Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Weekly Digest Bulletin

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Sept. 6, 2022
Contact: Erin Dembski, Point Beach State Forest Superintendent
erin.dembski@wisconsin.gov or 920-794-7480

DNR Announces Trail Closure
At Point Beach State Forest

Rawley Point Bicycle Trail Reconstruction Starts Sept. 12

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today announced that construction will begin on Sept. 12 to repair the Rawley Point Bicycle Trail at Point Beach State Forest in Manitowoc County. The trail is expected to reopen in mid-October.

During construction, visitors are encouraged to take County Highway O as an alternative for this connection. Cyclists may ride on the Red Pine and Ridges bike trails at Point Beach State Forest for alternate biking opportunities.  

The Rawley Point trail, initially constructed in 1999, requires resurfacing due to the erosional effects of time and heavy use that has exposed rocks, tree roots and other hazards. This five-mile trail is an important connection for cyclists and pedestrians between the state forest and the cities of Two Rivers and Manitowoc.

A 0.4-mile segment of the Ice Age Trail will also be closed during resurfacing, where the Ice Age Trail shares the same corridor with the Rawley Point Bike Trail. A temporary reroute of an approximately 0.8-mile segment of this trail will take place along Lake Michigan near the Indoor Group Camp Coenen and Ketchbaw Cabins for both day-use and through-hikers to detour around the closed trail. 

You can view route updates, a map showing the Rawley Point Bicycle Trail closure, and the Ice Age Trail reroute here.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Sept. 6, 2022
Contact: Jodie Peotter, DNR Brownfields, Outreach & Policy Section Chief
Jodie.Peotter@wisconsin.gov or 608-259-6557

DNR To Host Brownfields Panel Discussions
On Sept. 15

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will host two panel discussions on Sept. 15, 2022 regarding the potential clean up of brownfield sites across the state.

Brownfields are abandoned, idle and underused properties where reuse is stalled by potential contamination. Brownfields vary in size, location, age and past use; they can be anything from a 500-acre former automobile assembly plant to a small, abandoned gas station.

Panelists will highlight new community revitalization opportunities available through a historic influx of federal infrastructure brownfields funding. They will also share best practices and lessons learned during brownfield redevelopment. Panel presentations and interactive question and answer sessions will provide resources for communities that are interested in revitalizing brownfields but are not sure where to start or need financial resources to make it happen.

Action by local communities is often the key to cleaning up and redeveloping brownfield sites. The DNR has a wide range of financial and liability tools available to help local governments, businesses, lenders and others clean up and redevelop brownfields in Wisconsin, including Ready for Reuse financial awards, which may be used for environmental cleanup. DNR staff around the state are available to meet with interested parties to discuss brownfield projects.

More information about the DNR’s brownfield cleanup programs and services is available on the DNR’s brownfields website.

EVENT DETAILS

What: Brownfields Fundamentals Panel Discussions

When:

9:30 – 11 a.m. Sept. 15, 2022
Brownfields Assistance: Boosting Redevelopment with Fresh Funds
A panel of experts from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation and the Kansas State University Technical Assistance for Brownfields program will join the DNR to discuss brownfields financial assistance available to Wisconsin local governments, with an emphasis on federal infrastructure funding.

1:30 – 3 p.m. Sept. 15, 2022
Local Governments and Brownfields: Best Practices and Lessons
Experienced staff from four Wisconsin communities – Calumet County and the cities of Prairie du Chien, Manitowoc and Appleton – will share best practices and lessons learned while navigating brownfield redevelopment projects.

Where: Both panel discussions will be held via Zoom. Register here.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Sept. 6, 2022
Contact: Jeff Pritzl, DNR Deer Program Specialist
Jeffrey.Pritzl@wisconsin.gov or 920-366-3450

Archery Season Is Coming Soon: Are You Ready?

