the number of hours they spend hunting, deer sightings and observations related to buck age and harvest selectivity. The aim of this study is to gain more information about statewide hunter success and selectivity when deer hunting.

The deer hunter diary will start with the beginning of the bow season on Sept. 12 and will run until the end of the nine-day gun season on Nov. 29. The department plans to contact more than 130,000 licensed hunters by email asking them to participate in the diary survey. 

The DNR will randomly select hunters to participate in three days of online diary entries to record their experiences deer hunting. Examples of the types of questions asked within the diary include: How many hours were spent hunting, how many deer were seen, how many deer the hunter had an opportunity to harvest and how many deer were harvested.

“This study allows for a unique opportunity for hunters to have direct involvement in citizen science and deer management in Wisconsin,” said Robert Holsman, DNR resource sociologist. “This is the first time we are conducting the deer hunter diary at the statewide level, and we are looking forward to hearing directly from deer hunters about their observations of deer and experiences while hunting.”

“We test piloted this study in Bayfield and Iowa counties last fall, and we are hoping to build off of our findings to figure out how often hunters are passing bucks they consider to be too small,” said Meghan Pluemer, DNR resource sociologist.

With the 2020 Wisconsin bow season fast approaching, the department asks that hunters participating in the bow season keep an eye on their email starting Sept. 12 as they may be selected to respond to the deer hunter diary. Groups of deer hunters will be sampled continually throughout the deer seasons this fall, so hunters may be selected to participate at any time throughout the bow and nine-day firearm season.

Participation in the diary survey is optional, and the department strongly encourages everyone selected to take part. For the diaries to reflect hunter experiences statewide, it is important that hunters respond if they are selected to participate.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Sept. 15, 2020
Contact: Anne Reis-Boyle, public lands specialist
Anne.Reis@Wisconsin.gov or 608-279-6483

Elk Ridge Yurt Now Open For Flambeau-Area Hunters

The Elk Ridge yurt is available for hunting parties Sept. 8 to May 29 and for all groups May 30 through Labor Day. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

MADISON, Wis. – Wisconsin hunters will find a new way to explore the outdoors this season with the opening of the Elk Ridge yurt, located in the Flambeau River State Forest in Sawyer County.

The Elk Ridge yurt is ADA-accessible and was paid for with sportsmen’s dollars through the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act (PR Act). The yurt is exclusively available to hunters from Sept. 8 through May 29 for the fall hunting and spring turkey seasons. The yurt is reservable year-round and may be used for hunting and non-hunting purposes from May 30th through Labor Day.

Through an excise tax on firearms, ammunition and archery equipment, the PR Act provides essential funding for quality hunting experiences nationwide.

“In Wisconsin, we are lucky to receive funds to provide hunters with new and innovative access opportunities on our public lands. We are excited to launch the Flambeau River State Forest Elk Ridge yurt to provide a unique amenity for hunters this 2020 hunting season,” said Anne Reis-Boyle, DNR public lands specialist.

The Flambeau River State Forest spans 90,000 acres of public lands and offers a diversity of forests and habitats, hundreds of miles of roads and walking trails. The yurt offers nearby access to hunter walking trails and a carry-in canoe/kayak launch on the Flambeau River. The yurt can also be accessed directly from the Flambeau River as it is just upstream from Dix-Dox Landing. Amenities include bunkbeds, one ADA-accessible bunk, a wood-burning stove, a bear-proof food storage box, an enclosed vault toilet, a fire pit and an outdoor game pole for processing.

The yurt can accommodate up to six people and must be reserved in advance. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, hunters are asked to continue social distancing from people outside their household. Dogs are not allowed in the yurt.

