APRIL2009 VOLUME 36 NUMBER 4

NorthernDeer Herd GetHooked HealthyFollowing on the 2009 Intensive Te sting Project Wisconsin

NTIGO,Wis.–Northern Wisconsin’sdeer herd has Fishing Report been given aclean bill of health. After testingmore Athan8,700 tissue samples from deer in 18 northern ADISON –Anglers look- Wisconsin counties,biologists found no signsofChronic ingfor places to fish, tips WastingDisease (CWD)orTuberculosis (TB). Mto hook their favorite The DepartmentofNatural Resourcesexceeded its goal to catch,orthe latestfishing reports for have 8,000 samples from acrossthe north thanks to coopera- the upcomingseasoncan catchthe tion from hunters,said Mike Zeckmeister,DNR Northern latestinformation in the2009 Region wildlifesupervisor. WisconsinFishing Report. TheDNR conducts periodic heath checks as adefense The 2009WisconsinFishing against seriousdiseaserisks.Being proactive is always better Report is nowavailable online. than being reactive whenitcomes to wildlife disease manage- ment, Zeckmeister explained. He added that havingaclean Thisfree,annual 16-pagenewspa- bill of health provides more justification to do everythingpos- per is an angler’s sible to keep the deer herd in northern Wisconsin freeofthese guide to the2009 seriousdiseases. fishing year, with “Unfortunately,” he said,“we arestill takingrisks withthe fishing forecasts health of our deer herdbyfeeding and baiting deer in that DepartmentofNatural Resources fish Wisconsin.” biologists provide for many popularwaters Wildlifeofficials saythe risk of spreadinginfections increas- statewide. es especiallywhere deer areartificially concentrated. Anglerslookingtotarget someof Infectious CWD prions and TB bacteria have been isolated Wisconsin’swell knownfish can dive into from deer saliva. Baitingand feeding sites foster conditions for “Hook Your FavoriteCatch” for tips on disease transfer throughincreaseddeer to deer contactand adjustingyoursights,techniquesand bait increased group sizeatfeeding sites.TBspreads from captive or domestic animals to wild deer and vice-versa. Minnesota to increase your chances of success. andMichiganhaveconfirmed TB in cattle and wild deer. “A Year of FabulousFishing” provides anglers amonth-by- Periodically deer and elk escape from captive facilities. month rundownofwhat’s bound to be bitingand where, Routine testing found CWD in twocaptive facilities in fall of dependingonthe time of year. 2008 and resulted in thedepopulationofboth herds. In “FabulousFisheries Projects,” readers canlearn about Continued surveillance for CWD and TB in both wild and cap- thework fisheries crewsare doingaround thestate each year tive deer is criticaltoinsurethe health of Wisconsin’sdeer to protect Wisconsin’sfish andmakefishing better. herd. “Get Hooked” will introducereaders to DNR’sUrban “Any drop in the state’sTB-free status will lead to $1.87mil- Fishing Program that encouragesmore people,especially chil- lion annually in testingcosts alonefor farmers in order to con- dren,togo fishing and helps to make fishing opportunities tinuetoexport cattle,not to mention the costs of euthanizing more readily availableinurban areas. herds,carcass disposal, property disinfections, and risking con- Anglers will also findgreatrefrigerator materialsuchas sumer confidenceand Wisconsin’s status as America’s Dairyland,”Zeckmeister said.InMichigan, the projected cost fishing seasondates,top 50 family-friendly waters and fish to producers over a10yearperiod is $121 million. watching opportunities throughout thestate. TheDNR deer health surveillance programbegan in The2009 Fishing Report is availablenow online for down- Januaryof2007 whenwildlifeand other DNR staff took tissue load andwill be available April 1, 2009 in newsprintform at samples from roadkill deer.The lymph nodes in the neckofthe local DNRservice centers and select Fleet Farm and Gander animal weretakenfrom adultdeer and analyzed for CWD and Mountain stores.Itwill also be included in theApril 2009 other diseases.The entiredeer hunting community also par- WisconsinNatural Resources magazine,which will be avail- ticipated in the check. ableonline and at many Wisconsin newsstands. “I want to thank all thehunters, meatprocessors,taxider- Be thefirst to get the onlineversion of theWisconsin mists,students anddepartmentstaff thatbroughtdeer in for Fishing Report everyyearbysubscribingtofisheries email sampling” the wildlifesupervisor said,“allofyou were key to updates or following [fishwisconsin] on Twitter [twitter.com/ thisproject.” home].

Statewide Spring Hearings 2009 April 13, 2009 All 72 Counties 2nd “Not Just Another Meeting” tice No Get Informed! WISCONSERVATION 2 April 2009

*** OFFICERS *** ASSOCIATE DIRECTORS STATEAFFILIATES Jake Macholl, Amery, WI DIRECTORS/REPRESENTATIVES President Lil Pipping,562A Crestwood Dr., ElkhartLake, WI 53020, (920)876-4312. Email: Paul Frater,Algoma,WI WI Assoc of Beagle Clubs [email protected] *NWF Affiliate Delegate Bob Chojnowski, Plover, WI Phil Secker, Germantown,WI LarryLaehn, Greenville, WI First Vice President Jack Nissen,1811 Ottawa Ave.,Dousman, WI 53118, (262) 370-8154 cell. Craig Challoner,Omro,WI Email: [email protected] *Alt NWFAffiliate Delegate WI Assoc of Sporting Dog Clubs Jim Huhn, Watertown, WI (Parliamentarian) Brian Kolb,New Holstein,WI Bret Loescher,Watertown, WI Second Vice President ChuckMatyska, Route 15055 Cty V, Cecil, WI 54111, (715)745-6382. Sue Meyer, Kewaskum,WI WI Assoc.Field Trial Clubs Email: [email protected] Steve Pease,Sullivan, WI, (262) 719-9623. James Gleash, Madison, WI TomNissen,Dousman, WI Secretary TomNissen,231 E. Ottawa Ave.,Dousman, WI 53118, (262) 719-5295. Email: Lil Pipping, ElkhartLake, WI WI BowHuntersAssoc [email protected] AdamMurkowski UWSP Clintonville, WI MikeBiszak UWSP Treasurer LauraHuber,6980 Woodland Lane,Arpin, WI 54410, (715)884-2774. Email: WI CoonHunter Assoc [email protected] DennisRoehrborn, Plymouth, WI HONORARYDIRECTORS ArtJorgenson WI Council of Sportfishing Org Catherine Koss,LakeO’Lakes, WI TedLind,Milwaukee, WI Vern Mangless JimMense,Menomonie,WI WI DeerHuntersAssociation RayRheinschmidt MarkToso,Roberts,WI Statewide Districts J.L. Schneider WI DeerHuntersInc Betty Schneider-Borchert, Oshkosh, WI DennisHoffman, Neshkoro,WI ArtSeidel,Brookfield, WI Al Kube,Cochrane,WI WI FederationofGreatLake SportFishing Joe Zanter,Sparta, WI MarkT.Hossenberg, Kenosha, WI Bucky Kilishek,Menasha, WI Martha Kilishek,Menasha, WI WI Hunter Ed. InstructorsAssoc. MaryCassidy,Plainfield, WI KenBarbian, Brookfield, WI KenZettlemeier,Waukesha, WI WI Muzzle Loading Assoc. Inc. Carolyn Brown, Milton, WI HONORARYVICE PRESIDENTS Joseph A. Gruber,Campbellsport, WI WI Sharp-Tailed Grouse Society Dr.Dan Trainer,UW-Stevens Point JimEvrard, Grantsburg, WI LesVoigt WI Taxidermist Assoc Bucky/MarthaKilishek, Menasha,WI *** PAST PRESIDENTS*** Corky Meyer, Kewaskum,WI WI TrappersAssociation Inc Jerry Knuth, Plover, WI Scott McAuley, Wisconsin Rapids,WI James G. Weishan, Wabeno,WI Martha Kilishek,Menasha, WI WI TrapshootersAssociation *Russell Hitz, Wheeler,WI Helen Mars Adams,Blue River,WI Jim Baldock, West Bend, WI WI WaterfowlAssociation Inc RalphFritsch, Kaukauna, WI DaleArenz, Waukesha, WI RobertMiller,Sparta, WI Doug Olson, Viroqua, WI WI Woodland OwnersAssociation EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR/LEGISLATION Doug Johnson, Hartford, WI DaleZaug, Tigerton, WI George Meyer, 201 Randolph Dr., Madison, WI 53717, (608) 516-5545. Email: James Wareing, Sussex, WI [email protected] Leo Roethe WildlifeSociety,WIChapter Bill Buckley PatKaiser,Lodi, WI DickHemp Bob Lachmund WildOnes JerryLaudon Donna VanBuecken, 920-730-3981 BOARDOFDIRECTORS DISTRICT 8 Ron Piskula *JackNissen,Dousman, WI, (262) 370-8154. Wings Over WI HaroldSpencer DISTRICT1 MikeRynearson,Oconomowoc,WI, (414) 313-2079. Les Woerpel BurtBushke, Mayville,WI *Connie Pribnow,PortWing,WI, (715) 774-3301. John Wagner,Oconomowoc,WI, (262) 560-1230.

DISTRICT2 DISTRICT9 LarryVanderhoef,Plainfield, WI, (715)366-2453. *Roger Borkowski, South Milwaukee, WI, (414)571-0002. Wisconservation Richard Lazarczyk, West Allis,WI, (414) 321-5750. DISTRICT3 JimSpielbauer,BlackRiver Falls,WI. *Russell Hitz, Wheeler, WI, (715)632-2143. WISCONSERVATION (USPS 108-190 ISSN0164-3649) is published monthly for$25 per year by Wisconsin WildlifeFederation, W7303 County Road CS &Q,Poynette,WI53955-9690. Periodical postage paid at Oshkosh, Dave Hraychuck,Balsam Lake, WI, (715)485-3362. DISTRICT10 WI and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: WISCONSERVATION,W7303 Marj Roach, Augusta, WI, (715) 286-2768. Al Phelan,Madison, WI, (608) 241-7538. County Road CS &Q,Poynette, WI 53955-9690. All communications regarding advertising, editorial,circulation and Wisconsin WildlifeFederation matters shouldbesent to W7303 County Road CS &Q,Poynette,WI53955- DISTRICT 4 DISTRICT11 9690. Permission to reprint articles is normallygiven providingpropercredit is given both publication and author. *LauraHuber,Arpin, WI, (715)884-2774. Richard Baudhuin,Sturgeon Bay, WI, (920)743-2581. Viewsexpressed by freelancewriters are theirown anddonot necessarilyrepresent thoseofthe publication or JerryKnuth, Plover,WI, (715) 344-0017. Bill Capelle,Green Bay, WI, (920)863-3759. the WWF. Dave Verhage,Plover, WI, (715)344-3497. *LarryFreitag, Sheboygan, WI, (920) 458-4117. $25.00 of annual dues paid to WisconsinWildlifeFederation entitles members to one year’ssubscription to Wisconservation.One year’ssubscription to non-members—$25.00. DISTRICT5 DISTRICT12 George Borchert, VanDyne,WI, (920) 922-1409. *Jim Weishan, Wabeno,WI, (715) 473-6013. Printed by RiponCommunity Printers,656 S. DouglasSt., Ripon, WI 54971. *Daniel Gries,Menasha, WI, (920) 725-4092. ChuckMatyska, Cecil,WI, (715) 745-6382. RobertH.Kirk, Omro,WI, (920) 685-5254. *Denotes the DistrictContact Person. WISCONSERVATION EDITOR DISTRICT6 Daniel A. Gries Dennis Reinhardt, Osseo, WI, (715)597-3535. Phone: (920) 725-4092 John Wetzel, Holman, WI, (608) 526-4238. Fax: (920)725-1013 Jim Haldeman, BlackRiver Falls,WI, (715) 299-0103. N.W.F.REGIONAL REP [email protected] Marc Smith, 213West Liberty St., Suite 200, Ann DISTRICT 7 Arbor,MI48104, Office: (734) 887-7116, Fax: (734) Dave Chingway,Watertown, WI, (920) 261-0379. 887-7199,Cell:(734) 255-5413. Website: www.nwf. ASSOCIATE EDITOR Don Hammes, Middleton, WI, (608) 836-1205. org/greatlakes Ralph Fritsch Tobias Kowalski, Watertown, WI, (920) 285-5485. (920)766-2385

