Wisconsin DNR News March 25, 2008
Late season snows unlikely to dampen spring turkey hunt
Remaining permits for spring season go on sale March 28
Don’t let your mind trick you into shooting another hunter
Spring fish and wildlife rules hearings April 14
Severe winter may lead to natural die-offs of fish
Spring good time to properly clean firearms
Maple Syrup Festival April 5 at MacKenzie
Late season snows unlikely to dampen spring turkey hunt
EAU CLAIRE, Wis. --The spring turkey hunting season opens in three weeks and throughout Wisconsin wildlife biologists are getting calls from folks worried about the wild gobblers and the effects of a long, cold and snowy winter.
“People want to know how many dead birds we are finding, and I haven’t found one,” said Dave Matheys, a Department of Natural Resources wildlife biologist in Vernon County. “Wild turkeys are hardy, adaptable birds.”
Matheys said ice-covered fields in the north might cause some limited winter mortality, but he expects a healthy flock to emerge from winter’s grip.
Assuming this rugged, old-fashioned winter will at some point come to an end, Matheys says, hunters can expect a great spring hunt with more wild turkeys than ever roaming the woods and fields of Wisconsin.
With good nesting success and brood rearing conditions the past two years, biologists are predicting a strong population of 2-year-old toms. While they may not be 25-pound trophies, Matheys says these will be mostly nice-sized birds, weighing 19 to 21 pounds. And, he notes, this size bird more eagerly responds to hen calls, strutting proudly into the range of well-camouflaged hunters, tail feathers fanned in a showy display of courtship.
“They provide a lot of excitement for hunters,” Matheys said.
Since the DNR first reintroduced wild turkeys to Wisconsin in 1976, the wild flock has steadily expanded its size and range, exceeding all expectations.
“The birds are pretty much statewide now as they have invaded the Northwoods,” Matheys said. “They are beyond the limits biologists placed on them. They’ve proved us wrong.”
The first spring hunt was held in 1983 making this the 26th spring season. The 2008 season consists of six 5-day periods, each running Wednesday through Sunday, beginning April 16 and ending May 25. The season is limited to one “bearded” or male turkey per permit issued.
In terms of harvest management, spring gobbler hunting is biologically the most conservative approach, according to Scott Hull, DNR upland game specialist.
“Generally, a spring gobbler harvest does not affect long-term population trends, yielding stable harvest levels. It’s unlikely to result in overharvest. It also has a minimal effect on population growth rates because a single gobbler can mate with several hens and males play no role in rearing young,” Hull says.
Wisconsin’s Wild Turkey Management Plan maintains that permit levels are set to allow for a gobbler harvest rate of 20 to 30 percent. Hull says wildlife research has shown that a spring harvest of up to 30 percent of the male population provides quality hunting opportunities while still allowing for continued population growth.
As the flock has expanded, so have hunting opportunities. In 2007, hunters recorded the largest spring harvest in state history, registering 52,428 wild turkeys, up nearly 11 percent from the previous year. The statewide hunter success rate edged up to 25.5 percent, up more than two points compared to the 2006 spring hunt.
The DNR made 212,985 permits available this spring, up more than 6,000 from the 2007 spring season. Most were distributed through the lottery system, which has a Dec. 10 application deadline each year.
Youth turkey hunt April 12-13
The two-day spring youth hunt, successfully initiated in 2007, will continue to occur each year during the weekend preceding the opening Wednesday of the regular season. This year it occurs April 12-13.
There is no special application procedure for the youth hunt, and young hunters must apply through the lottery drawing for a tag or purchase a left over tag. During the two-day youth hunt, only one turkey may be harvested per hunter regardless of the number of permits issued. Anyone interested in the youth hunt can find additional details in the spring turkey hunting regulations.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Dave Matheys at 608-637-3938 or Scott Hull at 608-267-7861
Remaining permits for spring season go on sale March 28
Hunters urged to call ahead when purchasing at license outlets
MADISON – On March 28, more than 56,000 remaining spring turkey permits will go on sale at 10 a.m. at Department of Natural Resources Service Centers, license sales locations, over the Internet or by phone. New license sales equipment has been installed at sales locations throughout Wisconsin. Before making a trip to a favorite sales location, hunters might want to call ahead and make sure their system is up and running and ready to issue turkey permits.
While there are a few turkey management units with permits available in the April 30 to May 4 hunting period, most remaining permits are for the later hunting periods beginning May 7 through close of the spring season on May 25. An updated listing of units with leftover turkey permits and the numbers of permits available [http://dnr.wi.gov/org/caer/cs/springturkey] can be found on the turkey hunting pages [http://dnr.wi.gov/org/land/wildlife/hunt/turkey/index.htm] of the DNR Web site at or by contacting a DNR Service Center.
“If past years’ sales of these remaining permits are any indication, I think we can expect them to go fast,” said Diane Brookbank, director of DNR license sales. “Lines should move quickly because the new equipment lets clerks scan a previous year’s license so it will take less time to enter a customer’s information.”
The permits can be purchased; over the Internet through the Online Licensing Center – new software has greatly speeded response times; at DNR service centers during their regular business hours (check service center link for hours of operation; service centers are closed Saturdays); and at automated license issuance system sales locations. Hunters can also call toll -free 1-877-WI LICENSE (1-877-945-4236).
