More than 22 years of reintroduction and management efforts by DNR and its partners has created a healthy and growing herd of elk in the Clam Lake region of north-central Wisconsin, with the 2018 population projected to exceed 200. That means the first managed elk hunt in state history can now be a reality. Ten tags will be available for a bull-only hunt this fall, with a random drawing for four tags and a raffle benefiting the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation to award a fifth. Wisconsin’s six Chippewa tribes will share the remaining elk harvest quota. Hunters can apply for the elk tag drawing beginning May 1 through the GoWild system. A $10 application fee will apply and winners will pay $49 for their tag, with revenue funding ongoing elk management efforts. “This is an incredible conservation success story for Wisconsin,” DNR Secretary Dan Meyer said. “Thanks to the efforts of so many great organizations and individuals, the northern elk herd has continued to grow to the point where we can offer this very special and long-awaited hunting opportunity.” For details on elk in Wisconsin, including the Clam Lake herd and a more recent release of Kentucky elk in Jackson County and the Flambeau River State Forest (not included in the fall hunt), see dnr.wi.gov, keywords “elk.”
TIME TO RENEW! All hunting, fishing and conservation patron licenses from 2017 expired on March 31.
To renew for the current season, log in to GoWild online now. Conservation patrons get a Wisconsin Natural Resources magazine subscription as part of the deal!
Make it Maplefest at MacKenzie
The MacKenzie Center in Poynette hosts its annual Maplefest, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on April 7. Visitors can learn about the process for making maple sugar and maple syrup, while also taking time to explore the 500-acre DNR property. The Friends of MacKenzie will serve a pancake breakfast from 8 a.m. until noon in the Main Lodge, $7 for ages 12 and older, $5 for 3-11 and free for 2 and under. For details on the MacKenzie Center, go to dnr.wi.gov, keyword “MacKenzie.”
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Spring meetings set statewide
The DNR’s annual spring fish and wildlife public hearings and Conservation Congressmeetings will be held in all 72 counties on April 9. Meetings start at 7 p.m. at designated county locations. The questionnaire is available for the meetings, which seek non-binding input on issues related to natural resource management and potential rule changes. Delegate elections also take place for the Conservation Congress, the citizen advisory body to the Natural Resources Board and DNR. For details, check dnr.wi.gov, keywords “spring hearings.”
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