Visit the Wisconsin Going to Camp site to reserve the yurt this fall and beyond. For more information about this unique hunter camping experience, visit the Flambeau River State Forest webpage on the DNR website.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Sept. 15, 2020
Contact: Tami Ryan, DNR Wildlife Health Section Chief
tamara.ryan@wisconsin.gov or 414-750-8360

Jennifer Miller and Elizabeth Goodsitt, DHS Communications Specialists
DHSMedia@dhs.wisconsin.gov or 608-266-1683

DNR And DHS Issue Do Not Eat Advisory For Deer Liver In Five-Mile Area Surrounding JCI/Tyco Site In Marinette

Following DNR findings of PFAS in deer liver in Marinette, Peshtigo and surrounding communities, DHS has issued an advisory against the consumption of deer liver from animals harvested with five-mile radius of JCI/Tyco Fire Technology Center. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) released a report today detailing findings of PFAS in the liver of deer harvested and analyzed from the JCI/Tyco Fire Technology Center in Marinette, Wis.

Following this announcement, the DNR and Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) issued a Do Not Eat advisory for the liver from deer harvested within 5 miles of the JCI/Tyco Fire Technology Center (FTC). This includes areas of Marinette, Peshtigo and surrounding communities. The FTC is located at 2700 Industrial Parkway, Marinette.

Due to high interest from the community, the DNR conducted a study on PFAS levels in deer from the JCI/Tyco Fire Technology Center in Marinette. Twenty deer were harvested and tested for PFAS levels in muscle (venison), heart and liver tissues.

PFAS levels in muscle (venison) and heart tissue were either very low or not detected. For those who eat venison from deer harvested within the five-mile advisory area, the muscle (venison) and heart of white-tailed deer are not likely to result in significant PFAS exposure, according to the DNR’s findings. Therefore, the DNR and DHS have not issued a PFAS-based consumption advisory for muscles or hearts of deer from this location.

However, significant PFAS levels were found in deer liver tissues. The liver filters chemicals from the blood, and some chemicals, like PFAS, can accumulate in the liver over time. These findings suggest that eating liver from deer in this area is likely to result in significant PFAS exposure. The Wisconsin DHS and DNR recommend people not eat liver harvested from deer within the advisory area. Further investigation of PFAS in deer from other locations is under consideration.

“We want to be clear that people should feel comfortable eating venison from deer they’ve harvested near this area," said Tami Ryan, DNR wildlife health section chief. "We just advise they do not consume the liver.”

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are man-made chemicals used in industrial processes and manufactured products. PFAS don’t break down easily and can remain for a long time in the environment where people can be exposed to them. PFAS can accumulate in the human body slowly over time through repeat exposure. High levels of PFAS in the body are harmful to human health, especially to the health of pregnant women.

Visit the DHS PFAS webpage for more information on the effects of PFAS on human health. More information on PFAS in the Marinette area and information on safe consumption of wild game are available on the DNR website.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Sept. 15, 2020
Contact: Christine Haag, DNR Remediation and Redevelopment Program Director
Christine.Haag@wisconsin.gov or 608-422-1148

DNR To Host Online Listening Sessions Sept. 16 Regarding PFAS Deer Tissue Sampling And Other Investigation Activities In Marinette, Peshtigo And Surrounding Communities

MADISON, Wis. – The Department of Natural Resources is holding online listening sessions on Wednesday, Sept. 16 to discuss the state’s newly issued “do not eat deer liver” advisory for the area and to seek public input on PFAS contamination in Marinette, Peshtigo and surrounding communities. The meeting is the tenth in a series of 11 meetings the DNR will host for area residents. 

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a group of human-made chemicals used for decades in numerous products including non-stick cookware, fast food wrappers, stain-resistant sprays and certain types of firefighting foam.

In addition to routine updates regarding the status of the PFAS investigations in the community, the meeting will include:

• A presentation from Sean Strom, DNR’s environmental toxicologist with Fish, Wildlife and Parks. The presentation will include results from the February 2020 deer tissue sampling effort conducted in Marinette, Wis. and the resulting do not eat deer liver advisory in effect in Marinette, Peshtigo and surrounding communities.
• A presentation to discuss DNR’s plan to take on a lead role in the private potable well sampling effort in an area described as the Expanded Site Investigation Area in Marinette and Peshtigo, WI.
• A presentation to discuss recent surface water sampling results for Ditches A and B in Marinette and Peshtigo, WI, including sampling that was recently conducted downstream of treatment systems installed by JCI/Tyco in Ditches A and B in 2019.