WISCONSINWILDLIFEFEDERATION COMMITTEE CHAIRS COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSON PHONE FAX EMAIL OFFICE PHONE: AchievementAwards Jack Nissen 262-370-8154 Cell [email protected] Steve Pease 262-719-9623 608-635-2742 BanquetAdvisory Jack Nissen 262-370-8154 Cell [email protected] 800-897-4161 -Toll Free By-Laws Betty Schneider-Borchert 920-688-3122 [email protected] Calendar DanLee 608-635-2742 [email protected] FAX608-635-2743 Education Ruth Ann Lee 800-897-4161 608-635-2742 [email protected] Endangered Species Chuck Matyska 715-745-6382 [email protected] EnvironmentalJake Macholl715-554-2829 [email protected] Finance LauraHuber 715-884-2774 [email protected] WEBPAGE Forest, Parks &Recreation Jerry Knuth 715-344-0017 [email protected] GreatLakesFisheries Larry Freitag 920-458-4117 920-458-4117 [email protected] ADDRESS: Lake Superior sub-committee Connie Pribnow 715-774-3301 [email protected] InlandFisheries Bob Miller 608-269-6215 [email protected] www.wiwf.org InlandFisheries Larry Vanderhoef,Co-Chair 715-366-2453 Wolf River Basin sub-committee DanGries 920-725-4092 920-725-1013 [email protected] Office ManagementJennifer Evans800-897-4161 608-635-2743 [email protected] Scholarships BettySchneider-Borchert 920-688-3122 [email protected] OFFICE State Affairs (includesgun legislation &shooting sports) ArtSeidel 262-781-5469 262-781-7111 ADDRESS: WaterfowlJohn Wetzel 608-526-4238 [email protected] Wetlands Don Hammes 608-836-1205 [email protected] W7303County Road CS &Q WildlifeRalphFritsch920-766-2385 920-766-2385 callfirst [email protected] Po ynette,WI53955-9690 DNR deer auditsub-committeeLarryVanderhoef 715-366-2453 Youth CommitteeKate Hau 920-471-7228 [email protected] WISCONSERVATION 3 April 2009 Executive Director Activity UnprecedentedLegislationSupport for DNR Secretary Appointment Bill Has Overwhelming Conservationists Backing

March16, 2009 Release “Wisconsin’s hunters,anglersand trappers would like to thank eachand by GeorgeMeyer,Executive Director everyone of the sixty-eight legislative cosponsorsofthe restorationbill,”stated oynette: TheWisconsin Wildlife Ralph Fritsch (Kaukauna), WWF Federation,the state’slargest Wildlife Committee Chair.“Aspecial Pconservationorganization,com- thank you andappreciation is due to the prised of 164hunting,fishing,trapping bipartisanefforts of the lead cosponsors andforestry organizations, extends its of thebill: Representatives Spencer deepest appreciation to the 68 state sen- Black(Madison),Dean Kaufert (Neenah) ators and representatives that have and MaryHubler (Rice Lake) and cosponsored Assembly Bill 138which Senators Bob Wirch(Kenosha) and Rob restoresthe appointment authority of Cowles (Green Bay). the DNR Secretary backtothe Natural “In the thirty-eight years of observ- ExecutiveDirector George Meyeraddressesthe 2009 Waterfowl Conference on ResourcesBoard. The Board appoint- ing andworking with the Legislature,I pending legislation issues March 2009. WWF Photo/DAG ment authority wasinitially established cannot remember amajority of both by the Legislature in 1928 underthe houses of the legislatureendorsing a leadershipofAldo Leopold andother substantivepiece of legislation of this conservation leaders with the strong nature,” providedGeorgeMeyer,WWF Testimony of the WisconsinWildlife Federation political backing of hunters,anglersand Executive Director.“Thisincredible leg- in Support of the WDNR’sGeneral Discharge trappers.The conceptofaBoard islative supportisareflection of the appointedSecretary is to promote pro- deepseated feelings,tenacity and hard Permit Regulating the Discharge of Ballast fessionally based naturalresources man- workofWisconsin’s sportsmenand agementwith broadpublicinput over womenonthis issue,itisreally avis- Waterinto the Great Lakes 3/23/09 direct political influence in natural ceralissue to Wisconsinhunters, resource decision-making. anglersand trappers.” ood morning, my name is shouldthe international shipping indus- “The sportsmen andwomen in this The Wisconsin Wildlife Federation is GeorgeMeyer andIamrepre- trybefree from comparable regulation? state overwhelminglysupport the dedicated to conservation education and Gsenting the Wisconsin Wildlife Some arguethat the technologyisnot restoration of the appointment authority theadvancement of sound conservation Federation,the state’slargest conserva- there to meet the treatmentstandards in of the DNR Secretary to the Board,”indi- policies on astate andnational level. tion organization, comprised of over 164 the proposed Wisconsin discharge per- cated Lil Pipping(Elkhart Lake), The WWFisthe stateaffiliateofthe hunting,fishing,trapping, and forestry- mit. Withoutconcedingthat point,the Federation President. “When this mea- National Wildlife Federation.For further related groupsthroughout the State of Federation argues thatisthe purpose of sure is broughtupbefore the Wisconsin information,pleasecontact George Wisconsin. The Federation andvirtually the State and FederalClean Water Acts. ConservationCongressitreceives 90% Meyer,Executive Director,Wisconsin every conservation andenvironmental Iwas involvedasayoungattorney in approvalfrom the state’ssportsmen and Wildlife Federation at 608-516-5545. group in Wisconsin are very supportive DNR in implementingthe 1972 Federal women.” of the proposedDepartmentofNatural Clean Water Act thatrequired all indus- ResourcesGeneralPermit WI-0063835- tries andmunicipalities to treat their 01-0 regulating the discharge of ballast waste discharges. Forthe great majority water into the waters of theState of of industriesatthat time,therewas not Conservation LobbyDay 2009 Wisconsin. available technologytomeet the stan- Sportsmen andwomen throughout dards,but the requirement of the law the state cannot believe thatthirty- drovethe development of the technology. seven years afterthe passageofthe When it comes to treatmentofballast national and stateClean Water Acts, water discharge,what entrepreneur is international ships are allowed to dis- going to developand produce the neces- chargetheirballast water into theGreat sary technologyunless it is required by Lakes without anypermit or effective law, it surely isn’t becausethe shipping treatment. The results of theseunregu- industryhas beendemanding it on avol- lated discharges are the presence of untary basis. zebra mussels,quagga mussels, We are very sensitive to the Duluth- Eurasian Ruffe,roundgoby,white SuperiorHarbordilemma where poten- perch, spinywaterflea, phragmites,pos- tially higher regulatory standards on the sibly VHS andover 170other invasive Superior side of the harbor could drive species thathavedevastated the Great shipping to the Duluth side of the har- Lakes ecosystem andits recreationally bor.The Federation does not want to see andeconomically importantsports fish- that occur.However the answer to that ery.Weall have seen the results,the col- problem is not adoptingthe extremely lapse of thesalmon fisheryinLake weak standardsadvanced by the Huron, the expenditureofover $1.5 bil- Minnesota Pollution Control Agency,itis lion in the last20years to deal with the Minnesota adoptingthe Wisconsin stan- clogging of water anddischarge pipes, dards.Weapplaudthe National Wildlife the loss of 93%ofthe forage base for Federation andour Minnesota counter- LakeMichigan’sfishery andthe severe part, the MinnesotaConservation fouling of our beachesjust to name afew. Federation andtheirlegal efforts to Theseinvasive species just don’t stay bring the Minnesota permit in line with in the GreatLakes,they infest our the permitsinWisconsin andNew York. WWF Photo/DAG inland lakes andare transmitted Lastly,weall agree thatstrong feder- throughout the country.Wisconsin al regulation is preferable to state regu- sportsmenand women contributeover lation andweapplaudthe effortsof $80million through licenses,stamps and Congressmen Oberstar and Obey, excise taxes to the state’sFish and Senator Feingold andthe remainderof Wildlife Accountthat is used to enhance the Wisconsin congressional delegation and protectour fish and wildlife to seekthe adoptionofequallystrong President’sMessage resources andtheirhabitat.These federalregulation. However until that hunters,anglersand trapperssee that happens,and we have beendisappointed same habitatdevastated by the irre- for over twenty years,itiscritically Vol. II Part XI sponsible actionsofinternational ships importantfor the State of Wisconsin to discharging their ballast water into our join the State of NewYork in adopting waters. the proposed generalpermit for the dis- ell this is my lastPresident’s Coalition up and running on our website Ispend virtually all of my time talk- chargeofballast intothe Wisconsin message.Thesepast two and muchmore.During these difficult Wyears have gone by fast. I financial timesthat our nation is going ing andlistening to the sportsmen and waters. want to thank everyone who in anyway through, we must continue to push for women in this state andwhen it comes The WisconsinWildlife Federation helped to make my presidency go good turnoutsatour banquetsand cal- to the dischargeofballast water from thanks you for the opportunity to testify smoothly. endars salesasthis is our incometocon- here todayonthis criticallyimportant international ships,they saythat: “We During these years WWFhas been tinuethe great workwedo. are fed up withitand it has to stopnow.” issue. involvedinmany issues, Stewardship Iagain want to thank everyone who When will the shipping industry start renewal, GreatLakesCompact, fightto supportedmeand ask everyone to sup- actingresponsibly andclean up its bal- Submitted by: restore theappointmentofthe DNR port the new Executive Board coming lastwaterdischarges? Hopefully it will Secretary backtothe Natural Resource intoofficeasthey willbefacing some be before the $7 billion ayear Great George Meyer boardand muchmore. challenges.Wehavemany Legislature Lakes fishery is totally collapsed. Every Executive Director We have provided thedirectors with issuestowork on in 2009-2010and need other industry or municipality in this Wisconsin Wildlife Federation the guidance needed for them to do their everyone to stepupand do their part. state musttreat their waste and protect jobs,updated the By-Laws,Handbook, Sincerelyyoursinconservation, the water qualityofthe state.Why and in the process of getting the Camo Lil Pipping,Outgoing President WISCONSERVATION 4 April 2009 Rhinelander Man Receives 2008 Ethical Hunter Award

