DNR Office of Communications

Sarah Hoye
Director of Communications
Department of Natural Resources
101 S Webster, P.O. Box 7921
Madison, WI 53707
Media Line: (608) 266-3143 TDD: 711
Email: DNRPress@Wisconsin.gov
dnr.wi.gov   |   wisconsin.gov

Email Header Photo &copy Jack Bartholmai. An endangered black tern feeds its young. Learn more about this species found in shallow marshes.

You may unsubscribe from DNR News Releases here.

DNR Office of Communications

Sarah Hoye
Director of Communications
Department of Natural Resources
101 S Webster, P.O. Box 7921
Madison, WI 53707
Media Line: (608) 266-3143 TDD: 711
Email: DNRPress@Wisconsin.gov
dnr.wi.gov   |   wisconsin.gov

Email Header Photo &copy Jack Bartholmai. An endangered black tern feeds its young. Learn more about this species found in shallow marshes.

You may unsubscribe from DNR News Releases here.

NEWS RELEASE

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Wisconsin Natural Resources Board Approves 2020 Migratory Bird Hunting Season Framework And Regulations

Highlights Include Changes To Duck Opening Dates And Hen Mallard Bag Limits

CONTACT: Taylor Finger, DNR migratory game bird ecologist, 608-266-8841, Taylor.Finger@wisconsin.gov
Jeff Williams, assistant migratory game bird ecologist, 608-622-6811, Jeffrey.Williams@wisconsin.gov

The 2020 Wisconsin migratory bird season structure has been set by the Natural Resources Board. - Photo credit: Eugene Hester/USFWS

[EDITOR'S ADVISORY: The formatting of the tables has been corrected along with the correct dates and zones for the 60-day restrictive scaup bag limit table. We regret the error.] 

MADISON, Wis. - The Wisconsin Natural Resources Board Wednesday voted unanimously for the Department of Natural Resources to move forward with proposed rules for the 2020 migratory bird season framework and regulations. Thanks to input from hunters and new scientific research, Wisconsin will see some notable changes.

Highlights from the approved season structure include:

• North duck zone will open one week earlier than last season, resulting in two statewide openers, one for the North on Sept. 26 and one for the South and Mississippi zones on Oct. 3. The regular duck season will run for 60 days;
• A 92-day regular goose season with a second split in the South Canada goose zone resulting in a goose season that is open during the Christmas and New Year's holidays;
• An increase in the hen mallard daily bag limit (from one to two) based on US Fish and Wildlife Service season framework; and
• A decrease in the scaup bag limit to one scaup for 15 days and two scaup for 45 days based on U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service season framework.
• Shooting hours for all migratory bird seasons are open from one half hour before sunrise to sunset with the exception of the early teal season. Shooting hours for early teal open at sunrise and close at sunset.

"These season frameworks were based on the most current scientific data and input we received from the public, input from conservation and hunting groups and results from a waterfowl hunter survey," said Taylor Finger, DNR migratory bird ecologist. "We expanded our outreach efforts in 2020 using social media to increase our engagement with our users, and we saw great attendance at statewide public hearings. In total, we received more than 2,100 comments regarding the 2020 waterfowl season proposals."

Additionally, the NRB set a new zone structure to go into effect for the 2021-2025 seasons. The board approved a three-zone/one-split structure that includes the North Zone, South Zone and an Open Water Zone. The Open Water Zone falls 500 feet from shore on the coasts of Lake Michigan and Green Bay. This decision moves the previously held Mississippi River Zone into the South Zone beginning fall of 2021. Learn more about waterfowl hunting here.

The public plays a crucial role in setting the waterfowl season structure, and Finger thanked those who submitted a comment or attended a meeting. View the 2020 public input results and comments here.

Early season dates are as follows:

Duck season dates and bag limits are as follows. Opening day shooting hours will begin one-half hour before sunrise for all regular waterfowl hunting seasons.

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

There is a 60-day restrictive scaup bag limit (federal restriction; 15 days at one scaup/day and 45 days at two scaup/day):

Regular goose season dates are as follows for the Exterior Zone (92 days total):

NEWS RELEASE

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State Nursery Seedling Orders Suspended

CONTACT:

Joe Vande Hey, DNR Reforestation Team Leader joseph.vandehey@wisconsin.gov or 608-574-4904

Container grown pine seedlings at a state tree nursery. Due to COVID-19, the Wisconsin DNR is suspending seedling orders for 2020. - Photo credit: DNR

MADISON, Wis. - Due to COVID-19 and Gov. Evers' Safer at Home order, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is suspending seedling orders for 2020.

