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Wisconsin DNR Outdoor Reports and News / DNR Seeking Public Comment

« Last post by mudbrook on May 22, 2023, 01:00:04 PM »

DNR Seeking Public Comment For Environmental Review Of The Village Of Randolph
Safe Drinking Water Loan Program Project

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today announced the Village of Randolph is an applicant for funding through the Safe Drinking Water Loan Program (SDWLP) to improve its public drinking water system. The project includes reconstruction associated with watermain, sanitary sewer and stormwater improvement along portions of Center Street, Church Street, 1st Street, Sunny Side Place and Grove Street.

Activities related to this project are minor actions under Chapter NR 150, Wis. Admin. Code, for which no environmental analysis is required; however, following the Safe Drinking Water Loan Program federal requirement 40 C.F.R. §35.3580, an environmental review must be conducted before funding this project.

The Safe Drinking Water Loan Program has determined that the project will not result in significant adverse environmental effects, and no further environmental review or analysis is needed before proceeding with funding the project.

The public is encouraged to submit comments regarding this decision and the potential environmental impacts of this project. Submit comments by June 5, 2023 to:

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
C/O Kevin Olson, Community Financial Assistance, CF/2
101 S Webster St.
P.O. Box 7921
Madison, WI 53707
Kevin.Olson@wisconsin.gov or 608-234-2238

Based on the comments received, the Safe Drinking Water Loan Program may prepare an environmental analysis before proceeding with the funding process. The analysis would summarize the DNR’s consideration of the project's impacts and reasonable alternatives.

Elk / Apply For The 2023 Elk Season

« Last post by mudbrook on March 18, 2023, 11:50:47 AM »

Apply For The 2023 Elk Season
Application Deadline Is May 31

An elk standing in a wooded area.
Apply by May 31 for your chance to draw a 2023 elk tag. / Photo Credit: Tim Young

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds hunters that the application period for the 2023 elk hunt is open until May 31.

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, the herd is back.

“Thanks to collaborative reintroduction efforts, Wisconsin’s expanding elk population has grown. The state has had an annual hunt every year since 2018,” said Josh Spiegel, the DNR Wildlife Biologist in Sawyer County. “We anticipate growth in the herd again this year and are thrilled to offer this hunting experience.”

While the northern and central elk herd populations continue to grow, the 2023 hunting season will occur only within the northern elk management zone and is open from Oct. 14-Nov. 12 and Dec. 14-22, 2023. Successful applicants can hunt during either period. Only Wisconsin residents are eligible to receive an elk tag.

Wisconsinites can purchase their elk license applications online through Go Wild or in-person by visiting a license agent. The application fee is $10 each and is limited to one per person. The DNR recommends all applicants check and update their contact information to ensure contact with successful applicants.

For each application, $7 goes directly to elk management, monitoring and research in Wisconsin. These funds are used to enhance elk habitat, which benefits the elk and other Wisconsin wildlife.

If selected in the drawing, the cost of an elk hunting license is $49. Winners will be notified by early June. Wisconsin residents can only draw an elk tag once in their lifetime.

Before obtaining an elk hunting license, all winners must participate in a Wisconsin elk hunter orientation. The class covers Wisconsin elk history, hunting regulations, biology and behavior, and scouting/hunting techniques.

This year's elk quota will go to the Wisconsin Natural Resources Board for approval in May. For more information on the elk hunt, visit the DNR Elk Hunting webpage.

https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDMsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzAzMTcuNzM1MTgyMTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2Ruci53aXNjb25zaW4uZ292L3RvcGljL2h1bnQvZWxraHVudGluZy5odG1sIn0.XC_dmH4UWAOXUWMM7GhTu3OF-OugXkBfb2k-m6Q95Z4/s/1376181898/br/156335358234-l

Wisconsin DNR Outdoor Reports and News / WDNR Outdoor Report

« Last post by mudbrook on March 18, 2023, 11:47:18 AM »

WDNR Outdoor Report

We're in a spring state of mind in the latest issue of Wisconsin Natural Resources magazine, now available in print and online.

This issue features a deep dig into the importance of mud, tips for planning the perfect picnic and the sweet magic behind tapping maple syrup. Those ready to enjoy the warmer weather will find suggestions for beautiful Wisconsin state parks to explore for a quiet outing, plus spring safety tips for boating and staying safe when lightning strikes.

For the little ones, this issue's Kids Corner shows how to make a rain gauge to help mini-weather forecasters monitor rainfall amounts this spring.

Spring showers bring wildflowers and native pollinators to life; learn more about growing a native wildflower garden to help our small but mighty pollinators. Spring weather also sparks mating season for many wild animals, including wild turkeys. Read about how the wild turkey recovery effort led to our thriving population in Wisconsin, where they're now scratching in the forests and strutting through suburbs.

