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Hunters register 329,103 deer in 2009

Archery buck harvest up 19 percent

MADISON – Hunters registered 329,103 deer for the 2009 deer hunting seasons. This includes a total antlerless harvest of 191,715 and antlered (buck) harvest of 134,156. The grand total includes 3,232 deer recorded as unknown.

The closely watched total buck harvest for all archery and gun seasons was down 3 percent compared to 2008.

The 2009 archery buck harvest was up 19 percent over 2008 at 41,402 making it the fourth best archery buck harvest in history. Archers accounted for 31 percent of the total buck harvest in 2009. This was up from the 2008 archery buck harvest which accounted for 25 percent of the total buck kill. Gun buck harvest declined by 11 percent last year from 103,845 in 2008 to 92,754, the 29th highest gun buck total on record.

Antlerless harvest was carefully regulated on a unit-by-unit basis through the bonus permit process. In 2009, 13 deer management units had no antlerless permits available to gun deer hunters in an effort to promote strong deer population growth in those units. Gun bonus permits were limited in many other units that were near established population goals.

In 2008 gun hunters registered 246,607 antlerless deer. In 2009 the number was146,917, a decrease of 99,690 or approximately 40 percent. The greatest changes in antlerless deer harvest occurred in the northern forest where hunters registered 30,431 antlerless deer compared to 56,607 in 2008. This 46 percent reduction in antlerless harvest was due to a reduction in antlerless deer tags available in the northern forest. The eastern farmland also saw a greatly reduced antlerless harvest with more than 31,000 fewer antlerless deer registered, a 47 percent decrease from 2008. The decrease in the eastern farmland region is largely due to the suspension of Earn-a-Buck hunting requirements.

The statewide post hunt population estimate is 990,000, down slightly from 2009. Regional populations vary widely in Wisconsin and in northeastern Wisconsin deer populations are generally below desired goals. Populations are higher in the rest of the northern and central forest regions and above goals in the eastern, western and southern farmland regions. Hunters interested in learning more about local populations are encouraged to attend a deer management unit information meeting in their area. Meeting locations and dates are available online or by calling the DNR Info line at (888) 936-7463.

Winter severity recording stations will continue to report through April and this fall’s antlerless harvest quotas will be finalized after all winter severity data are collected. March is a critical month for northern deer herds. Harsh weather in March can result in greater mortality and lower fawn production as deer can be in a weakened condition at the end of winter.

2009 Season Highlights

Regional Bow Totals

Regional Gun Totals

Tribal Totals

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Keith Warnke, DNR big game ecologist, (608) 264-6023 or Bob Manwell, DNR communications, (608) 264-9248

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Predator impacts on deer are goal of research efforts to begin in 2010

MADISON – Scientists with the Department of Natural Resources and the University of Wisconsin will launch an ambitious, multi-year field research effort to better understand the impacts predators such as wolves, bears, coyotes and bobcats have on white-tailed deer in Wisconsin.

A review of existing literature on predation and a mathematical analysis using Wisconsin’s extensive harvest and population data suggest a low level impact, but just how much, at what times, by what predators and under what conditions are all relatively unknown at this time, scientists said.

“The literature review and data analysis are first steps that identified the need for specific field research on deer predation and how that research might be designed,” said DNR research scientist, Christopher Jacques.

A particular concern being raised by hunters is the fact of expanding wolf and bear populations in Wisconsin. Both are large predators that feed on deer either primarily as in the case of wolves or occasionally as in the case of bears.

Some hunters argue an expanded wolf population, in particular, has resulted in fewer deer in the northern and central forests.

Review of published research and preliminary data analysis suggests bears are having a small but measurable impact on fawn mortality and that wolves have a small impact on the mortality rate of adult does.

One study in northern Wisconsin will use radio telemetry to track fawns and determine how many are killed by predators and by which predators. Almost nothing is known, for example, about the impact of coyote and bobcat predation on deer in Wisconsin. Similar research is underway in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, and the two states are sharing results.

