Natural Resources Board approves state waterfowl management plan
MADISON – A plan to provide a framework for managing waterfowl and waterfowl hunting in Wisconsin over the next 10 years received approval by the state Natural Resources Board at its meeting in Madison on Dec.5.
Approximately 85,000 people identify themselves as Wisconsin waterfowl hunters, which puts the state in the top three in the nation. The Wisconsin Waterfowl Strategic Plan [http://dnr.wi.gov/org/land/wildlife/plan/waterfowl.htm] was developed over two years with participation from hunters and numerous conservation groups including the Wisconsin Wildlife Federation, Wisconsin Waterfowl Association, Ducks Unlimited, Department of Natural Resources. biologists and field managers and representatives from the US Fish and Wildlife Service, the Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission and the US Department of Agriculture. Many hunters and other interested citizens provided valuable comments and feedback through a series of public meetings, open houses and workshops. Overall, thousands of people were involved in the process to create this plan.
“I’m excited over the board’s approval and support for a long-range waterfowl management plan,” said Kent Van Horn, DNR waterfowl biologist. “It was my pleasure to work with a great group of folks to put this plan together; they have great enthusiasm for maintaining Wisconsin’s strong waterfowl hunting heritage.”
Waterfowl hunters have always shown strong support for conservation efforts that benefit not only huntable waterfowl species but all wildlife that depend on wetland habitat. Wisconsin duck hunters spend an estimated $48 million per year on their sport. Waterfowl hunters fund important habitat work here and in Canada through purchase of licenses, state and federal duck stamps and excise taxes paid on firearms, ammunition and other hunting equipment.
“We’ve got a solid foundation to launch this plan,” said Van Horn. “Wisconsin’s resident total duck and Canada goose breeding populations are increasing, as apparent by long term trends, and we have effective programs and partnerships for restoring and managing waterfowl habitat. We also have enjoyed a stable to slightly increasing population of waterfowl hunters over the last 25 years.”
Plan Objectives
The plan outlines 6 major objectives:
• Continue to provide waterfowl habitat.
• Monitor and evaluate waterfowl populations, especially in fall.
• Improve the waterfowl hunting experience.
• Manage Canada goose populations at a level that balances conflicting perspectives.
• Develop new strategies for waterfowl hunter education and recruitment.
• Continue to refine our understanding of breeding and migration habitat needs and waterfowl diseases.
“Some aspects of the plan we can begin implementing in the next few months,” said Van Horn. “We’re committed to keeping Wisconsin waterfowl enthusiasts updated every step of the way.”
In the next few months Van Horn plans to begin work on several fronts including:
• New Wisconsin waterfowl habitat management priorities in cooperation with the Upper Mississippi River Great Lakes Joint Venture plan.
• Continuing spring breeding waterfowl surveys [http://dnr.wi.gov/org/land/wildlife/hunt/waterfow/WaterfowlSurv.pdf] and summer banding efforts while planning for new fall surveys.
• Conducting a new waterfowl hunter survey. It will be mailed out to a randomly selected group of Wisconsin Waterfowl Hunters in January, 2008.
• Developing an ad hoc committee with the Conservation Congress to explore open water hunting opportunities
• Planning for creation of a few quality duck hunting areas in the state with specific property regulations to improve the hunting experience.
• Evaluating new Canada goose hunting season structures.
• Providing education and assistance on local Canada goose management strategies.
• Continuing research into the breeding habitat needs for blue-winged teal and avian influenza monitoring.
“The future of waterfowl populations and waterfowl hunting is in our hands,” said Van Horn, “Both hunting and non-hunting fans of waterfowl are important partners in this effort. Anyone can buy a waterfowl stamp, which contributes to the resources we have to work with. We have healthy populations now and with the long range vision of this plan, we can maintain them and improve waterfowling experiences along the way.”
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Kent Van Horn - (608) 266-8841