Wisconsin deer season kicks off Saturday, Sept. 17 with the archery and crossbow opener. / Photo Credit: iStock/baiajaku

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds deer hunters that their first opportunity to pursue deer this fall is coming up with the opening of the archery and crossbow deer season on Saturday, Sept. 17.

Hunters wanting to use both a vertical bow and a crossbow may do so by purchasing a $3 upgrade to make their license valid for both weapons. Conservation Patron license holders may also use both weapons.

The DNR reminds hunters that bonus antlerless harvest authorizations are available in many Wisconsin counties. They’re available on a first-come, first-served basis. Bonus antlerless harvest authorizations may be filled using any weapon type during the appropriate season with the appropriate license but must be filled in the designated zone, unit and land type (public or private). They are $12 each for residents, $20 each for non-residents and $5 for youth hunters under 12. Purchase them using the DNR’s online licensing center, Go Wild, or by visiting a license sales location.

GameReg

As a reminder, all harvested deer must be registered electronically by 5 p.m. the day after the deer is recovered using GameReg online, by phone or at a participating registration station.

More information regarding electronic registration is available on the DNR registration webpage. 

Hunter Safety

The DNR urges hunters to review these four rules of safety (TAB-K) before enjoying the archery and crossbow season.

• Treat every bow/crossbow as if it were loaded.
• Always point the bow/crossbow in a safe direction.
• Be certain of your target as well as what is before and beyond it.
• Keep your finger outside the trigger guard until ready to shoot.

When heading out to hunt during the archery or crossbow seasons, remember these additional safety tips:

• Crossbows have a safety. Immediately after cocking, always check to make sure that your bow is on safe.
• Always use bolts/arrows recommended by the manufacturer and handle carefully.
• Protect yourself and the arrow points with a covered arrow quiver.
• The safest way to carry, transport and raise or lower a crossbow from a stand is always to have the crossbow un-cocked.
• The safest way to un-cock a crossbow is to fire a bolt into the ground or target.
• Make sure that the limb tips are free of obstructions and that your fingers, hand or arm are not in the string path at any time while the crossbow is cocked.
• Know your range for accuracy.

Tree stand safety is also a key consideration throughout all the deer hunting seasons. Tree stand incidents are a leading cause of injury to hunters. Always wear a safety harness, use three points of contact when going into or out of the stand and use a haul line to bring the unloaded bow or crossbow into the stand. Let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return. For more information regarding tree stand safety, visit the DNR webpage.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Sept. 7, 2022
Contact: Bob Nack
DNR Recruitment, Retention and Reactivation Team Supervisor
Robert.Nack@wisconsin.gov or 608-617-3492

Where Can We Hunt? DNR To Host Next Hunting Webinar Sept. 21

Wanna Go Hunting: Where Can We Hunt? Webinar scheduled for Sept. 21. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will host the third of several educational hunting webinars on Wednesday, Sept. 21 for members of the public that are new to hunting or hunting curious.

The webinar series is in partnership with the National Wild Turkey Federation, Pheasants Forever and Becoming an Outdoorswoman. The series is designed for those interested in learning about hunting, fishing and trapping.

Each episode will feature guest speakers sharing their experiences getting started with hunting and include discussions addressing common challenges faced by those new to hunting, fishing or trapping.

This month’s webinar is titled – Wanna Go Hunting: Where Can We Hunt? –  and will share information about finding lands open to public hunting and tips on getting access to private land.

“Research shows that securing access to hunting land is one of the biggest challenges for all hunters, new and experienced,” said Bob Nack, DNR Recruitment, Retention and Reactivation Team Supervisor. “In this webinar, we will hear from new hunters about their experience with finding a place to hunt and discuss tips for others.” 

Following a brief presentation and panel discussion, the audience will have opportunities to ask questions that panelists will answer at the end of the program. Each webinar will be recorded and available online.

Wisconsin is home to over 7 million acres of public land, and a majority of it is open to hunting. Time spent hunting and exploring these areas with family and friends will generate memories for years.