Another study, set to run for five years, will use a combination of field research methods, including radio telemetry, to study buck mortality. This research, on the DNR wish list for more than a decade, was recommended by independent auditors in 2006 to fine tune Wisconsin’s procedures for estimating herd size.

The review of published research on predation and the early analysis of Wisconsin data were done by researchers Jacques of the DNR Bureau of Science Services and Tim Van Deelen of the University of Wisconsin- Madison. They unearthed 90 studies from the U.S. and Canada, most conducted in recent years with a few dating back to the 1960s and 1970s. Their complete review is available on the Wisconsin wildlife survey page of the DNR Web site (look under deer).

Many deer hunters tend to believe that every deer killed by a predator results in one less deer available for a human hunter to harvest. Research has found the truth to be more complicated. Predators do not, in fact, always reduce the population growth rates of prey.

Biologists use the terms “compensatory” and “additive” to describe the impact of predation on any given wildlife population. If predation is “compensatory,” it means the total number of prey to die in any given year does not change as a result of predation. It means the predators remove the number of animals that would have been lost anyway to other causes.

If predation is “additive,” then the predator is killing prey animals that otherwise would have survived the cycle of seasons. In these cases, the predator is slowing the growth of the prey population, or in some instances, causing that population to decline.

Not surprisingly, the truth in any given predator-prey system often lies somewhere between with some predation being compensatory and some being additive. The trick is to determine degree. If predation has an “additive,” or negative, effect on prey population growth, is the effect small or large?

Jacques and Van Deelen applied statistical analysis to ten years of field and registration data (1998-2008) supplied by hunters from 57 deer management units, or DMUs, in the northern and central forests.

This 10 year period coincides with a steady increase in wolf populations and a probable increase in bear populations in the northern and central forests.

The Wisconsin researchers were looking for relationships, or correlations, within this large mass of data. For instance, do the data show a relationship between increasing wolf numbers in a given area and the growth rate of the deer herd? If such a relationship is revealed, researchers call this a “signal.” The signal can be positive or negative, weak or strong.

This statistical analysis does not show cause and effect, Van Deelen cautions. Nevertheless, the numerical “signals” it produces are valuable markers, pointing to areas where further research is needed to explain the numbers.

The statistical model created by Jacques and Van Deelen suggests black bear presence is associated with a reduced population growth rate for deer of less than one percent. Under this model deer herds would still grow in the presence of a large bear population, just at a slightly reduced rate. The model also suggests that the presence of wolves is related to a slightly increased rate of doe mortality.

“This early analysis appears to say that impacts on deer populations associated with bears and wolves are clearly minor relative to impacts associated with hunting by humans,” said Van Deelen.

These statistical relationships reflect what could be happening across large regions according to biologists. The numbers have nothing to say when it comes to an individual hunter and the 40 or 80 acres he or she hunts.

“If you happen to be hunting in an area of wolf activity,” Jacques said, “it could affect deer behavior or movement patterns and the number of deer you see.”

DNR wildlife officials are committed to continually improving the quality of the state’s deer management program. Hunters play a critical role in this process, and as the agency moves forward with its ambitious research program, hunter involvement will be more important than ever.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Keith Warnke, DNR big game ecologist, (608) 264-6023 or Bob Manwell, DNR communications, (608) 264-9248

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State Parks, trails and forests offer variety of new and traditional activities

MADISON – Wisconsin state parks are gearing up for another summer season which park managers anticipate will be busy. A number of new and updated facilities and programs will greet park and trail users in 2010 including an entirely new campground at Harrington Beach State Park, additional new campsites at Willow River State Park, more sites equipped with electric hookups across the state and all new activities for the Wisconsin Explorer program for kids.