“If you are interested in purchasing one of these permits from a local license sales agent, please call ahead to make sure your agent is good to go for Friday’s sale,” suggests Brookbank, “We don’t want anyone to miss out on an opportunity to get the permit they want.”
“We are working with the small number of agents scattered around the state who are not yet ready to sell,” said Brookbank. “We will continue until every one of our 1400 license sales locations are up and running.”
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: DNR Customer Service at 1-888-WDNRINFo (888-936-7463)
Wardens: Don’t let your mind trick you into shooting another hunter
Research into the workings of the human mind
helps explain why hunting “accidents” happen
EAU CLAIRE, Wis. -- It starts with a hunter’s desire to see the target of his or her efforts. Then, given enough encouragement – a sequence of positive indicators such as a likely location, a sound, a movement and a flash of color – the hunter’s brain will connect the dots and fill in the missing link.
Researchers at Harvard University call it “coming to closure,” said Timothy Lawhern, hunter education administrator for the Department of Natural Resources. “Imagination with a strong desire to see a turkey produces a momentary image that isn’t real. The human mind will paint a turkey where there is no turkey. This moment, while short, lasts long enough for some to pull the trigger.”
With the opening of the Wisconsin spring turkey hunting April 16, conservation wardens are well aware of this phenomenon. DNR statistics show 80 percent of accidents during turkey hunting involve hunters mistaking other hunters for game or hunters failing to positively identify their target. In most cases the hunter has shot a member of his own party.
Science can help explain these incidents, but it doesn’t offer forgiveness. A reason is no excuse when it comes to shooting another person.
Wardens say that in each of these cases, the wrongful shooting could have been prevented if the shooter had followed the four basic safety guidelines for handling a firearm:
• Treat every firearm as if it is loaded.
• Always point the muzzle in a safe direction.
• Be sure of your target and what’s beyond it.
• Keep your finger outside the trigger guard until ready to shoot.
Additionally, Lawhern said, planning your turkey hunt is crucial when two or more hunters are jointly hunting in the same area and then agree to separate if birds are not spotted.
“Soon, one hunter can be stalking either the decoy or the call of the other,” Lawhern said. “The best way to avoid this situation is to have a clear understanding and agreement on the areas each hunter will hunt and then stick to that plan.”
In DNR’s 19-county west central region, Safety Warden Bill Yearman had a troubling season in 2007 with five incidents, one of them fatal. In the case of the fatality, the hunter was alone in a blind he’d built with sticks and branches at the base of a tree. His shotgun was beside him, loaded, safety off. When he decided to move, he grabbed the gun by its muzzle and as he pulled it toward him, it discharged.
Three of the incidents involved hunters shooting members of their own party. In onc case, two hunters separated to stalk a flock. Later, one hunter saw his partner raising his shotgun and ducked down in the grass so as not to spook his partner’s target. The first hunter saw the movement, saw a shape in the grass and fired.
“He pops up and shoots where he thinks the bird’s head is going to be,” Yearman said. “He’s basically shooting at the unknown. It all comes back to identifying your target and what’s beyond. You can’t shoot at movement. You have to see that it’s a legal animal to shoot and you have to shoot at its head to make a killing shot. If you can’t see its head, you shouldn’t be shooting.”
The spring hunt is limited to toms (and bearded hens.) These males are identified by the long tuft of hair or “beard” extending from the front of the bird. Hunters who have mistaken other hunters for turkeys have not been able to state they saw the beard.
“If you don’t see a beard, you have no business pulling the trigger -- even if it is a turkey,” Lawhern said.
Turkey hunting in Wisconsin is statistically safe. On average, since spring turkey hunting began in 1983, there have been two firearm incidents per season. Often the injuries are not severe. Fatalities are rare. Four have been recorded in 24 years. Given that there are now more than 150,000 hunters in the field each spring, that’s a good record, but, say wardens, even one shooting incident is one to many.
DNR officials attribute this to hunter education efforts, youth hunting programs and Wisconsin’s unique system of dividing the spring hunt into six, 5-day periods and controlling the number of hunters in each zone to minimize conflicts.
Still, each incident is traumatic. Wildlife officials and wardens said they will not be satisfied with anything less than a 100 percent safety record.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Tim Lawhern at 608-266-1317
Spring fish and wildlife rules hearings April 14
MADISON – Wisconsin residents have an opportunity to comment on proposed rules that regulate fishing, hunting, trapping and other outdoor recreation activities in Wisconsin by attending the 2008 Spring Fish and Wildlife Rules Hearings on April 14. Each of Wisconsin’s 72 counties [http://dnr.wi.gov/org/nrboard/congress/spring%20hearings/2008/locations.html] holds a hearing, all hearings start at 7 p.m.
The Spring Rules Hearing agenda, questionnaire, meeting locations, and more information can be found on the Spring Rules Hearings pages of the DNR Web site: [http://dnr.wi.gov/org/nrboard/congress/spring%20hearings/index.html].
Results of the votes on proposed rule changes, along with written comments on proposed rules, are presented to the state Natural Resources Board for their consideration in acting on the proposed rules. Votes are non-binding and are presented to board members as advisory only.
Catch and release musky season
Questions relating to changes lawmakers made to fishing seasons in northern Wisconsin in the 2007-2009 budget bill are the top statewide fisheries issues on tap at the hearings.
