Frequently Asked Questions - July 17, 2013
The Frequently Asked Questions features recent warden-related questions taken by the DNR Call Center. The Call Center is staffed daily, 7 a.m. - 10 p.m., and offers bilingual service in Spanish and Hmong. The number is 1-888-936-7463.
Question 1: Is it legal to turn your fishing boat lights by hand to the side so they are shinning on your bobbers while night-fishing?
Answer: There are no specific fishing provisions that prohibit the use of lights for purposes of monitoring bobbers. Turning your fishing boat lights by hand to the side to shine on your bobbers would be legal, as long as all displayed and/or mounted lights adhere to Wisconsin’s boating regulations. As an example, an anchored vessel with side-mounted or hand-held white lamps used to observe bobbers would be legal as long as the vessel also complied with all navigational light requirements for all vessels when not under way. This means white light visible in all directions whenever moored or anchored outside a designated mooring area or more than 200 feet from shore between sunset and sunrise.
Question 2: Is it legal to mount or to install lights to the side of the boat for this night-fishing purpose?
Answer: Yes, however, use/display of such side-mounted or hand-held white lamps for observing bobbers must not occur in a manner that obstructs the safe navigation of other vessels or causes danger to the life, limb or property of any person.
Question 3: Is a fire extinguisher required on board a personal watercraft? If it is required, where should it be stored?
Answer: Yes a fire extinguisher is required on a personal watercraft. There should be a front compartment on the PWC that the fire extinguisher can be stored – or strapped to. If you still can’t locate a spot, please contact the manufacturer of the personal watercraft.
Question 4: I have a three-person jet ski. Can I operate it with a competent observer and two others on an inner tube being towed behind?
Answer: Jet skis can tow as many people as you like as long as it is a jet ski that is rated for at least three people. This is required to allow both the operator and the required competent observer to ride legally on the jet ski whenever at least one person is being towed. In addition, it is recommended that a watercraft not tow more individuals than the craft is rated for, including the operator and observer. This allows the craft to legally and safely take the others on board if necessary.
Question 5: Are there any more meetings about the Deer Trustee Report?
Answer: Yes, there is one this Saturday from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. on the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Dreyfus University Center. A portion of this meeting will be webcast, too. To learn more about the Saturday, July 20 meeting, please see this link:
http://dnr.wi.gov/news/BreakingNews_Lookup.asp?id=2869
If you have information regarding natural resource violations, please call: VIOLATION HOTLINE: 1-800-TIP-WDNR or 1-800-847-9367. The hotline is in operation 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Trained staff relay reported information to conservation wardens. Anyone who calls the Violation Hotline or provides information can remain anonymous.