The Sept. 16 sessions will take place online from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. and from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. No pre-registration is required. The sessions will be conducted using Zoom video conferencing, which the agency successfully employed in May and July as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

These contaminants have made their way into the environment through accidental spills of PFAS-containing materials, discharges of PFAS-containing wastewater to treatment plants and certain types of firefighting foams.

For more information on how to participate in the listening session, visit: https://dnr.wi.gov/topic/Contaminants/Marinette.html.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Sept. 16, 2020
Northern Oconto County Contact: Steve Kaufman, DNR forester Stephen.Kaufman@wisconsin.gov or 920-360-1290
Southern Oconto County Contact: Chris Duncan, DNR forester Christopher.Duncan@wisconsin.gov or 920-604-1533
Shawano County Contact: Tim James, DNR forester
Timothy.James@wisconsin.gov or 715-701-8018    

Emerald Ash Borer Confirmed In Oconto And Shawano Counties

Signs of emerald ash borer infestation include ash trees dying from the top down and branches sprouting low on the trunk of the tree, as shown in this picture. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

LITTLE SUAMICO/SHAWANO, Wis. – Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) forestry staff have confirmed the presence of emerald ash borer (EAB) in the Town of Little Suamico in Oconto County and the city of Shawano in Shawano County. Alex Feltmeyer, DNR forest health specialist, identified the first positive identification of EAB in both counties which were later confirmed by DATCP. Feltmeyer estimates EAB was present at both locations for at least 3-4 years. 

Emerald ash borer kills all varieties of ash trees (white ash, green ash and black ash) but is not known to affect any other Wisconsin tree species. More than 99% of Wisconsin’s ash trees are expected to die. Once infested, ash trees generally die in 4-6 years. To make matters worse, prolonged wetness, including record rainfall in 2019, has already killed ash trees growing in swamps.

Woodpecker damage, thinning of the tree crown from the top, 1/8-inch D-shaped exit holes, and branches sprouting low on the trunk are all signs of EAB infestation.

Oconto County and Shawano County woodland owners who own 10 or more wooded acres are encouraged to meet with their local DNR forester. Visit My Wisconsin Woods to request your free property visit.

EAB was discovered in the city of Green Bay in 2009 and more recently in several locations in Marinette County in 2017. Citizens can help slow the spread of EAB and other invasive insects and diseases that kill trees by not moving firewood.

If yard trees are close to houses or garages, it is best to plan for removal or protection now. Trees on private property can be protected through an annual or biannual application of systemic insecticides.

For questions on residential trees, homeowners are encouraged to contact a certified arborist at waa-isa.org.

For more information on EAB, visit the DNR's website.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Sept. 16, 2020
Contact: Owen Boyle, DNR species management section chief
Owen.Boyle@wisconsin.gov or 608-576-2446

Citizen Scientists Honored For

Monitoring Wisconsin’s Natural Resources

Ryan Chrouser's extensive contributions toward documenting Wisconsin's dragonflies and damselflies has earned him a 2020 Wisconsin Citizen-based Monitoring Award. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

MADISON, Wis. – An Eau Claire man who has photographed and reported an astonishing 14,000 dragonflies and damselflies, the longtime bat monitoring coordinator for a Manitowish Waters nature center and others are among recipients of the 2020 Wisconsin Citizen-based Monitoring Awards.

Since 2005, these awards have recognized individuals and groups making tremendous strides in volunteer involvement in scientific research and monitoring. The awards are given by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and the Wisconsin Citizen-based Monitoring Network, a collaboration of more than 190 projects and groups promoting citizen-based monitoring.

The DNR’s citizen-based monitoring coordinator, Eva Lewandowski, said that volunteers and staff who partner with them are crucial to collecting information about Wisconsin’s plants and animals, lakes, rivers, wetlands and other natural resources.

“Our 2020 award recipients embody the spirit of the citizen-based monitoring community,” Lewandowski said. “They contribute not just their time, but also their creativity, perseverance, and boundless energy to monitor and protect Wisconsin’s natural resources. They have made profound contributions to local and statewide monitoring efforts.”

