Professional Documents
Culture Documents
In this issue:
Click on any topic
to possess or be in a group that has at least one antlerless deer carcass tag valid for the unit BAYFIELD
which they will be hunting in. Unit specific tags will not be available for nineteen regular Port Wing 78
be eligible to take part in the antlerless hunt under the authority of other carcass tags. All
2 Ashland Bad River
B
Indian
53 FR 223
Reservation Hurley
Moose
4 A
N
Delta-Drummond Rd.
gun and archery deer hunters, and small game hunters are required to meet blaze orange re-
Rd. 63 D Bad River
M 27 6 169
28 51 Presque Isle
IRON
M
8 9 13
34
quirements during this hunt statewide.
DOUGLAS B
77
FF
WASHBURN
77 63
SAWYER
GG 13 F
47
51
M
K
35 VILAS
77
13 ASHLAND
182
29B USFS
29A 45 2176
established to get youth involved in hunting under conditions with low hunting pressure, in a
8 141
BARRON
13
D
L
8 Rhinelander 8 Rib Mountain State Park
48 V M 55 8
F 8
87
16 B 27 8
D LINCOLN Crandon 41
51 17
45
safe and educational setting. The hunt will be held in all DMUs statewide, except State Park St. Croix
Falls 8
63
22 W 8
73
PRICE
25
86
Tomahawk
32
86
52
Q G 44
32
FOREST C
81
24
102
49B
and non-quota areas. 21
53
RUSK 23 D 17 55
F
180 Chambers
43
Parkway Rd.
A 13
42 49A
River
POLK CHIPPEWA 47 Island
ST. CROIX 63 26 141 51A
45 82
64 22A 64 Merrill 64 LANGLADE 32
Wisconsin
64 64 64
Houlton
65
170
40 73 TAYLOR
MARATHON 47
MENOMINEE Marinette 80C
33 AA
Resident and non-resident youth hunters ages 12 to 15 who have successfully completed 60M 60B 53 48 Peninsula
Wausau
46 51B State Park
128
Chippewa 29
27 29
45
Oconto
80A
Falls 29 47 47 HH
H 22
a hunter education program and possess a gun deer hunting license may participate in this
59B 13
57
107
29 Eau
59A 73 51 29
Shawano
63B
Claire
58 153
49 Ship Canal
Prescott
60A CC 27 98 M 57A 62A OCONTO DOOR
hunt. Also, any youth 10-11 years of age, or those 12-15 year olds who have not completed
DUNN 93 39 22 117 Green
EAU SHAWANO
PEPIN Bay
10 CLAIRE 12 WOOD PORTAGE WAUPACA 32 BROWN KEWAUNEE
PIERCE S R Marshfield 10
10 62B 80B
57B
a hunter education program, may participate in the youth hunt under the “Mentored Hunting
Maiden Rock 10 OUTAGAMIE
BUFFALO 64M P
TREMPEALEAU
JACKSON
186 A
Stevens 10 161
93 73
Point 22 63A 47 U 141
61 CLARK 73
65B 29
57C
Program” guidelines. Qualified youth hunters may harvest one buck deer using their Gun
23A 55 Z Wis. A
G MM BB
Brunet Island State Park
121 59C 27
Rapids 51 41 41 96 R
ZZ 56 53
13 D
AA 110
96 Appleton
MANITOWOC 64A High Cliff
State Park
Buck Deer Carcass Tag and additional antlerless deer with the appropriate carcass tag. Earn-
53 73 39 55
O JUNEAU ADAMS WAUSHARA WINNEBAGO
Black 80
65A Menasha Two Rivers
CALUMET
94 22
Neenah 64
59E Lake Wissota State Park
River 173 49
66
a-Buck restrictions do NOT apply in CWD units if the Gun Buck Deer Carcass Tag is used
71 EW Manitowoc
35
LA CROSSE Fort
21 Oshkosh
21 21 X
73 H
59D McCoy
MARQUETTE
67B
during the youth gun deer hunt.
44
W is c o n s
61A Perrot State Park 35
90
M
N 90 54A 23
42
Trempealeau O 27 94 SHEBOYGAN
A 51
59 OA 72 67A 23 32
54B
in
16 14 61 Fond Du Lac
M YY
33
MONROE
W O
82 82 39 C
69 Sheboygan
Lake
68A
GREEN
La Crosse K 14 G 12 54C Puckaway 73
LAKE
Brinkman 61 VERNON 23 H 175 A
FOND DU LAC
Ridge Rd. KW 77E Kohler-Andrae
Youth hunters must be accompanied by a 74A 82
33
SAUK 70E 44 DODGE AW 49 K
State Park
72A Wildcat Mountain State Park 58 54B Ri v e
r
CWD 33
WASHINGTON 57
RICHLAND CWD 22
G 68B 69C Harrington Beach
parent or an adult guardian. A 10-15 year old De Soto
82
61 154
136
70B 70G 73 144 A
77M State Park
71 CWD 16
CWD
CRAWFORD CWD 12 51
MILWAUKEE OZAUKEE
COLUMBIA 60
70FCWD Natural Bridge State Park
hunting under the mentored hunting program 70 Sauk Columbus
130
74B River
CWD
City
DANE 11
113
67 175
78
KM 19
151 JEFFERSON WAUKESHA 74 77D Loew Lake Unit -
guidelines must be at arm’s reach from an 73E
16
77C Kettle Moraine
nsin 130 70A P Madison
90 73 BB
State Forest
sco 61 CWD CWD 76M 76A Waukesha F
Wi
Prairie du Chien 73D 23 CWD AB
CWD 18
Milwaukee
ESL 6/2010
75B CWD Yellowstone State Park 70D CWD Blue Mound State Park
with the exception of waterfowl hunters, Regular Unit - Bucks Only. See pages 11 and 12 for exceptions.
are required to meet blaze orange require-
Non - Quota Areas (Ft. McCoy and units 48, 79, and 82)
ments on these two days statewide. For more information on the
Oct. 14-17 Antlerless only deer hunt* in herd control and CWD units only
youth hunt, check the 2010 Wisconsin Deer Hunting Regulations. Dec. 9-12 Antlerless only deer hunt* in all units statewide, except non-quota areas and state parks
* Antlerless only restrictions apply to both gun and archery hunters
6 Wisconsin DNR 2010 Fall Hunting Forecast Questions? Call the DNR Call Center at 1-888-WDNR-INFo, 7 am - 10 pm, 7 days a week Back to Top 7
Fall Deer Hunter – Wildlife Observation Survey
In 2009, an online reporting
system was launched, which
Data collected will become
more meaningful as the num-
be available for the 2010 deer
hunting season from Septem- Venison Donation Program
allowed deer hunters to report ber of survey years increases to ber 18 – January 9, 2011. We
what they were seeing out in show wildlife population and hope archery and gun deer Wisconsin’s Venison Donation Program been very popular. I encourage hunters to
the field. Many hunters took distribution trends over time. hunters from all corners of the is a partnership between local charitable continue this charitable effort by bagging a
advantage of this opportunity The more hunting trips reported state continue to take part in organizations, counties, the Department of deer for food pantries.”
