Wisconsin: Summer is time to plan fall learn-to-hunt outings

Pheasants a good pick to introduce family, friends to hunting fun

MADISON -- Wisconsin is two months from the start of the archery gun season, and about the best time to share your hunting traditions with friends and family.

Between all the usual warm weather activities you enjoy, it is the time to consider planning for fall hunting.

The 2011 deer regulations book is available on the hunting and trapping regulations page of the Department of Natural Resources website. Put it on your summer reading list. The book will be translated into Spanish and Hmong. On-line versions of the translated booklets will be available by mid-August.

Next on your summer to-do list? Get out your calendar and slate a learn-to-hunt event for the fall.

Remember the challenge I tossed last month to all Wisconsin hunters: bring 2,000 new learn-to-hunt participants into one of the state’s greatest traditions this year. We are working toward a goal of one learn-to-hunt event in each county, hosted by one of you, or your rod and gun club or your conservation group to which you belong.

You can design your own unique learn to hunt. I believe the way to be most successful will be to focus on the family fun surrounding hunting. How about a family learn-to-hunt outing? Rather than kids, focus on bringing the whole family out to the field and sharing our tradition and knowledge with them. We all know hunting is an activity focused on family and friends. Learning to hunt together highlights building the complete family support network for hunting has a good chance to start a long lasting tradition.

Not sure which game to feature? How about pheasant hunting?

Pheasants are a great way to introduce new hunters to the fun of the outdoors. Learn to hunt pheasant events can be scheduled on public or private property. Another benefit of a learn-to-hunt pheasant event? Dogs. Hunting with dogs always adds to the experience and increases the fun factor for many.

Event sponsors are able to get free pheasants from the DNR game farm for the event.

As you already know, the future of hunting is up to us – those of us who hunt. We can work together through our clubs and organizations to find the next generation of hunters from new locations beyond hunter education classes.

I – along with your local DNR conservation warden and wildlife biologist – stand ready to help you with your planning. Please contact me with your questions.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Keith Warnke, Hunting and Shooting Sport Coordinator, keith.warnke@wisconsin.gov; 608-576-5243.