Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Weekly Digest Bulletin

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Aug. 2, 2021
Contact: Greg Sass, DNR Fisheries Research Team Leader
Gregory.sass@wisconsin.gov or 715-891-1875

DNR Hosting Open House At Northern Highland
Fishery Research Area Aug. 6

The NHFRA is one of the longest-running fisheries research projects by the DNR and serves as an umbrella project for multiple fisheries research initiatives. Learn more at an open house Aug. 6. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today announced it is hosting an open house Aug. 6 to celebrate 75 years of operation at the Northern Highland Fishery Research Area (NHFRA) near Boulder Junction.

The open house will offer guests a variety of activities, including interactive demonstrations of the equipment and fishing techniques that staff use to collect data. Staff will also be available to talk about their ongoing research on the lakes.

Staff and collaborators at the UW-Madison Trout Lake Station will give two tours of the lakes shortly after the demonstrations begin. The first tour is a guided hike around part of Escanaba and Pallette lakes, where participants can learn the history of both lakes. The second tour will give more information about the study’s two bog lakes, Mystery and Spruce lakes.

Event Schedule:

• 1 – 1:20 p.m. Formal address
• 1:30 – 4 p.m. Demonstrations of equipment and research techniques by project staff
• 2 – 3:30 p.m. Guided hike (2 miles round-trip) around Escanaba and Pallette Lakes
• 3 – 4 p.m. Bog Lake tour of Mystery and Spruce Lakes

About The NHFRA
The NHFRA is one of the longest-running fisheries research projects by the DNR and serves as an umbrella project for multiple fisheries research initiatives. These projects collectively have contributed much over the years to our understanding of how fish communities respond to fishing regulations, environmental change and angler practices.

More information about the NHFRA is available on the Fisheries Research page of the OAS website and can also be found in the summer edition of the Wisconsin Natural Resources magazine. The DNR’s Off the Record: Wild Wisconsin podcast recently featured the NHFRA in their June 16 episode as well.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Aug. 3, 2021
Contact: DNR Office of Communications
DNRPress@wisconsin.gov

DNR Announces New Parks Director

Steven Schmelzer To Lead Wisconsin State Parks System

Managed by the DNR, the Wisconsin State Park system boasts 49 state parks, more than 500 boat launches, 15 state forests, 44 state biking trails, over 5,000 campsites, plus thousands of acres for adventures. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today announced that Steven Schmelzer is the department’s new Parks Director. He started his new role July 19.

Managed by the DNR, the Wisconsin State Park system boasts 49 state parks, more than 500 boat launches, 15 state forests, 44 state biking trails, over 5,000 campsites, plus thousands of acres for adventures.

The DNR has logged more than 9.6 million visits to the 49 state parks so far this year – an 18% increase over last year and a 36% increase over 2019. As more people connect with the Wisconsin’s great outdoors more than ever, Schmelzer is up for the task.