The award winners, the category in which they are being recognized, and brief descriptions of their contributions follow. More detailed accounts can be found on the Wisconsin Citizen-based Monitoring Network website.

Waukesha County Conservation In The Parks, Citizen-Based Monitoring Program Of The Year

The Conservation in the Parks program engages Waukesha County volunteers to monitor wetlands, birds, bumble bees, snakes, dragonflies and more in county parks. The information they collect is used to help manage the parks. In 2019, its first full year, 382 volunteers spent 2,402 hours monitoring. One of the most exciting findings was the presence of the federally endangered rusty patched bumble bee in three separate parks.

Ryan Chrouser, Outstanding Achievement In Citizen-Based Monitoring

Chrouser, an Eau Claire resident, has made a profound impact on monitoring Wisconsin’s dragonflies and damselflies. President of the Wisconsin Dragonfly Society, Chrouser has submitted over 14,000 observations of dragonflies and damselflies to DNR’s Wisconsin Odonata Survey since 2002. He gives talks and leads field outings about dragonflies for the public to promote the society and survey.

Heidi Conde, Outstanding Achievement In Citizen-Based Monitoring

Conde, also of Eau Claire, has stepped up in a big way to fill the need for volunteers for nighttime wildlife surveys. Starting with owl surveys in 2005, she has since expanded her efforts to include surveys for nightjars, frogs and birds, participating in at least 106 wildlife surveys over the years. In the 2019 season alone, she completed 36 surveys.

Licia Johnson, Outstanding Achievement In Citizen-Based Monitoring

Johnson, a staff member of the North Lakeland Discovery Center in Manitowish Waters, coordinates and trains volunteers who monitor for bats by recording their calls using specialized acoustic equipment. In 2019, volunteers she worked with conducted 67 bat surveys. Johnson leads over 20 bat education programs for schools and community groups each year and also is involved in citizen-based monitoring of monarchs, birds and amphibians.

Sue And Bob Volenec, Outstanding Achievement In Citizen-Based Monitoring

The Volenecs have been pillars in their local citizen-based monitoring community since moving to Lake Mills a few years ago. They monitor water quality at two streams in Jefferson County and visit local schools to teach children about the importance of streams. The pair participated in the recent Wisconsin Breeding Bird Atlas II by kayak, the Annual Midwest Crane Count, kestrel nest box monitoring and the Christmas Bird Count. They also monitor bats and aquatic invasive species.

Mike Reese, David N. Redell Award For Lifetime Achievement In Citizen-Based Monitoring

Reese is the first person to receive two individual Wisconsin Citizen-based Monitoring Awards: An Outstanding Achievement Award in 2008 and the Lifetime Achievement Award this year. With his son, Reese created the Wisconsin Butterflies website more than 15 years ago with a detailed guide to each of the state’s butterflies. The site serves as a centralized location for butterfly observers to report their observations, which Reese vets. He also leads butterfly counts for the North American Butterfly Association and vets data from across the Midwest. Reese played a crucial role in the recent Wisconsin Breeding Bird Atlas II as director of volunteers and county coordinator for four different counties. He observes bumble bees, tiger beetles and robber flies.

Read more about Wisconsin’s history of citizen scientists and the Wisconsin Citizen-based Monitoring Network in A First Rate Record of Participation in the Spring 2019 Wisconsin Natural Resources magazine.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Sept. 16, 2020
Contact: Taylor Finger, DNR migratory game bird ecologist
Taylor.Finger@wisconsin.gov or 608-266-8841
Jeff Williams, DNR assistant migratory game bird ecologist
Jeffrey.Williams@wisconsin.gov or 608-622-6811

Fall Waterfowl Hunting Season Openers Just Around The Corner

Regular duck and goose seasons open Sept. 16 in the Northern and Southern Zones and Oct. 3 in the Mississippi Zone. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

MADISON, Wis. – Duck hunters in the Northern Zone will begin another fall duck hunt on Saturday, Sept. 26. Southern and Mississippi River Zones open Saturday, Oct. 3.