“Wisconsin state parks attracted nearly 14 million visitors in 2009,” said Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Secretary Matt Frank. “State Park System properties are great destinations and activity centers for families seeking healthy outdoor recreation opportunities.”

Wisconsin has more than 4,600 campsites available in state parks, forests and recreation areas offering camping in a variety of habitats from deep forest to unglaciated hill and valley with spectacular overlooks. Many campsites are reservable.

Camp site reservations are continuing to trend upward and were up close to 2 percent through the end of February compared to 2009 according to parks officials. 2009 reservations saw an increase of 6.6 percent over 2008. The number of campsites is expected to grow again in 2011 when an all new campground will be ready for visitors at Governor Thompson State Park.

Trails

Wisconsin state parks offer more than 3,000 miles of recreational trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding and other activities. Mountain bikers visiting the Northern Unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest will want to check out new trails on this unit of the forest and horseback riders will find improved roads, an improved campsite and shower building and renovated stables. Bikers visiting Blue Mound State Park will also find a new feature for riders, a bike camping site just off the Military Ridge State Trail.

Other completed trail projects include reopening of two washout-resistant trails in Wyalusing State Park. The two trails were washed out by floods in the spring of 2007. And, ATV riders can look forward to rebuilt trails in Richard Bong State Recreation Area opening in June 2010.

Get Outdoors Wisconsin DNR

State parks are a popular family-friendly recreational opportunity within easy reach of nearly all Wisconsin citizens. In addition to traditional activities such as camping, picnicking, hiking and swimming, the Get Outdoors Wisconsin program is entering its third year with programs that encourage kids and families to explore the natural environment offered by a park and the nature near their home. Many park properties will also offer guided hikes, explorations and skills demonstrations through the season as part of the Get Outdoors Wisconsin program. Information on events and activities is available online.

The Wisconsin State Park System lists 104 properties including 48 state parks, eight southern forests, six recreational areas and 42 trails. Additional properties open to the public for recreation include northern state forests such as Northern Highland-American Legion, Brule River, Flambeau River, Black River, and Governor Knowles.

Other things to do, other places to visit

The DNR maintains a searchable database of properties including wildlife areas, boat launches, shore fishing access points and state natural areas and a unique automobile based statewide nature trail, the Great Wisconsin Birding and Nature Trail, which highlights easily accessible high-quality nature viewing locations

“Wisconsin offers literally hundreds of public properties featuring a wide range of land and water-based outdoor recreation,” says Dan Schuller, Director of State Parks and Recreation. “There is something for almost every kind of outdoor adventure from newer activities such as geocaching to traditional pastimes like camping, hiking and picnics. If you visit one of our properties please let staff know) your thoughts. We value visitor feedback as we continually work to improve our facilities.”

Nationally, state parks provide a tremendous economic benefit to area communities estimated at $20 billion. Approximately 6,000 state park units attracted more than 725 million visits in 2009.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Wisconsin State Parks (608) 266-2181

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Turkey Youth Hunt to take place April 10 & 11, 2010

MADISON – The fourth annual spring Wisconsin Youth Turkey Hunt is set for April 10-11.

The hunt is intended to give youth hunters (both residents and non-residents) an opportunity to hunt turkeys and gain valuable hunting experience. The youth hunt occurs each year, and is held the weekend prior to the opening Wednesday of the spring turkey season.

As in previous years, youth ages 12-15 who have successfully completed a hunter education program and have purchased a 2010 spring turkey license, 2010 turkey stamp, and have a valid carcass tag for spring 2010 may participate in the 2-day youth hunt.

New this year, youth ages 10 and 11 or youth of 12 through 15 years of age who do not possess a hunter education certificate but who still have a current valid 2010 turkey license, stamp, and permit may participate if “mentored” by a qualified adult under the new mentored hunting program. Participants may only hunt in the turkey management zone for which their permit was issued, and may only harvest one bearded or male turkey total during the youth hunt. Youth who do not fill their tags, or who have purchased extra tags over-the-counter, may still use any remaining unused tags not filled during the special youth hunt during the original time period and zone for which the tags were issued.

