WNR magazine NEWS & REVIEWS April 2018

Turkeys

News & Reviews

April 2018

Elk herd

 

Herd reintroduction success means first managed elk hunt

More than 22 years of reintroduction and management efforts by DNR and its partners has created a healthy and growing herd of elk in the Clam Lake region of north-central Wisconsin, with the 2018 population projected to exceed 200. That means the first managed elk hunt in state history can now be a reality. Ten tags will be available for a bull-only hunt this fall, with a random drawing for four tags and a raffle benefiting the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation to award a fifth. Wisconsin’s six Chippewa tribes will share the remaining elk harvest quota. Hunters can apply for the elk tag drawing beginning May 1 through the GoWild system. A $10 application fee will apply and winners will pay $49 for their tag, with revenue funding ongoing elk management efforts. “This is an incredible conservation success story for Wisconsin,” DNR Secretary Dan Meyer said. “Thanks to the efforts of so many great organizations and individuals, the northern elk herd has continued to grow to the point where we can offer this very special and long-awaited hunting opportunity.” For details on elk in Wisconsin, including the Clam Lake herd and a more recent release of Kentucky elk in Jackson County and the Flambeau River State Forest (not included in the fall hunt), see dnr.wi.gov, keywords “elk.”

TIME TO RENEW! All hunting, fishing and conservation patron licenses from 2017 expired on March 31.
To renew for the current season, log in to GoWild online now. Conservation patrons get a Wisconsin Natural Resources magazine subscription as part of the deal!

Maple tap

Make it Maplefest at MacKenzie

The MacKenzie Center in Poynette hosts its annual Maplefest, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on April 7. Visitors can learn about the process for making maple sugar and maple syrup, while also taking time to explore the 500-acre DNR property. The Friends of MacKenzie will serve a pancake breakfast from 8 a.m. until noon in the Main Lodge, $7 for ages 12 and older, $5 for 3-11 and free for 2 and under. For details on the MacKenzie Center, go to dnr.wi.gov, keyword “MacKenzie.”

CC logo

Spring meetings set statewide

The DNR’s annual spring fish and wildlife public hearings and Conservation Congress meetings will be held in all 72 counties on April 9. Meetings start at 7 p.m. at designated county locations. The questionnaire is available for the meetings, which seek non-binding input on issues related to natural resource management and potential rule changes. Delegate elections also take place for the Conservation Congress, the citizen advisory body to the Natural Resources Board and DNR. For details, check dnr.wi.gov, keywords “spring hearings.”

chickadee

Breeding Bird Atlas II

Attention, birders: Events related to the Wisconsin Breeding Bird Atlas II are underway. Check here for a list, and watch for future Wisconsin Natural Resources magazine issues and e-newsletters for more on this important project from DNR and the Wisconsin Society of Ornithology.

NRF field trips

Register now
for NRF field trips

See saw-whet owl banding, hike the Ice Age Trail, paddle the Mississippi backwaters and learn about raptors, butterflies, frogs and toads, plant species and more as part of a Natural Resources Foundation field trip. The program, in its 25th year, is featured in the Spring issue of Wisconsin Natural Resources magazine. Registration opened March 28, so hurry to sign up for the best selection! NRF membership is required; join for as little as $25 a year at wisconservation.org.

Earth Day

 

Hey, Earth Day

April 22 is Earth Day! Get involved in Work Play Earth Day events at state properties. Find a full list here.

Turkey hunting

Turkey season
is nearly here

It’s time to talk turkey hunting. The 2018 spring turkey season begins on April 18, with a series of six week-long periods running through May 29. Participation requires a valid 2018 spring turkey license and Wild Turkey Stamp along with a spring turkey harvest authorization. Hunters may only hunt in the zone and time noted on their authorization (one bearded or male turkey per authorization). A spring turkey youth hunt also is set for April 14-15 with special rules applying. For turkey hunting details including regulations and zone maps, see dnr.wi.gov, keyword “turkey.”