Wisconsin Mixed Bag: Richland County deer farm confirmed with CWD

Madison — The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) confirmed that a Richland County deer farm has had a positive test for chronic wasting disease (CWD). The result was confirmed by the National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) in Ames, Iowa.

The positive result came from a 3-year-old buck. The premises is quarantined, where it will remain while DATCP and the U.S. Department of Agriculture veterinarians and staff conduct the epidemiological investigation. DATCP regulates deer farms for registration, record-keeping, disease testing, movement and permit requirements.

DATCP Public Information Officer Molly Mueller said the agency does not have any information on the township name in which the game farm is located. She could only confirm that the farm is located in Richland County.

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Lake Superior Fisheries Meeting is Dec. 11

Ashland, Wis. — The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will hold an informational public meeting at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 11, to discuss progress toward the objectives outlined in the Lake Superior Fisheries Management Plan at its midpoint.

The public will hear a summary of the work accomplished thus far towards each of the five goals laid out in the Lake Superior fisheries plan. Stakeholders also will help identify and plan future work to meet the plan’s goals and objectives.

The Lake Superior fisheries plan was developed from 2017 to 2020 by the DNR and stakeholders to guide sport and commercial fisheries management in Wisconsin’s Lake Superior waters for 10 years (2020-29). The plan presents an ambitious agenda: a diverse fishery and ecosystem that balances the ecological, cultural, social and economic needs of Wisconsin’s Lake Superior basin region.

“Through a combination of core monitoring and surveys, extra projects and diverse collaborations, DNR staff have been able to complete work under every goal and almost every objective within the plan. This meeting is an opportunity to highlight these accomplishments,” said Karson Cisneros, DNR Great Lakes specialist.

Wisconsin Ice Fishing Expo Adds Second Hangar for Dec. 12-14 Event at EAA Grounds

Oshkosh, Wis. — The Wisconsin Ice Fishing Expo returns Dec. 12-14 to the EAA grounds and adds a second hangar to the expo, increasing the event by another 20,000 square feet. The added space will feature indoor food trucks, lots of seating for enjoying a bite to eat or seminar, two bars and a more comfortable area for folks spending the day.

Ice fishing enthusiasts will explore nearly every major ice fishing brand and unique offerings that aren’t found in big box stores. Ice fishing lures, shelters, augers, electronics, and retailers will be packed into more than 78,000 square feet of exhibition space. ATV, UTV, and snowmobile enthusiasts will appreciate the expanded powersports companies making deals right at the show.

Seminar speakers include Jason Mitchell, Larry Smith, Tom Boley, Tommy Kemos, Tony Peterson, Cody Solberg and others.

There also will be a trout pond with tagged trout and prizes, a kids’ zone with youth activities, Santa visits on Sunday and a kids’ fish bingo game where the first 300 kids each day get a prize package with candy, an ACME fishing lure and other goodies.

The first 200 people each day get a free pack of ice jigs from HT Enterprises. Eskimo/Jiffy will have sign-ups where people can scan a QR code to win a free shelter. Attendees also can win fishing gear from the roving “Giveaway Gang.” Heated shuttles will ferry visitors from the parking lots to the expo, and back at the end of the day – along with any new gear.

 For information go to www.icefishexpo.com. Tickets are $10; kids 12 and under are free. The event is sponsored by: Wisconsin Outdoor News, Eskimo, Ion, Acme, Beaver Dam, HT Enterprises, Thorne Brothers and the Wisconsin Interscholastic Fishing Association.

Bass Fishing Hall of Fame Opens Nomination Season

Springfield, Mo. — Fresh off an induction ceremony that celebrated three influential members of the bass-fishing community, the board of directors of the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame has opened the nomination process for the next class of inductees.

Anyone may nominate deserving individuals for consideration. Nominees should have made a major impact on the world of bass fishing and brought honor and credit to the sport. In order to be considered for the class of 2026, applications must be completed by Jan. 15, 2026. The initial list of nominees will be narrowed to an official ballot to be evaluated by the selection panel, which includes 30 members of the industry plus all living hall-of-famers.

Nomination forms are posted on the hall’s website.