Saturday, May 9th, 2026

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Saturday, May 9th, 2026

Breaking News for

Sportsmen Since 1968

Tim Eisele

Scott Walter back at Wisconsin DNR, this time as wildlife leader

Scott Walter has some big shoes to fill, knowing that some of the previous directors of wildlife management for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) include the likes of John Keener, Steve Miller, Tom Hauge, and others.
Walter’s diverse background and field experience led to his hiring as director of DNR’s Bureau of Wildlife Management.

Scott Walter back at Wisconsin DNR, this time as wildlife leader Read More »

What stands out from Wisconsin’s overall deer season in 2025? A deep look into the numbers

Harvest totals for the 2025 deer season in Wisconsin were not yet final, but as of Jan. 20, hunters had registered 339,481 deer through all seasons.
Ryan Haffele, Department of Natural Resources (DNR) acting deer program specialist, told the Natural Resources Board (NRB) that number compares favorably with the 2024 total of 317,976 deer.
“Preliminary registration totals show that every season was well above the five-year average, except for the nine-day gun season,” Haffele said.

What stands out from Wisconsin’s overall deer season in 2025? A deep look into the numbers Read More »

Wisconsin’s suggested 2026 waterfowl rules similar to 2025

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources’ Waterfowl Advisory Committee met at the Mead Wildlife Area Feb. 16 and recommended 2026 waterfowl regulations very similar to 2025 regulations.
Hunters now will have until March 6 to express their opinions on the proposals at several meetings and online.

Wisconsin’s suggested 2026 waterfowl rules similar to 2025 Read More »

Wisconsin Senate passes resolution honoring George Meyer

The Wisconsin State Senate recently passed a resolution honoring the life and work of the late George Meyer, who passed away Dec. 10, 2025.
In making the resolution, Sen. Brad Pfaff (D-Onalaska), the primary author, said, “Every life in this state was impacted by the work of Secretary Meyer. He was a true conservation and environmental leader and will be dearly missed.”

Wisconsin Senate passes resolution honoring George Meyer Read More »

Survey shows large majority of Wisconsin hunters are satisfied with turkey season

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Turkey Advisory Committee, composed of Wisconsin DNR staff and conservation partner organizations, met Feb. 9 to review more than 3,000 public responses to a questionnaire that was available in December.
“The whole goal of the public input process was to see if there were any potential management or regulatory action items that we need to add or modify in the next management plan,” said Taylor Finger, DNR game bird specialist.

Survey shows large majority of Wisconsin hunters are satisfied with turkey season Read More »

Wisconsin DNR denies citizen petition to curb wake boats

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) threw cold water on efforts by several organizations that were asking for restrictions on wake boats.
The Natural Resources Board’s (NRB) Jan. 28 meeting featured a long explanation by DNR staff of why the agency does not have the ability to put more restrictions on wake boats. DNR officials say the real remedy is with the legislature.

Wisconsin DNR denies citizen petition to curb wake boats Read More »

Wisconsin NRB adopts tighter PFAS limits

Wisconsin Natural Resources Board (NRB) members at their Jan. 28 meeting approved new drinking water standards based on new federal standards for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
The impact of PFAS in Wisconsin’s water includes threats to public health. Establishing new drinking water standards for PFAS will protect public health. Public water systems may not exceed these standards, and if they do, corrective action must be taken to protect the public’s health.

Wisconsin NRB adopts tighter PFAS limits Read More »

Bull or cow? Wisconsin elk hunters may get choice when applying for a tag

The Wisconsin Natural Resources Board (NRB) approved a statement of scope for an emergency rule as well as a permanent rule to allow the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to receive applications for antlered and antlerless elk harvest tags.
Currently, hunters may only apply for a generic elk harvest permit. This change would allow hunters to apply for a cow tag or bull tag.

Bull or cow? Wisconsin elk hunters may get choice when applying for a tag Read More »

Wisconsin DNR researching ways to stem consistent loss of deer hunters

Deer hunter numbers have been declining  in Wisconsin and across the nation in recent decades, and Department of Natural Resources (DNR) staffers are concerned.
Dr. Daniel Storm and Adam Mohr, DNR research scientists in the Office of Applied Science, briefed the Wisconsin Natural Resources Board at its Jan. 28 meeting, on reasons for concern.

Wisconsin DNR researching ways to stem consistent loss of deer hunters Read More »

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