AU CLAIRE, Wis. –Somewhere “I thought somebody gotshot,” Owens time deer?” Once shegot her breath, shethanked in northwestWisconsin there is said.“Ihavetraining in firstaid. Ifig- He waslooking at a17-point buck the young man who’dspent two back- Eaboyfriend, probably an ex- ured I’dhelp out if Icould.” that wouldweigh more than200 pounds breaking hourssaving her hunt. She boyfriend, whohad to eat crow for his She told him shehad shot adeer,abig afterbeing gutted. Shootingwith open offered him money.Hewouldn’t hearof tavern lunch. buck, or thoughtshe had. She didn’t sights,her shot placementhad beennear it. Then shedrove off.She had adeer to He is but aminor player in this tale, knowwhereitwas.She cameout of the perfect. register andascore to settle. however.The starring role goes to Nick woods to callher boyfriend. He wassit- She showed Owens the groundblind Owens wasnominated for the Hunter Owens of Rhinelander, an 18-year-old ting in atavern. He told her he wouldn’t shehad formedwith pine boughs.She’d Ethics Award by ConservationWarden graduateofRhinelander HighSchool help her.Hesaid he didn’t believe her, dug ahole in the center,put asmall Dave Swanson of Minong.The statewide and therecipient of the statewide didn’t believe she’dshot abuck. propanelantern down intoitand set a awardwas created in 1997 by warden HunterEthics Award for2008. The That’swhy she wascrying,Owens stool on the ground above. She’dsit on supervisor Steve Dewald andtwo out- award is co sponsored by the La Crosse said. the stool andwrap ablanket around her- door writers for the La Crosse Tribune, Tribune and the Wisconsin Department “I’m like,‘Thatisn’t avery nice self,holding in the heat. Jerry Davis andBob Lamb.Most stories boyfriend,’ and she said,‘Yougot that It wasall Owens could do to drag that about deer hunters,they couldn’t help right.’” buck to the road. His companion walked but notice, involved poachingarrests. She wasmaybe 19 or 20 years old, he alongwith her hand on the other side of “Wewere concerned the non-hunting guessed,shortand slender. He noticed the great antlers,but as far as Owens public would thinkthereisnogood news she washunting withanold, dinged-up could tell,therewasn’t any net gainin about hunters,” Dewald said.“As awar- 30-30lever action rifle,amuseum piece, forward momentum. He wassoakingwet den, Iknow most hunters are ethical. without ascope.Heoffered to find the andsuckingwind when they got to the Their story wasnot beingtold.” deer for her and to field dress it. road. He hadnohope of liftingher tro- Owens will receive the award when “You wouldreally do that?” shesaid. phy into her truck. the Natural ResourcesBoard meets at He followed her intoathicklyforest- “I couldn’t even get its shoulder off Hayward in August.Dewald will be ed section of public landmost hunters the ground,”Owens said. there. passbybecause the woods are too dense Some other hunters came by and “Seeing theseawards is oneofthe to offer shooting lanes.Afteralong hike helpedload the buck.She askedthem most enjoyable parts of my year,” he said. they came upon an oval-shaped opening, not to takepictures.Owens guessed she “Wecontinue to get nominationsfrom 50 by 100 yards,aleatherleaf bog.Itwas wastrying to guard the secret of her around the state.These random actsof NickOwens, recipient of 2008 Wiscon- her grandfather’s secrethunting spot, grandfather’s hunting spot. Thenshe selflessness paint atruer picture of sin Hunter Ethics Award she said,passed down to her fatherand started hyper-ventilating. The excite- hunters,and theyhaveaprofound effect thentoher,her father’sonly child. She’d ment of it all hadfinally hit her. on the people whoexperience them. of Natural Resources. staked it out for three cold days,dawnto Owens’ story begins on aTuesday,the dusk, without seeingasingle deer.Then fourth dayofWisconsin’s2008 gun deer on the fourth day, amonster buck wan- hunt.Owens,who has been hunting deredinto view.She took careful aim and effectively with bow andgun sincehe fired. Applications Available for2009 Learn was12, wasdriving around Burnett Owens easily found the deer lying County,scoutingpublicland, when he belly up in apatchofscrub oak. The To Deer Hunt Programs cameupon ayoungwoman dressed in sightofittook his breath away. hunter orange.She wasstanding outside “Oh my God,”heexclaimed. “Do ADISON –Applicationsare and MayatDNR Service Centers. her pickup truck, sobbing. you know you shotaonce-in-a-life- now available for youth Applicationsmust be postmarked on or Mhunters interested in learn- before May31, 2009. Enrollment is lim- ing to hunt deer at two separatestate ited to 154 students. Applicants will be properties this year. randomly selected andsuccessful appli- The Department of Natural cantswill be notified by June 19. A$40 ee Resources Sandhill Outdoor Skills fee willbecharged to enter program.Fee Fr Kids’FishingClinics Center located nearBabcock and waivers are available. BuckhornState Park located near Formore information contact: Dick Necedah both offer Learn to Deer Hunt Thiel at 715-884-6333 Saturday, April18, 2009 programs.Alimited number of youths– and for the Sandhillprogram, novice Buckhorn State Park Learn to Hourly Clinics From adults —are enrolled in theseprograms, Deer Hunt Program 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. for whichapplicationsare now being The Buckhorn State Park Youth Deer accepted. Hunt Program includes aone-day work- shop on August 22 or 23, and ahunt on Free fishing instruction forchildren 15 yearsand younger. Sandhill Outdoor Skills Center Nov. 7and 8. Previous youth hunters had Taught by members of local fishing clubs; young children must be This is the 19th year the Sandhill quality deer hunting experiences with accompanied by an adult. Clinics begin everyhour from 9:00 a.m., with Outdoor Skills Center hasoffered Learn their chaperones,according to Joe the last clinic starting at 2:00 p.m. Fishing equipment is available,but bring to Hunt Deer Workshops.There are Stecker-Kochanski, Buckhorn State your ownrod and reel if possible.Nopre-registration is necessary,but to workshops for bothyouth andbeginner Park supervisor. accommodate groups of 20 or more,call414-263-8614. adults. To participate applicants mustbeage Theyouth workshop is offered to 12 butnot older than17byNov.7,2009. younghunters,12to15years old. Each Theymust have ahuntereducation cer- Instruction includes: enrollee mustbeaccompanied by an tificate by August 22 andmust not have adult, 21 years or older,who actsas previously participated in aLearn to •Fishingtechniques chaperonand teacher.Eachstudentand Deer Hunt program. Participants who •Equipment use chaperonpair must attend one of five have not previously harvested adeer •Knot tying workshops heldinearlyAugust. with afirearm will receive preference. •Safety rules Workshop dates are: Thursday, August Applicants whohaveharvested adeer •Fish identification 20;Saturday, August 22;Monday, August with afirearm can still apply,but willbe 24;Wednesday, August 26;and Saturday, selectedonadrawingonJuly 16 if any August 29. spots remainavailable. Milwaukee County The one-dayworkshop includes infor- Achaperonemust accompany all mation on deer biology andmanage- applicants. Applicants mayselect a BrownDeer Park, 7835 N. GreenBay Rd. Hosted by:OkaucheeFishingClub ment, instruction on compasses,firearm chaperone or authorize Buckhorn Park safety,hunt rules and regulations,and to assign aqualifiedchaperon. Thisper- GreenfieldPark, 2028 S. 124th St. Hosted by:Great Lakes Sports Fishermen; hunterethics.Those who complete the son will not be allowed to hunt or carry a Milwaukee Casting Club workshopare allowed to return for aspe- firearm andmust be at least 21 years Humboldt Park, 3000 S. Howell Ave. cial hunt on Nov.7-8 at SandhillState old. The chaperonmust have at least five Hosted by:Bass Anglers Ltd. Washington County Wildlife Area. years of hunting experience. McCarty Park, 8214 W. ClevelandAve. Sandy Knoll Park, 2064WallaceLakeRd., West Bend Aone-day beginneradult workshop is Applicationsare available on the Wheelchair accessible Hosted by:Trout Unlimited SoutheastChapter;West offered to people 16 or older whohave Buckhorn Learn to Deer Hunt Webpage Hosted by:Southside Sportsmen’sClub; Bend Kiwanis Early Risers never hunteddeer with agun before. and must be submitted by July 15. Sunnyside Rod andGun Club Beginner adults must also be accompa- Successful applicants will be notified McGovern Park, 5400 N. 51st Blvd. niedbyanadult chaperone. The about July 24.Note: Astudentwho has Wheelchair accessible Waukesha County Beginner Adult workshop will be held on participated in the Sandhillyouth deer Hosted by:Badger Fisherman’sLeague Saturday, Sept. 26. hunt program is not allowed to partici- Mitchell Park, 2200 W. Pierce Menomonee Park/Lannon Quarry, Town Line Rd. To qualify for the program,all partic- pate in the Buckhorn hunt andvice Hosted by:Bay ViewRod &Gun Club 1/2mile northofGood Hope Rd., Menomonee Falls Hosted by:Wisconsin House Outdoorsmen ipants musteither be enrolledina versa. Scout Lake Park, 5902 W. Loomis Rd. HunterSafetycourseormust possess a Successful applicants andtheirchap- Wheelchairaccessible MinookaPark, 1927 E. Sunset Dr., Waukesha Hosted by:Pewaukee LakeSportsman valid HunterSafetyCertificate. erons are required to attend aworkshop Hosted by:WalleyesUnlimited, USA Students will be required to have a in order to participate in thehunt. Sheridan Park, 4800 S. LakeDr. Muskego Park, Janesville Rd., 1/2 milewest of Racine Ave.,Muskego licensebythe time of the hunt. Previous Chaperon mustbethe same personat Hosted by:Lakeridge Boat Club; participantsare ineligible. bothworkshop andhunt weekend. South Milwaukee 1400 Fishing &Hunting Club Hosted by:Women’sHunting and Sporting Association Chaperones should have some deer Adeer gun huntinglicenseisnot Washington Park, 1859 N. 40th St. huntingexperience andare expected to required. Abacktag willbefurnished. Wheelchair accessible Hosted by:EBGarner’sFishingClub attendthe workshopaswell as the hunt Thisisabonusdeer andwill not pre- For more information call: with the student. Their primary role is to clude the harvest of adeer duringthe WilsonPark, 1601 W. Howard Ave. Hosted by:Wisconsin Fishing Club 414-263-8614 or 414-263-8494 assistthe beginnerindeveloping the regular season. The bag limitwill be one skills necessary to become aresponsible deer of either sex. Only shotgunswill be hunter andoutdoors person. The chaper- permitted; muzzleloaders andrifles are one will not be allowed to carry afirearm not permitted. Afee will be $25tocover Sponsored in cooperation with the WisconsinCouncilofSportFishingOrganizations;Milwaukee, Racine, Washington andWaukesha County Parks; MilwaukeeCounty HouseofCorrection FishHatchery; and the duringthe hunt. courseand hunt materials. Formore Department of Natural Resources. Applications for the SandhillLearn to information on the Buckhorn Learn to Deer Hunt Workshops are available on Deer Hunt program contact JoeStecker- the DNR Website andthroughout April Kochanski at 608-565-2789. WISCONSERVATION 5 April 2009 $740 Million Goes to States forFish and WildlifeProjects

USFWS Release archeryrange programs. The Sport Fish the Great Lakes andmarine coastal have increased in population dueto Restoration apportionmentfor 2009 areas whereapplicable,and the number improved researchand habitat manage- epartment of theInterior totals more than$404 million. of paidfishing licenseholders.States, ment fundedbyWildlife Restoration. In SecretaryKen Salazar Pittman-Robertson Wildlife the DistrictofColumbia,common- the program’shistory,fish andwildlife Dannounced more than $740.9 Restoration Act fundingisavailable to wealths,and territoriesuse the funds to agencies have assisted more than9.2 millionwill be distributed to the fishand states,commonwealths, and territories payfor stockingfish; acquiring and millionlandownersonfish andwildlife wildlife agencies of the 50 states,com- throughaformula based on landarea, improving sport fishhabitat; providing management. States,commonwealth, monwealths, the District of Columbia, includinginland waters andthe number aquaticresource education opportuni- and territorial fish and wildlife agencies andterritories to fund fishand wildlife of paidhunting license holders in each ties; conductingfisheries research; have improved more than 35 million conservation,boateraccesstopublic state,commonwealth, andterritory. maintaining public access, and the con- acres of habitat and developedmore waters,and hunterand aquaticeduca- State,commonwealth,and territorial structionatboat ramps,fishing piers, than44,000 acres of waterfowlimpound- tion. TheseWildlife andSport Fish fish and wildlife agencies use the money andother facilities for recreational boat- ments. Restoration Program funds come from to managewildlife populations,conduct ing access. Since the inception of the Dingell- excise taxes andimport duties on sport- habitatresearch, acquire wildlifelands More than 62 percent of Wildlife Johnson SportFish Restoration Act, ingfirearms,ammunition, archery and public access,carryout surveysand Restoration funds are used to buy, devel- states,commonwealth,and territorial equipment, sportfishing equipment, elec- inventories,administer hunter educa- op,maintain, and operate wildlife man- fish and wildlife agencies have acquired tric outboard motors,and fueltaxes tion,and construct and maintainshoot- agement areas.Since the program 360,000 acres throughfee simple,leases, attributabletomotorboats andsmall ing ranges. began, state, commonwealth,and territo- or easements.They have operatedand engines. “Statefish andwildlife agencies are rial fish andwildlife agencies have maintained more than 1.5 millionacres “The funds raised under the Wildlife proud to be funded by the hunting, fish- acquired68million acres through fee annually andthey stocked over 6.8bil- andSport Fish RestorationPrograms ing and boating communitythrough this simple,leases,oreasements, and operat- lion fishand restoredmore than1.7 bil- have helped conserve our fishand American system of conservationfund- ed and maintained more than 390 mil- lion fishthroughoutthe country; wildliferesources andprovide opportuni- ing,whichhas beenasuccessful model lion acres for hunting sincethe program renovated or improved 6,400-boataccess ties for outdoor recreationfor more than for many years,” saidRex Amack, began. In addition, agenciescertified sites;and had over 11.9 millionpartici- half acentury.These investments,which Presidentofthe Association of Fish and over 9million participants in hunter pants in the aquatic resource education helpcreate jobs while protecting our Wildlife Agencies andDirector of the education. program. nation’snatural treasures,are particu- Nebraska Game andParksCommission. “This source of conservation funding larly importantinthese tough economic “This year’srecord Wildlife andSport is importantnot only measured by its U.S. Fish &WildlifeServiceFinal times,”Salazar said.“All thosewho pay Fish Restorationapportionmentisvital dollar amount, butalso by legislative Apportionment of Dingell-Johnson intothis program —the hunting and in order for state agencies to continue safeguards preventing its diversion Sport Fish Restoration (CFDA #15.605) Funds for FiscalYear2009 fishing industries,boaters,hunters, their work to sustain healthy fishand away fromstate fishand wildlife agen- anglers,and recreationalshooters — wildlife populations and provideoppor- cies,” said RowanGould, actingDirector Wisconsin $13,490,281 shouldtake prideinhelping to conserve tunities for all to connect with nature.” of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.“For U.S. Fish &WildlifeServiceFinal our landand itsfish andwildlife and Sport Fish Restorationisfundedby states working to ensureafuturefor fish Apportionment of Pittman- provide benefits to all Americanswho the collection of excise taxes andimport andwildlife —and opportunitiesfor peo- Robertson Wildlife Restoration cherish the naturalworld andoutdoor duties on sport fishingequipment, ple to enjoy them —precious few pro- Funds for FiscalYear 2009 recreation.” motorboatand smallengine fuels, and grams offer this level of support and Wisconsin The Wildlife Restoration apportion- pleasureboats.Sport Fish Restoration reliability.” Wildlife Restoration $8,789,731 ment for 2009 totals nearly $336 million, funds are apportionedtothe states Numerousspecies includingthe wild Section 4$1,544,397 with more than$64.7 millionmarked for based on aformula thatincludes the turkey,white-taileddeer,pronghorn CFDA 15.626 Section10$217,756 hunter education and firearm and land and water area,inland waters and antelope,American elk, andblackbears Wildlife Hunter Ed Total $10,551,884

