Habitat Education Legislation

Wisconsin Waterfowl Association Newsletter

Special Edition - 2015 Official Waterfowl Seasons Finalized

August 12, 2015

Well, I'm back from the Natural Resources Board meeting that was held in Horicon earlier today and I'm excited to share that our long effort, done in concert with many partners, is finally successful. The 9:00 a.m. delayed start to opening days of the regular duck seasons is over!

Read on for all the details and links to the full regulations.

I wish all of you a terrific upcoming season, whatever you pursue. Make the most of your time afield, and take time to enjoy the fruits of your labors.

See you on the water,

Don Kirby, Executive Director

Wisconsin Waterfowl Association

1/2 Hour Before Sunrise, Just Like Any Other Day, Is Now The Rule

Check out the full waterfowl season regulations here.

(NOTE: there are special regulations for the experimental EARLY TEAL hunting season, which enters the 2nd of its 3 year run, in 2 weeks. The first day is still 9:00am during this season to keep the experiment consistent, and special opening and closing hours apply to teal hunters during the other days as well to ensure FULL LIGHT for absolute clarity in identifying the correct species.)

Some may recall that I asked the NRB to change the proposal for the 2014 season, but they deferred to the Conservation Congress process again. At this year's spring hearings in April, the elimination of the 9:00am delay was approved again (for the 2nd time in 5 years) and so, along with many other groups, our voice was heard and we have the change.

Here you'll find the most important regulatory documents for this year's seasons, plus my testimony to the NRB today (3B1 & 3B2) acknowledging the change. If you wish to find even more detailed information, visit the link on the DNR's website.

Finally, another topic for you to consider, especially if you may be an "early teal" hunter, in the northern third of our state. During last year's inaugural year of the experimental season, there were a relatively small number of conflicts between teal hunters and wild rice harvesters who were coming into contact with each other, utilizing the same resource during the same time.

This year, you may find this DNR poster at launches where there is significant rice harvesting activity. Its our goal to help educate, and help build respect for, each group's recreational interests and the resource itself. Experienced waterfowl hunters know how important wild rice is as a food source to migrating ducks and everyone needs to remember: boating through rice beds could, in many cases, damage or prevent wild rice seeds from reaching complete maturity in early September.

One troubling piece of feedback we're hearing from some harvesters is they are seeing damage from the "mud motors" that are designed to navigate through backwaters and shallow water. If you're scouting or hunting please treat wild rice with special care; its a delicate plant with great importance to the waterfowl and wild rice aficionados alike!

The Wisconsin Waterfowl Association is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization whose mission focuses on wetland and upland habitat restoration, youth and adult environemental education and environemental- and hunter-based legislation.

To contact us call (800) 524-8460 or (262) 968-1722, email wwainfo@centurytel.net or visit our website at www.wisducks.org

Sincerely,

Don Kirby

Executive Director

Wisconsin Waterfowl Association