Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

Become a DNR community scientist

Published by admin on Fri, 08/02/2024 - 4:14pm

Residents can become community scientists by participating in the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) Operation Deer Watch and the Game Bird Brood Survey.

These surveys are designed to measure the reproductive status of deer and game birds by establishing ratios of adults to juveniles (e.g., fawn-to-doe ratios).

This data helps indicate the productivity of Wisconsin’s deer and game bird populations. The data from these surveys, along with harvest information, provide DNR scientists with the key elements needed to make management decisions for these species.

DNR sets 2024 deer season framework and harvest goals

Published by admin on Tue, 07/16/2024 - 10:55am

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recetnly announced the deer harvest quotas and framework for the 2024 Wisconsin deer hunting season.

The statewide antlerless quota for the 2024 season is 272,837 deer, with 245,245 total bonus antlerless harvest authorizations available for purchase across the state. These authorizations are in addition to the free antlerless harvest authorizations issued in farmland zones, which are not reflected in this total.

Cats gone wild latest concern from DNR

Published by admin on Mon, 05/06/2024 - 10:30am

That friendly, fluffy pet cat found in 26% of all American households poses a real problem to songbirds, small mammals and other wildlife when that feline is allowed to roam, according to several wildlife agencies.

Wandering domestic cats are responsible for the extinction of several mammals, reptiles and at least 33 bird species globally, according to The Wildlife Society. One United States Department of Agriculture publication states that roaming cats may be the second-leading cause for bird extinction worldwide.

Parasite discovered in Wisconsin trout

Published by admin on Tue, 04/30/2024 - 3:49pm

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) urges anglers to properly clean their gear after discovering the parasite Myxobolus cerebralis in Elton Creek in Langlade County.

Elton Creek is a Class 1 trout stream below Elton Springpond and at Highway 64.

Myxobolus cerebralis is a microscopic parasite that damages the cartilage and nerve tissue of trout and salmon and has been known to cause whirling disease.

General inland fishing season opens May 4

Published by admin on Wed, 04/24/2024 - 1:01pm

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds anglers the 2024-25 general inland fishing season will open May 4.

Fisheries biologists expect anglers to find success on opening day. No matter where anglers decide to fish, all Wisconsin residents and nonresidents over the age of 16 are required to purchase a fishing license. Anglers can buy licenses through Go Wild, the DNR’s license portal, or from a license agent.

DNR announces drawdown for Navarino Wildlife Area

Published by admin on Wed, 04/24/2024 - 12:57pm

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced it will conduct a full drawdown on two flowages at Navarino Wildlife Area: Hanson Flowage and 80 Acre Flowage.

The drawdowns will begin this spring, and water levels will be lowered slowly until full drawdown is achieved in mid-May.

The drop in water levels is necessary to prepare the sites for upcoming construction and repairs scheduled for the summer of 2024. The project will involve rebuilding the top, side slopes and spillways of the dikes at both locations.

Walleye tag reward study begins in Green Bay, tributaries

Published by admin on Fri, 03/15/2024 - 11:23am

Together with Walleyes for Tomorrow, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced the implementation of a walleye reward tag study for Green Bay and its major tributaries.

Green Bay and its tributaries support a world-class fishery boasting a robust walleye population and trophy-sized fish. Results from DNR angler creel surveys have shown the popularity of this fishery has grown in recent years, and staff has seen increased angler effort targeting walleyes.

New fishing season comes with new rules

Published by admin on Fri, 03/15/2024 - 11:20am

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced that the 2024-25 Guide To Wisconsin’s Fishing Regulations is available online.

These regulations, which include changes to walleye and sauger bag limits on inland waters and new registration rules for small tournaments, will go into effect on April 1.

All residents and non-residents over 16 must have a 2024-25 general fishing license to fish in Wisconsin. Annual resident licenses cost $20 each, or purchase a spousal license for $31 so you and your spouse can fish together.

DNR seeking volunteers for stream monitoring

Published by admin on Tue, 03/05/2024 - 11:25am

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking volunteers to help monitor streams and rivers in several river basins located in central and northeastern Wisconsin, specifically the Lower Fox, Upper Fox and Wolf River and Northeast Lakeshore basins.

Sampling is essential for monitoring water quality improvements, assessing implementation activities and evaluating long-term land use changes.

Ice shanty removal dates announced

Published by admin on Wed, 02/21/2024 - 11:42am

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds anglers that ice shanty removal deadlines are approaching.

Permanent ice shanties, or those not removed daily, must be removed from all state waters by specific dates. Although mild winter conditions may have hindered the ability to fish from ice shanties on some waterbodies, anglers who were able to get a shanty out on the ice are reminded to remove them by the following dates:

• Wisconsin-Iowa boundary waters; the deadline was Feb. 20.

• Wisconsin-Minnesota boundary waters on or before March 1.