Learn more about various hunting season dates, rules and regulations, harvest quotas and more on the DNR website.

EVENT DETAILS

What: Wanna Go Hunting: Where Can We Hunt? Webinar

When: 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 21

Where: Tune in via YouTube here. The webinar will be recorded and can be viewed on YouTube any time using the same link.

Fall Magazine Coming Soon

Find Your Autumn Adventure, Hunting Information And More

There are many ways to enjoy the beauty of Wisconsin in the fall. / Photo Credit: Travel Wisconsin

The Fall issue of Wisconsin Natural Resources magazine arrives in mid-September – just in time to help you savor the season in Wisconsin's great outdoors.

Start by checking out the cover story for your "Wisconsin Fall Bucket List" activities, with everything from leaf peeping to apple picking to scenic drives. If you're ready to hit the road, look into "Fall Day Trips" for a tour through pumpkin patches, wineries, Holy Hill near Milwaukee and beautiful Rib Mountain State Park.

Wondering why leaves change color? The magazine explores the science behind the transformation, including a fun activity for kids to help illustrate all the bright pigments found in leaves. Another piece, "Picture Perfect," offers great advice on how to take stunning photos this fall using just your smartphone. If fall chores are on your list, the magazine has you covered there, too; "Rethink Fall Cleanup" includes tips to save time and money.

For many in Wisconsin, autumn means hunting season. Stay safe this fall using helpful information found in this issue, including dates for all fall hunting seasons plus firearm safety reminders and other safety tips.

Check out some of the other great content included in this issue: Saddle Up at State Parks – More than 700 miles of trails are open to horseback riding in the Wisconsin State Park System. Lizard Mound, Precious Parcel – A look at Lizard Mound State Park, an important Ho-Chunk Nation historical site with more than two dozen burial mounds. Race to Save Hardwood Swamps – Learn what’s being done to help protect Wisconsin’s northern forested swamps as their vital black ash trees face threats from climate change and the emerald ash borer. Guide to PFAS in Wisconsin – Find out more about per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances and how the DNR is working to protect our drinking water from these “forever chemicals.” Woodcock Wanderings – Read about one hunter’s experiences woodcock hunting with his eager springer spaniel. Culinary Spotlight – Elena Terry, a chef and member of the Ho-Chunk Nation, finds inspiration in her connections to land and community. Back in the Day – Beer brewing has long been synonymous with the Badger State, and access to clean water is one big reason why. You can find the digital edition of Wisconsin Natural Resources online. You can also sign up to receive the print issue, or call 1-800-678-9472 to subscribe. Cover Photo Credit: Sam Li

Help DNR Collect Vital Deer Management Data Help the DNR collect crucial deer management data by participating in the Operation Deer Watch Survey, designed to measure the reproductive status of deer. This is done by establishing a fawn-to-doe ratio and comparing current numbers to previous years’ data to indicate how productive this season’s deer herd has been. Information provided by the public on the distribution and reproductive status, paired with harvest information, are key elements that allow the DNR to make knowledgeable deer management decisions. The deadline to submit deer observations for the Operation Deer Watch Survey is Sept. 30. Participation is easy, requires no registration and can be done by downloading the app on your mobile device. Simply report location, deer type and the number of deer seen from dawn to dusk. If in a vehicle, participants should only record sightings when their vehicle is stopped – do not use the app while driving. Photo Credit: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