Hearing participants can weigh in on which they think is the best of two options for implementing a new law directing the DNR to create a catch and release musky season in May in northern Wisconsin. The DNR needs to write administrative rules to implement the season, which would start in 2009.
One option would create a catch-and-release season for muskellunge in waters north of U.S. Highway 10 during which musky anglers would be restricted to using artificial lures with barbless hooks. The season would begin the first Saturday in May and end the day before the regular musky season opening day for the northern zone, currently the Saturday preceding Memorial Day.
“This is the most protective option for spawning muskellunge and it’s the option the DNR recommends,” according to Mike Staggs, the DNR fisheries director.
The second option is to move the opening day for the regular musky season in waters north of U.S. Highway 10 to the first Saturday in May, the same as the opening day for southern musky waters. Harvest could occur and barbless hooks would not be required.
This option would be less protective of the musky, which may still be spawning in early May in northern Wisconsin, but would likely be less confusing for anglers and would allow fuller participation by musky anglers, Staggs says.
Hearing participants are also asked to weigh in on whether any additional changes should be made to the catch and release bass season in northern Wisconsin. Lawmakers have passed a law requiring that artificial baits with barbless hooks be used when fishing for bass in the northern zone or during any other catch and release bass seasons that may exist now or that are created in the future throughout the state.
This barbless hooks only requirement for the northern bass catch and release season is effective immediately and is not subject to development of administrative rules, as the musky catch-and-release season is.
However, there may be anglers who object to using artificial lures with barbless hooks during a bass catch and release season, so the DNR is asking for angler input on the best way to implement this new statute.
“The law is clear that if we have a catch and release season for bass, then artificial lures with barbless hooks must be used,” Staggs says. “That’s a pretty significant change for many anglers now fishing the current northern zone May through June catch and release season, so we want to make sure anglers still want this fishing opportunity.”
Increasing population goal for bobcats proposed
Among the wildlife rule changes proposed is establishing a new, higher, population goal for bobcats in northern Wisconsin. The current population goal for bobcat in the area north of State Highway 64 is one per 10 square miles of habitat or approximately 1,800 animals. Department wildlife biologists believe the population has exceeded that goal. The current population is estimated at approximately 3,000 animals and there have been few complaints or problems. The proposed rule change would establish a new bobcat population goal of 2,500 animals, plus-or-minus 20 percent, for the north.
Other proposed wildlife rule changes include prohibiting paintball activity on department managed lands except when approved by the department, allowing dog training with captive wild animals by license between May 1 and June 30 in the north and adding an additional year to the experimental fall season for wild turkey hunting with the aid of dogs.
Natural Resources Board seeks input on fall turkey season
In addition, The state Natural Resources Board is seeking public opinion on extending the fall wild turkey hunting season in turkey hunting zones 1-5, or roughly the southern two-thirds of the state, to include the first Monday following the nine-day gun deer season through Dec. 31 on a two-year trial basis. Biologists have indicated that they do not anticipate negative impacts to the turkey population with this extension.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Kurt Thiede, DNR Conservation Congress liaison - (608) 266-0580
Severe winter may lead to natural die-offs of fish
MADISON – Winterkill -- the most common natural cause of fish kills -- has the possibility of being severe in some areas of Wisconsin this year due to the harsh winter and record- breaking snowfalls.
Winterkill or “freeze-out” is caused by low oxygen levels during the ice-covered period. Thick ice and heavy snow cover prevent light from reaching underwater plants, thereby reducing the amount of oxygen plants produce.
“We expect to see partial winterkills every year, but we haven’t had severe winterkills in almost 20 years,” says Paul Cunningham, Department of Natural Resources fisheries ecologist. “This really is a unique situation in terms of lower than average temperatures and higher snowfall amounts.”
Fish most likely to be effected by winterkill include walleye, bass and bluegill. The fish normally die in late winter, but may not be noticed until a month after the ice leaves the lake because the dead fish are temporarily preserved by the cold water. Once the water warms in early spring, large numbers of dead fish may float ashore.
“Shallow lakes with large amounts of aquatic vegetation and mucky bottoms are prone to this problem, because they have much lower oxygen capacity,” says Cunningham. “That, combined with decaying plants that consume the ‘bank account’ of oxygen that’s left, lower oxygen to points that some fish cannot survive. It’s these types of lakes, that when hit with a severe winter like we’ve had, will be more likely to experience winterkill.”
Given the severity of this winter, DNR biologists caution that more fish kills might be seen throughout Wisconsin and explain that these are likely not associated with the deadly fish virus, Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia or VHS, that was discovered in Wisconsin last year.
“They are several things we can look for to distinguish a winterkill,” say Sue Marcquenski, DNR fisheries health specialist. “One sign is that the dead fish may appear fuzzy from a fungus infection, which is normal in winterkills. Also, a lake that has experienced winterkill can usually be detected by the strong smell of sulfur dioxide, which is often equated with the smell of rotten eggs.”
“Additionally, many species of fish die under winter-kill conditions,” adds Marcquenski, “and after the ice melts, only dead, decaying fish are observed.”
Although DNR staff expects some winterkill every year, it’s rare for lakes to experience total winterkill, according to Cunningham.