Due to health concerns related to COVID-19, no waterfowl breeding surveys were conducted this spring. However, feedback from the public and Department of Natural Resources staff indicated excellent duck production throughout the entire state. Additionally, statewide precipitation was at or above average throughout the summer, improving waterfowl hunting conditions for the fall in many areas.

“Even with promising breeding indications, local conditions and scouting will be the most important factors when pursuing ducks this fall,” said Taylor Finger, DNR Migratory Game Bird Ecologist. “Because parts of the state have experienced wet conditions leading up to the duck season and some areas of the state remain dry, scouting this fall will be particularly important to identify the areas that are holding birds.”

The Northern Zone duck season will run Sept. 26 to Nov. 24. The Southern and Mississippi River Zone seasons have a five-day split, running Oct. 3-11 and Oct. 17 to Dec. 6. Opening day shooting hours will begin one-half hour before sunrise.

Waterfowl hunters should note that the goose season in the southern portion of the Exterior zone will also be closed during the five-day split from Oct. 12-16. Also, hunters should note that goose season in the Mississippi River Subzone opens Oct. 3 and is closed Oct. 12-16.

Duck bag limits

The daily bag limit statewide is six ducks, including no more than:

• four mallards, of which two may be a hen (new for 2020);
• two black duck;
• two canvasbacks;
• three wood ducks;
• one pintail; and
• two redheads.

Per U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service regulations, there has been a change in the daily scaup bag limit for 2020. The daily scaup bag limits by zone are:

• North: 1 scaup/day – Sept. 26-Oct. 10 and 2 scaup/day Oct. 11-Nov. 24
• South: 1 scaup/day – Oct. 3-Oct. 11, Oct. 17-Oct. 22 and 2 scaup/day Oct. 23-Dec. 6
• Mississippi River: 1 scaup/day – Oct. 3-Oct. 11, Oct. 17-Oct. 22 and 2 scaup/day Oct. 23-Dec. 6

Five mergansers may be harvested daily, of which no more than two may be hooded mergansers. Fifteen coots may be harvested daily.

Licenses and stamps required for duck hunting include a Wisconsin small game license (included in the Conservation Patron and Sports packaged licenses), a Wisconsin waterfowl stamp and a federal migratory bird stamp. The federal duck stamp costs $25 and can be purchased at a U.S. Post Office. Hunters will also have the option of purchasing the federal stamp privilege at DNR license vendors for an additional $3 surcharge. The purchase will be noted on their license, but the stamp itself will arrive several weeks later in the mail.

Waterfowl and other migratory bird hunters must also register each year with the federal Harvest Information Program, which places them on a list of hunters that may receive a mailing asking them to provide a summary of their harvest. HIP registration is free and can be done at the time hunters purchase their licenses. It can also be added later if a hunter decides they’d like to pursue migratory game birds.

State licenses and stamps, permits and HIP registration are all available through Go Wild. For more information regarding waterfowl hunting in Wisconsin, visit the DNR website.

Regular Goose Season

With resident Canada goose numbers holding steady and average production of the Ontario breeders, hunters will have ample opportunity to enjoy another full 92 days of hunting in the Exterior Zone with a three-bird daily bag limit.

Regular Canada goose season structure is as follows:

• Northern Zone: Sept. 16 to Dec. 16;
• Southern Zone: Sept. 16 to Oct. 11; Oct. 17 to Dec. 6; and Dec. 22 to Jan. 5, 2021; and
• Mississippi River Subzone: Oct. 3- Oct. 11 and Oct. 17 to Jan. 5, 2021.

While afield, goose hunters must carry their Canada goose harvest permit. Early and regular season goose permits may be printed on regular white paper rather than green thermal paper. Acceptable methods of proof include a paper copy, department-approved PDF displayed on a mobile device, Wisconsin driver’s license or Go Wild Conservation Card. As a reminder to Canada goose hunters, registration of Canada geese and in-field validation of the Canada goose hunting permit is no longer required.