State Park Sticker Contest Winner Inspired by a compass, Brooke Salomone, Brookfield East High School, designed the 2023 Wisconsin State Park and Forest vehicle admission sticker. The design was selected from more than 250 entries sent in by high school-age students for the annual contest. “Brooke’s creative design incorporates wildlife, recreation, water and open space. All of which are elements of the Wisconsin State Park System – from north to south, east to west and everywhere in between,” said Steve Schmelzer, director of the Wisconsin State Park System. The winning design will be printed on state park and forest annual vehicle admission stickers and displayed on more than 500,000 vehicles. Salomone will receive an engraved plaque and a 2023 annual vehicle admission sticker featuring her design when the stickers become available in December. Vehicle stickers are available for purchase online, at state park system properties and DNR service centers. Evan Saunders of Waupaca High School earned second place in the design contest, now in its 32nd year. Taking third place was Yushan Zeng of South Milwaukee High School. Honorable mention honors (with high school name) went to: Chase Reyer, Oshkosh North; Madeleine Alderks, iForward Wisconsin online charter school; Nyla Stelsel, Waupun; Grace Horky, Cedarburg; Lydia Ashbrenner, Merrill; Kenny Power, Appleton Xavier; and Ronan Wolfe, Watertown. Check the DNR website to learn more about the sticker design contest, including details for the 2024 contest, and to view winning sticker designs. Annual vehicle admission stickers cost $28 for Wisconsin residents or $38 for non-residents. A family with more than one vehicle registered to the same household may purchase additional state park stickers for $15.50 for residents and $20.50 for non-residents. A senior citizen annual sticker is available for $13 for Wisconsin residents aged 65 or older. State vehicle admission sticker revenues fund operations of the Wisconsin State Park System. Photo Credit: Brooke Salomone

Sign Up Now For A Hunter Safety Course It's never too early for new hunters to take a hunter education course or for experienced hunters to retake a course as a refresher. Anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 1973, must complete a hunter education course and have a hunter education certification on file to purchase any hunting license in Wisconsin unless they are hunting under the state's Mentored Hunting Law. Anyone age 17 and under must complete an in-person hunter education course. There are three ways to earn a hunter education certification: Online and Field Day – Students complete training both online and in-person with one day of training with a certified instructor, including four to six hours of firearm handling opportunities. This class is a good fit for a person who has handled firearms before or is planning to hunt with someone with more experience. All age groups are welcome. Traditional Class – This class offers a more hands-on approach, as students work with a certified instructor over a few days, generally in their own community. All age groups are welcome. Online Only – Spend multiple hours studying and completing modules online, with a passing score on the final exam necessary to be certified. This option is open to ages 18 and above only. Before enrolling in any course, interested students must first obtain a Wisconsin customer ID number. For more information on course options, links to enroll and cost, visit the DNR's Outdoor Skills Safety Education webpage. Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

ATVs/UTVs: Think Smart Before You Start ATV and UTV enthusiasts are reminded to operate responsibly and think smart before they start the engine. Here are a few tips to help you enjoy the ride and ensure everyone returns home safely: Operators and their passengers should always wear a helmet, seatbelt and protective clothing when riding. Always operate at a responsible speed and within your abilities. Use extra caution when operating on pavement. Never consume alcohol or drugs before or during your ride. Know before you go; review all ATV/UTV laws before operating. Wisconsin law requires every operator involved in a crash incident to report the incident without delay to law enforcement officials. In addition, within 10 days of the incident, the operator must submit a written report to the DNR. One of the best things ATV and UTV operators can do to operate safely is to take an online safety course. For more information on ATV and UTV recreation in Wisconsin, visit the DNR’s ATV/UTV riding in Wisconsin webpage. Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Sept. 8, 2022
Contact: DNR Office of Communications
DNRPress@wisconsin.gov

Know Your Target: Don’t Accidentally Shoot Elk
Or Moose This Hunting Season

Don't shoot an elk during gun deer season. Know your target. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR & iStock/rogertrentham

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds hunters to know their target before they shoot and understand the difference between elk and white-tailed deer this hunting season.

Archery and crossbow deer seasons will soon be underway. Elk sometimes venture outside of the elk management zones, especially during the breeding season, so hunters are reminded to properly identify their target. Any elk taken without a tag may result in a fine and a revocation of your hunting license.