Find these stories and so much more in the Spring issue of Wisconsin Natural Resources magazine.

Subscribe now to receive four issues of the Wisconsin Natural Resources print edition for $8.97. Call 1-800-678-9472 or sign up online at www.wnrmag.com.

Help Monitor Frogs And Toads
We're calling out for help to document frog and toad breeding calls throughout the state this spring and summer with the Wisconsin Frog and Toad Survey.

The Wisconsin Frog and Toad Survey was formally launched in 1984 amid concerns about declining populations of several species of frogs. Since then, citizen scientists have helped DNR conservation biologists better define the distribution, status and population trends of all 12 frog and toad species in Wisconsin.

Volunteers can participate in three ways:

Traditional Wisconsin Frog and Toad Survey – This option requires volunteers to drive along a pre-set route for three nights of survey effort, once each in early spring, late spring and early summer. Volunteers make 10 stops per night, listening for five minutes at each site, documenting the species heard calling and the relative abundance of each species. See available 2023 survey routes and learn how to volunteer for this survey.

Mink Frog Survey – Mink frogs are only found in northern Wisconsin and often call in the daytime. In June and July, volunteers are recruited to listen in the Northwoods, once during the day and once at night, along routes targeting ideal mink frog breeding habitat. Learn more about the survey and how to volunteer on the Mink Frog Survey webpage.
Phenology Survey – Volunteers for this survey help monitor when frogs and toads first start calling each spring. Phenology volunteers choose one wetland to monitor throughout the frog calling season and record data as often as possible for five minutes per night. Learn more about the survey and how to volunteer on the Phenology Survey webpage.
Dates for each survey vary, and some are dependent on the changing seasons. Volunteers will receive more details on timing after contacting the survey teams.

Wisconsin Frog and Toad Survey volunteers started collecting data in 1984, collectively spending more than 10,500 nights surveying 103,400 sites.

Volunteers are currently documenting the highest levels of American bullfrogs and Blanchard's cricket frogs since the survey began, an encouraging sign that proactive conservation measures for these two species are likely paying off. Volunteers are also contributing substantial knowledge into the unique calling patterns and distribution of mink frogs throughout the Northwoods.

Visit the DNR’s amphibians and reptiles webpage for more opportunities to get involved.

Property Owners: Check Trees For Spongy Moth Eggs
Spring is right around the corner, we hope! That means it’s time to prepare for the return of spongy moth caterpillars in mid-to-late April.

Help reduce pest populations before the eggs hatch by using a horticultural oil to treat egg masses within reach or scraping them into a bucket of soapy water and then discarding them in the trash a few days later. Spongy moth egg masses like the one shown here are found on trees, buildings and other outdoor objects and may be inside protected places such as firewood piles and birdhouses. One egg mass can contain over 600 eggs.

A professional application of egg mass oil or insecticide is likely needed to treat high populations on larger trees. Insecticides are usually applied when caterpillars are small. Arranging for treatments ahead of time is suggested. Visit our website for more information about controlling this pest.

https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?shva=1#inbox/FMfcgzGslbKpnxngzvWTvngdsXZtrQbf

For Sale Misc. / Domains For Sale

« Last post by mudbrook on March 16, 2023, 04:04:29 PM »

The Domain name AlaskaOutdoor.com is for sale. If you are interested, please reply to this posting and we will contact you.

The Domain name PennsylvaniaOutdoor.com is for sale. If you are interested, please reply to this posting and we will contact you.

Wisconsin Fishing / Angies Fishing Adventures

« Last post by mudbrook on March 15, 2023, 11:21:45 AM »

Angies Fishing Adventures

Captain Barb Carey, President & Founder of WI Women Fish is kicking off our "Crappie Weekend" with nearly 80 female anglers at Deerfoot Lodge! Good luck fishing tomorrow, everyone!!

If you're looking for a fun fishing club to join with tons of great events throughout the year, check out http://www.wiwomenfish.com

Ice Fishing / 2022 Ice Shanty Removal Dates Approaching

« Last post by mudbrook on March 14, 2022, 05:59:36 PM »

2022 Ice Shanty Removal Dates Approaching
Removal Deadlines Apply To All Boundary Waters

An ice shanty sitting on a frozen, snow-covered lake.
The deadlines to remove permanent ice shanties are coming up. / Photo Credit: David Smith

Editor's Note: A previous press release provided an incorrect removal date for when all permanent ice shanties must be removed from all state waters. The deadline to remove ice shanties varies by body of water.

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds anglers that the remaining 2022 ice shanty removal deadlines are approaching.