To learn more about the 2020 migratory bird season framework, visit the DNR webpage here.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Sept. 17, 2020
Contact: Amanda Kamps, DNR wildlife health conservation specialist
Amanda.Kamps@wisconsin.gov or 608-712-5280

DNR Offers Robust Statewide CWD Testing

New Online Form For Hunters

Hundreds of sampling locations are available for hunters at self-service kiosks around the state. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

MADISON, Wis. – In cooperation with local businesses, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources staff will collect deer heads for chronic wasting disease (CWD) testing during the 2020 archery, crossbow and gun hunting seasons. The health of the deer herd relies on commitment from hunters.

Managing CWD begins with knowing where the disease exists on the landscape, and having this knowledge is only possible with a robust sample size, thanks to deer hunters around the state. Hunters should make plans to visit a sampling station to have their deer submitted for testing.

“Hunters who haven’t had their deer tested before might be concerned about the time involved or just not know what to expect when having their deer tested,” said Amanda Kamps, DNR wildlife health conservation specialist. “We offer a variety of ways for hunters to participate, letting them choose the route that’s most convenient for them.”

New this year, hunters have a digital option for entering their CWD testing information when visiting one of the hundreds of self-service and in-person sampling stations around the state. Successful hunters will find a unique link to the online form in their harvest registration confirmation email or in their Go Wild harvest history.

Testing for CWD is available to hunters statewide. This year, hunters in northwestern and northeastern Wisconsin are strongly encouraged to participate in the department’s effort to map where CWD occurs throughout the state.

“This fall in particular, CWD testing by hunters in northwestern and northeastern Wisconsin will be crucial in our effort to understand where CWD occurs in our state,” said Kamps. “Every last sample counts, so if you’re hunting in one of these counties, make sure to visit us online to find the most convenient sampling location near you.”

The counties with heightened focus in northwestern Wisconsin are: Ashland, Bayfield, Barron, Burnett, Douglas, Iron, Rusk, Sawyer and Taylor.

The counties with heightened focus in northeastern Wisconsin are: Brown, Calumet, Door, Fond du Lac, Forest, Green Lake, Kewaunee, Langlade, Manitowoc, Marinette, Marquette, Menominee, Oconto, Outagamie, Shawano, Sheboygan, Waupaca, Waushara and Winnebago.

Recent CWD positive cases in the Chippewa Valley area have spurred the need for increased sampling from deer harvested in Buffalo, Chippewa, Dunn, Eau Claire, Pepin and Trempealeau counties. Hunters who harvest deer in Marathon, Lincoln and Oneida counties are also encouraged to have their deer tested to monitor for CWD around recent positives there.

Find a map of where samples are most needed on the DNR website.

CWD Sampling Locations

Hunters have several options available to have their deer sampled for CWD, and all locations can be found on the DNR website. In addition to a network of 24/7 self-service sampling stations (also called kiosks) around the state, many meat processors and businesses offer in-person sampling assistance.

Hunters should contact staffed sampling stations in advance to verify hours of operation. For an interactive map with sampling locations available in your area, visit the DNR website. There is also a searchable database available as an alternative to the map view.

A sample consists of the deer head with 3-5 inches of neck attached. Hunters will also need to have their harvest authorization number, harvest location and contact information when submitting a sample. New this year, hunters may submit this information online rather than using a paper form. Hunters can find this new digital form in their registration confirmation email and in their harvest history in Go Wild.

To make special arrangements for large bucks, please call your nearby DNR wildlife biologist.

Deer Carcass Disposal

Hunters are encouraged to dispose of deer carcass waste in a licensed landfill that accepts this waste or in a dumpster designated for deer carcass waste. If a municipality allows deer disposal curbside or at a transfer station, the carcass should be double bagged. If these options are not available and the deer was harvested on private land, burying the deer carcass waste or returning it to the location of the harvest are the next best options. It is illegal to dispose of deer carcass waste on any public lands.

Hunters can find a map with the CWD sampling locations and deer carcass disposal locations on the DNR website as well as in the Hunt Wild app.

Baiting And Feeding

Hunters are reminded that baiting and feeding is prohibited in some counties. Check the DNR's baiting and feeding webpage frequently for updates. No counties in the state will be removed from the ban during the 2020 deer hunting seasons.