A full set of regulations for the youth hunt is available in the 2010 Spring Turkey Hunting Regulations, which is now included in the 2009 Small Game & 2009 Fall Turkey Hunting Regulations.

More information, including the criteria for a qualified adult mentor, can be found on the youth turkey hunting page of the DNR Web site.

Hunters looking for further information can refer to the spring turkey hunting regulations.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Scott Hull: (608) 267-7861, Sharon Fandel: (608) 261-8458, or Krista McGinley: (608) 264-8963

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Leftover spring turkey permits on sale March 22

MADISON – Remaining permits for the 2010 spring turkey hunting season will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis starting March 22. Leftover permits will be first issued for sale by zone, one zone per day, with each zone having a designated sales date.

In total, 225,729 permits were available for the spring 2010 turkey season. More than 149,000 permits were issued to hunters who applied for permits by the Dec. 10 application deadline, leaving more than 76,000 permits available after the drawing.

Hunters should check the turkey zone map [PDF] to verify where they want to hunt and then check the turkey permit availability page to see if permits are available for the period and zone they want to hunt in.

Sales will start at 10 a.m. March 22 and continue through midnight each day or until permits are all sold. These sales will be held for five consecutive days with customers able to purchase one permit per day. Any remaining leftover permits for all zones will go on sale Saturday, March 27 and will continue until sold out or the season ends Permit purchases are limited to one permit per day until each zone and time period is sold out.

The following zones have leftover permits. The scheduled sales dates are as follows:

• Zone 1 – Monday, March 22
• Zone 2 – Tuesday, March 23
• Zone 3 – Wednesday, March 24
• Zone 4 – Thursday, March 25
• Zone 5 & Zone 6 – Friday, March 26 - Due to the low number of permits left in these units, the sale has been combined into one day.

There are no leftover permits available for Zone 7 after the initial drawing. There are also no leftover permits for time periods A or B in the other zones.

A limited number of disabled-only turkey permits for state park areas is available among leftover permits. Disabled hunters who have been issued either a Class A or Class C Disabled Hunter Permit should visit a DNR Service Center or call the DNR Customer Call Center at 1-888-WDNRINFo (1-888-936-7463) beginning on Monday, March 22, 2010 after 10 a.m. to purchase one of these permits.

The fee for turkey permits is $10 for residents, and $15 for nonresidents. All hunters will also be required to pay the spring turkey license and stamp fee, unless they have previously purchased the license and stamp, or are a 2010 Conservation Patron License holder. Residents and nonresidents will have equal opportunity to purchase over-the-counter permits. Purchasing these permits will not affect preference status for future spring or fall turkey permit drawings. A select number of disabled turkey permits for several state parks are also available for leftover sales. Disabled hunters should note that these permits will only be available through DNR service centers.

Leftover permits can be purchased over the Internet through the Online Licensing Center; by calling toll-free 1-877-WI LICENSE (1-877-945-4236); at license sales locations; or DNR service centers during the time they are open for counter service. Hours are service centers were recently reduced. Please check dnr.wi.gov for a list of service centers and days and hours of operation (DNR Service Centers are not open on Saturday). Hunters should have their DNR customer ID ready. Hunters with any questions about when or how to buy permits may call the DNR Customer Call Center from 7 a.m. through 10 p.m. seven days a week at 1-888-WDNRINFo (1-888-936-7463).

The spring 2010 turkey hunting season runs from April 14-May 23. The season is divided into six 5-day (Wednesday through Sunday) time periods.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Scott Hull (608) 267-7861 or Sharon Fandel (608) 261-8458

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Six new State Natural Areas proposed to protect unique state-owned lands

MADISON – Unique areas within six state-owned properties would receive additional protection under a proposal to designate them as State Natural Areas.