and observations from rough- by deer management unit, the the survey and for new hunt- Natural Resources, meat processors and
ly 20,000 hunting trips were more significant the data will ers to begin participating. hunters. This effort has provided high qual- In 10 years the program distributed
ity protein to thousands of families over the
reported. The countless hours become. Final results from the A field observation sheet is
years. In addition to donating deer to the
over 3.1 million pounds of ground
put into the field by hunters 2009 web survey can be found available for hunters to keep
are a valuable source of infor- online. track of their observations program, since 2002 hunters have chipped venison from nearly 70,000 deer
mation for creating indices of throughout the season, so they in an additional $123,000 to the pantry donated by hunters
wildlife presence and abun- The online wildlife observation can enter their data at a later program on top of the fee they pay for deer
dance throughout the state. reporting system will once again time. harvest permits.
A list of participating meat processors is
2009 marked 10th anniversary of Wis- available on the DNR Web site and search-
Wisconsin Summer Deer Observation (Fawn Watch) Survey consin’s Venison Donation Program. In able by county.
The summer of 2010 will 10 years the program distributed over 3.1
Rules of the program are simple. Hunters
mark two significant changes million pounds of ground venison from
harvest, tag, field dress and register a deer
to Wisconsin’s summer deer nearly 70,000 deer donated by hunters,
same as they always have. After registra-
observation survey. First, processed by participating meat processors
tion the hunter can drop off the carcass at a
no July data will be col- and distributed by volunteers to state food
participating processor. There is no cost to
lected in accordance with pantries.
the hunter other than transporting the car-
recommendations made “Wisconsin’s venison donation program is cass. Hunters are advised to call ahead to a
by the SAK audit and, an important effort that provides high qual- processor to check on business hours and if
beginning in 2010, the ity food to Wisconsin families in need,” the processor currently has space to accept
public will also be Department of Natural Resources Secre- the carcass.
involved in report- tary Matt Frank said. “This program has
ing observations. An
online summer deer obser-
vation survey from the DNR
website has been created to This survey has traditionally the average fawn to doe ratio.
gather observation data. This been conducted from July Fawn:doe ratios are calcu-
online survey is modeled after 1 – September 30 by DNR, lated according to groupings
the fall deer hunter - wildlife USFWS, USFS, and USDA of DMUs with similar habitat
survey, which was launched in field staff since 1960. During and deer density goals. This
2009. These surveys increase daylight hours, deer are identi- ratio is an input to the Sex-
the data pool which biologists fied by sex and age (fawn or Age-Kill (SAK) population
utilize to make sound man- adult) and are recorded by date model, and is adjusted yearly
agement decisions. and Deer Management Unit in the Northern and Central
(DMU). The most critical data Forest Regions.
obtained from the survey is
8 Wisconsin DNR 2010 Fall Hunting Forecast Questions? Call the DNR Call Center at 1-888-WDNR-INFo, 7 am - 10 pm, 7 days a week Back to Top 9
Update on Investing in Wisconsin Whitetails So you want to be a volunteer?
What’s Up With Research ? Over 160 individuals have signed on as volunteer field
In February 2010 the Department of Natu- • Wisconsin Conservation Congress is mov- workers for the buck mortality, predation and fawn re-
cruitment studies. More will be needed as these studies
ral Resources announced that it was direct- ing forward rapidly contacting landowners
ing roughly $2 million in one-time Pittman- in the study areas seeking permissions for will run for three to five years. So what does a volunteer
Robertson funds toward white-tailed deer access and cooperation in the research ef- do? Here are a few tasks and services you could be
research. Descriptions of the research proj- forts asked to perform:
ects including how you can get involved are • Over 160 volunteers have signed up to par- • Help build deer traps
available on the DNR website. ticipate in field work • Raise or donate funds for trap building materials
The primary objective of the effort is to fully • A research website has been developed • If you are a landowner in a study area, allow traps to be placed on your property and access to
implement the recommendations of the 2006 • Roughly 50 box traps have been built by the traps for monitoring
audit of the sex-age-kill population model Whitetails Unlimited out of Marshfield • Transporting, placing, setting up and monitoring traps
and gain a better understanding of causes of
• AFL-CIO members are finalizing plans to • Participate in processing deer captured through winter helicopter net gunning and ground
fawn and buck mortality, including the roles
build about 100 netted-cage traps trapping efforts
of predators, habitat and weather. Additional
projects will examine aerial deer survey Distance Sampling • At a trap site participate in weighing, sampling blood, aging, ear tagging and collaring deer
techniques and hunter recruitment and reten- This study is looking at other ways to sample • Locating newborn fawns for weighing, ear tagging, sexing and collaring
tion. deer populations that could be used as a • Locating deer when collars give off mortality signals and determining cause of death
check against the department’s POP2 estima-
So, what’s been happening
since last February ? tion method which is used in earn-a-buck
deer management units. The technique
involves flying survey lines in fixed wing
If this interests you the department can use your help. At a minimum you should be prepared
to provide a full day’s work; most of the time you’ll be paired with a department or University
Buck Mortality, Fawn Mortality researcher. In each study area scientists estimate it will take at least 4-5 five days of helicopter
aircraft and recording deer sightings from the net-gunning and 10 weeks of ground trapping each winter to capture and tag (radio collars, ear
and Recruitment
air. The following has been done: tags) enough deer to accomplish research goals.
These studies will capture, radio collar and
ear tag bucks and does. In addition, adult • Survey lines were flown during the winter
does will be fitted with vaginal implant of 2009-10 “This is boots-on-the ground, hands-on deer research,” says DNR deer researcher Chris
transmitters that will signal when a doe gives • Scientists are looking at the aerial counts Jacques, “and we’ll likely be cold and dirty and tired at the end of the day, but it’s a real contri-
birth so her fawns can be captured and ra- and are at work developing adjustments bution to our knowledge of deer in Wisconsin.”
dio collared. All radio collared deer will be to the technique for Wisconsin terrain and
followed and studied for causes of mortality, ground cover Click here to fill out the volunteer sign up form.
including predators, environmental condi-
tions and hunters. Also:
10 Wisconsin DNR 2010 Fall Hunting Forecast Questions? Call the DNR Call Center at 1-888-WDNR-INFo, 7 am - 10 pm, 7 days a week Back to Top 11
New Web Page Tracks Deer Research Projects Deer Management Units in 2010 Regular Units
Staying on top of develop- of population trends. The
projects were requested by
link skilled labor with need-
ed conservation projects.