“For some waters, partial winterkill is a natural, beneficial process, which results in increased growth rates and improved size structure of the survivors and a better fishery all together,” says Cunningham. “On more shallow lakes with excessive algae bloom, winterkill can have negative impacts to anglers because the majority of game fish die, and rough fish like black bullheads and carp survive, making it a challenge to restore and maintain game fish populations in these lakes.”
Fortunately, usually enough fish survive, either in the lake or in connecting waters, to repopulate the lake in a couple of years, but restocking has been necessary for extreme die-offs.
Historically, fisheries biologists relied on transferring largemouth bass, yellow perch, bluegill, and pumpkinseed from healthy donor lakes to repopulate lakes that have experienced severe winterkills, but restrictions to help prevent the spread of VHS have limited these resources.
“With the outbreak of VHS in Wisconsin and the potential to spread VHS via fish transfer, the department’s use of traditional fish transfers to repopulate winter-kill lakes is limited,” says Mike Staggs, Wisconsin fisheries director. “Fisheries management is in the process of outlining alternatives to deal with the unique challenges that winterkills will present.”
Anyone who witnesses fish kills should report the water body, fish species and approximate number of dead/dying fish to a local fisheries biologist or call the DNR TIP line at 1-800-TIP-WDNR (1-800-847-9367). Do not collect fish samples from a fish kill or bring potentially diseased fish to DNR service centers or hatcheries. Anyone who catches a diseased or suspicious fish should place the fish in a plastic bag and then in a cooler on ice and contact a local fisheries biologist or report the catch to the TIP line listed above.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Paul Cunningham (608) 267-7502, Sue Marcquenski (608) 266-2871
Spring good time to properly clean firearms
MADISON – Patience, proper equipment and an unloaded firearm are what a state hunting safety specialist says are key to safely cleaning firearms without turning them into unusable conversation pieces.
Tim Lawhern, Department of Natural Resources conservation warden and hunter education program administrator, says he has heard from well-intentioned gun-owners who thought they were doing right by their firearms, but “who were doing more damage than good by the methods and products they used.”
“First and foremost, make sure your firearm is unloaded,” Lawhern said. “Don’t trust your memory or anyone else that says it is unloaded. Check it yourself.”
Next, he recommends gathering the proper equipment in advance. That list includes:
• Gun vise or cradle to support the firearm.
• One-piece cleaning rod, sized to fit the firearm.
• Bore guide, sized to fit the firearm.
• Jag tip of proper caliber for rifles and handguns, or correct bore brush for shotguns.
• Powder solvent to remove residue by burning powder.
• Copper solvent to remove copper left by jacketed bullets.
• Cotton patches (cotton does not melt when burned, synthetic patches react with solvents).
• Gun oil.
Cleaning the barrel
Always clean the barrel from the breech to muzzle when possible, he said. First, place the firearm in the vise or gun cradle and install the bore guide so the cleaning rod runs down the center of the bore. Install the proper sized jag tip on the rod. For shotguns, Lawhern notes, the slotted patch tip is fine.
If the firearm is equipped with a scope, make sure to leave the lens caps on or provide some sort of protection like a cloth to cover them.
“It’s important to note here the proper technique while cleaning the bore,” Lawhern says, adding all patches should go only one way down the bore. “Do not push a patch down the bore and then bring it back in. All that does is return the dirty patch along with its grit into the barrel.”
Also, the motion of the rod should be one smooth stroke. “Do not push a few inches in and then stop and push some more,” he says. The first patch down the bore should be a dry one to wipe out the large crud. Place newspapers on the floor or table to catch the debris as it falls.
Patches – get the right size
“Make sure your patches are the right size. That will save you some grief,” Lawhern says. “If you need a jack hammer to get the patch all the way through the bore, off-center the patch by placing the jag tip halfway between the center of the patch and one corner.
“If it’s still too tight then use a smaller patch,” he says.
Next, alternate a wet patch with powder solvent and then a dry patch down the bore. Repeat until you no longer get gray or black on the patches. After that, switch to the copper solvent.
“Read, understand and follow the manufacture’s recommendations for copper solvent,” Lawhern says. “The vast majority of copper solvent has ammonia as a base component. Left in your bore too long and it will cause pitting. You won’t be happy if that happens. When you no longer get green or blue on your patches you are almost done.” For shotguns copper solvent is usually not necessary.
Bore brushes? Maybe not
For rifles and handguns a bore brush is not needed, Lawhern says.
“For shotguns, a bore brush should be used to remove stubborn spots,” he says. “Bore brushes should only be nylon or bronze bristled. For the average person that takes care of their firearms properly, you don’t need them.”
Next, soak a single patch with gun oil and run it down the bore, remove it from the jag tip and use that patch to wipe down the outside of your firearm. No additional oil will be needed. Remove the bore guide and clean the action, including the bolt and chamber area with either patches or cotton swabs. Be sure to lightly oil the inside of the action when done.
Clean work area, tools
Lastly, return all components to their proper storage area. Wipe off your cleaning rod with a dry patch and toss the used patches along with the newspaper. Wash your hands to remove solvents, oils, powder residue and lead.
“This is basic stuff,” Lawhern says. “A lot of folks learned how to clean their guns by watching others doing it; I know, because that’s how I got started too. I still have my jointed aluminum cleaning rod from the local department store. Today, it’s a conversation piece and never leaves its plastic case.”
