DSORe eNews Vol.9 Issue S950

VOL: 9 ISSUE: 950 - 13 December 2014

• Survival advice from an outdoor expert • Mercer vacation package winner announced • Meet Dan and Jeff at the Milwaukee Ice Fishing Show this weekend at State Fair Park

Results for POLL S949

Do you believe Wisconsin's Lake Michigan percher fishery can be restored to its former glory? Comments [8]

So? What do YOU think... will there be ???

DSORe POLL S950 Was this year's lower deer harvest in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois and Iowa an anomaly or a new trend?

Wisconsin deer kill lowest in 30 years This year's preliminary harvest figures indicate a total of 191,550 deer harvested. The overall buck harvest of 90,336 was down roughly 8 percent. Minnesota, Illinois and Iowa have seen a similar decline in overall harvest in 2014. Kevin Wallenfang, DNR big game ecologist, said the northeast and southern counties saw buck kills that were virtually unchanged compared to 2013. The largest decline in buck harvest figures was observed in the far northern counties, where it decreased by 18 percent compared to 2013. This area also saw a 58 percent decrease in antlerless harvest. This was a designed reduction in antlerless harvest in an attempt to increase deer numbers in the Northern Forest Zone. Overall, statewide antlerless harvest saw a 21 percent decline from 2013. Western counties saw a decrease in buck harvest of roughly 8 percent, with the bulk of the decline seen in counties that are farthest north within the region and/or counties that include portions of the Central Forest Zone. A breakdown of harvest by DNR region and county is available in portable document format (pdf) on the DNR website. Read More ... FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Kevin Wallenfang, DNR big game ecologist - (608) 261-7589 Jon King, DNR Conservation Warden - (608) 575-2294 Sawyer Briel, DNR communications - (608) 261-0751 The Question: "Was this year's lower deer harvest in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois and Iowa an anomaly or a new trend?" WHAT do YOU think of this? VOTE YOUR OPINION

NEXT WEEK: Results for POLL S950

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.

JEFF DREXLER Owner of Ice Castle Fish Houses talks about ice fishing in total comfort TINA BRUNELL Director of the Mercer Chamber of Commerce reports good snow and ice, talks about upcoming events in the Mercer area and announces the winner of the Mercer vacation package giveaway EDDIE NICKENS Editor-at-large for Field & Stream magazine offers survival advice from his new book, The Total Outdoorsman: Skills & Tools MADISON OUTDOORS REPORT - Heard exclusively on FM 100.5 ESPN, ESPNWISCONSIN.COM AND PODCASTS: SPONSORED by Pappas Trading Post RON BAREFIELD Presented by Mercer, Wisconsin’s favorite outdoor playground, McFarland guide Ron Barefield reports on ice conditions and ice-fishing action on the Madison chain and Lake Wisconsin Segment sponsor: Mercer Chamber of Commerce

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

Wisconsin Deer Hunt 2014 remains alive through December !! photo c. Randy Crawford ©2014 Deer hunting opportunities continue through December in Wisconsin MADISON - While the nine-day gun deer season has come and gone, additional opportunities to deer hunt in Wisconsin are available through December. In the Central Forest and Central Farmland zones, the annual four-day antlerless-only hunt will take place Dec. 11-14. Anyone with an unused antlerless deer tag valid in these zones may participate. All hunters, with the exception of those pursuing waterfowl, must wear blaze orange during this hunt. It is important to note that this season is not open in the Northern Forest and Southern Farmland zones. Later in December, hunters in the Southern Farmland Zone will have an opportunity to hunt antlerless deer, during what is known as the Holiday Hunt, from Dec. 24 to Jan. 1, 2015. This is the first year antlered bucks may not be harvested during this hunt - this includes archery and crossbow hunters. However, any unfilled antlerless tag valid for this zone may be filled. Again, all hunters must follow blaze orange clothing rules. The late archery season continues statewide until Jan. 4, 2015, while the gun deer season for metro sub-units continues through Dec. 10, and archery through Jan. 31. For a map of deer management zones [PDF] in Wisconsin, visit WDNR web site, search keyword deer, and select the Deer Management Zones option from the Maps list. The department has provided a number of useful resources - all hunters are encouraged to review the 2014 deer hunting regulations [PDF] and FAQs, available at keyword deer. To ask specific questions before or during the hunt, hunters can also contact the DNR Call Center toll-free at 1-888-936-7463. Call center staff are on hand seven days per week from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Spanish- and Hmong-speaking representatives are also available. Lastly, those interested in deer management in Wisconsin are reminded that the final County Deer Advisory Council meetings of 2014 will be held in each county in December. These meetings will provide the public with an important opportunity to provide input regarding each county's deer population objectives before recommendations are advanced to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. December meetings will be open to the public for any additional comments as the councils finalize their recommendations. To view a meeting schedule, visit the DNR web site and search keyword CDAC. Read more here: FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Kevin Wallenfang, DNR big game ecologist - (608) 261-7589