Deer populations are at or near goal in these 2010: DMUs 7, 13, 28, 29A, 29B, 34, 35,
ments and progress in Wis- deer management units. For the 2010 season, 36, 37, 38, 39, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 49A, 52 and
consin’s $2 million invest- hunters and a scientific re- most Regular units will have a limited number 52A. These units are below deer population
Researchers from DNR,
ment in deer research is only view panel of North Ameri- of Unit Specific Antlerless Deer Carcass Tags goals. Only certain hunters will be allowed to
University of Wisconsin-
a mouse-click away at a new can wildlife experts. available. harvest antlerless deer in these nineteen units
Madison – Department of
“White-tailed Deer Research Volunteers are already step- Wildlife Ecology, UW’s under the following circumstances:
Projects” page on the Depart- Antlerless tags for odd numbered Regular
ping up to help with the Applied Population Labora- units go on sale beginning at noon on Sat- • First time deer hunters who have recently
ment of Natural Resources work. The Marshfield chapter tory and the University of urday, August 21 until midnight. Antlerless completed a hunter education program may
website. On this page you of Whitetails Unlimited has Wisconsin-Stevens Point tags for even numbered Regular units go on obtain one free antlerless deer tag from an
can register for updates, us- already constructed approxi- are all involved in parts of sale beginning at noon on Sunday, August 22. open DNR Service Center during business
ing the link on the right side mately 50 box-style deer the research. The Wisconsin Remaining antlerless tags for all units will hours. Contact the DNR at 1-888-936-7463
of the page. traps (See related story) The Conservation Congress and resume sales on Monday, August 23 until sold for questions about the free tags. These
When the White-tailed Deer traps will be used to tag and Whitetails Unlimited are out or until the hunting season ends. Hunters special tags are valid in any DMU statewide
Research Projects page is or collar deer as part of the also involved in the effort. may purchase one antlerless tag per day. Fees and can be used with a gun or archery li-
updated, subscribers will re- predation study. Additional volunteers are are $12 each for residents and $20 each for cense. The free antlerless tags may be used
ceive an e-mail alerting them needed to participate in deer non-residents. with an archery or gun deer license.
By early fall, DNR expects
to new information posted on capture, placing radio col- • Class A and C disabled permit holders may
that members of the pipefit- Units with lower numbers of available per-
the page. lars on captured deer, and harvest a deer of either sex using their one
ters and sheet metal work- mits can be expected to sell out quickly. The
monitoring survival status “Gun Buck Deer Carcass Tag” during any
The White-tailed Deer Re- ers’ unions of the AFL-CIO supply of available permits in units with high
and seasonal movements of gun deer season in any unit statewide. Class
search Projects page will will be gearing up to build numbers can be expected to last longer, or
collared deer. A and C disabled permit holders may use
keep subscribers up-to-date a second type of deer trap, may not sell out. Hunters may want to moni-
on four research efforts one that requires some metal their “Archery Antlerless Carcass Tag” on
FOR MORE INFORMA- tor permit availability online, which is updat-
designed to improve the fabrication skills as part of antlerless deer they shoot during the archery
TION CONTACT: Christo- ed periodically.
accuracy of estimating Wis- the AFL-CIO’s “Boots on season in any unit statewide.
pher Jacques, DNR research Hunters must purchase a 2010 Wisconsin deer
consin’s deer population and the Ground” program. Boots • U.S. Armed Forces members, who are Wis-
scientist – (608) 221-6358 hunting license before purchasing a unit-spe-
gain a better understanding on the Ground is an effort to consin residents or were residents when they
cific antlerless tag. Purchasing a deer hunt- went into active service, and are currently on
The four research projects include: ing license prior to Aug. 21 can speed up the furlough or leave from active service, may
permit purchasing process, suggest officials. harvest a deer of either sex using their one
Estimating the Hunters must purchase a 2010 Wisconsin deer “Gun Buck Deer Carcass Tag” during any
Aerial deer survey
survival rate of techniques hunting license before purchasing a unit-spe- gun deer season in any unit statewide.
bucks cific antlerless tag. Purchasing a deer hunt-
• Farmers who have agricultural damage
ing license prior to Aug. 22 can speed up the
shooting permits may distribute special tags
permit purchasing process, suggest officials.
to hunters, which authorize them to shoot
Human dimensions re- Licenses and tags can also be purchased by
Predator impacts antlerless deer only on the farmer’s property.
search to better under- phone (1-877-945-4236) or at the DNR On-
on deer popula- stand factors contribut- line Licensing Center. • Chippewa treaty rights allow certain tribes
tions ing to declining hunter to harvest antlerless deer under a declared
Nineteen Regular units will not have any quota on a unit by unit basis within the
numbers
unit-specific antlerless tags available in ceded territory.
12 Wisconsin DNR 2010 Fall Hunting Forecast Questions? Call the DNR Call Center at 1-888-WDNR-INFo, 7 am - 10 pm, 7 days a week Back to Top 13
Those who purchase a state park access permit early will have the park’s special deer hunting
Deer Management Units in 2010 regulations mailed to them before the season or they may find the regulations online. A state
park sticker or is required for all vehicles in a state park.
Herd Control Units
Herd Control Units are designated when less Deer Carcass Tags can be purchased at $2 Access permits are also required to deer hunt in state parks that allow deer hunting within the
deer population estimates are 20% or more each for use in Herd Control units. Tags can be CWD Management Zone, but are free of charge and are not limited in quantity. Access permits
above established overwinter goals. The purchased at any DNR license sales location or for CWD state parks can be obtained at DNR Service Centers within the CWD Management
2010 Wisconsin gun and archery deer hunt- at the Wisconsin Department of Natural Re- Zone, at the state park’s office, or the DNR website.
ing licenses will each include one free Ant- sources Online Licensing Center. Check the “State Parks and Trails Hunting Opportunities” web page for more information on
lerless Deer Carcass Tag that may be used in hunting within state parks, trails, and recreation area properties.
Hunters are encouraged to take advantage of
Herd Control or CWD units. Archery licens-
antlerless deer harvest opportunities in Herd
es will include a second antlerless tag which
Control Units to continue moving populations
is also valid in Herd Control Units. There
toward sustainable deer population goals.
is no limit to how many additional Antler-
Metro Units
Metro units 59M, 60M, 64M, 1M and 77M will be Herd Control units in 2010. These metro
units have an extended regular gun season which will take place from Nov. 20 – Dec. 8. These
metro units will also have an extended late archery season which will end on Jan. 31, 2011.