Salmonella is CauseofDeath in Pine Siskins in Sawyer County AskAsk ADISON –Salmonellabac- PublicHealth Significance ? terial infectionhas beencon- Salmonellosis is apublichealth con- NOAANOAA ? Mfirmed as the cause of death cern becauseall strains of Salmonella ? of pine siskins found in the vicinity of are potentially pathogenic to humans bird feeders in Sawyer County according andanimals.However,itappears that NATIONAL OCEANICAND to DNR wildlifehealth experts.Lab wild birds mainly acquire the disease ATMOSPHERICADMINISTRATION results are still pendingfor redpolls col- from the environment andthat infected lected in WaupacaCounty however once wildbirds playarelatively small role in again, salmonella is suspected as the the transmission of disease to domestic cause of death. animals andhumans. Question “Salmonella infection is acommon While dogs and catsare rarely infect- cause of mortality of wild birds at bird ed, pets should be discouraged from con- Howdoes NOAA trackatmospheric carbon, acontributor feeders andaffects many birdspecies suming bird carcasses to reduce risk of nationwide,” saidJasmine Batten, a contracting salmonellosis.Ifyou must to climate change?? microbiologistwith the Department of handleadead bird weardisposable Natural Resources Wildlife Health gloves or plastic bags over your hands. Answer on page 12 Team. “Most outbreaks in wildbirds Wash your hands thoroughlyafterthe occur duringthe winter when theyare clean up is completed. nutritionally stressed andconcentrated Whatyou can do to reduce the risk of around bird feeders.” salmonellosis in your backyard. YouWant to Hunt Where? Salmonella bacteria (Salmonella •Clean feeders,feeding areasand typhimurium)live in the intestine and birdbaths regularlyusing a10percent PackYour Mannersand Ask are shed in feces of infected birds.Birds bleach solution as adisinfectant before a contract salmonellosis through direct final rinse. Nowistimetoseek permission to access land forspringturkey season contact with infected birds or through •Clean up seed hulls under bird ingestion of food or water contaminated polite andprofessionalde- “If the landowner says yes,one wayto feeders. withinfectious feces, accordingto meanor with an offer to help show your appreciation for the opportu- •Consider moving bird feeders peri- Awithafew choresisthe nitytohunt is offering to do afew wildlife experts. While all avian species can be suscep- odicallytoprevent buildup of waste hunter’sbest method when seekingnec- chores,” Lawhern said. “You might be tible to salmonellosis,housesparrows, underneath the feeder. essary permission for aspring turkey surprised how faryour willingnessto shovel manurefor awholeday willget common redpolls,Americangoldfinch, •Consider addingadditionalbird outingonprivate lands. Tim Lawhern, Department of Natural you.” and pine siskins are among the most feeders to reducecrowding. Resources conservation warden, says If you get permission, Lawhern says it susceptiblespecies andmost commonly •Keep seeds andfood dry. hunting on private landswithoutthe is critical to be respectful andconsider- affected species at Wisconsinbird feed- •Change water in bird bath regu- landowner’spermission is illegal, an act ate of the property andthe ownertobe ers. larly. of trespass. allowedtoreturn the following season. “In years when redpolls andsiskins “If you want to hunt private land,you “It really boils down to hunter eti- •Weardisposable gloves when are heavily using Wisconsinbird feeders need to be seekingpermission now if you quette,” Lawhern says. cleaning abird feeder or birdbath. late in the winter becausefood sources haven’talready done so.” After the hunt, Lawhern says, are scarce farther north,itisnot uncom- •Ifyou observe dead or sickbirds Lawhern offers thesetips for hunters hunters shouldshare their gamewith mon to get outbreaks of salmonellosis,” nearafeeder,take it down, discardall seekinglandowner permission: the landowner,and remember the explainsBatten. “These species might be seed, andthoroughly clean the feeder. •Introduce yourself. landowner outside the huntingseason. particularlysusceptiblebecause they are Wait at leastaweek before settingup •Ifyou have one,show your hunter “Give them aChristmas card, asmall nutritionally compromised, or perhaps the feeder again. educationcard. gift,athank you card,”hesaid. becausethey are coming intocontact •Bedirect about your request to “Landowners always appreciate being with astrain of Salmonella they don’t hunt turkeys on their land. remembered outside the hunting usually encounter.” •And, if the answer is no,bepolite season.” andleave their property. WISCONSERVATION 6 April 2009 WISCONSERVATION 7 April 2009

Richard Bong State State Parks and Recreational Areas Kettle Moraine State Forest— Once designated to be a jet fighter base, Richard Bong State Recreation Area is fittingly The Southern Unit of theSouthern Kettle Moraine State Forest Unit is 30 miles long, extending from the named after Major Richard I. Bong, a Poplar, Wisconsin, native who was America’s leading air village of Dousman, Wisconsin, almost to the city of Whitewater. Forest Headquarters is 3 miles ace during World War II. The project was abandoned three days before concrete was to be poured west of the village of Eagle on State Highway 59. for a 12,500-foot runway. Local citizens had the foresight to protect this open space for future generations. In 1974 the state bought the land and it became the state’s first recreation area. Buckhorn State Park Potawatomi State Park Necedah, Wisconsin Door County, Wisconsin Buckhorn State Park, established in 1971, includes a 5,900-acre park and wildlife area—a Potawatomi State Park on the shore of Sturgeon Bay in southern Door County, has 1,200 acres peninsula in the Castle Rock Flowage of the Wisconsin River and land along the Yellow River—a of gently rolling upland terrain bordered by steep slopes and rugged limestone cliffs. Over two paradise for water recreationists, hunters, hikers, campers, and nature lovers. miles of shoreline provide many scenic views and recreational opportunities. A 75-foot observa-

The open-sided Long Lake Shelter accommodates 50 Kettle Moraine scenic drive. people and has electric outlets. DNR Photo DNR Photo

HowThe to Kettle Get Moraine There State Forest—Southern Unit is 61 miles east of Madison and 37 miles southwest of Milwaukee.

Vern Wolf Lake provides scenic beauty as well as fishing, canoeing, row- ing, and swimming opportunities. DNR Photo by Jason Suleski Copper FallsAncient lava State flows, deep gorges,Park and spectacular A recreation area differs from a state park or forest in that it offers additional activities not tra- Canoe along the shore at Buckhorn State Park from sunrise to From the observation tower, see islands, Cabot Point, and Door County waterfalls make Copper Falls one of Wisconsin’s most ditionally found in state parks. Appropriate to its name, Richard Bong SRA offers an area where sunset. Photo by Wayne Glowac shoreline. DNR Photo scenic parks. Log buildings built by the Civilian visitors may fly fly model airplanes, rockets, hang gliders, and hot air ballons. Richard Bong also Conservation Corps in the 1930s add to the park’s charm. tion tower rises above the forest canopy giving a panoramic view. On a clear day, the view from has space to train both hunting and sled dogs, train falcons, ride all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and The park has a three-site outdoor group camp; 42 cart-in campsites, one of which is accessible There are many things to do—hiking, picnicking, the park’s observation tower reaches 16 miles across Green Bay. horses on trails, and hunt in season. All such activities take place in the special use zone or man- for people with disabilities; 12 drive-in sites; and an accessible cabin. ReserveAmerica has named fishing, and swimming. The park is one of the highlights The park is named in honor of the tribe that inhabited Green Bay’s shores and islands when aged hunt areas. the Buckhorn campground one of America’s Top 100 Family campgrounds for three years. It also of the North Country National Scenic Trail in Wisconsin. Europeans first settled the area. The tribe called themselves “Bo-De-Wad-Me” which means The recreation area encompasses 4,515 acres of rolling grassland, savanna, wetlands and scat- was listed among the top 10 romantic spots, top 25 scenic views, top 20 beaches, top 25 canoe For overnight stays, there are 54 regular campsites, a “keeper of the fire.” Eventually the spelling and pronunciation were changed to “Potawatomi.” tered woodland. Richard Bong State Recreation Area is open year-round and has 41.1 miles of spots, and top 15 unique cabins. group camping area big enough for 40 people, a back- There’s plenty to do at the park. You can camp, fish, picnic, bike, ski, boat, hike the Ice Age trails for hiking, mountain biking, cross-country skiing, horseback riding, snowshoeing, and ATV Buckhorn also has an amphitheater, two-level accessible wildlife blind, accessible fishing pier, pack campsite, and, for people with disabilities, a rustic National Scenic Trail, and more. and dirt bike riding. kids’ fishing pond, and waterfowl hunting blinds. In 2009, construction is expected to begin on a cabin. Average season snowfall of more than 100 inches There are two family (regular) campgrounds with a total of 217 campsites, 54 of them with flush toilet/shower building and a 20-foot-high observation tower. enable the park to maintain 12 kilometers (8 miles) of electric hookups. Six group campsites can accommodate 225 campers. The recreation area also Buckhorn State Park is certified in the Travel Green Wisconsin program. cross-country ski trails. How to Get ThereTake Interstate Highway 94 north. In Milwaukee, exit onto Interstate has a cabin designed specifically for people with disabilities. HighwayFrom 43Chicago: and continue as directed below. A permanent naturalist is on duty at Richard Bong Recreation Area, and varied nature educa- How to Get There Take Interstate 43 or US Highway 41 north to Green Bay. (If you take tion programs are offered year round. The Molinaro Visitor Center has displays and exhibits , take Exit 69 (Mauston) and HowCopper to GetFalls is There about 2 miles northeast of Mellen in Traveling north on Interstate Highway 90/94 from Madison HighwayFrom 41,Milwaukee: take it to the north side of Green Bay and exit on Interstate 43 south.) On the north- about the history of Richard Bong and plant and animal life. The cheerful solarium showcases turn west (left) on State Highway 82. At the traffic signal, turn north (right) on Ashland County. Take State Highway 13 to the north side east side of Green Bay, exit from Interstate 43 onto State Highway 57 north and continue as seasonal exhibits including butterfly rearing. State Highway 58. Go about 8.7 miles to the third intersection with County of Mellen and turn (northeast) on State Highway 169. Go directed below. The recreation area has a boat launch (electric motors only), an accessible fishing pier, and Highway G. Turn right and go about 3.5 miles; the park entrance will be on your about 1.8 miles. The park entrance will be on your left. Take State Highway 57 north. Drive about 37 miles to County Highway shore locations for fishing. There is a 200-foot beach with a bath house, new play equipment, vol- right. From Green Bay: , PD. Turn north on Highway PD and go about 2.4 miles to the park entrance. leyball nets, a ball field and horseshoe pits. Traveling south on Interstate Highway 90/94 from La Crosse or Eau Claire In times of high water, Brownstone Accessible facilities include the cabin, an urban fishing pond, fishing pier, three hunting take Exit 143 (Tomah/Necedah) and turn east (left) on State Highway 21. Go about Falls are especially dramatic. blinds, an observation platform at the wildlife refuge and five campsites. All picnic areas have 22 miles to Necedah. In Necedah, turn right at the stop light onto State Highway Photo by Jeff Peters accessible picnic tables. Buildings and most shelters are accessible as well. 80. In about 4 miles, where Highway 80 angles to the right, go south on State Highway 58. Go about 3.1 miles to County Highway G. Turn east (left) and go about 3.5 miles; the park entrance will be on your right. HowRichard to Get Bong There State Recreation Area is 8 miles southeast of Burlington, Wisconsin, on State High Cliff State Park Highway 142. The entrance is a little less than a mile west of State Highway 75. The latitude is CabinsThere are nine cabins for for people people with disabilities within Wisconsin State disabilities Parks. There are rustic 42° 38’ 6.8” north and longitude 88° 7’ 36.5” west. Sherwood, Wisconsin cabins at Copper Falls and Blue Mound state parks and cabins with more amenities at Mirror It’s about 47 miles from Milwaukee, 71 miles from Chicago, and 362 miles from Minneapolis. High Cliff is the only state-owned recreational area on Lake Winnebago, Wisconsin’s largest Lake, Buckhorn, High Cliff, Kohler-Andrae, and Potawatomi state parks, Kettle Moraine State The recreation area is open daily from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Office hours vary with the season. lake. The park has a marina, historic sites, a campground, picnic areas and shelters, a beach, Forest—Southern Unit, and Richard Bong State Recreation Area. watchable wildlife, an observation tower, and play areas. Many facilities including a specially- This table summarizes the similarities and differences between the two types: Mirror Lake State Park designed cabin, are accessible for people with disabilities. Lake Delton, Wisconsin Accessible Rustic Accessible This park is named for its centerpiece, a lake which often is so calm that not a ripple marks its surface. The lake reflects a wooded shoreline with cliffs up to 50 feet high, a swimming beach, John Michael Kohler and Terry and wetlands that are home to a variety of wildlife. Andrae State Parks Naturally Air Conditioned—Sand, Surf, Sun and Fun