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Tim Lawhern, Conservation Warden, 608-266-1317
Maple Syrup Festival April 5 at MacKenzie Environmental Education Center
POYNETTE, Wis. – Free guided tours of a sugar bush, along with demonstrations of how to tap a maple tree for sap and how to make syrup will be featured at a Maple Syrup Festival, to be held Saturday, April 5 at the MacKenzie Environmental Education Center near Poynette.
The event, which runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. also features interpretative talks about how Native Americans and pioneers made maple syrup.
“This is a great way to celebrate the beginning of spring,” said Ruth Ann Lee, lead educator at the MacKenzie Environmental Education Center. “It is a wonderful event to learn about the sugar maple tree and the process of making maple syrup, which is unique to our Wisconsin climate.”
Participants will have the opportunity to watch home-made ice cream being churned with an antique engine; listen to live, old-time, country music; and take a horse-drawn wagon ride from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. In addition, the live wildlife exhibit, which includes animals native to Wisconsin, and the museums will be open.
An all-you-can eat pancake breakfast, sponsored by the Poynette Optimist Club, will be served from 8 a.m. until noon at the Resident Center Lodge. Refreshments, maple products, and souvenirs will be sold by the Friends of MacKenzie. The Friends will also draw the winners for their raffle at 1 p.m.
Maple Syrup Festival is hosted by the Friends of MacKenzie, the Wisconsin Wildlife Federation, and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. The lead sponsor for the event is Lathrop & Clark, LLC.
The MacKenzie Center is located two miles east of Poynette on County Road CS/Q. For additional information call 608-635-8110.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Ruth Lindert at 608-635-8110
OUTDOORS CALENDAR
*Indicates date remains the same each year, except some permit deadlines may be extended one day if they fall on a Sunday or Federal Holiday.
September 15 through First Saturday in May
• From Sept. 15 through the first Saturday in May, hook and line fishing is prohibited from one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise in all Lake Michigan tributaries except the Oconto River and its tributaries and the downstream portion of the Peshtigo River (see regulations for details).*
March 28
• Remaining permits not issued through the spring turkey permit drawing will be available for sale beginning at 10 a.m. on a first-come, first served basis through license sales outlets, and DNR service centers. In addition, licenses can be purchased on line through the DNR Web site or by phone at 1-877-945-4236.beginning at noon. A complete list of units with the number of permits is available on the DNR Web site at [http://dnr.wi.gov/org/caer/cs/springturkey/index.html].
March 29
• Trout season opens on designated sections of some Lake Superior tributaries. See the current Wisconsin Trout Fishing Regulations and Guide for more information.
March 31
• Hunting, fishing, sports, and conservation patron licenses expire.*
• Otter trapping season closes in central and southern zone.
April 12 –138
• Youth turkey hunt.
April 14
• Spring Fish and Wildlife Rules Hearings and Conservation Congress county meetings held in every county.
April 15 through July 31
• It is illegal to allow dogs to run on DNR lands and Federal Waterfowl Production Areas lands during this time unless the dog is on a leash no longer than 8 feet. Doe not apply to class 1 field trial grounds or DNR lands open to dog training.*
April 16 – 20
• Spring turkey hunting period A
April 23 – 27
• Spring turkey hunting period B
April 27
• Early catch-and-release only trout season closes at midnight. Season is artificial bait, barbless-hook only.
April 30
• The yellow perch season closes on Lake Michigan and tributaries. The season reopens June 16.*
• Otter trapping season closes in the North zone.*
April 30 – May 4
• Spring turkey hunting period C
May 3
• General inland waters game fish opener (trout, walleye, northern pike, bass in the southern zone). Check current Wisconsin Hook and Line Fishing Regulations pamphlet for exceptions regarding specific game species and waters.
• Catch and release only bass season opens through June 14 in the northern zone.
• Muskellunge season in waters south of State Highway 10 opens.
• Frog season opens. Runs through Dec. 31
May 7-11
• Spring turkey hunting period D
May 14 – 18
• Spring turkey hunting period E
May 20
• Yellow perch season opens on Green Bay, the Fox River and other Green Bay tributaries through March 15 with a bag limit of 15. Yellow perch season on Lake Michigan opens June 16.*
• Set or bank pole and setlines can be used on specified waters in the Wolf and Fox river basins through Sept. 30. Check the current Setline, Set or Bank Pole Regulations for open waters.
May 21 – 25
• Spring turkey hunting period F:
May 24
• Muskellunge season opens north of State Highway 10.
DNR Public Hearings and Meetings
Pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, reasonable accommodations, including the provision of informational material in an alternative format, will be provided for qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. Please call the contact person listed for the meeting or hearing with specific information on your request at least 10 days before the date of the scheduled hearing.
Hearings
March 25 - The DNR will hold a public informational hearing on the application of Ostrowski's Irrigation application under Chapter 30, Wis. Stats. The purpose of the informational hearing is to allow the public to learn about the proposed irrigation, and to provide an opportunity for the public to make a written or oral statement about issuance of the proposed permit. The hearing will be held at 1 p.m. at the Amherst Junction Municipal Building, 4023 Cty Road Q, Amherst Junction. For more information, contact Keith Patrick at (715) 241-7502.