Other season dates that apply to Herd Control units will be in effect.
Metro Unit 76M around Madison is a CWD Management Unit and all CWD gun and archery
deer seasons will apply to this unit. Shotgun restrictions will apply to all of unit 76M. New Email Alert Service
All metro units in 2010 will have shotgun restrictions, except unit 1M which will allow rifle Thousands of Wisconsin residents already subscribe to
hunting. Check local ordinances to see if other weapon restrictions apply to local areas within GovDelivery, an email-based alert service that lets the
metro units. subscriber know when something of interest happens in
State Park Units dozens of user-selected topics.
State Park units 23A, 52A, 57D, 59E, 61A, 64A, 69C, 72A, 73A, 77D, 77E and 80C allow deer Chose from hunting, fishing and trapping to environment, air and water quality, solid waste,
hunting during one or more deer hunting seasons. Hunters wishing to hunt in these state parks boating, snowmobiling and forestry, just to list a few.
must purchase a $3 State Park Access Permit online or at any DNR license location for the state
park of their choice. Archery hunters may hunt in unit 77D (Loew Lake Unit – Kettle Moraine First offered early in 2010, new topic areas are still being added. One of the most recent
State Forest) without a $3 access permit, however, an access permit is required for muzzleloader new topics are alerts of new dog or pet depredations by wolves. This new topic logged over
hunting in this unit from Nov. 20 – Dec. 8. Special weapon restrictions or hunting season dates 3,400 new subscribers in just a few weeks.
may apply to other parks. Check the 2010 Wisconsin Deer Hunting Regulations for details be-
fore purchasing your permit. Sign up is simple and only takes a few minutes. Go to the DNR web page at www.dnr.
State Park Access Permits will be sold on the following schedule: wi.gov and click the “Subscribe to DNR Updates” button under “Online Services.” Follow
the simple instructions for subscribing to the alerts. It is possible to unsubscribe at any time.
• Saturday, August 21 (noon - midnight): odd numbered units
• Sunday, August 22 (noon - midnight): even numbered units The alert will be sent to a subscriber’s e-mail and/or wireless addresses of choice with a link
• Monday, August 23: any remaining permits that are available for all units until sold out or to the item of interest.
until the hunting season ends. Check the DNR website for permit availability.
14 Wisconsin DNR 2010 Fall Hunting Forecast Questions? Call the DNR Call Center at 1-888-WDNR-INFo, 7 am - 10 pm, 7 days a week Back to Top 15
numbers of deer on their
Chronic Wasting Disease Management Zone 2010 CWD SURVEILLANCE property.
Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) continues to pose a significant risk to deer and deer hunting
across Wisconsin. This disease has the potential to drastically reduce the size and health of our
CWD surveillance this fall will focus on the areas with
the highest infection rates in southeast and southwest Taking steps to prevent the
deer herd. The DNR remains committed to working with hunters and landowners to control introduction of CWD is
spread of CWD to healthy deer. Wisconsin and around the cluster of CWD-positive deer
found in and around Devil’s Lake State Park. Portions of much more effective than
these areas will have mandatory testing, as they have in trying to manage or eradi-
Deer Population in the CWD are discovered along what
CWD Management cate the disease once it is
Management Zone is thought to be the lead- the past. Additionally, more samples are going to be col-
Zone Season Dates established. In response to
Thanks to the efforts of con- ing edge of the outbreak. lected this fall along the periphery of the current-known
research showing that car-
cerned and motivated deer Also, in the areas of high- CWD geographic distribution in the northeast portions
• Archery season: Sept. casses of CWD-positive deer
hunters from across the CWD est prevalence, estimates of the CWD-MZ.
18 to Jan. 9 (earn-a- pose a risk of infection, Wis-
management zone (CWD- showed prevalence to be
buck) consin began regulating the
MZ), the deer herd in this slightly increasing from 2002 tors, means there is a chance ment option available where movement of deer carcasses
part of the state has declined through 2008. In the areas of • Youth Season: Oct.
the rest of Wisconsin can be the disease is established from the CWD-MZ to other
slightly over the past few highest prevalence, infection 9-10 (exempt from protected from CWD. remains herd reduction. This parts of the state and from
years. However, this decline rates in adult bucks are over earn-a-buck) is effective on two fronts: other states where CWD is
has not been even across the 12% and in adult females are • Early firearm season: Managing CWD reducing the number of in- known to occur into Wiscon-
CWD-MZ. In some places, around 6%. Oct. 14-17 (antlerless- The DNR; with input from fected deer able to infect other sin. There is more informa-
the deer population has de- only) other agencies, collaborators, deer, and reducing the num- tion about these rules in the
clined rapidly, with hunters CWD is always fatal and, • Traditional 9-day fire- and constituents has been ber of deer at risk of becom- 2010 Deer Hunting regula-
reporting fewer deer than in as prevalence climbs, more arm season: Nov. 20- developing a new CWD man- ing infected from living near tions Packet and the Wiscon-
previous years; in other ar- deer will die from the dis-
28 (earn-a-buck) agement plan. A draft of this infected deer. To be effective sin DNR’s website.
eas the population remains ease. Currently, deaths from
• 10-day muzzleloader- plan is available on the DNR’s for CWD management, deer
alarmingly high. With hunt- CWD, combined with all
only season: Nov. 29 to website and we hope to have it populations need to be reduced There is also concern over
ing pressure often determined other sources of mortality
Dec. 8 (earn-a-buck) finalized and in place this year. to very low levels, well below the risks posed by infected
by property lines, areas with (hunting, predation, other
• Late firearm season: This plan acknowledges that population goals that would wild deer to captive deer and
many deer can be adjacent to diseases, etc.) can be com- CWD has become endemic normally be set for purely rec- elk farms and risks posed
areas with low populations. pensated by reproduction. At Dec. 9-12 (antlerless-
in southern Wisconsin and reational hunting. by infected captive animals
Aerial surveys conducted each some point, however, higher only)
eradication of the disease in to the wild populations. The
winter in the CWD-MZ have prevalence could increase the • Holiday firearm sea- the short term is no longer part To achieve herd reduction, DNR and DATCP (Depart-
shown how much popula- number of deaths from CWD son: Dec. 24- Jan. 9, of its goal. Instead, efforts are there are more hunting seasons ment of Agriculture, Trade
tions can vary, even from one and push the mortality rate 2011 aimed at preventing or mini- within the CWD-MZ and the and Consumer Protection)
woodlot to the next. beyond what can be made up mizing the geographic spread new management plan allows work together to regulate and
by reproduction, causing the outbreak and prevalence has of CWD and the number of for more days of hunting to monitor captive cervid opera-
CWD Prevalence population to decline. not decreased, indicating that new deer infected within the be added if necessary. Most tions to minimize these risks.