Schmelzer’s 29 years with the DNR began in 1992, when he served as a Park Ranger at Devil’s Lake State Park. In 1999, he was promoted to Devil’s Lake State Park Assistant Park Superintendent and then served as the park’s superintendent from 2008-2020. In 2020, he was selected as a District Park Supervisor to lead the Southwest District covering eight counties and 18 different properties. “It has no doubt been a challenging year. Yet staff remained resilient, adaptable and committed to providing excellent customer service to a record number of visitors,” said Diane Brusoe, Fish, Wildlife & Parks Deputy Division Administrator overseeing Parks and Recreation Management. “We are excited to have Steve continue the momentum. He's the right person to lead our state parks into the future.” While Park Superintendent at Devil’s Lake, Schmelzer oversaw the management of Wisconsin’s largest and busiest state park with over 2.5 million visitors each year. He excelled at leading a large staff while managing a 10,000-acre complex work unit. He also worked to improve the water quality of Devil’s Lake through a phosphorus removal project and the conversion of lands to native prairie to protect the park watersheds. In addition to his contributions to Devil’s Lake, Schmelzer worked for over 12 years to transform the former Badger Army Ammunition Plant to the Sauk Prairie State Recreation Area. His work with the Ho-Chunk Nation, the United States Army, USDA Dairy Forage Research Center and other local groups led to the collaborative management of the property which offers a wide range of diverse recreational activities. “I’m very excited to lead the Wisconsin State Parks system and keep it moving it forward,” Schmelzer said. “Our parks offer countless recreational opportunities for visitors. We must continue to innovate and look at new technologies to better serve our customers now and in the future. I look forward to getting out to the properties and interacting with staff and our partners to make our parks system better than we found it.” Schmelzer holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Natural Resources – Recreation Resource Management from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He is also a graduate of the DNR Leadership Academy, the Sauk County Institute of Leadership and he served 14 years in the U.S. Air Force and the Wisconsin Air National Guard. Schmelzer and his wife Julie live in Baraboo where they raised their three children. They enjoy many outdoor recreational activities including biking, trout fishing, hunting, gardening, hiking and exploring parks and trails across Wisconsin and the United States. The Wisconsin State Park System provides places for outdoor recreation and for learning about nature and conservation. State parks, forests, trails and recreation areas see more than 20 million visits a year. Find your adventure here. Note: A headshot for Schmelzer can be found here.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Aug. 3, 2021
Contact: DNR Office of Communications
DNRPress@wisconsin.gov

Finding Your Adventure Starts At Wisconsin State Fair

DNR Encourages Fairgoers To Go Wild In Wisconsin

The Wisconsin State Fair starts this week, and The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is excited to announce the agency will be there to engage with fairgoers August 5-15. / Photo Credit: Travel Wisconsin

WEST ALLIS, Wis. – The Wisconsin State Fair starts this week, and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is excited to announce the agency will be there to engage with fairgoers August 5-15. This year's theme is “OutWiGo” with a focus on outdoor recreation across the state.

With 49 state parks, 15 state forests, 44 state trails, 84,000 miles of rivers and streams, and roughly 15,000 lakes, Wisconsin offers residents and visitors countless opportunities to Find Your Adventure and Go Wild In Wisconsin.

State Fair is the perfect place for fairgoers to meet with DNR experts to learn about Wisconsin’s world-class fishing, wildlife, state parks and get the inside scoop on all things outdoor recreation.

"We are so excited to connect with Wisconsinites during the fair and show them how we are putting their hard-earned tax dollars to work," said DNR Secretary Preston Cole. "Come visit us and discover what treasures Wisconsin has to offer. You’ll also see how the work we’re doing now benefits Wisconsinites today and for generations to come."

The DNR display is located in the north building at Exploratory Park located on the south side of Main Street across from the Original Cream Puff Pavilion.

Fairgoers can join DNR staff in fun and educational experiences, including interactive exhibits for all ages. Visitors are also invited to check out our dynamic displays and learn all about our abundant natural resources.

People are connecting with Wisconsin's great outdoors more than ever. DNR staff have logged more than 9.6 million visits to state parks so far this year – that’s an 18% increase over last year and a 36% increase over 2019.

The DNR has also recorded a dramatic uptick in camping reservations, with 511,827 camping nights reserved so far this year compared to 336,467 for the same period in 2019.

Fishing and hunting licenses are selling fast. Fishing licenses are up 9% and spring turkey licenses are up 4% compared to 2019.

The economic impact of outdoor recreation in Wisconsin is especially noteworthy. It adds an estimated $7.8 billion boost to the state's GDP each year and supports more than 93,000 jobs, according to the Wisconsin Department of Tourism.

Visit the DNR website to learn more about how you can OutWiGo around the state.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Aug. 4, 2021
Contact: DNR Office of Communications
DNRPress@wisconsin.gov

2021 Farmland Zone Antlerless Harvest Authorization Selection Now Open

Visit Go Wild To Purchase Licenses, Make Selections

Wisconsin deer hunters may now select their Farmland (Zone 2) antlerless harvest authrizations in Go Wild. / Photo Credit: iStock/sp50ace

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today announced that the 2021 Farmland (Zone 2) antlerless harvest authorization selection is now open.