Wheelchair accessible Yes Yes Enjoy sun, sand, and swimming at Kohler-Andrae’s Lake Michigan Additional tent permitted No Yes, to 8’x8’ beach. Enjoy the cool shade of a wooded trail on a DNR Photos RV or camping warm, sunny day. DNR Photo No No High Cliff gets its name from the limestone cliff of the Niagara Escarpment, which parallels trailer permitted the eastern shore of Lake Winnebago. This ledge extends northeasterly to the Door County penin- sula and on to Niagara Falls, New York. 6 (or parents, A 125-acre area within the 1,147-acre park is designated as a state natural area, recognizing Maximum people children and not 4 (6 including tent) its excellent cliff environments, an undisturbed wet-mesic forest, and more than a mile of Lake more than 2 guests) Winnebago shoreline. Effigy mounds are important archaeological features. High Cliff has four picnic areas with tables, grills, water, and rest rooms. Three Kitchen with low Picnicking: Cooking counter, stove, Accessible fire ring open-air shelters and an enclosed pavilion may be reserved for a fee. and picnic table The general store museum/nature center is open from 1 to 5 p.m. on facilities microwave, Canoe Mirror Lake surrounded by pine and oak woods. Nature programs: outdoors DNR Photo by Joe Warren weekends from Memorial Day through Labor Day. High Cliff offers educational field trips for refrigerator Just three miles from Wisconsin Dells, Mirror Lake State Park also has three picnic areas (one groups, by reservation, during the fall, winter, and spring. with a shelter and all with grills); wooded campsites; bike, boat, canoe, and kayak rentals; a cabin The most common mammals observed here are fox and gray squirrels, Utensils Bring your own Bring your own Kohler-Andrae State Park in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, is the home of majestic sand dunes, miles raccoons,Watchable skunks, wildlife: opossums, deer, and woodchucks, 13-striped ground squirrels, chipmunks, for people with disabilities; and a cottage designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Only slow, no-wake 2 hospital beds with 1 bed combination, 1 of golden beach, shimmering blue Lake Michigan water, whispering pines, an abundance of boating is allowed. mice, shrews, and bats. Present, but rarely seen, are red fox, weasels, and mink. High Cliff is a wildlife, and recreational activities for everyone. Kohler-Andrae State Park is one of the last The park’s 2,200 acres have 20.4 miles of trails including... premier area to watch the warbler migration in the spring. A bird brochure is available at the park Beds lift, full-size sofa double bed with thin natural preserves along the Lake Michigan shore, and is open for everyone to explore and enjoy. • 28.4 miles of hiking trails office. sleeper, 2 cots mattress pad For people with disabilities, Kohler-Andrae has an accessible cabin, campsite, shower/rest High Cliff has a volleyball court, ball diamonds, and play equipment. • 17.4 miles of cross-country ski trails Play: rooms, nature trail, boardwalk, acessible beach trail and two special beach wheelchairs. One • 9.2 miles of off-road bike trails Yes, with wheel-in Accessible pit toilet, wheelchair is for the cabin occupants and one for general public use. Bathroom shower, bench, and flush toilets and • 1.2 miles of trails for snowshoeing How to Get There • 1.1 miles of interpretive nature trails: High Cliff State Park is 9 miles east of Menasha on State Highway 114. (From Menasha, shower commode chair shower near cabin • 0.5 mile of trail accessible for people with disabilities Highway 114 starts as US Highway 10 and branches off to the southeast.) Turn south off HowKohler-Andrae to Get There is about two miles south of Sheboygan on County Highway V. Highway 114 at Pigeon Road and go about 1.6 miles to the State Park Road. Turn left (east) on Heat and air conditioning Yes No From Interstate Highway 43, take the County Highway V/OK (Waldo) exit. Go east on State Park Road to the park entrance. Two outlets and Highway V about two miles. Where Highway V turns left (north), go straight ahead on Beach HowMirror to Lake Get State There Park is conveniently located near Interstate Highway 90-94. Exit I-90-94 to To reach the park from the south, take US Highway 151 north from Fond du Lac about 18 Electricity Many outlets Park Lane, the park entrance road. U.S. Highway 12 south of Wisconsin Dells. Go south on Highway 12 about .5 mile to Fern Dell miles. Continue north on Wisconsin Highway 55 to Sherwood. Turn left (west) on State Highway lighting in cabin The park address is: Road. Turn west (right) on Fern Dell Road and go about 1.5 miles. The park entrance will be on 55/114. Stay on Highway 114 for about 2 miles to Pigeon Road. Turn left (south) on Pigeon 1020 Beach Park Lane your right. Road and go about 1.6 miles to the State Park Road. Turn left (east) on State Park Road to the Porch Screen porch attached Small open porch Sheboygan WI 53081 park entrance. WISCONSERVATION 8 April 2009 Wisconservation Conversation An Editor’sViewofthe 2009 WaterfowlConference

he waterfowlhunting seasonisclosed. Skiffsand boatsare in dry dock. Decoys are bagged andhanging highand dryfrom the rafters of garages. THowever,the intensity of effort,dedication andenthusiasm of those indi- viduals known as waterfowlers wasnever more obviousthan interacting withthe 200 plus in attendance at the 2009 WaterfowlConference held in Stevens Point March3rd –4th. Forthe most part, camouflage attirewas the uniform of the day. Theseguys and galslook forward to the challenges inclement weather can pro- duce. The conference commenced at 1:00 pm Fridaywith an overview of the confer- ence agenda, moving forward quickly to the scheduled speakers/presenters. Department of Natural Resources staff -Tom Hauge BureauDirector Wildlife Managementpresented an update of the upcomingfinancialbudget affecting waterfowlers.ChiefWardenRandy Stark discussedefforts aimed at increasing involvement of youth in waterfowlhunting and outdoor activities. Migratory Bird Ecologist Kent VanHorn presented an update of the Mississippi Flyway Council WaterfowlConference Stevens Point March 2009 WWF Photo activity andspeciemigration.Warden Todd Schaller discussed the waterfowl enforcement “Concealment” Rule (When is vegetation concealment high enough andwhen is it not.) The status and perspectivesonthe species of Scaup and Canvasback, Wetland Restoration projects were presented by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service andthe Wisconsin WaterfowlAssociationstaff. Mr.Roger Hanson of the Green BayDuckHunters spoke of the organizations long standing and highly successful DuckRescueand RelocationProgram with equipment demonstration.How the manyvolunteers “pluck”hens andtheir broodsout of harmsway as the spring seasonnestingand hatching activityinter- actswith freeways, highways, roadwayscongested with the nemesis,the motor vehicle! Winding down the afternoon heading toward the duckhunters party,atrue southern gentlemanMr. Jim Ronquest,amulti year waterfowlcalling champion representing RNTCallsofArkansas, fluted afew tunes sending different mes- sages to aimaginary on-site waterfowl. Jim’saccompanying video featured incom- ing multi duckspecies responding to his callingefforts.Some ducks fell &some continued in flight. Now thateveryone was“charged”, we headed for the anticipated duckhunters party featuring an abundanceofculinary accomplishmentswith posted ingredi- ents,eliminating the mystery meat thought. If anyone did not get enough to eat, they simply weren’t hungry.The party featuredsilent auction opportunities from manyofthe conferencemanufacturing contributors. Saturdayfeatured alegislative update from Wisconsin Wildlife Federation Executive DirectorGeorge Meyer followed by the increasinglayout blindwater- WaterfowlCalling Champion Jim Runquest representing RNTCalls (Arkansas) fowl hunting methodpresented by Mark Rongers of Mighty Layout Boys. WWF Photo Delta WaterfowlMagazine Associate Editor Tori McCormick(Bismark ND) spoke to Delta’s Vanishing HunterSeries andMr. Tim Moser USFWS presented avideo featuringLight GooseManagement –primarily the devastation to the prairies in Canada by the snow goose specie. Heading toward lunch, Mr.Tom Dokken(Oak Ridge Kennels/Deadfowl Trainers alongwith two black labradors,gaveaverbaland physical demonstra- tion of how to and how not to train apuppy. Thinking back of my own labrador puppy training episode,Iqualify in the “hownot to” category. The afternoon activity offered breakout sessionsinduckcalling,dog training andmore layout blindhunting.The effectsofBiofuel Production on Waterfowlby Professor Todd Arnold, University of Minnesota –Mallard BroodSurvival Study by Courtney Amundson, University of Minnesota PHD candidate concluding with aquestionand answer panel. Speaking for myself, Icame away fromthe conferencewith abetter under- standingofIcan improve my baglimit fulfillmentexpectationsespeciallythe overcalling and incorrect calling of approaching waterfowland the needof researchingdecoy placement. Iknow how to train aLabrador puppy,let someoneelse do it! Looking forward to the 2010 conference – Be safe out there! If you don’tknow the hunting regulations,stayhome! …Dag

Volunteers Needed for Sturgeon Guard: Night “After Sunset” DuckHunter PartyActivity WWF Photo Shift Volunteers Especially in Demand