Estimates show an overall CWD is very difficult to re- CWD-MZ. of these seasons have earn-a-
increasing trend in prevalence. Fortunately, significant geo- move from an area once it is buck regulations, which are Research
In most of the CWD-MZ, less graphic spread of the dis- established. However, the lack Although several researchers explained below. Also, the When hunters submit tissues
than one tenth of a percent ease has not been detected. of significant spread, a result of are working on it, there are plan calls for offering deer from their deer for CWD
of the deer herd is infected. Management efforts have management efforts, the nature still no cures or treatments removal permits to individual testing, there is usually some
Every year, however, ad- not yet been able to signifi- of the disease, deer behavior, available for deer infected landowners who are concerned tissue left over. These tissues
ditional CWD-positive deer cantly reduce the area of the or a combination of these fac- with CWD. The only manage- about CWD and have large are shared with researchers
16 Wisconsin DNR 2010 Fall Hunting Forecast Questions? Call the DNR Call Center at 1-888-WDNR-INFo, 7 am - 10 pm, 7 days a week Back to Top 17
working to unravel the myster- Hunters in the CWD-MZ or lost it, may receive one
ies of CWD and other prion who have not earned a buck replacement sticker any time
Lowdown
diseases. Other researchers are authorization going into the at a DNR Service Center
on
looking
at sur-
2010 deer season may
obtain a buck
during business hours. Deer
registration records will be Lead
veillance authoriza- checked to verify that the
data and
working
tion sticker by
tagging and
hunter is qualified to receive
a buck authorization sticker.
Discovery of tiny fragments of lead in lead poisoning. A similar study of bald eagle
mortality (2000 – 2007) found that 91 of 583
hunter harvested venison has turned up the
with the registering an Hunters will also be required volume on discussions in hunting, wildlife (16%) bald eagle deaths were attributed to
DNR to antlerless deer to fill out and sign a sworn health and human health circles over al- lead exposure.
develop during any affidavit in person before ternatives to lead ammo and safer venison
bet- season includ- receiving their replacement processing. Lead shot is already banned for Furthermore, a noticeable increase in the
ter ways to monitor the ing antlerless sticker. Other questions waterfowl hunting and is banned for dove percent of bald eagle fatalities attributed to
disease. If you’re interested deer registered under an agri- about earn-a-buck rules may hunting on state owned lands in Wisconsin. lead toxicity began in October and peaked
in learning about what’s hap- cultural damage permit within be answered by visiting the in December. This pattern overlaps with the
pening in the world of CWD a CWD unit. Only the hunters Earn-a-Buck Frequently While no evidence documents human lead hunting seasons in Wisconsin suggesting
research, a good source of who tag antlerless deer will Asked Questions Web page, poisoning from venison consumption, lead ammunition could be a major source of
information is the CWD Alli- receive a buck authorization or contact the DNR toll free health officials agree that the risk is not low lead exposure in eagles.
ance website. sticker. at 1-888-WDNRINFo. enough to ignore.
There are many alternatives to lead ammo
Earn-a-Buck Buck authorization stickers If you hunt within the CWD- Lead’s effect on wildlife is well document- these days say wildlife officials. In addition,
Unlimited earn-a-buck rules will not be mailed to hunters MZ, don’t forget that all deer ed. A study in Wisconsin of mortality in hunters can take extra precautions in butch-
will still be in place for all in 2010 if they register ant- harvested within the CWD trumpeter swans (1991 – 2007) found that ering their venison which may reduce their
CWD units as they were last lerless deer during the 2009 Management Zone must be 36 of 143 (25%) swan deaths were due to family’s exposure to lead at the dinner table.
year. Hunters may harvest as season. Hunters who obtain registered at a station within
many bucks as they wish as blue “2010-2011” buck autho- the CWD Management Zone
long as they meet the require- rization stickers this year may by 5:00 pm the day after the
ments of harvesting one ant- use them to tag bucks during deer was killed. Deer Impacts on Motorists
lerless deer prior to harvesting the remainder of the season,
High deer numbers in some areas of the Wisconsin have other impacts. Based on reports re-
a buck. Hunters must have or may save them for the 2011 FOR MORE INFORMA-
quired from state-paid contractors who pick up car-killed-deer (CKD), there are at least 35,000
valid carcass tags and valid season. Buck authorization TION, CONTACT: Davin
deer carcasses picked up from Wisconsin roadways every year.
buck authorization stickers stickers are non-transferrable Lopez, CWD Coordinator, at
before tagging a buck. to other hunters. Buck autho- (608) 267-2948.
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation also collects figures
rization stickers expire, and
on deer-vehicle collisions. DOT figures only include collisions
A hunter does not need a buck only orange “2009-2010” and
resulting in reportable damage to vehicles.
authorization sticker to tag a blue “2010-2011” buck autho-
buck if they tagged an antler- rization stickers will be valid
less deer first. In this instance, for the 2010 hunting season. 474:
both deer must be tagged by Number of people injured in vehicle-deer collisions in 2009
the same hunter, kept together, Hunters who registered an
and registered at the same antlerless deer in a CWD unit 7:
time. in 2009, but did not receive Number of people killed in vehicle-deer collisions in 2009
a buck authorization sticker, Photo courtesy of www.deercrash.com
18 Wisconsin DNR 2010 Fall Hunting Forecast Questions? Call the DNR Call Center at 1-888-WDNR-INFo, 7 am - 10 pm, 7 days a week Back to Top 19
tion, many of these DMUs are season need to look forward to. Hopefully we will have
Regional Deer Season Forecasts productive units where they
have the potential for rapid
not backwards. We had many
factors that contributed to not
more normal hunting condi-
tions ahead of us. Our quota
population increase. seeing deer during the 2010 and season recommendations
Northern Region This may be easier “said than season. In some parts of the combined with really good
By Mike Zeckmeister, Regional Wildlife Biologist
done”, but gun-deer hunters north it is apparent that deer spring recruitment will only
who had an unpleasant experi- were simply not there in num- give us all much to look for-
ence during the nine-day gun bers we were all accustomed ward to.
detrimental for deer because based on input we received in
spring green-up occurred late. the March herd status meet-
ings. In many of these zero- West Central Region
Overall, this last Wiscon- Status of the Herd
We are seeing the results
quota DMUs, we could have
had a small quota that would
By Greg Dahl, Wisconsin Rapids Area Wildlife Biologist
Northeastern Region
region but deer distribution ahead of hunting seasons.