How To Identify An Elk:

• Adult elk are larger than adult deer. An adult elk stands about 1-2 feet taller than an adult deer at the shoulders. An elk calf will be about the same size as an adult white-tailed doe but will display similar coloration to adult elk.
• Spot the difference in the antlers. White-tailed deer antlers curve forward, whereas elk antlers are larger and sweep back from their heads.
• Look for color markings. Elk have a tan rump patch, black legs and a dark brown mane. Deer have legs the same color as their bodies, a white throat patch and a fluffy white tail.
• Additional markers. Elk moving throughout the state may have noticeable markers including colored ear tags or tracking collars. These collars are fixed around the neck and are typically orange in color, sometimes with a visible printed number.

Learn about the differences between elk and white-tailed deer below using the DNR’s comparison guide.

Although Wisconsin has not reintroduced moose, there are several verified moose sightings across northern Wisconsin each year. A few hunters may even be lucky enough to see one this fall.

Once widespread across North America, elk were eliminated from Wisconsin in the 1880s. Thanks to the support of many partners and the backing of Wisconsinites, elk were reintroduced within the state in 1995. Through DNR efforts to reestablish the species, the elk herd continues to expand, making it essential for hunters to know their target to protect this growing population.

Currently, there are two herds containing a total of more than 450 elk in Wisconsin reintroduction areas: one in the north including Ashland, Bayfield, Price, Rusk and Sawyer counties, and one in the area surrounding Jackson County. Occasionally, elk can roam beyond these areas, so it is important for deer hunters statewide to be sure of their target.

Observations of elk outside of the management zones, or moose can be reported to the DNR through the Large Mammal Observation Form.

Hunters should follow all firearm safety rules and be sure of their target and what is beyond it. Positively identifying the target ensures the safety of other people and avoids the accidental shooting of non-target animals.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Sept. 8, 2022
Contact: Brad Eggold, Great Lakes District Fisheries Supervisor
Bradley.Eggold@wisconsin.gov or 414-303-0138

DNR Seeking Public Comment On Proposed
Electronic Charter Fishing Harvest Reporting System

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will hold a public hearing on Sept. 19 for a proposed rule that would require daily electronic harvest reporting for all Lake Michigan and Lake Superior charter fishers, meaning those required to hold an outlying water sport trolling license.

Charter fishing harvest reporting has been mandatory since 1976 and is vital for Great Lakes fisheries management. This electronic harvest reporting would replace the current paper reporting system, saving time and reducing errors. Accurate harvest records are important and electronic reporting would provide real-time harvest data. 

An electronic reporting system was implemented in January 2022 for the DNR’s Great Lakes Fishing guide program. Visit the Great Lakes Fishing Guide Information webpage for an example of what the electronic charter fishing harvest reporting system might look like.

In addition to the public hearing, the DNR will also accept written comments on the proposed rule until 11:59 p.m. on Sept. 19, 2022. Submit comments to:

Department of Natural Resources
C/O Meredith Penthorn, FH/4
P.O. Box 7921
101 S. Webster Street
Madison, WI 53707-7921
Email: Meredith.Penthorn@wisconsin.gov

For more information and to view the materials for the proposed rule FH-16-21, visit the DNR’s proposed permanent rules webpage.

EVENT DETAILS

WHAT: Proposed Electronic Charter Fishing Harvest Reporting System Public Hearing

WHEN: 6 p.m. Monday, Sept. 19

WHERE: Register here to join via Zoom

Join by phone: 1-312-626-6799; Meeting ID 819 8405 4917

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Sept. 9, 2022
Contact: Darren Ladwig, DNR Wildlife Biologist
Darren.Ladwig@wisconsin.gov or 715-498-2338

DNR Now Accepting Applications For Trapping Permits At Sandhill Wildlife Area Through Sept. 10

Trappers can apply until Sept. 10 for a special trapping opportunity at Sandhill Wildlife Area. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is now accepting applications for a special trapping opportunity at Sandhill Wildlife Area through Sept. 10.