Prevent The Spread Of CWD

Voluntarily following recommended practices can reduce and prevent the spread of CWD. Those include proper carcass transportation, handling and disposal, reporting sick deer, following baiting and feeding regulations and cleaning and decontaminating equipment. Hunters may also follow urine-based scent recommendations.

Sick Deer Reports

DNR staff members are interested in reports of sick deer. To report a sick deer, contact local wildlife staff or call DNR Customer Service at 1-888-936-7463.

More information on CWD is available on the DNR website.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Sept. 17, 2020
Contact: Randy Johnson, DNR large carnivore specialist
Randy.Johnson@wisconsin.gov or 715-499-0010 
Jennifer Price Tack, DNR large carnivore research scientist
Jennifer.PriceTack@wisconsin.gov or 715-499-1097 

A New Method To Count Wolves,
A Better Fit For Wisconsin

Comparing the wolf population estimates and minimum counts for the last three years. The minimum count was within the confidence interval of the new occupancy model all three years. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

MADISON, Wis. – Extensive survey efforts conducted by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), tribal biologists and more than 100 trained citizen volunteers indicate an increase in Wisconsin’s wolf population from last year. This increase follows two years of steady abundance estimates and was measured in both the long-standing territory mapping method and the department’s new occupancy-based model, which will provide a more robust estimate of the state’s wolf population for years to come.

The territory mapping method produces a minimum count of wolves in Wisconsin. This year, the overwinter minimum wolf count was calculated to be 1,034-1,057 wolves, a 13% increase from the 2018-19 minimum estimate of 914-978 wolves. The number of packs detected increased from the previous year from 243 packs to 256.

Over the past seven years, the DNR has researched and developed a new occupancy model, which produces highly reliable estimates, provides a more realistic estimate of the total population size and efficiently makes use of state resources.

Using the new occupancy model, the DNR estimated that there are between 957 and 1,573 wolves in Wisconsin, with the most likely estimate being 1,195 wolves. This is an increase from the 2019 range of 835 to 1,333 wolves with the most likely estimate being 1,047 wolves.

After multiple years of research and testing, DNR researchers are confident transitioning to this new monitoring technique. For the past three years, the DNR has calculated both the outgoing minimum count using territory mapping and the incoming population range using the occupancy model. Each year, the minimum count fell within the occupancy model’s population range, giving DNR researchers greater confidence that the new model is a reasonable and reliable alternative to territory mapping for Wisconsin’s wolf population.

Moving forward, the DNR will report the wolf population estimate using the numbers calculated with the occupancy model. The department will no longer produce an overwinter minimum count. 

To learn more about wolves and wolf monitoring in Wisconsin, visit the DNR website.

From Minimum Count To Occupancy – Changing Methods

Since 1979, the DNR has monitored the state’s wolf population using a territory mapping method, which produces a minimum count. The territory mapping method incorporates ground-based tracking, aerial observations and location data from collared wolves to map pack areas and estimate pack size. Data are then combined to estimate the minimum number of wolves each winter.

Territory mapping has been a reliable method for producing a minimum wolf count in Wisconsin for 31 years. However, as Wisconsin’s wolf population has increased, the amount of effort and resources required to map every pack’s territory and determine each pack’s size has also increased. While territory mapping was feasible and warranted when the population was small and scattered during the early years of recovery, the need for a new method of monitoring wolves in Wisconsin has become more pressing, particularly now that the population exceeds 1,000 wolves.

Researchers at the DNR and the University of Wisconsin-Madison developed the department’s new occupancy model with data from systematic winter tracking surveys and collared wolf packs to estimate the total area occupied by packs. The model then combines average pack territory size with the average number of wolves in each pack to estimate the state’s wolf population.

Unlike the territory mapping method, occupancy models do not require that every pack’s territory be fully mapped or that every wolf in a pack be counted. Similar to the population modeling tools used for other species, the wolf occupancy model uses statistical tools to estimate likely population levels in areas of the state where data may be lacking. When coupled with direct measures of data quality through a confidence interval, the new approach provides significant improvements over the prior methodology.