By Jeff Pritzl, Regional Wildlife Biologist varies greatly, depending on
habitat and hunting pressure. Hunters are urged to partici-
mind: As forests grow older, order to avoid another spike in Some of the bigger blocks
deer productivity declines. the herd that will require more pate in the special antlerless
of deer habitat are found on hunts during October and
D eer populations in the Hunters should assess their
traditional hunting spots with
aggressive harvest regulations
in the future. As in the north- Deer Populations in the the Kettle Moraine State For- December to help bring deer
16 county Northeast Region est and State Wildlife Areas. populations closer to goals
continue to be the tale of two an eye toward general forest ern forest, hunting lower deer Southeast Region remain Hunting pressure is usually in the Herd Control Units.
stories. The northern forest age and consider position- density landscapes doesn’t relatively high compared to high on public lands. Scouting
ing themselves near younger automatically equate to a See the 2010 Wisconsin Deer
deer herd has not yet shown established population goals to find several hunting spots in
forests if they have not found poorer hunting experience. Hunting Regulations for
indications of improved pro- in all units except Deer Man- advance of the hunting season
satisfactory experiences in Hunters are crucial to manage- more information. Donating
ductivity, while the farmland agement Unit 69, which is a will provide alternatives on
recent years. However, lower ment of deer populations and extra venison at participat-
herds remain above goals “Regular Unit”. All firearm opening day.
deer densities do not automati- can demonstrate their value ing deer processors for food
despite long-running liberal deer hunters will need to pur-
pantries is once again an op-
harvest regulations for antler- cally equate to poor hunting to all Wisconsin citizens and chase a $12 antlerless carcass Although this region has large tion for hunters to consider.
less deer. Most of the region experiences. Time spent in the future generations of hunters tag in order to harvest an ant- blocks of urban area much Check the DNR website in
south of State Highway 64 and woods exploring expansive by maintaining deer popula- lerless deer in Unit 69. The is still quite rural with some early fall for a list of proces-
Deer Management Unit 51A landscapes is an enjoyable tions at goal. Remember to remaining units are in Herd good deer habitat. Hunters in-
experience and scouting is par- take every opportunity to pass sors.
to the north remain in Herd Control season frameworks, terested in hunting on private
Control status. Summer deer ticularly important up north, as on your hunting heritage to with units in the CWD Man- lands are advised to get out Baiting for deer hunting is
surveys in August and Septem- natural food sources vary from new hunters by teaching the agement Zone continuing well in advance of deer sea- only allowed in two counties
ber will be watched for signs year to year and influence deer value of each aspect of the under Earn-a-Buck (EAB) son to meet with landowners – Washington and Ozaukee
of improved fawn numbers activity. hunt; including the physical, regulations. While hunting and seek permission to hunt.
emotional, and social joys that Counties – and is not allowed
in the north due to the milder under EAB regulations has Hunters should always check
With the absence of Earn-A- come with being outdoors. in the remainder of the Re-
past winter. been effective in reducing with local municipalities to
Buck requirements during the gion. See the 2010 Wiscon-
deer populations in the CWD determine if there are prohi-
2009 season in northeast farm- sin Deer Hunting Regulations
The six Northern Forest units, there are still good deer bitions regarding the use of
land units; antlerless harvests for more details.
DMUs in our region remain numbers and harvest opportu- firearms or archery equipment.
below population goals and dropped dramatically and deer nities. Helicopter and fixed- Some municipalities, includ-
herds grew slightly in most Hunters need to read the
four of them (41, 44, 45, and wing deer surveys conducted ing Mequon and Germantown,
units as a result. Fawn pro- regulations and prepare
49A) will have a buck only in the CWD zone revealed require discharge permits for
ductivity is anticipated to be in advance of the hunting
season framework for both significant, but unevenly guns or bows in order to hunt.
strong this year, and although seasons. A variety of chal-
archers and gun hunters in distributed deer numbers. Other municipalities such as
some hunters will remain lenging and rewarding deer
2010 to give them the great- Scouting is more important Eagle and Mukwonago, pro-
understandably conserva- hunting opportunities exist in
est chance for herd growth. than ever because of the hibit the use of rifles for deer southeastern Wisconsin. If
Although multiple factors are tive with antlerless harvest in lowered deer populations and hunting in the CWD Zone. you have questions, please
influencing deer productivity pockets of low deer numbers, uneven distribution Again, hunters are encouraged contact our DNR Call Center
in the north, hunters need to farmland unit hunters gener- dd Naas to check well in advance to
Photos by To at 1-800-WDNR-INFO, 7am-
keep an important principle in ally need to be comfortable Good opportunities for deer assure time to process permits 10pm, 7 days a week.
harvesting antlerless deer in hunting exist throughout the
22 Wisconsin DNR 2010 Fall Hunting Forecast Questions? Call the DNR Call Center at 1-888-WDNR-INFo, 7 am - 10 pm, 7 days a week Back to Top 23
South Central Region By Doug Fendry, Area Supervisor
Bear Season Forecast
By Linda Olver, Assistant Big Game Biologist
This fall, 95,700 wild turkey permits will from September 18 through November 18 for
all permit holders. An additional extended
Come fall, there is gener-
Additional information on
wild turkey is available on
be available to hunters. This is the same ally a slight shift in habi- the DNR’s Wild Turkey
number of permits when compared to 2009’s season for Zones 1-5 ONLY will take place tat use by which turkeys website. Brood counts will
fall season. This is the third fall season un- from November 29 through December 31. move from more open be completed in August and
der the new 7-zone system. Allowing permit Check the 2010 Fall Turkey Hunting Regula- field habitats to forested will provide additional in-
levels to remain at fairly similar levels while tions (now combined with small game and habitats. Flocks make ex- formation on brood survival.
still meeting demand has allowed for a good spring turkey hunting regulations in the 2010 tensive use of areas domi-
comparison of how the new consolidated Wisconsin Small Game Hunting Regulations nated by oak and hickory. Photo by Loree
Kilian
And as always, remember to focus on safety
zone system is working compared to the old booklet) for more information. Hunters are This habitat shift coincides with food avail- during the fall hunt!
46-zone system. Overall satisfaction with encouraged to check the DNR website for ability as succulent vegetation and insects be-
the Wisconsin Wild Turkey Program remains updates.
high.
