Wisconsin Mixed Bag: Baumann, Krueger on Gingseng Board

Madison — The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) has certified the 2025 Wisconsin Ginseng Board of Wisconsin election results. Kirk Baumann and Danny Krueger, both of Wausau, began three-year terms on the board on July 1.

The board is composed of seven at-large producers who are responsible for administering Wisconsin’s Ginseng Marketing Order. The board oversees the collection and use of approximately $210,000 in assessment fees paid by Wisconsin ginseng growers. This funding is used to support the ginseng industry through research, education, and promotion of Wisconsin-grown ginseng.

Federal Launches Personal Defense Deals Rebate Program

Anoka, Minn. — Federal Ammunition has announced a new rebate program for customers purchasing select Federal Premium Personal Defense handgun ammunition. The Personal Defense Deals rebate runs July 1 through July 31, giving customers the chance to earn up to $200 back. Rebate submissions must be received by Aug. 31

To qualify, customers must buy at least two boxes of eligible Federal Premium Personal Defense handgun ammunition and will receive a rebate of 20% of the purchase price, with a maximum rebate of $200 per person or household.

Qualifying handgun products are limited to HST, Hydra-Shok, Hydra-Shok Deep, Practice & Defend, HST Micro, and Hydra-Shok Low Recoil. For rebate details, visit: www.federalpremium.com.

MORE COVERAGE FROM WISCONSIN OUTDOOR NEWS:

Ducks Unlimited, Wisconsin DNR collaborate on Brillion wetland project

Wisconsin’s spring waterfowl survey shows positive results

Wisconsin’s recent trend in rooster numbers best in years

Black Bear Show Set for July 25-27

Barnum, Minn. — The International Black Bear Show will run at the Carlton County Fairgrounds in Barnum, July 25-27. It’s a weekend rendezvous during which bear hunters can come for a day or for the weekend and see more than 60 vendors, including guides and outfitters, bear bait suppliers, view hunting equipment, and talk with taxidermists.

All three days feature seminars from expert bear hunters on topics from baiting strategies to bear biology and behaviors, to tracking dogs and cooking bear meat.

Camping is available on the grounds and a list of nearby lodging is on the show website. Learn more about the show and see a list of vendors and activities at: www.blackbearshow.com. A few vendor booths remain open. For more info, call show director Bernie Barringer at (218) 820-8459.

DNR Seeking Volunteer Safety Instructors

Madison — The DNR is seeking volunteers to teach hunter education in all parts of the state. Since the program’s creation in 1967, more than 20,000 volunteers have educated hunters in the state, certifying more than 1 million hunters.

Basic hunter education is a firearm safety class that is required by law for anyone who intends to hunt independently. The DNR relies on a statewide corps of about 4,000 volunteer instructors.

Beyond basic hunter education, the DNR and contracted partners (Becoming an Outdoors-Woman, National Deer Association, Pass It On – Outdoor Mentors, Pheasants Forever and Raised at Full Draw) offer instruction and continuing education to hunters of all experience levels. The DNR also is seeking volunteers to coordinate advanced programs as the next step from basic hunter education.

For more information about becoming a volunteer instructor or applying, visit the DNR website.

Annual Game Bird Survey Needs Volunteers

Madison — The DNR is asking state residents to become community scientists by participating in the annual game bird survey, open now through the end of August.

These surveys are designed to measure the reproductive status of game birds, an indicator of the productivity of Wisconsin’s game bird populations. The data from these surveys, along with harvest information, provide DNR scientists with the key elements needed to make informed management decisions for these species.

“Wherever you are in Wisconsin, you can help the DNR manage wildlife by collecting data in your area,” said Paul Frater, DNR surveys coordinator. “Sightings can easily be submitted through our Survey123 app, and every submission helps us understand how game birds are doing throughout the state.“

Participation in the survey requires no registration, and observations can be recorded using a mobile device. Members of the public may collect information on the types and numbers of game bird broods they observe during the summer months. This information is the basis for monitoring the reproduction of game birds for that breeding year. The deadline to submit observations is Aug. 31.

More information and a link to download the survey is available on the DNR’s game bird survey webpage.

State Parks Win New Destination Award

Madison — The Department of Tourism’s Office of Outdoor Recreation selected seven individuals and groups as the first recipients of the new Wisconsin Governor’s Outdoor Industry Awards.

The 125-year-old state park system was honored with destination of the year. Across seven categories, 75 nominations were received for individuals, destinations, and groups.

Other winners include: Outdoor Business of the Year – Adventure Outfitters; Trailblazer of the Year – Bill Menke, volunteer; Tandem Award for Collaboration – Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin’s field trip program; Big Tent Award – Bill Bertram, outdoor recreation organizer; First Ascent Award for Innovation – The Glide by Boulder Junction Parks and Recreation Board; and Rising Star Award – Kennedy Domerchie, outdoors development manager, Visit Eau Claire.