DNR Southeast Region news release: DNR engages public at Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Sports Show
WEST ALLIS, Wis. - Fisheries and wildlife biologists, conservation wardens and even smart-phone and digital map experts from the Department of Natural Resources are gearing up for the 74th annual Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Sports Show.
DNR Secretary Cathy Stepp said the relationship between the agency and the sports show dates back to the days when the agency was called the Wisconsin Conservation Department.
"It's been a long and happy engagement," Stepp said. "This is a great opportunity for folks to ask questions or just talk to our staff, and we are looking forward to it. Our focus is to serve our customers, the public, and this is a wonderful way to do it up close and personal."
The show opens Wednesday, March 5, and runs through Sunday, March 9, at the Wisconsin Exhibition Center at State Fair Park, 8200 W. Greenfield Ave. in West Allis.
The DNR exhibit will feature a 600-gallon freshwater tank where visitors can view live bluegills, crappies, perch, largemouth and smallmouth bass. Live reptiles and amphibians will be on display at the wetlands and waterways section.
The free casting clinics for kids will be back by popular demand.
As they have done for several years, wildlife managers will bring an array of wildlife pelts including beaver, badger, coyote, fox and wolf for youngsters eager to learn more about Wisconsin's fur-bearing mammals.
"This is definitely a 'please do touch' display," said Marcus Smith, DNR southeast Wisconsin public affairs manager and exhibit coordinator.
Conservation wardens will be available to answer questions about law enforcement, rule changes and boating and ATV safety.
People attending the sports show will be able to learn about the Wisconsin Deer Management Assistance Program. This new program provides habitat and herd-management assistance to landowners interested in managing their property for wildlife. The DNR helps landowners with the implementation of forest regeneration and deer-hunting practices that emphasize property-owner goals while considering the ecological and social impacts of white-tailed deer.
Visitors can access the latest information on the implementation of the Deer Trustee Report and speak with staff about upcoming changes in deer management.
Information about the Cherish Wisconsin Outdoors Fund also will be available. The fund was established to protect, restore and improve habitat for plants and animals using voluntary, tax deductible donations as prescribed in state law.
As always show visitors can purchase hunting, fishing and trapping licenses. The availability of licenses is a big attraction, especially since previous year licenses expire March 31.
"Customers tell us buying their license at the sports show is a tradition," Smith said.
The DNR is the gateway to Wisconsin's outdoors, and two new displays at this year's sport show illustrate:
- Visitors can learn how to download and use the dynamic and free Pocket Ranger app. This app enables the outdoor enthusiast to locate Wisconsin's fishing, hunting and wildlife watching sites and gain immediate access to on-the-spot species profiles, rules and regulations as well as permit and license details. This powerful app features an enhanced GPS and compass function designed to work in areas with weak cell signals.
- Staff will demonstrate how to use the new Public Access Lands Atlas that is available online and in a printable format. The atlas highlights the significant increase in public access to Wisconsin lands made possible through the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program, as well as other lands open to the public for outdoor recreation. The atlas will help people find places to fish, hunt, trap or to enjoy any of Wisconsin's outdoor activities.
The 1,800-square-foot DNR exhibit is located in the southwest corner of the exhibition center. About 20 DNR employees staff the exhibit daily. The hours for the2014 Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Sports Show are noon to 9 p.m. Wednesday, March 5, through Friday, March 7; 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, March 8; and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, March 9.