Bag Limit
Using Dogs during the Fall Season The 2010 fall bag limit is one turkey of any Hunting By the Numbers
Starting with the Fall 2010 season, hunters age or sex per fall turkey permit (also referred
may use dogs to hunt wild turkeys STATE- to as a carcass tag). Hunters should remem- 60,862: total number of turkeys harvested in all sea-
WIDE. This change is the result of a pilot ber that they must bring their tagged turkeys sons in 2009
program, initiated in 2007, that allowed to a designated registration station no later
than 5:00 p.m. the day after it is harvested. 321,691: total number of turkey permits available for
the use of dogs to hunt turkeys in a limited
As an additional reminder, most turkey hunt- all seasons in 2009
9-county area. Following review, the deci-
sion was made to extend this opportunity ing occurs on private land, so it is important 286,929: total number of turkey permits issued for all
statewide and make it permanent. to keep landowner relationships a high prior- seasons in 2009
ity. Landowners in Wisconsin are usually
willing to allow hunters to use their land as 24%: overall success rate 2009 spring turkey season
Permits and Extended Season
Following the August 2, 2010 Fall Turkey long as they ask politely for permission to do 12%: overall success rate 2009 fall turkey season
permit drawing, any remaining permits will so.
Photo by Sc
go on sale beginning at noon on Saturday, ott Bowe
30 Wisconsin DNR 2010 Fall Hunting Forecast Questions? Call the DNR Call Center at 1-888-WDNR-INFo, 7 am - 10 pm, 7 days a week Back to Top 31
the stage for the decrease in breeding grouse possession limit is twice the daily bag limit
Ruffed Grouse in 2010. (i.e., 10 birds for Zone A and 4 birds for Zone
B).
38 Wisconsin DNR 2010 Fall Hunting Forecast Questions? Call the DNR Call Center at 1-888-WDNR-INFo, 7 am - 10 pm, 7 days a week Back to Top 39
Photo by Jake Dingel
Raccoon
Photo by Jake Dingel
Beaver
Raccoons are found in a counties. Raccoons are doing
nates the in- wide variety of both rural and well, making this species a
tensive aerial urban habitats. Those areas great opportunity to gain ac-
surveys, con- close to a wetland or farm- cess to private lands, as farm-
ducted every land mosaic have the highest ers and landowners experi-
three to four populations. Even the north- ence nuisance and damage there have been widespread
years in the ern forests are now home to problems. Hopefully trappers problems with CDV causing
Season Dates raccoon deaths.
northern por- raccoons. and hunters will take advan-
Zone A: Nov. 6 - Apr. 30, 2011 tions of the tage of this resource while “This disease acts as a popu-
“We have large populations
Zone B: Nov. 6 - Apr. 30, 2011 state. their numbers are high and lation regulating factor that
of raccoons with the high-
Zone C: Nov. 6 - Mar. 31, 2011 healthy, and help to maintain controls high raccoon num-
est densities in southern and
Zone D (Mississippi River): Day after The fall this population in a healthy bers and once it’s in the
western portions of the state,”
duck season closes to March 15, 2011 surveys of condition.” environment, can spread to
reports Shawn Rossler, as-
2008 indi- other mammals,” according
cate beaver Photo by Thomas Provost sistant furbearer specialist Canine Distemper Virus
Daily Bag Limit: None for the Department of Natu- In northeastern Wisconsin, to Langenberg. “Infections
populations of approximately 28,800 beaver were found in less commonly
ral Resources. “Raccoons wildlife biologist Aaron Bu-
in northwestern Wisconsin, known as Zone affected furbearers including
Improved late winter fur prices at the inter- A, down from 41,000 in 2005, and around
17,500 beavers in northeastern Wisconsin,
are still very abundant in all
counties in a wide variety of
chholz, received reports from
trappers and citizens last fall, badger, opossum, and mink in
national auctions may have boosted trapper habitats, often to nuisance finding numerous dead rac- recent years. Everyone should
interest in the difficult process of chopping known as Zone B, down from 29,000 in 2005. take special care with rac-
levels. Populations extend coon, especially young of
through inches of ice in search of beaver. coons acting abnormally as
Longer seasons, initiated in the 1980s, have In Zones A & B, where more intensive man- Wisconsin has a large population of raccoons with the
the clinical signs of distem-
helped to reduce beaver populations as agement programs exist, the beaver popula- highest densities in southern and western portions of the state.
per mimic those of the rabies
planned, especially in northeastern Wisconsin. tion has declined and is now at a level where virus. Rabies is a fatal viral
northward into portions of the year. The likely cause of
damage to trout streams and town roads are disease for humans and other
southern Canada where the death was canine distemper
Statewide, the beaver population estimate is manageable. Because beaver populations are warm blooded mammals, and
ancient language of Native virus. He expects the popu-
around 66,800 animals, based on helicopter now at or below acceptable levels, the trap- cannot be differentiated from
Americans doesn’t even in- lations to rebound quickly,
surveys of Beaver Zones A & B in 2008. This ping season in Wisconsin opens in early No- canine distemper without
clude the word ‘raccoon’!” as raccoon remain plentiful
is the lowest population estimate since these vember, rather than mid-October, and Zone C laboratory testing.”
closes the end of March rather than the end of throughout this portion of the
surveys began in 1992, and is approximately On the western front, Kris
April. Discussions regarding overall beaver state, providing trappers and
half of the 1995 estimate. Concerns over Johansen, wildlife biologist Resident Gun/Trapping:
management are being addressed at this time. hunters with plenty of harvest
this decline are being addressed by fish and for Buffalo and Trempealeau Oct. 16 - Feb. 15, 2011
opportunities.
wildlife biologists, fishermen, trappers, user counties reports, “Raccoon Non-Resident Gun/Trapping:
groups and interested citizens. numbers remain abundant, Julie Langenberg, depart- Oct. 30 - Feb. 15, 2011
though not quite as high as ment wildlife veterinarian, Except: in the Mississippi
Regionally, beaver numbers in southeastern the past couple of years. notes that: “High popula- River Zone where the sea-
and extreme west-central Wisconsin appear to Despite high numbers, they tions of raccoons can produce son opens with the muskrat
be stable or increasing, but decreasing else- seem to be healthy, as we’ve localized effects or pockets and mink season.