With less than two months until the archery opener on Sept. 18, many Wisconsin deer hunters have already purchased their hunting license for the 2021 season. Hunters purchasing a deer hunting license can now log into their Go Wild account to select the Farmland (Zone 2) antlerless harvest authorizations included with their license at no additional charge.

Hunters must select the unit and land type (public or private) where they plan to fill their Farmland (Zone 2) antlerless harvest authorizations. Refer to the 2021 Farmland (Zone 2) map to see how many harvest authorizations are issued for the deer management unit(s) you intend to hunt. Then log into your Go Wild account to select the unit and land type for your authorizations. If you have a gun deer license and an archer and/or crossbow license, you will be allowed to make two selections for unit and land type.

Detailed Instructions For Farmland Antlerless Harvest Authorization Selection

Follow these instructions or use our picture-guide tutorial to make your Farmland (Zone 2) antlerless harvest authorization selection from your online account:

• Log into your account at GoWild.WI.gov. After you follow the prompts and verify your personal information is current, scroll down to the LICENSE heading.
• Click on BUY LICENSES. Under the PRODUCT CATALOG heading, the option to receive Farmland (Zone 2) antlerless harvest authorizations will appear. Click the FARMLAND (ZONE2) ANTERLESS DEER HARVEST AUTHORIZATION link.
• Select the county or counties (deer management unit) where you wish to use your Farmland (Zone 2) harvest authorizations and select whether it will be used on public or private land.
• Follow the prompts to complete checkout to obtain your Farmland (Zone 2) harvest authorization.
• Remember to print your Farmland (Zone 2) harvest authorizations so that you have the number ready when you register your harvest.

If you cannot access your online account, you may visit an open DNR service center or license agent to complete your selection for a $2 processing fee.

Click here for more information about deer hunting in Wisconsin.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Aug. 4, 2021 
Contact: Brad Ray, DNR Lake Superior Fisheries Team Supervisor
Bradley.Ray@wisconsin.gov or 715-779-4036

DNR Announces Aug. 16 Closure Of Lake Trout Fishing Season In Apostle Islands
Region Of Lake Superior

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today announced the lake trout recreational harvest trigger in the Apostle Islands region (WI-2) of Lake Superior has been reached. As a result, lake trout season for sport and charter anglers will close at 11:59 p.m. on Aug. 15, 2021.

“As more people have participated in the fishing opportunities available in Lake Superior, lake trout harvest has increased,” said Brad Ray, DNR Lake Superior Fisheries Supervisor. “To continue the excellent lake trout fishing opportunities, we need to make sure we do not exceed the safe harvest limit.”

Wisconsin waters of Lake Superior are divided into two management units: WI-1, including all waters from Superior to Bark Point (the Western Arm), and WI-2 waters, including waters from Bark Point to the Michigan border (the Apostle Islands region). Lake trout harvest and trophy opportunities will still be available west of Bark Point until Sept. 30, 2021.

Lake trout in Lake Superior are managed using a quota system where various user groups are allocated an allowable catch. These user groups include sport and charter fishers, state-licensed commercial fishers, and tribal home use and commercial fishers.

Since 2016, lake trout regulations in WI-2 have included a trigger set at 75% of the total allowable harvest. This trigger, implemented in response to angler concerns about overly restrictive bag limits, allows data to be compiled and analyzed with enough time to close the fishery before exceeding safe harvest limits.

Sustainable harvest levels are determined based on the most up-to-date lake trout population information. While commercial fishers are given their allotment in the form of tags at the beginning of the season, sport harvest is monitored by using a creel survey and mandatory charter reports.

The current quota was revised for the 2021 fishing season and the current recreational fishing allotment in WI-2 is 12,670 with a trigger at 9,500.

“Although the lake trout season in WI-2 will close, there are numerous cold and cool water fishing opportunities still available in Lake Superior,” said Dray Carl, DNR Lake Superior Fisheries Biologist.