The DNR continues to receive the most up-to-date information and will adjust operations as conditions change. Seedling orders that cannot be fulfilled will be canceled and refunded. The DNR Reforestation Program will contact customers. Options to reinstate seedling orders for Spring 2021 are available.

"The safety of our customers, our staff, and everyone's families is the top priority, particularly those who are most vulnerable to infection and severe disease," said Joe Vande Hey, DNR Reforestation Team Leader. "As such, we are no longer accepting any new seedling orders and we will be significantly limiting the fulfillment of our existing orders."

Wisconsin's reforestation program grows high-quality native tree seedlings and wildlife shrubs to plant on private and public lands for conservation purposes. Our reasonably priced nursery stock will provide future forest products, improve wildlife habitat, prevent soil erosion, create aesthetic beauty and increase carbon sequestration.

The DNR wants you to know we are here for you and our great state as we go through the COVID-19 public health emergency together. As we continue operations, please understand that most of our staff are teleworking and may have limited access to files and delayed online connectivity. Our team will keep their voicemails and out-of-office messages up to date and will respond as they are able. We thank you for your patience and apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

This is a rapidly evolving situation. For the latest updates, visit the DNR website or follow @WIDNR on Facebook, @wi_dnr on Instagram, or @WDNR on Twitter.

For specific information regarding the COVID-19 we encourage the public to frequently monitor the DHS website for updates, and to follow @DHSWI on Facebook and Twitter, or dhs.wi on Instagram. Additional information can be found on the CDC website.

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Under Safer At Home Order, Call Wildlife Rehabilitators In Advance

Leave Wild Animals In The Wild As You Enjoy The Outdoors This Spring And Summer

CONTACT: Amanda Kamps, Wildlife Health Conservation Specialist, 608-712-5280, amanda.kamps@wisconsin.gov

Leave Wild Animals In The Wild As You Enjoy The Outdoors This Spring And Summer.

- Photo credit: DNR

MADISON, Wis. - Spring and summer are when people encounter wild animals the most. Wisconsin's Keep Wildlife Wild initiative urges people to call a licensed wildlife rehabilitator or the Department of Natural Resources before assuming a wild animal is orphaned or in need of assistance.

Under Gov. Evers' Safer at Home order, wildlife rehabilitation by licensed professionals is considered an essential service. To protect the health and safety of the professionals who provide this care to wild animals, many wildlife rehabilitators may need to modify and limit how that care is provided. This year, it is more important than ever to call your local wildlife rehabilitator before assuming a wild animal needs help. Visit the Keep Wildlife Wild webpage to find contact information for a wildlife rehabilitator in your area. Learn more about the Keep Wildlife Wild listen to our Off The Record: Wild Wisconsin podcast.

If you come across a baby wild animal that appears to be alone, observe from a distance and give the animal some time to be reunited with its mother. Most often, a young animal seen alone is not truly orphaned and it is in fact under the care of its mother. Many of these situations resolve on their own when a young animal and its mother have time and space to be reunited. Remember to call first if you think a wild animal needs assistance.

"Young rabbits are left alone in their nest, concealed by grass or vegetation. The mother returns to feed her young and then leaves to keep predators away," said Amanda Kamps, DNR Wildlife Health Conservation Specialist. "Young raccoons are often seen playing in trees or yards without their mother, but she is nearby. Fledgling songbirds leave nests without parental supervision and before they are capable of full flight. Fawns are born with spots and very little scent to hide them from predators. A fawn found lying still and by itself should be left alone. Even if you do not see the mother, she is likely nearby and keeping a close watch."

By keeping wild animals in their natural environment, everyone in Wisconsin can protect wildlife welfare and assist rehabilitation centers in this time of need. Here's what you can do:

• Observe wild animals from a distance;
• Know where to find Keep Wildlife Wild resources and information about wild animal natural behaviors;
• Know how to determine if a bird, mammal, or fawn is in need of assistance;
• Never attempt to handle or rehabilitate a wild animal on your own;
• Contact a wildlife rehabilitator if you have questions or think an animal needs assistance;
• Monitor pets when they are outdoors;
• Be careful with yard work to avoid disturbing a wild animal den or nest;
• Cover window wells, use chimney caps, seal up spaces to prevent animals from getting into these spaces;
• Make potential food items, like pet food and garbage, inaccessible to wild animals;
• Stay alert for wildlife on roads; and
• Be careful if trapping and relocating adult wild animals so you do not unknowingly separate wild animal parents and their young.