The Department of Natural Resources is proposing to modify the existing master plans of the properties to designate a portion of each property as a new State Natural Area, which is a formally designated site devoted to scientific research, the teaching of conservation biology and preservation of their natural values and genetic diversity for future generations.

These proposed designations would not change any existing use or access for recreation at any of the sites.

“Wisconsin's landscape has experienced dramatic changes in the 150 years since intensive settlement began,” explained Randy Hoffman, a conservation biologist with the DNR Bureau of Endangered Resources. “Little remains of the natural plant and animal communities which occupied our lands for centuries. State Natural Areas recognize remnants that have escaped intensive development. These exceptional sites are often the last refuges for rare plants and animals.”

The department is accepting comments through April 1, 2010, on proposed modifications to create State Natural Areas in the following properties:

• St. Croix Islands and Cylon State Wildlife Areas - Two new State Natural Areas would be designated within the St. Croix Islands State Wildlife Area and Cylon State Wildlife Area. This proposal covers land entirely owned by the state. The purpose of the designation is to recognize the high quality natural features of the site and focus research and education activities there. The sites contain emergent marsh, backwater sloughs, sedge meadows and small woodlots. Comments should be directed to Harvey Halvorsen, DNR-Baldwin, 890 Spruce Street, Baldwin, WI 54002, email Harvey.halvorsen@wisconsin.gov or phone 715-684-2914 by April 1, 2010.
• Chippewa Moraine Unit – National Ice Age Reserve - Three State Natural Areas would be designated with the reserve: North of North Shattuck State Natural Area, Townline Lake Woods State Natural Area, and Chippewa Moraine Lakes State Natural Area. This proposal covers land entirely owned by the state and encompasses patches of older forest representing the best known examples in the moraine, and several undeveloped lakes. The purpose of the designation is to recognize the high quality forest and lake systems and focus research and education activities there. Comments should be directed to Brenda Rederer, DNR-Chippewa Moraine, 13394 County Highway M, New Auburn, WI 54757, email Brenda.rederer@wisconsin.gov or phone 715-967-2800 by April 1, 2010.
• Brunet Island State Park - The Jean Brunet Woods State Natural Area would be designated within the park. This proposal covers land entirely owned by the state and encompasses area in the far northern part of the park that is exhibiting old-growth forest characteristics. The purpose of the designation is to recognize the high quality natural communities and focus research and education activities there. Comments should be directed to Mike Rivers, DNR-Brunet Island, 23125 255 Street, Cornell, WI 54732, email Michael.rivers@wisconsin.gov or phone 715-239-6888 by April 1, 2010.

The State Natural Areas program exists to provide protection and management guidelines for outstanding examples of Wisconsin's landscape and natural resources. More information on the State Natural Areas can be found on the DNR Web site.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Randy Hoffman (608) 267-7758

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Winter is a great time to report two invasive, wet area plants

MADISON – With snow still clinging to the ground across much of Wisconsin, late winter is a good time to identify and report two exotic, invasive plants that are invading wet areas across the state. Japanese knotweed and reed grass are exotic species that are replacing native plants and reducing native animals that depend on them, according to a state invasive species specialist. Both species also are make recreational use of wet areas difficult.

“The snow providing a white backdrop makes it easier to identify both of these invasive plants,” says Brock Woods, an aquatic invasive plant specialist working with the Department of Natural Resources and University of Wisconsin-Extension.

Japanese knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum) is an upright, semi-woody, shrub-like herb that resembles bamboo and can grow to over 10 feet tall.

“In winter the many bright rusty brown, bamboo-like stems make it easy to spot, even from a moving vehicle. Most other times of year it’s hard to distinguish from other plants until its patch is too big to easily control,” he says.

