The state’s gray wolf population declined for the second consecutive year, according to new Wisconsin DNR estimates, adding fresh complexity to one of the state’s most polarizing wildlife management issues.
The DNR estimates Wisconsin had 1,162 wolves in about 321 packs during winter 2025-26, down from 1,225 wolves a year ago and 1,311 in 2024.
Wisconsin DNR says wolf population down slightly, but stable Read More »
Wisconsin wolf advisory committee members learned that verified 2025 wolf kills of livestock and pets dipped from 2024, the most recent numbers available.
Total verified losses in 2025 were listed at 90, with damage payments being just under $221,000. This is down from 174 losses reported for a total of just under $333,000 in damage payments in 2024. Payments, however, do not cover all of the costs associated with wolves and wolf conflicts.
Wisconsin’s 2025 verified wolf kills of livestock, pets down from previous year Read More »
Outdoor experiences reached 5,013 Wisconsin students, teachers, and chaperones during two free events in Milwaukee and Poynette in May.
Each year the Midwest Outdoor Heritage Education Expo (MOHEE) brings direct access to outdoor pursuits to kids in grades four through seven who might not have them. MOHEE is put on by The Outdoor Heritage Education Center (OHEC), and made possible through a wide network of partners.
Education expo brings outdoors to thousands of Wisconsin students, teachers Read More »
In a room filled with grief, but also a sense of awe and deep appreciation, citizens gathered in Fort Atkinson last month for the celebration of life of a man whose name, for many, has become synonymous with conservation in the state of Wisconsin: former DNR Secretary George Meyer.
Meyer was a champion of Wisconsin’s natural resources with a never-wavering determination. But more than that, Meyer was a mentor, friend, husband, father, and grandfather.
Family, friends, colleagues celebrate the life of Wisconsin conservationist George Meyer Read More »
Wisconsin’s fisheries program is facing a projected $7.3 million budget shortfall in fiscal year 2027 (starting July 1).
This shortfall means forced proposed cuts that include up to 70% reductions in some fish stocking efforts, the potential closure of two state hatcheries, and scaled-back habitat and survey work across hundreds of waters statewide.
Wisconsin DNR fish program looking at $7.3 million budget shortfall Read More »
The possibility of using trailing hounds to move wolves away from farms and other problem areas in Wisconsin cleared its first hurdle when the Conservation Congress wolf study committee passed Corky Meyer’s resolution with just one dissenting vote.
Meyer, who passed away earlier this year, had been a strong conservation advocate for decades.
Wisconsin Conservation Congress group passes hound/wolf resolution Read More »
The Conservation Congress Bear Study Committee met earlier this month to review 2026 harvest quota and tag number recommendations from the DNR Bear Advisory Committee, which would increase tag numbers in the southern bear zones, while leaving quotas relatively stable.
Wisconsin bear hunters will have to wait until Jan. 28, 2026, to find out for certain, but there’s a better than even chance they will see a healthy increase in bear harvest tags for 2026.
That’s the date Natural Resources Board (NRB) members will take up a Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recommendation on next year’s black bear harvest quota and harvest tag numbers.
Wisconsin bear hunt could see more tags in 2026 Read More »
Hunter Nation leaders and U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany (R-Wisconsin) urged Wisconsin sportsmen and women to vote and to ramp up pressure on wolf management issues, saying strong voter turnout among hunters, anglers, and trappers could shift statewide policy debates.
During his turn at the podium, Tiffany also called for splitting the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) into two agencies: one focused on fish and wildlife, the other on environmental regulation, a move he said would better protect sportsmen’s license dollars.
Wisconsin voter turnout, wolf delisting top Hunter Nation ‘wish list’ Read More »
Sign up for the Outdoor News Weekly Newsletter and get 2 months of FREE access to OutdoorNews.com – packed with hunting, fishing, and conservation news. No Catch.
This offer includes digital access only (not the printed edition)
We’ve simplified things. Now you only need one password to access all your Outdoor News digital content.
If you hit the help page, follow the directions so you don’t miss out on any of our great content.
Let’s get you reading!
We’ve simplified things. Now you only need one password to access all your Outdoor News digital content.
• Click Continue below.
• You’ll be taken to the OutdoorNews.com sign-in screen.
• Don’t have an account yet? Create one—it’s quick!
• After signing in, click the E-Edition Login button again. When the pop-up appears, just click Continue. You’ll either:
If you hit the help page, follow the directions so you don’t miss out on any of our great content.
We know you love the outdoors—now we want to make OutdoorNews.com the ultimate destination for all things hunting, fishing, and conservation.
Take our brief 3 minute survey to share your thoughts, and help us build the best outdoor website on the planet. As a thank you, we’ll send you a special offer!
Together, we can make OutdoorNews.com even better.
For a limited time, you can get full access to breaking news, all original Outdoor News stories and updates from the entire Great Lakes Region and beyond, the most up-to-date fishing & hunting reports, lake maps, photo & video galleries, the latest gear, wild game cooking tips and recipes, fishing & hunting tips from pros and experts, bonus web content and much, much more, all on your smartphone, tablet or desktop For just a buck per month!
Some restrictions apply. Not valid with other promotions. $1 per month for 6 months (you will be billed $6) and then your subscription will renew at standard subscription rates. For more information see Terms and Conditions. This offer only applies to OutdoorNews.com and not for any Outdoor News print subscriptions. Offer valid thru 3/31/23.
Already a subscriber to OutdoorNews.com? Click here to login.