where according to Mike Worland, wildlife not experienced any major of Canine Distemper Virus
disease outbreaks in our Daily Bag Limit: None
researcher from Rhinelander. Mike coordi- (CDV) infection. In the past,
40 Wisconsin DNR 2010 Fall Hunting Forecast Questions? Call the DNR Call Center at 1-888-WDNR-INFo, 7 am - 10 pm, 7 days a week Back to Top 41
Dog Training Mike Zeckmeister, northern region wildlife
Wildlife managers from around the state sug- supervisor from Spooner urges trappers and
Fisher
gest that 2010 will be a good year to train that hunters to, “make sure to do your homework
young dog or ask permission to trap or hunt with pre-season scouting, and make sure to Season Dates
furbearers on new lands. Raccoons are a spe- obtain permission from landowners well in
All zones: October 16 - December 31, 2010
44 Wisconsin DNR 2010 Fall Hunting Forecast Questions? Call the DNR Call Center at 1-888-WDNR-INFo, 7 am - 10 pm, 7 days a week Back to Top 45
Coyote Gray Wolves
Coyotes, the second largest of Wisconsin’s biologist from Grantsburg. “After six years Currently, gray wolves are classified as pers who are intimately familiar with their
native canids, have expanded their range of use by licensed trappers, things are going endangered species in Wisconsin. The US area of the state. This kind of information
throughout southern and western Wisconsin. well.” Fish and Wildlife Service has attempted to is valuable in our efforts in monitoring
In the remainder of the state they continue to remove the gray wolf from populations. Every observation
do well with the greatest challenge being in For additional information on cable restraints, the endangered species DNR Photo counts and we welcome the
established gray wolf territories, where coy- request DNR Publication WM-443-2004, list in Wisconsin but court help. “
otes have bounced back, having learned to be Cable Restraints in Wisconsin, A Guide to challenges have nullified
less vocal and avoid their larger cousin. An Responsible Use. all attempts to date. The He also urges trappers who
adaptable animal, coyotes seem to fair equally DNR has filed a petition have incidentally captured a
well in rural, urban and suburban settings. with the USFWS request- wolf in a coyote trap, to check
Wildlife managers and conservation officers Season Dates for Coyote ing de-listing and the the local DNR office to see if
across much of Wisconsin are reporting a Midwest Association of a wildlife biologist is available
HUNTING: Continuous open season ex-
marked increase in coyotes. The same is be- Fish and Wildlife Agencies nearby to help release the wolf
cept closed in the northern Wisconsin wolf
ing observed for both gray and red fox, with recently delivered a resolu- and place a radio collar on it.
management zone during the regular gun
“reds” closer to human dwellings and grays tion with a similar request Wydeven states that “every ad-
deer and muzzleloader deer season as well
in the brush land and woods. Kris Johansen to USFWS. The depart- ditional collared wolf on the air
as the October and December antlerless
reports high coyote and fox numbers in west- ment continues to work helps us do a better job keeping
only deer hunts.
central Wisconsin. with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service track of wolves in the state.”
Bag Limit: None to de-list wolves, but at present, depreda-
“Cable restraints are proving more effective tion control work and landowner shooting
for coyotes every year as folks are learning to TRAPPING:
permits have been curtailed as we wait
use this relatively new tool,” says Johansen. Northern Zone (North of US Highway 64): for special approval allowing the possible
“This year would be a great year to try out Oct 16, 2010 – Feb. 15, 2011 dispatch of captured depredators.
this technique as a way to extend trapping
Southern Zone (South of Highway 64):
opportunities into the winter. Cable restraint The gradual increase in numbers and ex-
Oct 30, 2010 – Feb. 15, 2011
trapping also gets trappers out and about dur- pansion of the gray wolf across northern
ing snow cover, a great time to read sign and Bag Limit: None and west-central portions of the state offer
learn about animal behavior.” a unique opportunity for hunters and trap-
pers to observe these wild and wonderful
“This tool was canines. Doug Fendry, wildlife biologist
thoroughly tested from Fitchburg also observes that, “occa-
during three sionally wolves are observed in southern
years of science- Wisconsin.”
based research, All sightings of wolves should be reported
and was remark- according to Adrian Wydeven, DNR mam-
able in its ability malian ecologist and wolf expert.
to restrain without
injury, any wild or “We encourage the public to report their
domestic canine,” said observations, especially hunters and trap-
Steve Hoffman, wildlife
46 Wisconsin DNR 2010 Fall Hunting Forecast Questions? Call the DNR Call Center at 1-888-WDNR-INFo, 7 am - 10 pm, 7 days a week Back to Top 47
Photo by Chad Hood our understanding of the habitats
best suited to their survival. This
information will help direct and Migratory Game Bird/Waterfowl Season Forecast
inform our future recovery ef- by Kent Van Horn, Waterfowl Biologist
forts.”
Severe drought conditions across The Wisconsin Breeding Waterfowl
Although they have not ventured northern Wisconsin and below Survey was completed in May, and
far from the original release sites average wetland numbers in is very important since a large pro-
biologists have discovered ad- southern Wisconsin have had portion of the ducks harvested in
ditional martens in northern Iron the expected impact on lower Wisconsin are raised in Wisconsin.
County. Bruce Bacon, wildlife than average 2010 breeding duck The second source of informa-
biologist for Iron County says numbers, according to migratory tion is a cooperative survey
game bird ecologist, Kent Van Horn.
The American (Pine) Marten local trappers helped determine
where these rare martens have Preliminary continent-scale in-
of Canada geese, the Missis-
sippi Valley Population (MVP)
been living for the last ten years, formation shows areas ranging Breeding Survey, organized by
American martens, also known as “pine and through their help we may learn of their
connection with martens in our neighboring
from very good wetland condi-
tions to very dry.
the Ontario Ministry of Natural
Resources.
martens”, are a state protected mammal and
state of Michigan.
currently the only mammal on Wisconsin’s Three primary sources of in- The final piece is the U.S. Fish
Endangered species list. Reintroduced into formation on yearly waterfowl and Wildlife Service breeding
Bacon also has a number of martens radio-
the Chequamegon and Nicolet National For- breeding conditions are used to waterfowl survey for the north-
collared and the animals are being tracked as
ests in northwest and northeast Wisconsin determine the fall season structure ern U.S., Canada, and Alaska,
part of the Woods and Waters program in the
decades ago, their numbers remain very low. for Wisconsin. which was released in early
Hurley and Mercer High Schools. He also
July.
adds that fisher depredation may be an im-
Jim Woodford, endangered resources conser-
portant factor in the success or failure of the
vation biologist reminds folks that, “Martens
marten re-introduction efforts, and with fisher
are a rare and unique member of our northern All photos on this page by Ryan Brady
48 Wisconsin DNR 2010 Fall Hunting Forecast Questions? Call the DNR Call Center at 1-888-WDNR-INFo, 7 am - 10 pm, 7 days a week Back to Top 49
Ducks - Continentally Mallards
Across North America mallard numbers was still 36 percent above the long term average. The 2009 total mallard population estimate of 198,242 is a 1%
similar to 2009 and 12% above the long-term An overall duck season of 60 days will be decrease from 2009 and 9% above the long-term mean (37 year
Open Closed
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You may also find assistance Antigo Oshkosh
Hayward Superior
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Janesville Wausau
La Crosse Wautoma
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