DSORe eNews Vol.9 Issue S943

VOL: 9 ISSUE: 943 - 25 OCTOBER 2014

• Buck activity picks up as the rut is about to start • Wisconsin River fall muskie, walleye and panfish action is hot right now • Jeff prepares for a TV bowhunt • Dan reports on topics covered in Deer Hunt Wisconsin 2014, to air on MPTV and WPT Wisconsin Digital Channel Nov. 6 at 9 p.m.

Results for POLL S940

With the increased transportation of Bakken crude oil via rail across Wisconsin, are you worried about possible oil spills or fires? Comments [2]

WI Wildlife / Habitat management - Good Job or ...???

DSORe POLL S943 Is the Wisconsin DNR doing a good job of managing wildlife and habitat?

Share your thoughts on Wisconsin's fish and wildlife, their habitats, and outdoor recreation MADISON -- The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is currently revising two key conservation plans - the Wildlife Action Plan and Fish, Wildlife, and Habitat Management Plan [PDF]. Through completion of an online questionnaire, the public can give the department valuable input regarding Wisconsin's fish and wildlife resources management. "We take great pride in our efforts to involve the public in our conservation efforts," said DNR Secretary Cathy Stepp. "These two plans are the driving force behind much of the department's federal funding, and will help Wisconsin continue to provide for such a wide range of outdoor activities." The Wildlife Action Plan and Fish, Wildlife, and Habitat Management Plan act as a blueprint for how the department will manage and protect Wisconsin's fish and wildlife resources over the next ten years. The department must complete each plan in order to receive federal funding that will help support healthy, sustainable fish and wildlife populations and their habitats. Funding is also key for the creation and maintenance of outdoor recreation opportunities throughout the state. Public involvement is a key piece of the puzzle in ensuring the state remains a leader in resource management and protection. An online survey is one component of a comprehensive public outreach effort associated with updating the Wildlife Action Plan and Fish, Wildlife, and Habitat Management Plan. The survey will close Nov. 14 at midnight. To complete the survey, click here . Translated versions will be made available in both Hmong and Spanish within the next few weeks. To learn more about the Wildlife Action Plan and the Fish, Wildlife, and Habitat Management Plan, visit dnr.wi.gov and search keyword wap10year. FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Tara Bergeson, DNR conservation biologist - (608) 264-6043 The Question: "Is the Wisconsin DNR doing a good job of managing wildlife and habitat?" WHAT do YOU think of this? VOTE YOUR OPINION

NEXT WEEK: Results for POLL S940

When you LEAVE a COMMENT & YOUR NAME AND EMAIL ADDRESS, you are entered into the drawing - for a ZipVac portable vacuum sealer starter kit, complete with a rechargeable pump, a hand-operated pump and reusable, resealable storage bags.

JEREMY MOORE Proprietor of Dog Bone Hunter shares tips for training a dog to find shed antlers and recover wounded deer STEVE CRIPPS SCI Badgerland Chapter board member talks about SCI’s efforts to promote hunting and the shooting sports PHIL SCHWEIK Proprietor of Hooksetters Guide Service reports fantastic action for panfish, walleyes and muskies on the Wisconsin River MADISON OUTDOORS REPORT - Heard exclusively on FM 100.5 ESPN, ESPNWISCONSIN.COM AND PODCASTS: SPONSORED by Pappas Trading Post JC CHAMBERLIN Archery expert offers advice for bowhunting the whitetail rut Segment sponsor: Pappas Trading Post