This invasive species has been planted in many towns and cities for its large heart-shaped leaves and showy sprays of cream colored flowers. Unfortunately, small patches of the plant are beginning to show up along wetlands and streams where they will likely expand to enormous sizes, sometimes many yards wide and hundreds of yards long. A large, impenetrable clone can make it difficult to access waters that have been used for years for fishing, boating, and other activities. For more details, see a "Japanese knotweed factsheet [PDF] on the DNR Web site.

Non-native common (or giant) reed grass (Phragmites australis), was introduced from Europe and now out-competes its shorter native cousin, especially in wetlands near the Great Lakes, but also spreading along highway ditches and into adjacent wetlands. It can also reduce both the use and aesthetics of water edges.

“Winter helps make the 12-foot-plus-tall, thickly growing stems and dark, fluffy tops of the introduced grass contrast easily with the short (6 foot), thinly spread stems and thin flowers of the native variety,” Woods says.

When wetlands are frozen it may also be easier to approach phragmites to make closer observations! The leaves of native phragmites fall in autumn, revealing hard and very smooth stems. In contrast, the invasive variety of the plant retains its heavily ridged leaf bases through winter, and the stems beneath are also ridged. Run a fingernail across these and if it catches you’re very likely to have introduced plants. More identification details on these plants is available on the Invasiveplants.net [exit DNR] Web site.

DNR and others are trying to track where these two species are spreading, and to work with local groups to control new infestations in priority sites, especially in areas not previously infested. Knowing where the plants are likely to cause problems will also aid in devising statewide control strategies. You can help by reporting any locations of these plants in areas of concern. Report Japanese knotweed where it is spreading into wetlands or on the shores of lakes or streams. Phragmites is already abundant close to Lake Michigan, so no need to report from there or on roadsides away from natural waterways. However, in inland counties, report any populations in or near wetlands or on shores.

Report populations of these invasive species by e-mailing Invasive.Species@wi.gov, calling 608-267-5066, or sending in a voucher specimen.

More details on reporting invasive species can be found on the DNR Web site. Please provide as exact a location as possible. If you can, include the size of the population, your contact information, a photo or voucher specimen, and the name of the person or organization that owns the land.

Aquatic Invasive Species grants from DNR may be available to eliminate new infestations of these plants and reduce other aquatic invasive plants.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Brock Woods (608) 221-6349

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Wilderness first aid basics - plus course offered

BABCOCK – People interested in learning about how to deal with major back-country emergencies, as well as training on the management of more common minor medical problems encountered outdoors, can register for a Wilderness First-Aid Basics workshop being offered by the Department of Natural Resources Sandhill Outdoor Skills Center and the American Red Cross.

The 18-hour workshop will be held Saturday and Sunday, April 10-11. Rod Erickson, M.D. will discuss topics on outdoor hygiene, how to deal with cuts, sprains, strains, broken bones and evacuation strategies. Those successfully completing the course will be certified in Wilderness First Aid Basics by the American Red Cross. CPR is not required, but is recommended.

The $90 fee includes: Wilderness First Aid Basics workbook, Wilderness First Aid Mountaineering, When Help is Delayed handbook, a patch for those who successfully complete the course, Saturday supper, and Sunday breakfast.

Registration is limited to 20 people on a first-come, first-served basis and is confirmed by mailing in a registration fee by March 26.

Checks should be made out to DNR-Skills Center. Include the name of each participant, and the address and daytime phone number of one person in each party. Participants may stay in the center’s dorm during the course and on the night before or after the course for a donation of $15 per person per night. Send your registration fee to: Sandhill Outdoor Skills Center, PO Box 156, Babcock, WI 54413. Inquiries on the status of registrations may be sent via e-mail to: Richard.Thiel@wisconsin.gov.

The Sandhill Outdoor Skills Center is located 20 miles west of Wisconsin Rapids on County Highway X, 1 mile north of Highway 80 near Babcock, Wisconsin on the 9,000 acre Department of Natural Resources Sandhill Wildlife Area.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Sandhill Skills Center at: (715) 884-6333 or (715) 884-2437