Treat ALL ICE as unsafe - a mantra to keep your ice fishing season successful and alive photo c. Jeff Kelm ©2014 Warm-up in forecast could weaken ice conditions MADISON - With temperatures forecast to reach into the 40-degree range this weekend, state conservation wardens are cautioning people interested in venturing on to our frozen lakes and rivers that due to the early season snowfall many lakes have not had enough time to form thick, safe ice for winter fun. "In all likelihood, the ice looks thicker - and safer - than it actually is," said Todd Schaller, chief warden with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. "The best advice to follow is no matter what the month, consider all ice unpredictable. There can be cracks and changes in the thickness that you may not be able to see. This is especially true after we have the first cold nights and the early ice is spotted statewide." Schaller says ice thickness may vary or snow cover may hide weak or honeycomb ice and water pockets. "Let's make sure your first outing isn't your last. And take the time to educate your children about the dangers associated with frozen ponds, lakes and rivers." Here are tips for staying safe this season Always remember that ice is never completely safe under any conditions. Fish or walk with a friend. It's safer and more fun. Contact local sport shops to ask about ice conditions on the lake or river you want to fish. Carry a cell phone, and let people know where you are going and when you'll return home. Wear proper clothing and equipment, including a life jacket or a float coat to help you stay afloat and to help slow body heat loss. Wear creepers attached to boots to prevent slipping on clear ice. Carry a spud bar to check the ice while walking to new areas. Carry a couple of spikes and a length of light rope in an easily accessible pocket to help pull yourself - or others - out of the ice. Do not travel in unfamiliar areas -- or at night. Know if the lake has inlets, outlets or narrows that have currents that can thin the ice. Watch out for pressure ridges or ice heaves. These can be dangerous due to thin ice and open water. Take extra mittens or gloves so you always have a dry pair. "At DNR, we want you to be safe enjoying the outdoors. Common sense is the greatest ally in preventing ice related accidents," Schaller said. "That includes checking ice conditions and preparing oneself before venturing out. One rule of thumb remains the same. Treat all ice as unsafe. For more information search the WDNR website for ice safety. READ MORE HERE ... FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Todd Schaller, chief warden - (608) 266-1115 Joanne Haas, Office of Communications - (608) 209-8147

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DSORe eNews Vol.8 Issue S851

VOL: 8 ISSUE: 851 - 21 DECEMBER 2013

• Federal funding for conservation programs is on the bubble • New grouse book makes a great Christmas gift for sportsmen TO ENTER CONTEST Call: (414) 297-7554 Leave: NAME + NUMBER Mention: 'Jiffy Giveaway' • Dan test-drives the 2014 Chevy Silverado Club Cab pickup • And, reports on a deer hunt with Kids and Mentors Outdoors • Jeff reports on the Wisconsin Ice Fishing Show in Wausau

Is DNR doing enough to provide shooting opportunities for Wisconsin gun owners? Comments [2]

INSTANT SURVEY VOTE ON - POLL s851 Do you trust Gogebic Taconite’s bulk sampling plan to protect environmental quality in the area where the company proposes to mine iron ore? The Question: "Do you trust Gogebic Taconite’s bulk sampling plan to protect environmental quality in the area where the company proposes to mine iron ore?" WHAT do YOU think of this. VOTE YOUR OPINION photos c. WDNR © 2013 DNR completes review of Gogebic Taconite’s bulk sampling plan Can Gogebic Taconite be trusted? MADISON – The Department of Natural Resources has completed its review of Gogebic Taconite’s revised Bulk Sampling Plan related to the company’s potential mining project in northern Wisconsin, and has identified all DNR approvals that will be required before bulk sampling may begin. The company submitted a revised Bulk Sampling Plan as part of its response to DNR’s August 2013 request for additional information. According to Larry Lynch, DNR project manager, the department determined that Gogebic Taconite must obtain a stormwater permit, file a claim of exemption from air permitting, file tree cutting notices and reports with the county clerk and department forester and file a bond for reclamation. Lynch added that, while the company pursues and secures the needed approvals, the department will continue to correspond with Gogebic Taconite to gain additional clarifying information regarding the company’s proposed bulk sampling activity. READ MORE HERE:

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.