SHKOSH -EachSpring,hun- generoussacklunchand an identifica- dredsofvolunteers guard stur- tion hat (that theykeep), anddirected to Ogeon at their spawning sites on their site.Atthe end of their shift, the Wolf River to protectthe fish from guardsreturn to camp for another poaching.This rich tradition andpart- hearty home-cookedmeal before they nership withthe public is directed by make their wayhome. Department of Natural ResourcesLaw Currently,Sturgeon Guard is muchin Enforcement staff andfunded, in part, needofvolunteers to fill the overnight by Sturgeonfor Tomorrow,alocal stur- shifts.Ifyou are interested in signing up geon conservation organization. for the Sturgeon Guard, sendanemail Whensturgeon spawn alongthe message to: sturgeon.guard@wisconsin. rocky shorelines of the Wolf River they gov (email is preferred),orcall the paylittle attention to people andare Sturgeon Guard Coordinator at the DNR very susceptible to illegal harvest. To OshkoshService Center (920)303-5444. protect them, “Sturgeon Guard” volun- While it is impossibletopredict the teers maintain apresence at the spawn- exact dates thatspawning will occur ing sites 24-hours aday throughoutthe eachyear,guardsare routinely sched- spawning season, whichusuallybegins uled somewhere within awindow from in late April andlasts throughearly April 15 through May5.Spawning gen- May. erally occurs for afive to seven dayperi- When spawning begins, pairs of stur- od. DNR schedulers do their besttoget geon guards are assigned to sites along all scheduled guards out on the river- the river for 12-hour shifts.Prior to bank to see fish, butsince nature dic- assignment, guards checkinat tates the spawning activities timing and “Sturgeon Camp” justnorth of Shiocton, duration, schedulers cannot guarantee TomDokken representing Oak RidgeKennel DeadfowlTrainers WWF Photo where they are fed agood meal, given a all volunteers will actually get ashift. WISCONSERVATION 9 April 2009 2009 WisconsinHunting&TrappingSeasons

RuffedGrouse Squirrels, Gray andFox Zone ASept.12-Jan. 31, 2010 Zone BOct.17-Dec. 8 Statewide Sept.12-Jan. 31, 2010

Bobwhite Quail Raccoon StatewideOct.17(noon) -Dec. 9 Resident Gun/Trapping Oct.17-Feb. 15, 2010 Non-Resident Furbearer Oct.31-Feb. 15, 2010 Huntingand Trapping Sharp-tailedGrouse Oct.17-Nov. 8 Black Bear Zone Cwheredogs arenot permitted: Sept.9-Oct.13 Pheasant Allother zones wheredogs are permitted: Statewide Oct.17(noon) -Dec. 31 Sept.9-Sept.15 •with aidofdogs only Sept.16-Oct.6 •with aidofdogs Woodcock •with aidofbait Sept.19-Nov. 2 •with allother methods Oct.7-Oct.13 •with aidofbait •with other methods not utilizingdogs Wild Turkey Coyote Hunting YouthTurkeyHunt Apr.11-12 Continuous open season except closed in thenorthernWisconsinwolfmanagement OpenZones zone duringthe regular gun deer,December SpringPeriodA Apr.15-19 antlerless only, and muzzleloader seasons. PeriodB Apr.22-26 Trapping PeriodC Apr.29-May 3 NorthernZone Oct.17-Feb. 15, 2010 PeriodD May 6-10 SouthernZone Oct.31-Feb. 15, 2010 PeriodE May 13-17 PeriodF May 20-24 Fox(allspecies) Fall Sept.12-Nov. 19 NorthernZone Oct.17-Feb. 15, 2010 (Fallseason maybeextended in 2009) SouthernZone Oct.31-Feb. 15, 2010 Beaver Mourning Dove Trapping only Statewide Sept.1-Nov. 9 Zone A(Northwest)Nov.7-Apr.30, 2010 Zone B(Northeast)Nov.7-Apr.30, 2010 Zone C(South) Nov. 7-Mar.31, 2010 Waterfowl Zone D(Mississippi River) Dayafterduck season closes to March 15, 2010 Season dates forwaterfowl vary annually.Duck and regular season goose regulations will not be available Mink until August. North Zone Oct.17-Feb. 28, 2010 SouthZone Oct.31-Feb. 28, 2010 CanadaGoose Winnebago Oct.31-March 15, 2010 Mississippi RiverBeginsthe day afterduck season closes or thesecond Early Goose Season Sept.1-15 Monday in November,whicheveroccursfirst, and ends on February28, 2010. Hungarian Partridge Muskrat Statewide*Oct.17(noon) -Dec. 31 North Zone Oct.17-Feb. 28, 2010 *Closed in Clark, Marathon, and Taylor counties SouthZone Oct.31-Feb. 28, 2010 Winnebago Oct.31-March 15, 2010 Crow Mississippi RiverBeginsthe day afterduck season closes or thesecond Monday in November,whicheveroccursfirstand ends Jan. 25 -March 20 February28, 2010. and Sept.12-Nov. 19 Bobcat,Otterand Fisher White-tailed Deer (non-CWD units**) Permitsrequired Duetopending rules, these deer seasons may be modified. BowSept.12-Nov. 19 Bobcat Hunting/Trapping North of Hwy.64Oct.17-Dec. 31 and Nov. 30 -Jan. 3, 2010 Fisher Trapping onlyVarious Zones Oct.17-Dec. 31 Gun Nov. 21 -Nov.29 Otter Trapping onlyNorth Zone Nov. 7-April 30, 2010 Muzzleloader Nov. 30 -Dec. 9 CentralZone Nov. 7-Mar.31, 2010 SouthZone Nov. 7-Mar.31, 2010 YouthDeer Hunt Oct.10-11 Statewide Antlerless OnlyDec. 10 -Dec. 13 **See the 2009 Deer HuntingRegulations forpossibleOctober gun huntsas Opossum, Skunk, Weasel,and Snowshoe Hare wellasfor CWD hunt dates. No season limits,bag limits,sizelimits or possession limits.

Cottontail Rabbit Protected Species HuntingProtected Species, such as badger,woodchuck, wolf, elk, jackrabbit NorthernZone Sept.12-Feb. 28, 2010 and flyingsquirrelisprohibited. See 2009 SmallGame Regulations formore SouthernZone Oct.17(noon) -Feb.28, 2010 details. WISCONSERVATION 10 April 2009 2009 WisconsinHunting& TrappingSeasons Permit ApplicationDeadlines Horicon &CollinsZones Goose Seasons August 1 Fall Turkey August 1 Sharp-tailedGrouse August 1 Bobcat August 1 OtterAugust 1 Fisher August 1 SpringTurkeyDecember 10 The 4thAnnualWisconsin Outdoor Bear December 10 EducationExpo Needs Volunteers Drawing Dates andSponsorships Horicon &CollinsZones Goose Season Late August Fall Turkey Late August TheWisconsin Outdoor AllianceFoundation (WOAF) will hold its 4th Sharp-tailedGrouse Mid-September Annual Expo for 4thand 5th grade students on May14-15 at the Dodge County Fairgrounds. Three WisconsinOutdoor Education Expos have been Bobcat Mid-September held at the Dodge County Fairgrounds since 2006 withstudentand OtterMid-September teacher totalattendanceexceeding15,000. Thistotally-free eventfea- Fisher Mid-September tures educationalopportunities in archery, firearmsafety, fishing, trapping, SpringTurkeyLateJanuary wildlife, sporting dogs,trail recreation andconservation heritage. On a Bear Early February scale of 1to10rating the EXPO:(1beingvery poor and 10 beingexcel- lent), the average rating from teachers was a9.4 for Expo 2008! “TheExpohas been wildly successful,but in order to continue to make thisarewarding experience for youth, we need volunteers andsponsors,” Land Acquisition and Recreation Grants explained DanGunderson, WOAF Executive Director. “The Campsrequire Deadline is May1,2009 almost500 volunteers and weare seekingaminimum commitment of four hours.” POONER –May 1, 2009 is the costs.Acopy of the booklets or applica- TheExpoisatotally-free eventthat requiressignificantsponsorsupport deadlinefor landacquisition tion assistance can be obtained by con- for itemslike 40’x100’tents. “Tents arethe biggest expense item and they Sand outdoor recreationarea tacting either Ed Slaminski, DNR arecritical to the safetyand enjoyment ofour students,” Gunderson grants administered by the Department Regional Community Services added. of Natural Resources.Grantapplication Specialist, at 715-635-4130 (e-mail) at If you would like more information go to www.wisexpo.com or call Heidi booklets are availablefor Department of [email protected] for Hubble, EventCoordinator,at1(877)432-7698. Natural Resources’ Knowles-Nelson Ashland, Bayfield, Barron,Burnett, Stewardship Local AssistanceGrants, Douglas, Rusk, Polk, Sawyer, and 2009 Sponsors: FederalRecreational Trail grants,and Washburn counties,orPat Zatopa, DNR Aldo Leopold Sponsor: The NatureConservancy, ATCEnvironmental Stewardship the Federal Landand Water RegionalCommunity Services Fund of the Natural Resources Foundation, Weatherby Foundation International, Conservation fund. Specialist, at 715-365-8928 (e-mail) DaneCounty Conservation League, AlliantEnergy Foundation Through theseprograms local units of [email protected] for LegacyFoundation: WisconsinState CouncilofCarpenters,Wisconsin Wildlife Oneida, Vilas, Taylor,Lincoln,Forest, governmentand nonprofit conservation Federation, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Wings Over Wisconsin, Inc. organizationscan receivefunds to Florence,Price,Iron, andLanglade coun- Heritage Partner: Whitetail’sUnlimited, INC.,Winnebagoland Conservation acquire land and land rights, and devel- ties. op public outdoor recreation areas. Application information is available Alliance, Oneida Nation, Wisconsin ConservationCongress, AFSCME Council24, Project selection andgrantawards will at the DNR’s website underthe Manitowoc County Fish and Game Protective Association, Kolpin Powersport, be made after July 2009.Grants are Community Financial Assistancepage. International Union of OperatingEngineersLocal 139, PheasantsForever,Exxon availablefor up to 50%ofeligible project Mobil Corporation,Enbridge Inc. Special In-Kind Contributor: Dodge County FairAssociation, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, WisconsinDepartmentofPublicInstruction Public RightsFlowEstablishedfor the LittlePloverRiver South Central Wisconsin: Spring Burning Aims to ImproveWildlifeHabitat LOVER –When asection of the ities andindustry,increasing public Little Plover River dried up in awareness and voluntary reductionof ITCHBURG –Once again, the OlsonOak Woods SNA, Hook Lake WA, P2005,pictures of the dry stream municipal groundwater pumpingat DepartmentofNatural Badfish Creek WA,Deansville WA,Lake bed where there once wasaClass1trout wells located closesttothe stream. FResources will be conducting KegonsaEWHP,Anthony BranchFA, streamran in newspapers across the To date theseactions have not be suf- burns on public landsthis spring in Governor Nelson State Park, Waubesa state. ficienttokeep the Little Plover from dry- southcentralWisconsin. Wetlands SNA, Mazomanie OakBarrens Heavy demand for groundwater in ing up duringcertain times of the year. Controlledorprescribed burningis SNA, Nevin Fish &WildlifeArea, the area,during atime of drought, had EstablishingaPRF,afeature of the an ecological and economical methodof Brooklyn WA and Goose LakeWA. diminished the ability of this central state’ssurfacewaterprotection laws,is limitingexotic andunwantedbrush • Grant County –Dewey Heights sands aquifer to recharge the Portage the next step in this process. invasionsthat crowd out native vegeta- Prairie SNA, Blue River Bluffs -Ellenbolt County streamand keep it flowing. “It’sthe minimum healthy flowwe tion and also: SNA, Snow Bottom SNA, Wyalusing Nowabroad coalition of farmers,edu- wouldlike to see maintained in this •Stimulates prairie grassgrowth Hardwoods SNA, Gasner HollowPrairie cators,municipal officials,business lead- stream,”said Dan Baumann, water pro- and improves habitat for upland game SNA, Millville Unit –Lower WI State ers andconservationists, working in grams manager for the DNR’swest cen- and waterfowl. Riverway,WoodmanLake Sand Prairie partnership with the state Department tral region. “By settingthis limitweare •Creates pockets of open water for SNA, and HardscrabblePrairie SNA of Natural Resources,has developeda establishingabenchmark to judge the waterfowlamidst cattails proliferating • GreenCounty –Albany WA, “public rights flow”(PRF) for the Little stream’scondition and measure our in low areas. Brooklyn WA,York Prairie SNA, Liberty Plover,located in the Village of Plover progress.Our goal is to developsolutions •Improves cover type for upland Creek WA and Cadiz Springs Recreation andinthe towns of Stockton and Plover. all of us can live with.” nesting birds,suchaspheasants, and Area. The PRFestablishesthe flowlevel Flows will be measured by stream spursnative vegetativegrowth for song- • Iowa County –Avoca Prairie below whichthe public’s interestinthe gauges thatdetect how manycubic feet birds. SNA, Ridgeway Pine Relic SNA andPine stream is being harmed.The public’s of water passagiven location in asec- •Help preserve grasslands and Cliff SNA interestincludes values related to fish- ond. The gauges will be monitored by native flora, plant species that weresus- • JeffersonCounty –Jefferson ing,navigation,scenic beauty,habitat UW-SP,the Village of Plover andthe tained by natural fires priortointensive MarshWA, Lake Mills WA,Prince’s protection and water quality. DNR. European settlement. Point WA,Rome Pond WA,Waterloo WA, The Little Plover work group was Copies of thePublic Rights Flow DNR biologists hopetostart burning Kettle MoraineOO/BaldBluff SNA, formedin2006 to find ways to restore a Order willbeavailable at the nextLittle soon and, dependingonthe weather, Young Prairie SNA, ArkinEWHP and healthy flow in the streamand prevent Plover River Workgroup meeting being maycontinue into May. Burnsnot com- Woodside LaneEWHP reoccurring episodesofstream dry-up. held on April 8, 2009,atthe Portage pleted this springmay be done nextfall • Lafayette County –Weir White Work group members include represen- County Annex Building,Conference or winter.State Wildlife Areas (WA), Oaks SNA, Yellowstone Savanna SNA tatives from local municipalities,indus- Room #5,at6:30 pm.Acopy of the order State FisheriesAreas (FA), Extensive andIpswitchPrairie SNA try, vegetable growers,the University of can alsobefoundafterMarch30, 2009, WetlandHabitat Protection Areas • Richland County –Smith Slough Wisconsin-Stevens Point andconserva- at the DNR web sitebysearchingfor (EWHP) and State Natural Areas (SNA) SNA andCruzin Slough SNA tion groups representedbyTrout “Little Plover River Public Rights Flow scheduledfor prescribed burns in south • RockCounty –Avon Bottoms WA, Unlimited, the River Alliance andthe Order” or by contacting DanBaumann centralWisconsin are located in: Evansville WA,Lima MarshWA, Storr’s Friends of the Little Plover. at 715-839-3722 or at dan.baumann@ • Crawford County –Oak Coulee Lake WA,Lawrence Prairie SNA and Actions taken include increased wisconsin.gov. Woods SNA. Swenson WetPrairie SNA water recycling andreusebymunicipal- • Dane County –Lodi MarshWA, • SaukCounty –Ferry BluffSNA WISCONSERVATION 11 April 2009 Environmental Enforcement Wisconsin DepartmentofJustice

State SettlesWetland Filling Case AgainstDonaldGerlach Mullins Cheese, Inc. Found to Have Violated the andWondra Excavating,Inc. State’s Wastewater Laws

ttorney General J.B. VanHollen truckloads of fill, at an estimated cost of he Wisconsin Department of Justice Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources announced that the Wisconsin $45,438, anditagreed to pay$1,483 in forfei- has settled acivil wastewater viola- and referredtothe Department of Justice for Ttions casewith MullinsCheese,Inc., prosecution. ADepartment of Justice has settled a tures.Mr. Gerlachhas agreedtopay lawsuit against DonaldGerlachand Wondra $5,000.00. He willpay additional penaltiesof of Marshfield,whichoperates cheese making On February12, 2009, the Honorable Excavating,Inc.(Wondra) for violations of $2,500.00 if the remaining fillisnot removed facilities in Mosinee andMarshfield. The com- Vincent K. Howard approvedanagreement stateenvironmental protection laws. by August 15,2009, he willpay $25 perday if plaint,whichwas filed in MarathonCounty, between the State andMullins Cheese and According to the complaint filed at the the fill is not removed by October 1, 2009,and alleges thatinthe summer and fall of 2005 Judgment wasfiled on February18. The request of the Department of Natural he willrestore the wetland vegetation on his Mullins Cheese wasshifting to anew waste- Court ordered MullinsCheese to payforfei- tures andcosts totaling$120,000, implement Resources (DNR), Wondrahauledapproxi- property. water disposal system andspread more wastewater on its fields thanallowed under asludge dewateringprocess at the Mosinee mately 550truckloads of fill material(clayey “The lawisclear.Those wishing to place their permit, landspreadonunapproved facility,and increase itswastewater storage soil) to Mr.Gerlach’sproperty,athis request. fillinwetlands mustfirst seek andobtaina fields, spread wastewater too close to inhabit- capacity.Mullins Cheese also agreedtoa Aportion of this fill wasinitially placedin permit from the DNR,”Attorney General J.B. ed homes andfailed to accuratelyrecord this schedule of penaltiesfor wastewater and wetlandsonthe property.Mr. Gerlachthen VanHollen said. “Not only do wetlands pro- disposal. The complaintalso alleges thatin landspreading violationsduring the nexttwo proceededtomove fill into wetlands on over 2 vide habitatfor more species of plants and late 2005,Mullins illegally discharged waste- years. acres of his property. animals thanany other type of landscapein water to Lake du Baybecause of problems The State wasrepresented by Assistant When DNR discovered the wetland filling Wisconsin, wetlandscan store water to pre- within the Mosinee plant. Attorney General Steven Tinker. violations, Wondraagreed to remove the fill it vent flooding, purifywaterand minimizeero- Theseviolationswere investigated by the hadprovided, butMr. Gerlachwas not cooper- sion.The Department of Justice willcontinue ative.AfterDNR referred the violationstothe to work with the DNR to ensure compliance Department of Justice for enforcement,Mr. with the law.” Appleton Area Developer andConstructionCompaniesOrdered to Gerlachallowed Wondratoremove fill, and Assistant Attorney General Diane after the State filed its lawsuit againstMr. Milligan represented the State.The settle- Pay$150,000 forConstructionSite Violations of State Gerlach, he agreedtoremove the remainder ment wasapproved by Fond du Lac County of the fill andtorestore the wetlands. Circuit Court Judge Steven W. Weinke. EnvironmentalLaws Wondraremoved approximately 609 ichael Hagens,Hagens Land undertookland disturbance activities, includ- Investments, Inc., TimberTrail ing clearing, grading, and constructing acul- MInvestments, LLC,and Woodland vert,and builtanartificialpond, all without Milltown Tire Companiesand OwnerOrdered to Remove Tire Pile Developments,LLC,all from Appleton and permits andwithoutprotecting the adjacent Carl Bowers andSons Construction Co.from Bear Creek, at the Timber Trail site in the andPay Penalties Kaukauna, have agreed to pay$150,000 and Town of Ellington, OutagamieCounty.Most of to implement permanent post-construction the violationstook place in 2006 and2007, onald L. Michaelson,the Don Lee As part of the settlement, Donald best management practices at two sites in and somehavecontinued into 2009. Company,Inc., and the Tire &Auto Michaelson,the Don LeeCompanyand the Outagamieand CalumetCounties,tosettle As part of the settlement, Hagens,Bowers DCenter LLC,all from Milltown, Tire and AutoCenter will remove all of the state claimsbroughtunderWisconsin’s envi- andthe Hagens companieswill pay$150,000 Polk County,haveagreed to remove apile of tires by April 2010,and willpay $3,000 in for- ronmental protection laws. in forfeitures,costs andfees,will restore the 5,000tires andtopay $3,000 to settlestate feitures and costs. Wisconsin lawrequires permits andthe wetland at the Timber Trail site,and will claimsbroughtunderWisconsin’s solid waste The accumulation of thousands of tire implementation of best management prac- complete the permitting processesand imple- management laws. poses arisk of disease includingmosquito- ticesfor landdisturbance activities in, adja- ment permanent post-construction best man- Wisconsin lawprohibits the long-term borndiseases like West Nile virus and cent to or nearwetlands andnavigable agement practices at bothsites. storageoftires without asolid waste storage encephalitis,and also poses afire threatto waters,toensure that statewaterresources Runoff pollution is the major source of pol- luted waters in Wisconsin. “Wisconsinlaw facility operating license and plan approval neighboring residences and businesses.In are protectedfrom pollutingerosion and storm water runoff. requires thatdevelopers andcontractors fromthe Department of Natural Resources, announcing the settlement,Attorney General According to the consolidated complaints properly manage construction sites to protect and prohibitsthe disposal of tiresatanunli- J.B. VanHollen recognized the Village’scon- in this action,Michael Hagens,Carl Bowers statewaters,” Attorney General J.B. Van cerns about the tire pile.“The Department of censed facility.According to the complaint, and Sons ConstructionCo.,and two compa- Hollensaid.“The Department of Justice will Donald Michaelson,the Don LeeCompany Justice willcontinue to work with the DNR to niesowned by Hagens undertookland distur- continue to workwith the DNR to ensure that andthe Tire &Auto Centerhaveboth stored ensure thatWisconsin’s citizens are protected bance activitiesnear apond andfilled a Wisconsin’snatural resourcesare protected anddisposed of tires on property owned by through compliance with the law.” wetland without permits andwithoutprotect- through compliance with the law.” the Don Lee CompanyinMilltown without a Assistant Attorney General JoAnneF. ing the pond or adjacent wetlands at the Assistant Attorney General JoAnneF. license, sinceatleast1996. There are current- Kloppenburgprosecuted the case. Polk WoodlandHills Condominium site in Kloppenburgprosecuted the case. Outagamie ly approximately5,000 tiresonthe Don Lee County Circuit Court Judge Robert H. Menasha, Calumet County.Hagens and County Circuit Court Judge Harold V. property. Rasmussen approved the settlement. Bowers andtwo companiesowned by Hagens Froehlichapproved the settlement. U.S. Fish &WildlifeService U.S. Dept.ofJustice