March 25 – Pursuant to §§ 285.13(1) and 285.61(7), Wis. Stats., the Department of Natural Resources will hold a public hearing to receive public comments on the proposed construction permit for Dairyland Power Coop - Genoa Site, S4651 State Road 35, Town of Genoa, Vernon County, Wisconsin at 1 p.m. in the Stoddard Village Hall Conference Room, 180 N. Main St., Stoddard. Dairyland Power Coop submitted to the DNR a permit application, including plans and specifications, for construction and operation of lime and carbon handling equipment and a dry sulfur dioxide scrubber on boiler B20 (Air Pollution Control Construction Permit No. 07-SDD-272 and Operation Permit No. 663020930-P13). DNR staff have made a preliminary determination that the application meets state and federal air pollution control requirements and that the permits should be approved. DNR’s analysis and draft permit prepared by the DNR can be reviewed on the Air Permit page of the DNR Web site at [http://dnr.wi.gov/air/permitzip/APM_toc.htm] or at the Department of Natural Resources Bureau of Air Management Headquarters, Seventh Floor, 101 South Webster St., Madison; West Central Region Air Program, La Crosse Area Office, 3550 Mormon Coulee Road, Room 104, La Crosse; and at the McIntosh Memorial Library, 118 E. Jefferson St., Viroqua, or contact Steven Dunn at 608-267-0566 or by e-mail at Steven.Dunn@wisconsin.gov. This type of proposal normally does not have the potential to cause significant adverse environmental effects and the DNR has not prepared an Environmental Assessment of the proposal. People may submit written comments on the application or DNR’s review by March 28, 2008 to: Wisconsin DNR, Bureau of Air Management, PO Box 7921, Madison, WI 53707-7921. Attn.: Steven Dunn. For information contact Steven Dunn at 608-267-0566.
March 25 - The DNR will hold a public informational hearing on the application of M & S Adventures, LLC, after the fact individual pier permit application under Chapter 30, Wis. Stats. The purpose of the informational hearing is to allow the public to learn about the proposed pier placement and to provide an opportunity for the public to make a written or oral statement about issuance of the proposed permit. The hearing will be held at 1:00 pm at the Town of Quincy Town Hall, 2599 County Road Z, Friendship. For more information, contact Will Stites at (715) 421-7815.
April 2 - A public hearing on the air pollution control construction and operation permit applications of Great Lakes Renewable Energy, Inc. for the proposed construction of a wood pellet manufacturing facility in the Town of Hayward, Sawyer County will be held at 1 p.m. in the Assembly Room at the Sawyer County Courthouse, 10610 Main St., Hayward. Great Lakes Renewable Energy, Inc., FID 858019470, submitted to the Department of Natural Resources a permit application, including plans and specifications for the construction and operation of a wood pellet manufacturing facility to be located at 16592W U.S. Highway 63 South, Hayward, Sawyer County, Wisconsin. (Air Pollution Construction and Operation Permit Nos. 07-MDW-207 and 858019470-F01). DNR staff made a preliminary determination that the application meets state and federal air pollution control requirements and that the permit should be approved. The permit application, the DNR’s analysis and draft permit prepared by the DNR area available for review on the Air Permit page [http://dnr.wi.gov/air/permitzip/APM_toc.htm] of the DNR Web site and at the DNR Bureau of Air Management Headquarters, Seventh Floor, 101 South Webster St., Madison; at the DNR Hayward Service Center, 10220 State Highway 27 South, Hayward; and at the Sherman & Ruth Weiss Community Library, 10788 State Highway 27/77, Hayward; or by contacting Michael Wagner at 715-634-9658 extension 3526 or by e-mail at Michael.Wagner@wisconsin.gov. Written comments on the application or DNR’s review should be submitted by April 11, 2008 to: Wisconsin DNR, Northern Region Air Management Program, 10220 State Highway 27 South, Hayward, Wisconsin 54843, Attn: Michael Wagner. For information contact Michael Wagner at 715-634-9658 extension 3526.
