Wisconsin Mixed Bag: Sandhill deer hunt applications due July 1

Madison — The DNR is taking online applications via the agency’s website through July 1 for the 2025 Sandhill Wildlife Area learn-to-hunt program for deer.

Sandhill’s workshops include classroom instruction, hands-on field time and a mentored hunt on the 9,150-acre property.

The program is open to those ages 12-15. Adults (age 16 plus) with no gun deer hunting experience may also apply. A chaperone must accompany all hunters. Registration is $40. The program will culminate with a two-day hunt on Nov. 8-9 at Sandhill Wildlife Area near Babcock in Wood County.

All participants must complete a hunter education course.

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Disabled Hunter Hosts Must Apply by July 1

Madison — The DNR is looking for landowners to host deer hunters with disabilities for the Oct. 4-12 hunt.

Landowners must have at least 60 acres available, be able to host at least three hunters and complete an online application by July 1. The hunt began in 1992 and provides hunting opportunities for about 400 disabled hunters each year.

Wisconsin’s Doug Duren Recognized with National Deer Association Award

Cazenovia, Wis. — The National Deer Association (NDA) named Doug Duren, of Cazenovia, its NDA Deer Manager of the Year Award winner for 2023, an award presented to those who demonstrate outstanding commitment to sound management of deer habitat and populations.

“Doug is a leader in CWD education and outreach and hunter recruitment efforts in Wisconsin and beyond,” said Kip Adams, NDA’s chief conservation officer. “He organizes CWD sampling sites, doe derbies and more for Wisconsin’s hunters. In doing so he leads the charge for sound deer and disease management in the Badger State.”

Duren is a hunter, farmer, land manager, and conservationist. He owns Lone Oak Interests, specializing in site and land management consulting and contracting services throughout Wisconsin and the Driftless Area.

Duren manages the Duren family farm near Cazenovia, where he has been working and hunting for more than 45 years. The farm has been in the family for 115 years. He is often a guest on the MeatEater podcast and TV show, where he shares his expertise and insights on hunting, conservation, and land stewardship. He advocates for the core message of, “It’s not ours, it’s just our turn.”

He also recognizes a need to connect deer hunters who need a place to go with landowners who could use assistance with reducing deer numbers, farm chores or general land management activities, so he founded Sharing the Land, a “Conservation Cooperators Network,” that pairs farmers, ranchers and rural property owners with hunters for the purpose of stewarding and enjoying healthier lands together, all under a shared conservation ethic.

Seats Open on DNR’s Beaver Plan Committee

Madison — The DNR is seeking qualified individuals to serve on the DNR Beaver Management Plan Committee. Applications will be accepted until June 20.

Groups with an interest in beaver management may visit the beaver plan web page on the DNR website to learn about the qualifications, read the committee’s charter, find the application and apply for a seat on the committee.

The committee will provide input to the DNR while it develops an updated beaver plan. Ten seats are open to stakeholder groups. Representation will include groups that represent: Trapping; fishing and cold-water resources; wetlands and habitat; environmental; conservation and education; and agricultural.

One seat is available for a group or individual with a unique perspective on beaver management that does not belong to the broad interest groups mentioned above.

Additional seats will be reserved for staff from the DNR, the federal government, the Conservation Congress, and tribes.

The update will run through 2026 to provide time for public participation and incorporation of the most recent scientific data. In the coming months, the DNR will hold public input sessions to gather feedback on the direction of beaver management. Later in the process, the DNR will release a draft plan for public review.