"These are all things that people can do year-round, but in spring time with young wild animals being born, it's important to do what we can to keep wild animal families together," said Kamps. "People should resist the well-intentioned temptation to interact with a young animal they think is orphaned, because human interaction may do more harm than good."

The Keep Wildlife Wild initiative works to help prevent orphaned or injured wildlife situations. Please do your part to help Wisconsin's wildlife and the licensed wildlife rehabilitators in this time of need. Remember, a young wild animal's best chance of survival is with its mother.

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Spring Turkey Season Begins April 15

All Regulations Remain In Effect Under Safer At Home Order

Spring turkey season will open April 15. Hunters should practice social distancing to slow the spread of COVID-19 - Photo credit: Contributed

CONTACT: Mark Witecha, DNR Upland Wildlife Ecologist, 608-212-2043, Mark.Witecha@wisconsin.gov Alaina Gerrits, DNR Assistant Upland Wildlife Ecologist, Alaina.gerrits@wisconsin.gov

MADISON, Wis. - Gov. Evers' Safer at Home order recognizes outdoor activity as an essential activity. As such, the 2020 Spring Turkey Season will proceed without changes to the season dates or management zones under the Safer at Home order.

Due to COVID-19, distance is critical. Social distancing - the practice of always staying 6 feet away from others outside of household members - is vital to help slow the spread of COVID-19.

Turkey hunting in Wisconsin is designed to minimize hunter contact and is usually a solitary outdoor activity. The purpose of permitting by time period spreads people out in different by time and the purpose of zones spreads people out spatially, resulting in a high-quality hunt.

All current regulations for the season apply. Licensed hunters should hunt the zone and period stated on their harvest authorization.

"Hunting and fishing provides us an opportunity in interact with nature. Hunting and fishing traditions run deep in Wisconsin," said DNR Secretary Preston D. Cole. "It's these traditions that allow us to have a moment of normalcy during this extraordinary time. Remember to be more than safe."

There are still turkey hunting permits available at this time in five of the seven management zones covering most of the state. This provides opportunities for people to select new zones to reduce travel distances and stay closer to home. Permits are available online.

The remaining permits are generally for later in the season, which is an excellent opportunity to spend time in the woods during the spring season when the hunting can also be very good. All sales directly benefit critical conservation efforts including developing, managing, preserving, restoring, and maintaining the wild turkey population in Wisconsin.

Hunting with household family members is still allowed under the emergency order. Social distancing applies to mentored hunts. Because mentors must be within arm's reach of their mentee, the need for social distancing prohibits hunters from mentoring someone outside of their household.

We encourage all spring turkey hunters to adhere to the Safer at Home order's guidelines regarding social distancing. If you encounter a fellow hunter or any other individuals while out hunting, provide at least six feet of space to pass.

Spring turkey periods run for seven days each

The 2020 spring turkey season will run April 15 - May 26, with six seven-day periods beginning Wednesday through the following Tuesday. All seven turkey management zones will be open for hunting.

Youth turkey hunt set for April 11 - 12

Youth under the age of 16 may hunt during the spring youth turkey hunt April 11 - 12. Hunters under the age of 12 and youth without hunter safety can participate in the youth turkey hunt under the Mentored Hunting Program.

Youth must be accompanied by a qualified adult and follow the youth turkey hunting and mentored hunting program rules. Under the Safer at Home order, mentors and mentees should be from the same household. Youth hunters must possess a valid spring turkey license, stamp and harvest authorization.

A harvest authorization for any time period can be used during the youth hunt weekend, but youth hunters must hunt within the turkey management zone indicated on their harvest authorization.

Regulations, harvest registration information and other helpful turkey hunting information can be found here.

Under the Safer at Home order, we must do all that we can to prevent the spread of the COVID-19. The public should stay as close to home as possible and avoid travel outside of their community to help flatten the cure.

This is a rapidly evolving situation. For the latest updates, visit the DNR website or follow @WIDNR on Facebook, @wi_dnr on Instagram, or @WDNR on Twitter.