April 7 - Pursuant to §§ 227.11(2)(a), and 285.11(1) and (6), Stats., interpreting § 285.11(6), Stats., the Department of Natural Resources will hold public hearings on revisions to ch. NR 446, Wis. Adm. Code, relating to the establishment of provisions for coal-fired electric generating units in Wisconsin to limit mercury air emissions at 9 a.m. in Room G09 – of the state Natural Resources Building (GEF 2), 101 S. Webster St., Madison. The State Implementation Plan developed under § 285.11(6), Stats., is also being revised. In May 2007, public hearings were held on revisions to chs. NR 440 and 446, Wis. Adm. Code, relating to the establishment of provisions for coal-fired electric generating units in Wisconsin to comply with the Clean Air Mercury Rule (CAMR) promulgated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). On Feb. 8, 2008, the Washington D.C. Court of Appeals vacated the CAMR. The Court found that the EPA's approach to regulating mercury emissions from coal-fired electric generating units in the CAMR was unlawful. As a result these proposed revisions no longer include provisions related to the federal CAMR. The Department is proceeding with this rulemaking to address Gov. Jim Doyle’s August 25, 2006, directive to the department to develop a rule achieving a 90 percent reduction of mercury emissions from coal-fired power plants. In addition, these revisions respond to a Jan. 22, 2007, Citizen Petition submitted to the department and Natural Resources Board under provisions in §§ 227.11(2)(a) and 227.12(1) and (2), Wis. Stats., and NR 2.05 Wis. Adm. Code. This petition requested that the department and board conduct rulemaking proceedings to revise and adopt rules that require a 90 to 95 percent reduction of mercury to the air from coal-fired electric generating units in the state by Jan. 1, 2012. Under these proposed revisions to ch. NR 446, Wis. Adm. Code, the state’s large coal-fired electric generating units, 150 megawatts and larger, must follow one of two compliance paths to achieve a 90 percent mercury emission reduction. By Jan. 1, 2015, the state’s large coal-fired electric generating units, 150 megawatts and larger, must achieve a 90 percent mercury reduction, as measured from the mercury content of coal combusted, or limit the concentration of mercury emissions to 0.008 pounds mercury per gigawatt-hour. Under the alternative multipollutant compliance path an additional six years, until Jan. 1, 2021, is allowed for large coal-fired electric generating units to achieve the 90 percent mercury reduction requirement. By Jan. 1, 2015, these large units must achieve nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide reductions beyond those currently required by federal and state regulations. An interim mercury reduction of 70 percent must be achieved by Jan. 1, 2015 and beginning Jan. 1, 2018 another interim reduction of 80 percent is required. Owners and operators must designate which of their large electric generating units will follow the multipollutant option within 24 months after the effective date of the rule. Large electric generating units that are not designated for the multipollutant option, will, by default, be required to achieve the 90 percent mercury emission reduction by 2015. Small coal-fired electric generating units, greater than 25 megawatts but less than 150 megawatts, must reduce their mercury emissions to a level defined as Best Available Control Technology (BACT). After all the mercury reduction requirements in these proposed revisions become effective for small and large electric generating units almost 4,400 pounds of mercury air emissions will be prevented from being emitted annually. These revisions retain the Jan. 1, 2010, mercury reduction requirement in the current state mercury rule. Under this requirement the state’s four major utilities, Alliant Energy, Dairyland Power Cooperative, WE Energies and Wisconsin Public Service Corporation, must reduce mercury emissions from their existing coal-fired electric generating units 40 percent from the baseline established under provisions in the current rule. The revisions also propose that any new coal-fired electric generating unit install mercury control technology which achieves a minimum mercury reduction of 90 percent when it commences operation. The department has made a preliminary finding under § 285.27(2)(b), Stats., that the mercury emission limitations proposed in this revision are needed to protect public health and welfare. In the absence of a federal standard promulgated under section 112, the hazardous air pollutant provisions of the Clean Air Act, the department may promulgate a standard if it finds that a standard is needed to provide adequate protection of public health and welfare. The department’s is also seeking comment on this preliminary public health and welfare finding. The department has made a preliminary determination that this action does not involve significant adverse environmental effects and does not need an environmental analysis under ch. NR 150, Wis. Adm. Code. The proposed rule and supporting documents, including the fiscal estimate and preliminary public health finding, may be viewed and downloaded and comments electronically through the Wisconsin Administrative Rules Web site [http://adminrules.wisconsin.gov]. (Search this Web site using the Natural Resources Board Order Number AM-32-05.) A copy of proposed rule and supporting documents, including the fiscal estimate and public health finding or more information may be obtained from Robert Eckdale by calling (608) 266-2856 or by writing him at Bureau of Air Management, PO Box 7921, Madison, WI 53707. Written comments on the proposed rule and preliminary public health finding may also be submitted to Jon Heinrich, DNR Bureau of Air Management, PO Box 7921, Madison, WI 53707 or by e-mail to Jon.Heinrich@Wisconsin.Gov no later than April 14, 2008. Written comments will have the same weight and effect as oral statements presented at the public hearings.
April 8-9 - A contested case hearing in the matter of the application for an expansion of a loading apron on Lake Michigan by Washington Island Ferry Line, Inc., Town of Liberty Grove, Door County, Wisconsin has been rescheduled to April 24. For information contact the Division of Hearings and Appeals at (608) 266-7709.
April 11 - Pursuant to § 281.36(
(d), Stats., the Department of Natural Resources will hold a public hearing at 10 a.m. in Room G-09 of the Natural Resources Building, (GEF 2), 101 S. Webster St., Madison, on proposed general permit NFW-GP-2008-WI, relating to the regulation of filling activities conducted in non-federal wetlands that will cause only minimal adverse environmental effects if they are performed separately and the cumulative adverse effect on the environment by the discharges will be minimal. The proposed general permit was also published as a Class I notice under ch. 985, Wis. Stats., in the Wisconsin State Journal on March 6, 2008 and is also available for viewing on the DNR Web site at [http://dnr.wi.gov/org/water/fhp/waterway/permits/GP_nonfederal_wetlands.pdf]. Questions concerning the proposed general permit should be directed to Dale Simon at 608-267-9868, email Byron.Simon@wisconsin.gov
Meetings
March 10-25 - Deer management unit information meetings [http://dnr.wi.gov/org/caer/ce/news/DNRNews_Lookup.asp?id=105#art2] will be held throughout the state to give hunters and others an opportunity to get the most up to date deer management unit [http://dnr.wi.gov/org/land/wildlife/hunt/deer/dmu.htm] information, preliminary deer population estimates and find out what the 2008 deer hunting season structure may look like in a series of public meetings across the state. Local wildlife biologists will be on hand at each meeting to provide information and answer questions. Other topics attendees can expect to learn more about include: CWD; October antlerless-only gun hunting opportunities; local buck and antlerless harvest histories; the Sex- Age- Kill (SAK) deer population estimation process; and deer population estimates, distribution and abundance. For information contact Keith Warnke, Madison (608) 264-6023 or the local wildlife biologist listed as the contact in the news release linked above.
