Important Timely News
Retired Rick
Feb 28, 2026
Application Period For The 2026 Elk Season Opens March 1
A bull elk stands proudly next to a cow grazing in a grassy field.
Applications for Wisconsin's 2026 elk season open on Sunday, March 1.
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced today that the application period for Wisconsin's 2026 elk hunt will open Sunday, March 1, and close on Sunday, May 31. Applicants and selected hunters will see increased opportunities again in 2026. These include increased application options and license availability, coupled with a longer hunting season.
For the third year in a row, there will be increased opportunity to pursue elk within the Central Elk Management Zone (formerly Black River Elk Range), as additional bull elk and antlerless harvest authorizations will be available through the state licensing system. The 2026 elk quota for the Central Elk Management Zone is six bull elk and six antlerless elk, up from a quota of four bull and five antlerless in 2025.
Read More Here
Retired Rick
Feb 19, 2026
DNR Seeking Volunteer Campground Hosts For 2026 Season
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking volunteers who like spending time outside, helping other outdoor enthusiasts and are passionate about Wisconsins natural resources to serve as volunteer campground hosts. Opportunities are available at DNR properties in all parts of the state.
Responsibilities of campground hosts can include:
Greeting and assisting campers with information about the park and facilities.
Assisting in daily campground operations and set an example by being a model camper.
Cleaning campsites, bathrooms and facilities and assisting with other light maintenance.
Sharing park information and assisting with campground programs.
Enjoying the company of other campers and making sure that they have a safe and enjoyable stay.
Read More Here
Retired Rick
Feb 17, 2026
DNR Celebrates 75 Years Of State Natural Areas
This year marks the 75th anniversary of the Wisconsin State Natural Areas Program, the oldest and largest of its kind in the country. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), in collaboration with over 60 partners, cares for nearly 700 sites that protect outstanding examples of Wisconsin's native landscape of natural communities, significant geological formations and archeological sites.
The Wisconsin Legislature created the State Natural Areas Program in November 1951, to protect the best examples of Wisconsin's native "natural communities" distinct groupings of plants, animals, soils, geology and climate that include different types of grasslands, wetlands and forests. Since its founding, the program has also grown to protect other aspects of Wisconsin's natural heritage, including significant geological features, archeological sites and critical habitat for some rare species.
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Retired Rick
Feb 17, 2026
2026 Public Access Lands Atlas Now Available
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today announced the 2026 Public Access Lands Atlas is now available for purchase.
From state natural areas to state trails, lakeshores to rivers, Wisconsin has a wealth of public lands for everyone to enjoy. Updated every two years, the Public Access Lands Atlas can be purchased from the University of Wisconsin Bookstore for $104.95.
The Atlas contains 441 maps covering statewide public lands, roads and waterways. These maps make it easy to locate a state park, county forest or lake for a hike, hunting or fishing outing.
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Retired Rick
Feb 12, 2026
DNR Seeking Volunteers To Teach Hunters Of All Experience Levels
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking basic and advanced hunter education volunteers to teach and certify basic hunter education students and teach hunters of all experience levels practical outdoor skills. Volunteer opportunities are available in all parts of the state.
Becoming a volunteer instructor is a great way to shape the future of hunting in Wisconsin, get hands-on teaching experience, work closely with DNR staff and engage with your local community.
Read More Here
Retired Rick
Feb 12, 2026
Wisconsin NRB Meeting Feb. 25
The Wisconsin Natural Resources Board (NRB) will meet in-person for the February meeting to consider proposed rulemaking documents and other matters.
The meeting will begin at 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 25 in public meeting room G09, State Natural Resources Building (GEF 2), 101 South Webster Street, Madison, Wisconsin. The Board will act on items 1-4 as listed on the agenda.
The public is encouraged to watch the February meeting on the DNRs YouTube channel.
Read More Here
Retired Rick
Feb 10, 2026
2026 Sturgeon Spearing Season Opens Feb. 14
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is preparing for the sturgeon spearing season opening Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026, on the Winnebago System.
With one of the largest lake sturgeon populations in North America, the Winnebago System supports an annual spearing season that runs for a maximum of 16 days (closing March 1, 2026) or until any of the predetermined harvest caps have been met.
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Retired Rick
Feb 10, 2026
Learn About Fisheries Management In Northern Wisconsin At Upcoming DNR Public Meetings
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will host a series of informational meetings across the northern regions of the state to educate the public on various fisheries management and habitat topics.
The meetings are part of a spotlight series highlighting various fisheries in Green Bay, the Winnebago System and inland waters in northern Wisconsin. The sessions will be held both in person and virtually via Microsoft Teams over the next two months from 6 to 8 p.m., giving the public a chance to meet and learn from their local DNR fishery resource specialists.
More information on these meetings, including Microsoft Teams login information, can be found on the DNR's Meetings & Hearings calendar.
EVENT DETAILS
35 Years Of Fisheries Management In Wisconsins Ceded Territory
Presenters: Lawrence Eslinger and Gene Hatzenbeler, DNR fisheries biologists, Mark Luehring, GLIFWC Inland Fisheries Section Leader, and Aaron Shultz, GLIFWC Climate Change Inland Fisheries Biologist
When: Feb. 12, 2026
Where: Virtual and Rhinelander and Spooner DNR Service Centers (107 Sutliff Ave., Rhinelander, or 810 W Maple St., Spooner)
Retired Rick
Feb 5, 2026
Stewardship Friends Grants Approved For 32 DNR Improvement Projects
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today announced the approval of Stewardship funding for Friends Grants to 29 nonprofit organizations for improvements at DNR-managed properties across the state. The State Building Commission approved the funding for 32 projects totaling $499,144 in Stewardship grant dollars, leveraging $572,061 in matching contributions and $3 million in total project costs.
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Retired Rick
Jan 22, 2026
DNR To Host Public Meeting On Fisheries Genetic Management Plan Jan. 28
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will host a public meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 28, to discuss the Fisheries Management Bureaus statewide genetic management plan.
This meeting will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. in person at the UW-Stevens Point DeBot Dining Center in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, and virtually via Microsoft Teams. The Fisheries Management Bureau is committed to stocking fish with the greatest potential for survival and has been working over the past several years to update the statewide genetics management plan using the most current data and science.
DNR Fisheries staff will present and discuss the updated statewide genetics management plan and seek public comments and input.
Read More Here
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