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

Whooping cranes from the Baraboo, WI, International Crane Foundation exhibit photo c. Les Booth ©2014 Whooping Crane Flock Takes Flight BERLIN, Wis. - Seven whooping crane chicks took to the skies to begin their migration to Florida on the morning of October 10. After months of preparation and training, the chicks left White River Marsh State Wildlife Area and began their journey behind an ultralight plane. These efforts are led by Operation Migration, a Whooping Crane Eastern Partnership member. "I'm excited the ultralight-led birds were able to take off and hope the good weather holds for them. We're all looking forward to following their first journey south," said Cathy Stepp, Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. "The DNR is proud to be a WCEP member and to be a part of the efforts to restore whooping cranes to eastern North America. This project really illustrates what can be accomplished when government agencies and non-profit organizations join forces to work together toward a common goal." Every summer whooping crane chicks are conditioned to follow an ultralight aircraft. These chicks are initially raised and trained by costumed humans with the U.S. Geological Survey's Patuxent Wildlife Research Center before being brought to Wisconsin where they continue training. This technique repeatedly proves effective because of the birds' natural instinct to imprint on the first creature that nurtures it. A second technique, the parent-reared release method, was also used again this year. These chicks are hatched and raised by their captive whooping crane parents at the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center in Maryland. In late September, four of these whooping crane chicks began their integration into the wild at the Necedah National Wildlife Refuge in Wisconsin, says Davin Lopez, Whooping Crane Coordinator for the Wisconsin DNR. Migration behind the ultralight planes can take anywhere from six to 16 weeks depending on weather conditions, Lopez says. The first migration is one of many critical life stages for the birds. People can follow this year's ultralight flock and stay connected with their journey through the Operation Migration website . For more updates on the other birds' progress, visit the Whooping Crane Eastern Partnership website . Since 1999, the Wisconsin DNR has played a major role in efforts to restore a migratory whooping crane population in eastern North America. The department is a founding member of the Whooping Crane Eastern Partnership. The other founding members are the International Crane Foundation, Operation Migration, Inc., the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the U.S. Geological Survey's Patuxent Wildlife Research Center and National Wildlife Health Center, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin and the International Whooping Crane Recovery Team. Numbering as few as 21 wild individuals in the 1940s and 1950s, whooping cranes were on the verge of extinction. Before the efforts to establish a flock in the eastern U.S. began, only one migratory population of whooping cranes existed, raising concerns that a catastrophic event could completely eliminate the species. Today, because of the Partnership's efforts, there are roughly 106 whooping cranes in the eastern migratory flock. In all there are now approximately 450 of these birds in the wild including two reintroduced non-migratory flocks in Florida and Louisiana. October 30 online chat set for discussing whooping cranes People with more questions about whooping cranes can join the DNR and other WCEP partners for a live, online chat at noon on October 30. Partners participating in the online chat include staff from the International Crane Foundation and Operation Migration. To participate, visit the DNR home page, and search the phrase ask the experts. Join the conversation on DNR's Facebook page, by clicking the Cover it Live Chat box on the top of the page. Read more here: FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Davin Lopez, conservation biologist - (608) 266-0837

First time hunters are important to the heritage of hunting and the state of Wisconsin photo c. WDNR ©2014 Those interested in discovering (or rediscovering) Wisconsin's outdoors are reminded of discounted prices for first-time license buyers MADISON - In its third year, the first-time buyer license continues to provide an opportunity to explore Wisconsin's outdoors at an affordable price. "I really encourage folks who haven't experienced all this state has to offer to spend a day out in nature," said Department of Natural Resources Secretary Cathy Stepp. "With our first-time license program, it's never been more affordable to get an introduction to any number of outdoor activities at a discounted price." Certain resident hunting, trapping, and fishing licenses are available for as little as $5 for those who have never purchased that same type of license or those who have not purchased a Wisconsin license authorizing that activity in any of the prior ten years. Certain nonresident licenses are also discounted for first-time buyers. Hunting and fishing licenses can be purchased: through the DNR website, using the key words Online Licensing Center, at any DNR Service Center; at all authorized license agents; or by calling toll-free 1-877-WI LICENSE (1-877-945-4236). DNR Customer Service staff is available to assist the public online via phone 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week Spanish and Hmong bilingual customer service representatives are also available Customers may reach customer service at 1-888-WDNR INFo (1-888-936-7463) or by e-mail An online chat link is also available For more information regarding the first-time license buyer program, visit dnr.wi.gov and search keywords first time buyer. READ MORE HERE ... FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Bureau of Customer and Outreach Services - (608) 266-2621

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