DSORadio: DSORe eNews Vol.9 Issue S923

VOL: 9 ISSUE: 923 - 07 JUNE 2014

• New RoboHandle makes landing nets and many outdoor tools easier to use • Adams County parks expansions will boost campsites to 800
• Dan uses the RoboHandles for yard work • Jeff goes carp fishing (again!)

Do you think “Free Fun Weekend” recruits many new anglers and outdoor recreationists?

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INSTANT SURVEY VOTE ON - POLL s921

Do you approve of the new trolling regulations recently passed by the Natural Resources Board?

The Question: "Do you approve of the new trolling regulations recently passed by the Natural Resources Board? "

WHAT do YOU think of this?
VOTE YOUR OPINION
photo c. WDNR ©2014

New trolling rule approved by Natural Resources Board

A proposed rule allowing anglers to troll for fish on inland waters statewide was modified Wednesday by the Natural Resources Board.

Beginning in 2015:

Trolling would be legal with at least one line per angler on all inland waters in Wisconsin.
In 55 counties in the state, all inland waters would be open to trolling with up to three lines per angler.
In the remaining 17 counties - on waters not currently open to trolling - trolling would be allowed but would be limited to one line per angler and no more than two lines per boat, which means no more than two anglers trolling at a time. (Door, Florence, Fond du Lac, Iron, Jackson, Lincoln, Marathon, Marquette, Menominee, Milwaukee, Oneida, Ozaukee, Sawyer, Sheboygan, Vilas, Washington and Waushara.)

The board also added a three-year sunset clause meaning the new rule, which would take effect in 2015 pending legislative review, will revert to the current rule in 2018 unless the board takes additional action.

This action will give the DNR and the Wisconsin Conservation Congress time to engage anglers and explore issues related to trolling in counties where the proposal was opposed during the spring fish and game hearings.

"Trolling" means trailing a lure or bait from a boat under power by means other than drifting or rowing.

Dan Small Outdoors Radio -- EVENTS CALENDAR

• FISHING CONTESTS: Find them ALL online: @ American Fishing Contests
• RUFFED GROUSE SOCIETY BANQUETS & EVENTS: ONLINE INFO:
• MILFORD HILLS ACTIVITIES & EVENTS: ONLINE INFO
• WISCONSIN FNRA Banquets: ONLINE INFO
• JSOnline: OUTDOORS - w/ Paul Smith - Activities & Events: ONLINE INFO

2014 Deer Season structure announced
photo c. WDNR ©2014

Natural Resources Board approves 2014 deer hunting season structure

MADISON - The Natural Resources Board approved today the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources' recommendations for the 2014 deer hunting season. With board approval, antlerless quotas, antlerless permit levels and an updated CWD affected area have been established for 2014.

"With the severity of this past winter, recommending a buck only hunting season for much of Northern Wisconsin is a first step in allowing the deer population to recover," said DNR Secretary Cathy Stepp. "We have received a great deal of public input on these recommendations and have received great support."

In 2014, 19 counties (all or in whole) and four tribal reservation deer management units will allow buck only hunting with an antlerless quota of zero for most hunters. New deer management units will follow county lines and reservation boundaries. It is important to note that youth hunters, disabled hunters and qualified military personnel will be allowed to harvest a limited number of antlerless deer in buck only units. All proposed buck only counties fall within the northern and central forest deer management zones.

In addition to each hunter receiving one free antlerless permit for use in farmland zones in 2014, approximately 175,000 bonus antlerless deer permits will become available for purchase in mid-August. At purchase, hunters will designate the zone, county and land type where they will use each bonus permit. Public versus private land designation will allow the department to limit antlerless harvest on heavily-hunted public lands.

The board also established the boundaries of an updated CWD affected area. This area will include 35 counties where CWD has been detected in either wild or game farm deer or elk since 2008. The department will continue to work with stakeholders throughout Wisconsin to learn more about the disease. For more information, visit the DNR website and search keyword - CWD.

Implementation of the approved recommendations will involve public outreach to inform hunters, landowners and others about changes and opportunities prior to the 2014 deer season. For more information, please visit dnr.wi.gov and search keyword "deer."

Read more here:
FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Bob Wakeman, WDNR aquatic invasive species coordinator - (262) 719-0740
Sarah LeSage, Michigan Department of Environmental Quality aquatic invasive species coordinator - (512) 284-5472
Marjorie Casey, MNDNR aquatic invasive species information officer - (651) 259-5132
Ann Pierce, MNDNR, Ecological and Water Resources section manager - (651) 259-5119

Admission free to more than 100 state parks, forests and trails on June 7-8

MADISON - Admission to Wisconsin's more than 100 state parks, forests and trails is free on June 7-8 and special events are planned at many of them to showcase their scenery, recreation and history.

"This is an invitation to folks who haven't been to state parks and forests in recent years to see what they're all about," says Department of Natural Resources Parks Director Dan Schuller. "Free Fun Weekend is also a great opportunity to try the dozens of trails that normally require a trail pass."

Wisconsin's Free Fun Weekend is June 7 and 8, with free fishing, free admission to state parks and forests, free use of state-owned trails, and free ATV and UTV riding on public trails open to such use.

This year marks the first time that vehicle admission fees to Wisconsin State Park System properties are waived for both days of the weekend. Previously, the state park system's longstanding free open house was only the first Sunday in June.

People who camp at state parks will still pay for their campsites and other events or programs on those two days may require a fee as well.

Many of the state parks and their friends groups are offering special programming during Free Fun Weekend. Activities include everything from free fishing clinics to kayak tours, to nature walks, to the celebration of the 150th anniversary of the historic Hellestad House at Hartman Creek State Park and an art and craft fair at Willow River State Park.

Some of the state trails are offering special events as well, with the Red Cedar Trail serving up a variety of events on June 7, including free fishing, with tackle and instruction provided, a quick free tune-up and safety check for bicycles, free cookies and lemonade, live eagles and other birds of prey, and more. Check the Get Outdoors! Nature Programs and Events Calendar for listings.

State trails are free June 7-8 too

As in past years, people can enjoy free access to state-owned and operated trails that normally require a trail pass for those 16 or older who want to bike, in-line skate or horseback ride. Find them by using DNR's, find a park, forest, recreation area or trail tool.

Many of the trails owned by the state are operated by counties. Those trails are free as well on June 7 and 8, Schuller says. "Pick an area of the state where you want to explore and base out of there for a great weekend."

While all of the trails feature beautiful scenery and level, easy rides, Schuller highlights two new trails to explore. The Stower Seven Lakes State Trail, a 14-mile trail that begins in Amery, travels through the communities of Deronda, Wanderoos and Nye and ends near Dresser. It passes through maple and oak forests, wetlands, prairies and farmlands, and many picturesque lakes.

The other trail is the Newton Blackmour State Trail in Outagamie County; 9 miles of the trail are now open -- the part between Black Creek and Seymour. The 14-mile segment from New London to Black Creek is closed to all use while it is under development. The trail allows biking and horseback riding and walking, and in the winter, cross country skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling.