Wisconsin: Time is running out to register for hunter education courses

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MADISON – Time is running out for hunters planning to hunt this fall who are required to have but have not yet completed a hunter education course. Most hunter education courses are run from June through September, with only a smattering of courses offered later in the year.

“Nearly all of the volunteer hunter education instructors are hunters themselves and enjoy hunting in the fall,” says Tim Lawhern, Department of Natural Resources enforcement and science division administrator, who previously served as the state’s hunting education administrator. “The hunter education program offers about 1,200 courses every year, but very few of them are offered after September.”

Every year DNR offices receive calls two weeks before the gun-deer season with hunter-hopefuls looking to fulfill the mandatory hunter education course. “More than 99 percent of our courses have already been offered by that time,” he says.

Anyone born on or after Jan.1, 1973, must have completed a hunter education course and show the certificate to purchase any hunting license in Wisconsin. Also, recreational safety students are required to obtain a Wisconsin DNR Customer ID Number before the completion of any recreational safety class and must provide that Customer ID Number to the instructor. Information on obtaining a DNR customer ID number is available on the DNR website.

To find a course, visit the Department of Natural Resources website. Look under the heading of Recreational Safety Course – Upcoming Classes. If unsuccessful, check back as courses are added to the listing as instructors alert the DNR.

Hunter education courses will not be altered by conceal carry law

Although the hunter education course is one of the options designed to meet the training requirement of the conceal carry law, this fall's hunter safety courses will continue their tradition of focusing on teaching the fundamentals of hunter safety. There are many other options to obtain firearms training to qualify for a concealed carry license.

The concealed carry law also does not change shining regulations. A person with a license to carry a concealed weapon is not allowed to possess any firearm, including a handgun, while shining wild animals.

The law will have some affect on rules over possession of firearms on DNR lands in certain counties, state forests and recreational areas.

On DNR lands within state parks, state fish hatcheries or wildlife refuge areas, individuals with a concealed carry license as well as qualified former law enforcement officers possessing proper ID and firearm certificate can possess loaded and uncased handguns.

Effective Nov. 1, 2011, a person with a concealed carry license may also possess a loaded uncased handgun (concealed or unconcealed) on certain other state properties such as some state wildlife areas and dog training areas, even if not engaged in hunting, dog training or a dog trial. More details on concealed carry on DNR properties is available on the DNR website.

Wisconsin Department of Justice to issue conceal carry licenses

Applications for a license to carry a concealed weapon must be obtain from and submit to the Wisconsin Department of Justice and will not be available until Nov. 1, 2011 when the new laws and license take effect. To qualify for a concealed carry license a person must be at least age 21, a Wisconsin resident and not prohibited from possessing a firearm. More information about laws related to carrying a concealed weapon, or about getting and submitting an application for a license is available on the DOJ website (exit DNR). DOJ has also developed an extensive “Frequently Asked Questions” (pdf; exit DNR) publication on concealed carry that is also available on their website.

More information on how the new concealed carry law changes affect hunters, trappers, recreational vehicle operators is available on the DNR website.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Tim Lawhern (608) 266-1317

Minnesota: Third year of habitat grant program offers local groups $5.45 million

Conservation groups seeking funding for projects that protect and improve Minnesota’s prairies, forests, lakes and wetlands can apply online for a Conservation Partners Legacy (CPL) grant beginning Friday, Aug. 12.

Funded through the Outdoor Heritage Fund, the $5.45 million available for CPL grants in the coming year is one of the initiatives funded by a three-eighths of 1 percent sales tax that voters approved when they passed the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment in 2008.

“CPL grants help get money to groups that are ready to proceed with on-the-ground habitat initiatives,” said Ed Boggess, director of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) Fish and Wildlife Division. “These projects are based on sound conservation practices with long-term benefits for the state, our lands and waters, and our fish and wildlife.”

Projects that restore, enhance or protect Minnesota’s prairies, forests, wetlands and habitat for fish game and wildlife on public or permanently protected lands are eligible for funds. Local, state and federal nonprofit organizations and governmental entities may apply.

Applicants seeking a $5,000-$25,000 grant must provide 10 percent in matching funds and complete a simplified online application. Grant requests from $25,001-$400,000 require 10-15 percent in matching funds and must be completed using the standard online application.

