Important Timely News
Retired Rick
Sep 8, 2025
DNR To Host Open Houses At Fish Hatcheries And Spawning Facilities Across The State
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today announced the dates for fall open houses at two fish spawning facilities and two fish hatcheries. Over the coming weeks, the DNR will host open houses at the Governor Tommy G. Thompson Fish Hatchery, Besadny Anadromous Fish Facility, Root River Steelhead Facility and the Wild Rose Fish Hatchery.
Each of these free events will give attendees a chance to see fish up close and learn how hatcheries and spawning facilities help sustain Wisconsins fish populations.
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Retired Rick
Sep 4, 2025
Discover Public Land To Hunt This Season
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) encourages the public to explore and hunt on public land this hunting season.
There are over 6 million acres of public lands across Wisconsin, with most of them open for hunting. In addition to state lands, there is another 28,000 acres known as Voluntary Public Access (VPA) lands that private owners allow the public to access.
Hunters can search for and discover new public hunting areas using the DNRs mobile-friendly online public lands mapping tools. These tools provide information on state-owned properties, voluntary public access lands and more.
Public Access Lands Tool This tool shows DNR properties and nearly all federal and county-owned lands.
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Retired Rick
Sep 2, 2025
Groundwater Coordinating Council Releases 2025 Report To The Legislature
The Groundwater Coordinating Council (GCC) recently shared its recommendations for protecting and preserving the states vital groundwater resources in its 2025 annual report to the Wisconsin State Legislature.
The recommendations address the most prevalent and pressing groundwater issues in Wisconsin, such as:
The continuous presence of PFAS in both public and private wells that pose a threat to public health and the environment.
Nitrate contamination in both private and public wells a long-standing concern that has impacted the state for five decades.
The presence of pesticides in over 40% of private potable wells.
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Retired Rick
Aug 29, 2025
Get Ready For Hunting Seasons Opening In September
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds hunters to prepare for the opening of several hunting seasons in September. Hunters can once again head to Wisconsins wild spaces as these seasons open across the state.
There are six dates throughout September when seasons open. Hunters are encouraged to double-check season dates and that they have acquired all necessary licenses and stamps before going out for a hunt.
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Retired Rick
Jul 30, 2025
Eligible Hunters: Sign Up For Fall Gun Deer Hunt For Hunters With Disabilities. Deadline To Apply Is Sept. 15
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds eligible hunters hoping to participate in the Gun Deer Hunt For Hunters With Disabilities to contact and confirm a location with a hunt landowner sponsor before Sept. 15, 2025.
Thousands of acres of land are available for this year's hunt, which will take place Oct. 4-12, 2025. Hunters should contact sponsors directly to participate in the 2025 hunt.
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Retired Rick
Jul 25, 2025
Applications For 2026 Upriver Lakes Sturgeon Spearing Season Due Aug. 1
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources reminds sturgeon spearers that the deadline to apply for an Upriver Lakes spearing tag for the 2026 sturgeon spearing season is Aug. 1, 2025.
Due to the higher harvest rate associated with the Upriver Lakes (lakes Poygan, Winneconne and Butte des Morts), anyone wishing to spear on the Upriver Lakes is required to apply for a tag. A total of 500 applicants will receive a tag to spear a sturgeon from the Upriver Lakes during the 2026 sturgeon spearing season.
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Retired Rick
Jul 23, 2025
DNR Announces 2025 Spring Turkey Season Results
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today announced preliminary totals for the 2025 spring turkey season. Wisconsin turkey hunters registered 50,287 birds this season, a 14% increase from the five-year average.
The 2025 spring turkey season started on April 12 with the two-day youth hunt for hunters under 16 years old. A total of 3,981 birds were registered during the youth hunt, an increase from 3,967 in 2024.
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Retired Rick
Jul 22, 2025
Special Fall Hunting And Trapping Season Application Deadlines Approaching
e Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds hunters and trappers that less than two weeks remain to apply for bobcat and fisher permits or a chance to hunt sharp-tailed grouse this fall.
The harvest of bobcat and fisher is regulated through a special permitting system, and harvest permits are awarded through a preference point lottery system. To receive a permit, a hunter must apply by the Aug. 1 deadline and be a drawing winner.
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Retired Rick
Jul 19, 2025
Spring Waterfowl Survey Shows Positive Results
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today announced that data is now available from the annual spring survey of breeding waterfowl. The survey indicated stable population numbers and habitat conditions for migratory birds.
The data from this survey is used as part of the overall survey of breeding waterfowl in North America, and the information helps the DNR make management decisions about waterfowl in Wisconsin.
The survey has been conducted annually since 1973, except for 2020 (due to the pandemic). Survey results are best interpreted as trends over several years rather than year-to-year comparisons.
Surveyors estimated the states 2025 breeding duck population at 564,693 birds, a 7% increase from the 2024 estimate and 26.9% above the long-term average. The 2025 mallard breeding population estimate is 149,568 birds, 2% higher than 2024 but lower than the long-term average. Wood duck populations decreased 1.8% from last year but remain 5.1% above the long-term average.
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Retired Rick
Jul 17, 2025
DNR Publishes Fall 2025 Hunting And Trapping Forecasts
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today released the 2025 fall forecast series, detailing the hunting and trapping outlook for a variety of popular game species.
These forecasts outline what hunters and trappers across the state can expect while pursuing their favorite game species. In addition to information about specific game species, they also include helpful reminders about public land access opportunities, game registration requirements and season dates.
Read More Here
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