Successful applicants will be provided a high-quality trapping experience within the 9,150-acre experimental area near Babcock in Wood County. By participating, trappers will help DNR Wildlife Management staff achieve furbearer management goals.

Participants will be required to attend a two-hour workshop at Sandhill Wildlife Area to review season objectives, vehicle use and data collection. Trapping permits will be issued during the workshop.

Sandhill Wildlife Area lies within the bed of ancient Glacial Lake Wisconsin – an expansive region of flat, marshy land interspersed with forests covering parts of seven counties in central Wisconsin. The property features low, sandy uplands of oak, aspen and jack pine forests, large marshes and many flowages.

A small herd of American bison, white-tailed deer, ruffed grouse, Canada geese, ducks, loons, bald eagles, sandhill cranes, shorebirds, songbirds, hawks, owls and furbearers make Sandhill home.

The 2022 Sandhill Trapping Permit Application is available on the DNR’s Sandhill Outdoor Skills Center webpage.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Sept. 9, 2022
Contact: Ashley Van Egtern, Hunter Education Program Specialist
Ashley.VanEgtern@wisconsin.gov or 608-513-9625

DNR Seeking Hunter Education
Volunteer Instructors

Volunteer hunter education instructors deepen their connection to the state’s hunting heritage while shaping the next crop of Wisconsin hunters. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking volunteers with a passion for teaching hunting or shooting and a desire to pass on safe hunting skills, including the safe handling of firearms, to become certified hunter education instructors in Wisconsin.

Although Wisconsin’s hunting season has already begun, any time is a great time to become a certified hunter education volunteer instructor.

Hunter education has a strong history in Wisconsin. Since the program’s creation in 1967, more than 20,000 volunteers have educated hunters in the state, certifying more than one million hunters. The program has also contributed to a significant decrease in hunting safety incidents.

The strength and success of the hunter education program are due to the dedication and commitment of the volunteer instructors. The instructors deepen their connection to the state’s hunting heritage while shaping the next crop of Wisconsin hunters.

There are two ways to become a volunteer instructor. Interested volunteers can either serve as an apprentice under a sponsoring instructor and assist with at least two complete courses or attend a one- or two-day certification training session hosted by a DNR Outdoor Skills Trainer.

The DNR provides the materials and equipment required to teach a hunter education class. Anyone who is interested should have a desire to help others and a passion for fostering safe and ethical hunting in Wisconsin. 

To learn more and apply, contact your regional Outdoor Skills Trainer.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Sept. 9, 2022
Contact: Bob Nack
DNR Recruitment, Retention and Reactivation Team Supervisor Robert.Nack@wisconsin.gov or 608-617-3492

Columbia County Shooting Range Opens Handgun Range For Public Use

Three shooting lanes are now open at the Columbia County Shooting Range. / Photo Credit: iStock.com / TPAP8228

POYNETTE, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today announced upgrades and repairs are complete at the Columbia County Shooting Range. The handgun range, now including a bullet-catcher, is also open to the public.

Improvements to the range, located at W6273 King Road, Poynette, began earlier this summer after heavy rains triggered mudslides, damaging the area. The resulting repairs are now complete.

The range now features:

• 100 and 50-yard rifle ranges
• 50-yard shotgun patterning range
• Increased sound mitigation
• Handgun range with bullet-catcher
• Updated shooting benches in the 100 and 50-yard rifle ranges

The DNR thanks all the range users for their patience and understanding during this repair period. The department remains committed to providing a safe, enjoyable range experience. This means the department will continue to monitor, evaluate, and make necessary range modifications and improvements to ensure the public's safety while they recreate at DNR-managed ranges.

More information on public shooting ranges is available on the DNR website here. 

DETAILS
Columbia County Shooting Range
W6273 King Road, Poynette, WI 53955
Hours: Thursday – Tuesday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. – Closed Wednesdays