Permanent ice shanties, or those not removed daily, must be removed from all state waters by the upcoming deadlines:

Wisconsin – Iowa boundary waters by Feb. 20
Wisconsin – Minnesota boundary waters by March 1
Inland waters south of Highway 64 by the first Sunday following March 1
Lake Michigan, Green Bay, Lake Superior and inland waters north of Highway 64 by the first Sunday following March 12
Wisconsin – Michigan boundary waters by March 15
One exception to this rule is that on the Fox River, downstream from the De Pere dam in Brown County, ice fishing shelters must always be removed when not in use.

Owners having difficulties removing their shanty should seek help from their local fishing club, vendors and other anglers.

Anglers can continue to use portable ice shanties after these dates, so long as they are removed from the ice when they are not actively in use and at the end of each day.

The removal deadlines are to ensure shanties are removed and to avoid the additional costs and hazards of shanties breaking through the ice.

As these deadlines approach, it’s important to remember that no ice is ever 100% safe. The DNR does not monitor ice conditions, so anglers should check with local fishing clubs and bait shops for current ice conditions.

The public should report any shanty owners not taking responsibility for removing their shanty to the DNR Violation Hotline online or by calling or texting 1-800-TIP-WNDR or 1-800-847-9367.

Ice Fishing / That’s a wrap

« Last post by mudbrook on March 07, 2022, 01:30:32 PM »

Angie Benson is with Carter Benson and Jeff Benson

That’s a wrap from here on out it’s all about the panfish! We had a great weekend on the ice even with the weather being tough. I love fishing with my family.

#strikerbrands #striker #strikerice #hardwater #icefishing #fishin #ice #wisconsinsonoutdoor #WomenOnIce #wifishinchicks

Snowmobile Trail Reports / Burnett County trails report

« Last post by mudbrook on February 07, 2022, 06:01:36 PM »

After consulting with the Burnett County Snow Trails Association, the decision has been made to close all snowmobile and winter ATV trails as of midnight on Monday, February 7 due to lack of snow as well as the forecasted warm temperatures for this week. This includes the frozen ground ATV trail system. Conditions will be re-evaluated later this week - please check back for updates prior to the weekend.

Contact Information

If you need any maps, or if you need any other information, please contact Burnett County Tourism at 1-800-788-3164 or feel free to email them at Bctour@sirentel.net.

To contact Burnett County Forest & Parks, please visit their website at www.burnettcounty.com/trails.

General Hunting Dog topics / Hunting Dog Depredated in Bayfield County

« Last post by mudbrook on September 23, 2021, 05:53:34 PM »

Hunting Dog Depredated in Bayfield County

On September 18, 2021, USDA-Wildlife Services verified that wolves killed a 9-year old male Walker trailing hound in the Town of Drummond, Bayfield County.

Dog owners are reminded to exercise caution in wolf occupied areas. Conflicts between hunting dogs and wolves are most common during the bear training and hunting season. Dogs have also been depredated pursuing other wildlife including fox, coyotes, bobcat, rabbit, snowshoe hare and upland birds. More information is available on the DNR's website.

Current Caution Areas

When wolves attack dogs in hunting or training situations on public land, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources creates wolf caution areas to warn hunters that a specific pack has attacked a dog or group of dogs. Click here to view current caution areas.

Report A Wolf Attack

Anyone suspecting a wolf attack should call 1-800-433-0663 (southern Wisconsin) or 1-800-228-1368 (northern Wisconsin).

Wisconsin DNR Outdoor Reports and News / Explore Public Hunting Lands This Fall

« Last post by mudbrook on August 30, 2021, 07:49:50 PM »

Explore Public Hunting Lands This Fall

Plus, Water Week And Catch-And-Release Tips

A couple wearing blaze orange scouts a field using binoculars.
With millions of acres of public land available across the state, we help simplify the search for the perfect hunting spot with the free Hunt Wild Wisconsin mobile app and online tools.

The DNR's Hunt Wild Wisconsin mobile app has everything hunters need in one place, including maps, cover types, shooting hours and chronic wasting disease (CWD) testing locations.

Additional online public land mapping tools include:

Fields and Forest Lands Interactive Game Bird Hunting Tool (FFLIGHT). Locate young aspen and alder habitat, woodcock and ruffed grouse hunting areas, pheasant-stocked public hunting grounds and public-access dove fields.
Voluntary Public Access-Habitat Incentive Program (VPA-HIP) interactive map. Funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, VPA-HIP provides landowners financial incentives to open their properties year-round to public hunting access. Hunters should read the guidelines for accessing VPA properties.

Map of lands enrolled in Managed Forest Law and Forest Crop Law – especially useful for scouting locations in the central and northern forests.

Public Access Lands Atlas. The atlas includes all DNR properties as well as nearly all federal and county-owned lands. Hunters should contact landowners beforehand to verify hunting is allowed.

For more information on public lands in Wisconsin, visit the DNR Public Access Lands webpage.
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