March 25-26 - The State Natural Resources Board will meet in Room G09 of the State Natural Resources Building (GEF 2), 101 South Webster St., Madison. Check the Natural Resources Board Web pages for the current agenda. For information contact Laurie Ross, Natural Resources Board Liaison, at (608) 267-7420.
March 26 - The Brownfields Study Group will be holding a meeting on Wednesday, , from 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m., at the Pyle Center, 702 Langdon St. on the UW-Madison campus in Madison. The meeting is free and open to the public. If you need more information about the meeting agenda, location or parking, please contact Andrew Savagian at 608-261-6422, or andrew.savagian@wisconsin.gov.
March 27 - The Governor’s Task Force on Global Warming – Technical Advisory Group will meet from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Board Room at the Wisconsin Energy Conservation Corporation (WECC), 431 Charmany Dr., Madison. For more information, or if you need special accommodations to attend this meeting, contact Nick Sayen, DNR, at (608) 267-2466 or nick.sayen@wisconsin.gov
April 1 - A public meeting to discuss the Preferred Alternative and Options for the Black River State Forest will be held from 4-7 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Express at Black River Falls, W10170 Highway 54E, Black River Falls. The Preferred Alternative and Options outlines a proposal for land and recreational management, and potential boundary expansion areas. This proposal was developed by an interdisciplinary team of land managers, resource specialists, property staff, and state forest planners. The document may be viewed on the DNR Web site at [http://dnr.wi.gov/master_planning/BlackRiver/]. For additional information, please contact Pat Murphy: (715) 839-3760
April 1, 3 & 8 - Three public input sessions on a proposed Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Fund Program access rule that was included in the reauthorization of the program passed in the state budget last fall. The Stewardship reauthorization includes a provision requiring that lands purchased with Stewardship funds be open to five nature-based outdoor activities: hunting, fishing, trapping, hiking, cross-country skiing, and any other nature-based outdoor activity as designated by rule by the DNR. The legislature provided for limited exceptions if the Natural Resources Board determines it is necessary to prohibit one or more of the activities to protect public safety, to protect a unique animal or plant community, or to accommodate other uses. This requirement does not apply to state park properties. After the public meetings, the Natural Resources Board and the DNR will assemble a citizens group to advise the department on developing the proposed rules. The advisory group will include representatives of various recreational constituencies, local units of government and land trusts. All public comments received will be presented to the advisory council. Information on the new stewardship access rule and related materials, as well as an on-line public comment form, will be available beginning April 1 on the DNR web site. In addition to input taken at the meetings and through the web site, written comments can be mailed to Laurie Ross, Natural Resources Board Liaison, PO Box 7921, Madison WI 53707-7921 telephone 608-267-7420, email: Laurie.Ross@Wisconsin.gov The deadline for all written comments is Friday, April 18, 2008. For more information contact: Steve Miller, Bureau Director Facilities & Lands, 608-266-5782. The public input meetings begin at 6 p.m. on the following dates at the locations listed:
April 1, Waukesha - Waukesha State Office Building, Room 151, 141 NW Barstow St.
April 3, Eau Claire - RCU Corporate Center, Eau Claire River Room, 200 Riverfront Terrace,
April 8, Green Bay - DNR Northeast Region Headquarters, Lake Michigan Community Conference Room, 2984 Shawano Ave.
April 3 – The third meeting of the Phosphorus Criteria Advisory Committee will be held April 3rdtfrom 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in room G09 of the State Natural Resources Building (GEF 2), 101 South Webster St., Madison. The purpose of the committee is to advise the Department on promulgating phosphorus criteria for water quality standards that will apply to Wisconsin lakes, reservoirs, streams and rivers. Development of these criteria is required by the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency. For more information, please contact Jim Baumann (608) 266-9277.
April 7 - The Mid-Kettle Moraine partners Group will meet from 9 a.m. until noon at the Town Bank of Hartland in the Village of Hartland. The Mid-Kettle Moraine Partners Group is a group of individuals representing government, private nonprofit conservation agencies and others interested in the Mid-Kettle Moraine. The purpose of the meeting will be to continue to discuss activities related to the Partners Group education and outreach activities and to share information on members activities. For additional information please contact Paulette Harder at 414-263-8525 or 262-255-0227.
April 10 - The Natural Areas Preservation Council will meet at 9:30 a.m. at the DNR Poynette Service Center, W7303 Highway CS, Poynette. The council will discuss the protection and management of Wisconsin State Natural Areas. For information contact Thomas Meyer at 608-266-0394 or thomas.meyer@wisconsin.gov.
Edited by Paul Holtan
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
PO Box 7921
Madison WI 53707-7921
(608) 267-7517
Fax: (608) 264-6293
E-mail: paul.holtan@dnr.state.wi.us
http://dnr.wi.gov/org/caer/ce/news/