Grant applications will be accepted online through Thursday, Sept. 15. Information about this year’s grant requirements will be available online Aug. 12 on the DNR website. Grant awards will be announced in November.   

During the first two years of the CPL grant program, DNR has awarded more than 80 grants totaling $7.87 million.

Minnesota: Landowners have until Aug. 12 to enroll land for Walk In Access

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Landowners in 21 southwestern Minnesota counties have until Friday, Aug. 12, to sign up at their local Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) office for a new Walk In Access program that pays landowners who allow hunters to access their land.

So far, 7,700 acres have been enrolled. To be eligible, landowners must enroll a minimum of 40 acres that is currently enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program, Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program, Reinvest In Minnesota or Wetlands Reserve Program. Landowners receive $10-$13 per acre.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) works with the Board of Water and Soil Resources to administer the program, which is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Voluntary Public Access Program. 

USDA’s Farm Service Agency approved the DNR’s 2010 proposal for a three-year pilot program and awarded Minnesota $2.7 million that can be used enroll up to 50,000 acres.

Lincoln, Lac qui Parle and Murray counties already have enrolled more than 1,000 acres. Stevens, Kandiyohi and Redwood counties each have enrolled more than 600 acres. Other counties eligible to enroll land are Big Stone, Brown, Chippewa, Cottonwood, Jackson, Lyon, Martin, Nobles, Pipestone, Pope, Renville, Rock , Swift, Watonwan and Yellow Medicine. 

The Walk In Access program is entirely voluntary for landowners. Enrolled lands are covered under the Minnesota recreational use laws that limit landowners’ liability. DNR conservation officers handle trespass and hunting violations.

Only walk-in hunting traffic is allowed on enrolled acres, which are not open to trapping, trap shooting, dog training or activities other than hunting. No vehicle traffic is allowed. Parking is along roads or in designated parking areas. 

Landowners who enroll 160 or more acres receive a bonus. Bonuses also are paid if the land is within one-half mile of other public hunting land, such as a wildlife management area or waterfowl production area. Landowners who sign multi-year contracts also are eligible for bonuses.  

Wisconsin: Bonus antlerless deer tags and state park deer hunting permits available August 20

MADISON – Bonus antlerless deer carcass tags for regular deer management units, and hunting access permits for all state park deer management units go on sale beginning at noon Saturday, August 20. Tags and permits will be sold at the rate of one per person per day, and will continue until sold out or until the hunting season ends.

A list of units and number of tags available is on the DNR website.

The structure of the sale of bonus tags is new for 2011. All units with bonus tags available will go on sale Saturday. In previous years sales have been staggered over the weekend based on whether a deer management unit had an even or odd number.

Tags and permits will be available for purchase through the DNR Online Licensing Center, at DNR licensing sales locations, or by phone toll free at 1 (877) 945-4236.

Deer hunters are encouraged to check the 2011 deer management unit designations map or in the 2011 Wisconsin Deer Hunting Regulationsbooklet for the units they plan to hunt in this fall.

In 2011, 30 regular deer management units (DMU) will have bonus antlerless carcass tags available. To shoot an antlerless deer in these 30 units hunters must purchase a unit-specific $12 adult resident antlerless deer carcass tag ($5 for 10-11 year olds and $20 for adult nonresident).

Eight regular DMUs are designated as buck only to encourage herd growth. In these eight units some exceptions may apply to qualified members of the U.S. Armed Forces who are home on furlough or leave, Class A and C disabled permit hunters and youth ages 10 through 17 who have an unused statewide antlerless deer carcass tag. For more details, see the 2011 Deer Hunting Regulations booklet.

Every gun and archery deer hunting license will include an antlerless carcass tag valid for units designated as Herd Control or Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD). CWD units have unlimited earn-a-buck (EAB) rules.

If hunters are planning to hunt in any of the 12 state parks that require access permits for deer hunting, they should plan accordingly, as many units will sell out quickly. Those interested in hunting these properties should first check the 2011 Wisconsin Deer Hunting Regulations or theHunting Opportunities web page to learn about weapon restrictions and season dates. Some state parks that allow deer hunting may not require access permits, but may have different season dates.