Occupancy modeling was first implemented for a state wolf population in Montana in 2007 in response to their rising wolf population. Two years later, Idaho followed Montana’s lead and adopted the occupancy-based approach. Both states have been using occupancy models to monitor their wolves ever since. The Wisconsin DNR has built off the work of these states to develop an occupancy-based approach tailored to Wisconsin.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Sept. 17, 2020
Contact: DNRPress@wisconsin.gov

September 26 Is National Public Lands Day

National Public Lands Day is Saturday, Sept. 26. / Photo Credit: Ravi Hirekatur

MADISON, Wis. — National Public Lands Day and National Hunting and Fishing Day are coming up Saturday, Sept. 26. 

There are more than six million acres of public lands available for recreation in Wisconsin, providing Wisconsinites and visitors an incredible array of opportunities to hunt, fish, hike and so much more. 

The Department of Natural Resources is offering media interviews ahead of this national day of celebration with Keith Warnke, division administrator of Fish, Wildlife and Parks. 

Warnke can speak on a variety of topics, including:

• The importance of our state's public lands
• Various ways you can support the preservation and enhancement of our public lands
• Upcoming hunting and fishing opportunities

To schedule an interview, please contact DNRPress@wisconsin.gov. 

Learn more about the wonderful opportunities available for outdoor enjoyment by visiting https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Sept. 18, 2020
Contact: Christine Haag, DNR remediation and redevelopment program director
christine.haag@wisconsin.gov or 608-266-0244

DNR Notified Of Possible Separate Contamination Issue At Marinette Facility That Has Paused PFAS Treatment

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is investigating a separate contamination issue found in one of the ditches downstream of the JCI/Tyco Fire Technology Center in Marinette, Wisconsin.

On Thursday, Sept. 17, the DNR received notification from Johnson Controls, Inc. (JCI) and its subsidiary Tyco Fire Products, LP (Tyco) of a sheen on surface water in Ditch B seen upstream from the treatment system used to control PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances).

Ditch B was noted to have elevated PFAS samples in August. Information on that testing can be found here.

On Friday, Sept. 18, the DNR conducted a site visit with JCI/Tyco to examine the sheen and was able to trace it to an upstream residential area. JCI/Tyco has deployed booms and absorbent padding and is in the process of cleaning up the area affected by the sheen.

The sheen has a petroleum odor but at this time its chemical makeup is unknown and the source is as yet undetermined by the DNR. JCI/Tyco’s consultant collected surface water samples from the sheen area for laboratory analysis.

At this time JCI/Tyco has paused the treatment system in Ditch B so as to not damage the filtration system. The DNR will continue to work with JCI/Tyco on the cleanup effort to ensure the PFAS treatment system is restarted as soon as possible.

Any individuals that may have information regarding the sheen may contact the DNR’s tip line: 1-800-TIP-WDNR.

PFAS are a group of human-made chemicals used for decades in numerous products, including non-stick cookware, fast food wrappers, stain-resistant sprays and certain types of firefighting foam. These contaminants have made their way into the environment in a variety of ways, including spills of PFAS-containing materials, discharges of PFAS-containing wastewater to treatment plants and certain types of firefighting foams.

PFAS contamination has been detected in the Marinette and Peshtigo area in soil, sediment, groundwater, surface water, private drinking water wells and biosolids. Under the oversight of the DNR, JCI and Tyco Fire Products have been identified as responsible parties and have been directed by the DNR to conduct investigations into areas impacted by PFAS contamination in the Marinette and Peshtigo area due to their companies' operations. The DNR continues close coordination on these matters with JCI/Tyco and is monitoring their progress to investigate and address PFAS contamination in the Marinette area.

Because the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency does not have a federal drinking water standard for these contaminants, like other states, Wisconsin is working to address this critical issue. The rule-making process started with the state department of health services recommending a cumulative groundwater enforcement standard of 20 parts per trillion (ppt) for PFOA and PFOS.

The recommended standards will be enforceable once the rules are finalized. More information on the status of this rules process is available on the DNR's NR 140 Groundwater Quality Standards web page.

More information regarding PFAS contamination in the Marinette and Peshtigo area is available on the DNR's Marinette and Peshtigo PFAS web page.