Four Arrested in KillingsofEagles andOther ProtectedBirds Southeast ResidentSentencedtoThree Years in Federal Prison for Illegally Killing andSelling Marine Mammals 3/09 salestoanundercover agent, including two fans madefrom juvenile golden eagle feathers our men have been arrested by spe- worth over $3,000. nchorage,Alaska –United States Rowland informed agents thatheresearched cial agents of the U.S. Fish and “Aswith so manyinstances regarding the Attorney Karen L. Loeffler the regulations andlawsgoverningsea otters Aannounced that on March 9, 2009, by anonymously contacting variousgovern- FWildlife Service as the result of an conservationand use of our natural resources, undercover investigation intothe illegal the illegal actionsofafew selfish individuals Christopher R. Rowland,aresidentofCraig, ment agencies,including the U.S. Fish and killing andtrade of bald andgolden eagles have the potentialtohurt the interestsofthe Alaska, wassentenced to 37 monthsinprison Wildlife Service,for information on marine andother protected birds,aswell as their majorityofpeople whorespect the resource,” and fined$5,000 in federal court in mammalrulesand regulations.Thus armed feathers andparts, the Justice Department said Paul Chang,Special Agent in Charge of Anchorage for his conviction of fourcounts of withregulatory andlegal information,Mr. and the Fish and Wildlife Service announced LawEnforcement for the Service’sPacific violatingthe Lacey Actand the Marine Rowland gained aclear understandingonhow today. The men are charged withalleged vio- Region. “It is alarming that eagles, sacred to MammalProtection Act. Followingcomple- besttoconcealhis crimes andput that under- lationsofthe Baldand GoldenEagle many,could be at risk becauseofthe illegal tion of his sentence of imprisonment, Rowland standing intopractice.Mr. Rowland alsotook Protection Act, the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, greed-drivenactions of relatively few individ- will be on supervised releasefor three years. the additional steps to maximize his hunting andthe Lacey Act. uals.” Rowland pled guilty to the fourcounts on time at sea by studying biologistand other Arrestedwere Ricky Sam Wahchumwah, Forexample,arecent survey of 129his- December 22,2008. population distributionstudies of sea otter of Granger,Washington, AlfredL.HawkJr.,of toric golden eagle nesting sites in Washington Rowland,age 41,was sentenced by Chief populations in SoutheastAlaska. From these White Swan,Washington, William Wahsise, revealedthat only48are currently occupied. UnitedStates District Court Judge John W. habitatand population studies, Mr.Rowland also of White Swan, Washington, and Of those, only half are producingyoung. Sedwick. learned of the bestsea otter rafting andcon- Reginald Dale Akeen, alsoknown as J.J. Eagles andother protected migratory In connection with the sentencing, the gregation areaswherethe mammalswould Lonelodge,ofAnadarko,Oklahoma. birds are viewedassacred in many Native United States Attorney’sofficeadvised the presentalarger concentration of targets. The charging documentsallege thatthe American cultures and the feathersofthe court thatRowland wasextensively engaged In the course of thisinvestigationthe individuals wereinvolved in killing eagles birds are central to religious and spiritual in the illegal hunting, killing,and export of USFWS documented the illegal take of and selling feathersand other birdpartsin NativeAmerican customs.Bylaw,enrolled sea otters,sea lions andharborseals andthe approximately75sea otters,and the illegal violation of federallaw. members of federally recognized Native illegal sale of their pelts. As explained to the sale of 6sea otter pelts andseveral skulls. According to an affidavit filed alongwith American tribes are entitled to obtain permits court, the investigation started as aresponse Two of the illegal takes were springborn the complaints,special agents workingunder- to possess eagle parts for religious purposes to aconcerned citizen’stip whichled to atwo- pups,described by the defendantas“micro- cover were able to documentthe salesofpro- butfederal lawstrictly prohibits the sale of year undercover operation intothe illegal babies.” Statements made by the defendantto tected migratory bird parts.One complaint eagles or their feathers andpartsunderany commercializationofsea otters,seals,and sea undercover officers indicatedthe defendant alleges that asingle covert purchase from circumstance.The Fish and Wildlife Service lions,all of whichare protected by the Marine wasonly just getting startedand had plans to Hawk Jr.yielded abald eagle tail, two golden operates the National Eagle Repository,which MammalProtection Act. During the under- market40-50 hides permonth to abroker in eagle tails,one set of golden eagle wings, four collects eaglesthat dienaturally, by accident cover operation,agents documented Korea. Thosesaleswould alsohavebeen ille- red-shafted northern flicker tails,four rough- or other means to supply enrolledmembers of Rowland’sillegal take of sea otters,the illegal gal under the MarineMammal Protection Act legged hawk tails,and two northern harrier federally recognized tribes with eagle parts sale of their pelts, and the failure to record and the Lacey Act. tails for atotal of $3,000.According to the doc- for religious use. The Service hasworked to and report harvest dataasrequired by the The United States Fish and Wildlife uments,Hawk, Jr.and Wahsise allegedly increase the number of salvaged eagles sent MarineMammal Protection Act. Service led the investigation thatled to the huntedand killed three bald eaglesthe morn- to the Repository andmake it easier to send The undercover operation revealed prosecution of Mr.Rowland. Thatinvestiga- ing of the sale,bysitting nearsome wild hors- birds to the facility by providing shipping Rowland violated the federalMarine Mammal tion and today’sprosecution benefitted signif- es killed to bait andattract eagles.Athird materials at no charge. The Repository Protection Act, the Lacey Act andthe icantly from the support of Alaska Wildlife complaintalleges thatWahchumwah soldone obtains eagles from state andfederal agencies Endangered Species Act by conducting fre- Troopers,NOAA Fisheries’ OfficeofLaw golden eagle tailinviolation of the law. The as well as zoos. quent andwell-planned huntingtrips to har- Enforcement, U. S. Forest Service, sworn affidavit accompanyingthe complaint The agency encourages anyone whofinds vest sea otters andsell their pelts on a Immigrationand CustomsEnforcement, U.S. states that Wahchumwah soldthe tailtoan an eagle carcass or eagle feathers or other commercial scale andwithoutregard to the Marshals Service,the State of Alaska undercover special agent for $500. parts to contact aFish andWildlife Service consequences of his illegal taking. During the Attorney General’sOffice, the Alaska Bureau Afourth complaint, filed in the District of lawenforcement office (http://www.fws.gov/le/ course of the undercover operation conducted of Alcohol andDrug Enforcement, andthe Oregon, alleges that Akeenmade several ContactsSites/le_chart.htm). by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,Mr. U.S. Attorney’sOffice. WISCONSERVATION 12 April 2009

OneYouthtoWin Bear Take Note! HuntingOpportunity Poynette,WI–The WisconsinWildlifeFederation,inpart- Officers&Directors. Page 2. nershipwiththe Department of Natural Resources will reward one talented youth withanopportunity to participate in achanceofalifetimebear hunt! Ethical Hunter Award. Page 4. To enter,any individual,age 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, or 16 State Parks. Pages 6&7. must submitanoriginal typed, double-spaced essay, 500 words or fewer, addressingthisquestion:

2009 Hunting &Trapping Seasons. Page 9. “What is the importance of youth hunting today?”

PermitApplication Deadlines. Page 10. Applicants must be 10 years of age or older withlessthan twoyears of hunting experienceofany kind. Environmental Enforcement. Page 11. Entriesmustbepostmarkedbyore-mailedbyMay 1to:

EditorD.A.Gries Wisconsin WildlifeFederation c/o Bear Hunting EssayContest W7303 CtyRdCS&Q Poynette,WI53955-9690 Email: [email protected] NOAA Answer Phone: 608-635-2742 Carbondioxide is oneofthe major factors determiningglobal climate andhas been Entriesmustinclude the contestant’sname,address, e-mail increasing steadily since the Industrial Revolution duetofossil fuel burning andother human activities.NOAAhas created acomputer modeling tool, called CarbonTracker, address, birthdate and phone number(s)oneachpage of which allows users to tracknatural and man-made sources and sinks of atmospheric the essay–and acompleted, LearntoHunt Bear Program carbon dioxide (CO2)through time by region and source. application available at;dnr.wi.gov/org/land/wildlife/hunt/ NOAA’sCarbonTrackerenables policy makers,industry, scientists, and the public to evaluate the effectiveness of their efforts to reduce carbon emissions and makemore bear/lth.htm informed decisions about limiting greenhouse gas levels in theatmosphere at local and regional levels. The top-scoring essaywill be chosen from eachage catego- AtmosphericCO2measurements and observedwindsfrom all over the globe are fed ry.The grand prizewinner will be chosen by arandom lottery intoCarbonTracker, which calculates CO2 emissions(“sources”) and removals (“sinks”) for135 ecosystems and 11 ocean basins worldwide.CarbonTrackerthen transforms the of the top essays. The winner will be notified by telephone. results into acolor-coded map of sources and sinks.One of the system’smost powerful assets is its ability to detect natural variations in carbon uptakeand releasebyoceans Scoring criteria are available at www.wiwf.org. andvegetation, which couldeither aid or counteract societies’ effortstocurb fossil fuel emissionsonaseasonal basis. Using today’sdata, CarbonTrackercan distinguish surfaceemissions on abroad scale and plans are underway to further refine it on much smaller scales–even accounting forpower plants,cars,growing forests,regional drought, and more at the city level. Forexample,itishoped that resolution will be fine enough to determine net emis- sions from the Sacramento area independentlyfrom those from the San FranciscoBay Wisconsin Wildlife Federation’s area. Call forCalendarPhotos for2010 APhoto Contest sponsored by the Wisconsin Wildlife Federationwill be held to select photographsfor itsannualconservation calendarraffle program for the year 2010. What can be submitted? Any colorphotograph of the WI outdoors; hunting,fishing &trapping activities; hunting dogs,plants,wildlife, scenery; etc. Photoscan be as March2009 simple as asnapshot from your 35mm or digitalcamera! Contest Rules 1. Anyone, amateur or professional may enter. Calendar 2. Coloredphotograph(s) and entry form(below) mustbepostmarked on or before May1,2009 to be considered for the 2010 calendar. 3. Photographs need to representWisconsin; such as, hunting, fishing &trapping Winners activities; hunting dogs,plants,wildlife, scenery; etc. 4. TheWisconsin Wildlife FederationCalendar Committee has the right to reject any or all entries. 5. Photossent via email will notbeconsidered.However, if selected youmay be asked to sendphoto electronically. 1$1000 Cash Dave Larson,Fort Atkinson, WI 7076 6. Photos printed on regularcopy papervia your computer will notbeconsidered. 2$100 Cash TomAltman,Marshfield, WI 5327 Photo qualitypaper only. 3Winchester 1885 Highwall 325 WSMCharlie Snook,Chadron, NE 3320 7. All photos becomethe propertyofthe WisconsinWildlife Federation. 4GanderMountain GiftCard $100 value Frank Kujawa,Berlin, WI 2957 8. Individuals with photos selected for the 2010 calendar will be contacted by the 5CZRedheadDeluxe 12ga Richard Herffman, Richland Center,WI8719 WWF office in June. 6GanderMountain GiftCard $100 value Shawn McCarville, Kenosha, WI 8202 7Tikka T3 lite SS 270WSM Louis Quella, Menasha, WI 2420 8$100 Cash James Esselmun, Port Washington, WI 8786 Wisconsin Wildlife Federation 9Benelli Super Nova 12ga 3.5Gary Free,Manitowoc, WI 4404 CALENDAR PHOTOENTRYFORM 2010 10 Gander Mountain GiftCard $100 value JonLongfellow,ForestLake,MN1966 TheWisconsin Wildlife Federationishereby authorized to reproduce the photo- 11 $100 Cash Fred Pieper,Rubicon, WI 9067 graph(s) submitted, if chosen for the 2010 WWF Raffle Calendar. 12 Savage16FXP3300 wsm combo Den &Barb Loppnow,Ixonia,WI1132 13 GanderMountain GiftCard $100 value Sarah Becerra, Carrollton, TX 6690 Title of Photo ______14 $100 Cash MattBender,Wisconsin Rapids,WI736 Locationwhere photowas taken______15 $100 Cash MaryMalliet, Little Chute, WI 1504 16 Henry Golden Boy 22LR Jill Schmudlach, Ripon, WI 4204 Name of Photographer ______17 Gander Mountain GiftCard $100 value Deb Bezdicek,Yuma, AZ 2781 Address ______18 $100 Cash Bruce Bear,Johnson Creek, WI 657 19 Gander Mountain GiftCard $100 value Gerald Turner,Clintonville,WI9508 City ______20 NEFA512ga syn Chris Gilbertson, Sparta, WI 3365 21 $100 Cash Jim GruberJr.,Sheboygan, WI 2575 State ______Zip ______22 GanderMountain GiftCard $100 value Gary Johnson, West Allis, WI 411 DaytimePhone ______Email ______23 Marlin 917M217m2 SteveRahn, Lanesboro, MN 5648 24 $100 CashBill Hamer,Oshkosh, WI 1070 Please send entries and formto: Wisconsin Wildlife Federation 25 GanderMountain GiftCard $100 value ChanceNewlun, Camp Douglas,WI3300 Attn: Calendar Committee 26 $100 Cash Gabe Gerzmehle, Stevens Point, WI 803 W7303 County Road CS &Q 27 NEF Pardner Pump Turkey 12ga Chris Hanson, OakCreek, WI 380 Poynette,WI53955-9690 28 Gander Mountain GiftCard $100 value Jeff Laeyendecker,Greenleaf, WI 2450 Forfurther information please contact us at: 608-635-2742 or 800-897-4161 29 $100 CashRickPeronto,Green Bay, WI 9999 Email: [email protected] 30 Savage 64 FXP w/scope Todd Berglund, Elkhart Lake,WI141 31 GanderMountain GiftCard $100 value Craig Longfellow,Star Prairie,WI2254 *Pleaseduplicate as necessary.