Purchasing a deer hunting license before August 20 can speed up the permit purchasing process, since hunters must obtain a deer hunting license before they can purchase a bonus antlerless tag or state park access permit. Hunters can check for tag or access permit availability on the DNR website. Tag and permit availability are updated regularly. Units with relatively low numbers of available tags can be expected to sell out quickly. Units with a high number of tags available generally last longer or may not sell out.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Contact Dan Hirchert, DNR Wildlife Biologist, (608) 264-6023

Minnesota: Youth hunting the focus of DNR booth at Game Fair

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The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will showcase youth hunting opportunities at its informational booth during the 30th annual Game Fair.

The outdoor show is Aug. 12-14 and Aug. 19-21 at the Armstrong Kennels Ranch, six miles northwest of Anoka. Show hours are from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays, and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sundays.  

This fall the DNR is offering 12 special youth deer hunts. The DNR is also coordinating several special youth waterfowl and pheasant hunting events. For more information on youth outdoors opportunities, Mike Kurre, Mentoring Program coordinator, will be at the DNR booth on Friday, Aug. 12 from noon to 4 p.m.

The rack of a record-setting, white-tailed eight-point buck taken by poachers in 2009 will be on display at the DNR Turn In Poachers booth from noon to closing each day. 

The DNR booth at Game Fair will be in a tent in Area B along the lakeshore, near the dog trials area.

Outdoor enthusiasts will be able to buy hunting and fishing licenses and pick up informational brochures at the DNR’s booth. DNR staff and conservation officers will be there to answer questions about a variety of topics, including:

• Fall youth hunting opportunities.
•  Hunting rules and regulations.
• 2011 fall waterfowl season.
• Hunter education courses.
• Hunting and fishing licenses.
• Becoming an Outdoors Woman program.

Game Fair has more than 300 exhibitors, plus hunting, shooting and dog exhibitions that are expected to draw more than 50,000 people during this year’s run.

Indiana: Venison workshops held throughout the state in September

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Indiana DNR's Division of Fish & Wildlife is partnering with the Purdue Cooperative Extension Service in sponsoring venison workshops in September. 

A deer will be skinned, butchered, and prepared in a variety of ways to taste, during each workshop. Food safety and handling procedures, as well as an update on deer health issues will be presented.   

Dates and locations are listed below. Register by calling the appropriate phone number.

- Sept. 6 - Fayette County Fairgrounds, Connersville, (765) 825-8502
- Sept. 7 - Howard County Fairgrounds, Greentown, (765) 456-2313
- Sept. 8 - Kosciusko County Fairgrounds, Warsaw, (574) 372-2340
- Sept. 10 - Bass Pro Shops, Clarksville, (812) 218-5500
- Sept. 17 - Fort Harrison State Park, Indianapolis - register online at www.hoosieroutdoorexperience.in.gov

The workshops at Bass Pro Shops on Sept. 10 and at the Hoosier Outdoor Experience on Sept. 17 are free of charge. Adult admission is $15 and children are free of charge at the other three locations.

Minnesota: Families can learn together at DNR’s deer day Aug. 14

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Families who want to learn the basics of deer hunting are invited to attend the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Deer Day program.  Women, men, and youth 10 and older accompanied by a guardian, are welcome to attend this free event. 
Also, people age 16 and older who are taking the online firearms safety course can complete their field day requirement at this event.
The event, hosted by the DNR’s Becoming An Outdoors Family Program, will be from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 14, at the Wilkens’ Farm near Mora in Kanabec County. 
Lou Cornicelli, DNR big game program coordinator, will lead off the day with a presentation on white-tailed deer. Afterward, participants will move through a series of hands-on stations where they will learn how to track deer; deer stand placement and safety; and shotgun, rifle, archery and muzzleloader shooting.
Instructors will include DNR wildlife staff, DNR conservation officers, Becoming an Outdoor Family volunteers and members of the Minnesota Deer Hunters Association.
“Deer Day is a wonderful opportunity for anyone interested in learning the basic of deer hunting to get hands-on experience,” said Linda Bylander, Becoming An Outdoors Woman program coordinator.  
Register by contacting Bylander by phone at 218-833-8628 or by email at linda.bylander@state.mn.us. Lunch is included with the program.
A complete list of programs available through the Becoming An Outdoors Woman and Family programs is available online.

Related articles

• Minnesota Deer licenses on sale Aug. 1; regulation changes announced (midwestdeerhunting.blogspot.com)