Nearshore fishing opportunities for coho salmon, brown trout and splake will increase as we move into mid- to late-summer, with coho salmon fishing projected to be above average this summer and fall. Walleye continue to provide excellent fishing opportunities along the western arm, Long Island and within Chequamegon Bay. Chequamegon Bay also features a world-class smallmouth bass fishery, which can still bring fast-paced action during late summer and fall. Lake whitefish jigging has also become more prevalent in recent years. 

For more information on Lake Superior fisheries management, visit the DNR website.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Aug. 4, 2021
Contact: Jeff Pritzl, DNR Wildlife Supervisor
Jeffrey.Pritzl@wisconsin.gov or 920-366-3450

Eligible Hunters: Sign Up For Fall Gun Deer Hunt
For Hunters With Disabilities By Sept. 1

Hunter John Martinson poses after a successful hunt. / Photo Credit: John Martinson

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds eligible disabled hunters hoping to participate in the 2021 gun deer hunt for hunters with disabilities to contact a hunt sponsor to sign up before Sept. 1, 2021.

Nearly 90 sponsors have enrolled thousands of acres of land across the state for this year's hunt taking place Oct. 2-10, 2021. To participate in the 2021 hunt, hunters should contact sponsors directly. Some properties can accommodate more hunters than others, so hunters are advised to contact potential sponsors as early as possible to determine if space is available.

"We are grateful to the sponsors that provide opportunities for hunters with disabilities," said Wes Ellarson, DNR Assistant Big Game Ecologist. "Giving hunters access to this land is instrumental in making the fall hunt a success and continuing Wisconsin's deer hunting tradition."

Eligible hunters may sign up for one property per year and must possess a gun deer license.

Hunters or assistants must contact sponsors directly to sign up for a hunt and provide their name, contact information and DNR customer ID number. To be eligible, hunters must possess a valid Class A, C or D disabled permit or Class B permit issued for longer than one year, authorizing shooting from a stationary vehicle.

Wisconsin's outdoors are for everyone. The Wisconsin DNR is committed to providing various hunting, fishing and recreational permits and unique opportunities designed to help give people with disabilities the opportunity to partake in Wisconsin's abundant natural resources.

For more information on deer hunting opportunities for hunters with disabilities, visit the DNR website.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Aug. 5, 2021
Contact: Ashley Van Egtern, DNR Assistant Administrator of Hunter Education
Ashley.VanEgtern@wisconsin.gov or 608-513-9625

Get Ready For A Safe Hunting Season:
Take A Hunter Safety Course

The DNR is encouraging people from all walks of life to give hunting a try this year and sign up for a hunter safety course. / Photo Credit: iStock.com/Mur-Al

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is encouraging people from all walks of life to give hunting a try this year and sign up for a hunter safety course. It’s never too early to think about completing your hunter education course or retaking it as a refresher.

More than 20,000 people take hunter education courses in Wisconsin each year. Anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 1973, is required to have a hunter education certification to purchase a hunting license, unless hunting under the Mentored Hunting Law. 

It’s easy and exciting to become involved in this outdoor activity. There are three ways to get a hunter education certification:

HANDS-ON TRAINING

• Internet Field Day:
  • This training allows you to complete some of your training online and then attend one day of training with a certified instructor. This class is a good fit for a person that has handled firearms or is going to be hunting with someone that has more experience to help them build upon their hunting skills. During this class there are 4-6 hours of gun handling opportunities. All age groups are welcome.
• Traditional Class:
  • This training offers a more hands-on approach to working with a certified instructor over a few days. Most students and families enjoy this option because they can do it right in their community. This option provides students with opportunities to handle hunting equipment, learn about safe hunting practices, shooting and many other topics. In-person feedback from instructors at this venue also enhances student learning. All age groups are welcome.

ALL ONLINE

• Hunter Education Online Program:
  • This training allows any person of any age to complete hunter education all online. The student spends multiple hours online studying and completing modules and passing a final exam to become certified. This option is a great fit for students that have a connection/mentorship within the shooting sports to help establish and strengthen their skills and lessons learned virtually. Until Sept. 1, 2021, people of any age can complete the course.

Before enrolling in any course, interested students must first obtain a Wisconsin Customer ID number.

All course options, links to enroll and cost information are outlined on the DNR’s website.