BRANDON HELM Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership staffer reports on the status of funding for conservation programs in the Federal budget and their potential impact on public hunting opportunities in Wisconsin MARK PARMAN Wisconsin author talks about his book, A Grouse Hunter’s Almanac, and his contribution to the magnificent new book, A Passion for Grouse JIM O'BRIEN Jiffy pro-staffer and owner of Dancing With Walleyes, shares some tips for early-ice panfish and walleyes and gives us a field report on the Jiffy Pro-4 Lite propane-powered auger. MADISON OUTDOORS REPORT - Heard exclusively on FM 100.5 ESPN, ESPNWISCONSIN.COM AND PODCASTS: SPONSORED by SCI Badgerland and Bennetts Meadowood Country Club MARK LA BARBERA Founder of the Outdoor Heritage Education Center reports on last weekend’s Learn to Pheasant Hunt program sponsored by the Friends of Poynette Game Farm and held at Wern Valley Sportsman’s Club

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 • JSOnline: OUTDOORS - w/ Paul Smith - Activities & Events: ONLINE INFO

Land owners needed to offer hunting priviledges. through the Turkey Hunting Access Program. Check It Out !! photo c. WDNR ©2013 Landowners encouraged to take advantage of incentives to open lands to public for spring turkey hunt MILWAUKEE – The Department of Natural Resources is encouraging private landowners in southeast Wisconsin to sign up for the Turkey Hunting Access Program. This is a voluntary pilot program offered by the DNR that provides financial incentives to private landowners who open their property to public turkey hunting. The deadline to enroll is May 29, 2016. Participants can sign up for three years. Annual lease rates are $5 dollars per acre, per year, with an upfront payment from the state for the term of the lease to May 29, 2016. “For hunters looking to take part in next spring’s turkey season, finding available land can be difficult,” according to Justin Blindert, DNR turkey hunting access program coordinator. “Both landowners and hunters can benefit from this program. Landowners can take advantage of the financial incentives and hunters can access new areas for the spring turkey hunt.” Any landowner who is located within turkey management zone two is eligible to apply. Turkey management zone two is comprised of Washington, Ozaukee, Waukesha, Milwaukee, Racine, Kenosha and Walworth counties. Grassland, wetland, forest land and agricultural land are eligible for enrollment. Land adjacent to public land or land enrolled in the Voluntary Public Access Program is not eligible, but land enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program, Wetland Reserve Program or Managed Forest Law is eligible for enrollment. Properties greater than 40 acres with more than 50 percent forested cover will receive priority. Spring turkey hunting is the only activity allowed on Turkey Hunting Access Program properties. Land will be open for public use from March 1 through May 29 for legal spring turkey hunting and scouting. Read more here: FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Justin Blindert, Turkey Hunting Access Program Coordinator - (262) 224-9884 Read the Turkey Hunting Access Program FAQ Paper [PDF] Available ONLINE or in printable format, the new Atlas of Public Access Lands of Wisconsin. photo c. WDNR ©2013 New Atlas of Public Access Lands of Wisconsin available online or in print MADISON - A new Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Public Access Lands Atlas is now available online and in a printable format. The atlas highlights the significant increase in public access to Wisconsin lands made possible through the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program, as well as other lands open to the public for outdoor recreation. "If you are looking for a place to fish, hunt, trap, or enjoy any of Wisconsin's outdoor activities this atlas will help you find public lands to do so," said DNR Secretary Cathy Stepp. In her introduction to the atlas, Stepp notes: "From state natural areas to state trails, lake shores and rivers, Wisconsin has a wealth of public lands for your enjoyment. These are your public lands and are there for you to connect with the outdoors, not too far from home." The atlas contains 441 maps, two indexes, a glossary, and extensive contact information to help you connect with land managers to learn more about the properties. The Wisconsin Legislature created the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program in 1989 to preserve valuable natural areas and wildlife habitat, protect water quality and fisheries, and expand opportunities for outdoor recreation. Since its inception the program has added more than 500,000 acres of land through direct purchase or easement that is open to public recreation. These lands are owned by the Department of Natural Resources, non-profit conservation organizations and local governments. In addition the atlas shows the location of other state, county forest and federal lands open to the public. Secretary Stepp continued, "I hope you create many new outdoor memories with friends and family through the use of this atlas." You can view the secretary's full video message here: Read more here: FOR MORE INFORMATION: Connect with the WDNR web site and type the keyword atlas in the search bar To order the Public Access Lands Atlas, simply click the buy tab You can also download and print the maps from your home computer at the URL above. Contact: Doug Haag - (608) 266-2136

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