Wardens, wildlife, licensing experts all at Deer-Turkey Expo
April 4, 2013
By: By Joanne M. Haas/Bureau of Law Enforcement
Wall of Shame, Deer Trustee Report and Licensing: Three worthwhile reasons to attend 2013 Deer and Turkey Expo
Ever hear of the Wall of Shame detailing some of the state’s most notorious poaching cases handled by the Department of Natural Resources conservation wardens? What about the Conservation Patron License that offers benefits aplenty for both the hunter and those who don’t but still want to support the natural resources? And how about that Deer Trustee Report and the state’s status as one of the top deer states for both numbers and trophy deer?
Those are three good reasons to take in this weekend’s Deer & Turkey Expo at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison. The DNR will be on hand with wildlife experts, licensing officials and conservation wardens who will be ready to take your questions and talk about what’s important to you.
Deer Trustee Report
Wisconsin’s status as one of top deer state in the nation for both numbers and trophies is obviously one of the major elements that draw people to this event.
“To ensure that status continues, implementation of the Deer Trustee Report is under way,” DNR Wildlife Biologist Kevin Wallenfang says. “State deer experts will be ready to answer any questions, listen to your ideas, and discuss possibilities that will shape deer management for many years to come. The public’s input is valuable and we want it.”
Conservation Patron License, turkey permits and more
“We sell more licenses per day at the Deer & Turkey Expo than at any other special event,” Susan Cook, chief of the Customer Service Operations Section, says. “This is a great opportunity for us to talk to the public and help them with their licensing needs.”
People who are multi-season hunters and anglers should consider purchasing the Conservation Patron license. For $165, Conservation Patrons receive their general fishing, trout and salmon fishing, deer, archery, small game, waterfowl and upland game bird licenses, along with the applications for the fall turkey, next year’s spring turkey, Horicon goose, fisher and otter permit drawings. It also includes an annual state park admission sticker, state trail pass and a subscription to Wisconsin Natural Resources magazine.
Leftover turkey permits for zones 1, 3, 4 and 5 are still available for the later time periods and can be purchased, as well. There are also conservation patron licenses available for juniors for $75, nonresident for $600 and nonresident Juniors for $77.
Wardens ready for your questions, looking for work?
“The Deer and Turkey Expo is a great event for our wardens to interact with, answer questions from, and assist the people we serve,” Chief Warden Randy Stark says.
Conservation wardens will be ready to talk with you about the public’s role in helping to stop poachers and others who violate the natural resources. Have a question about regulations? Ask the wardens. And wondering about becoming a warden? Well, these are the ones to talk to about pursuing this fulfilling career.
This weekend looks to be great – make a stop at the Expo and talk with the DNR crew to make it even better.
To get to the Alliant Energy Center in Madison from the Beltline (Highways 12/18), take the John Nolen Drive exit or the Rimrock Road exit. To learn more about the expo, visit this website: http://www.deerinfo.com/wisconsin/