09/07/2012

DSORe eNews Vol. 7 Issue 736

By dsoradio

VOL: 7 ISSUE: 736 SEPTEMBER 08, 2012

• A sensible approach to concealed carry
• Can we turn around the decline in hunter numbers

eMail: outdoorsradio@gmx.com

DSORe UpClose

• Dan fishes for Alaska trout and salmon
• Carrie Zylka sits in for Dan

RESULTS FOR POLL S735

Do you approve of Gov. Walkers move to stop the October antlerless hunt in the CWD Zone?
YES 72.7% | NO 27.3% | MAYBE 0% | UNDECIDED 0% | Comments [7]

INSTANT SURVEY VOTE ON – POLL s736
Will you take advantage of the rule change that will allow coyote hunting in the northern zone during the gun deer season beginning this year?

The question: “Will you take advantage of the rule change that will allow coyote hunting in the northern zone during the gun deer season beginning this year?”

WHAT do YOU think of this.

Let us know.

VOTE YOUR OPINION

Natural Resources; Fish, Game, etc., Chs. NR1: SS 038-12

This statement of scope was approved by the governor on May 29, 2012.

Rule No.

WM-15-12 and WM-16-12 (E), Chapter NR 10.

Relating to

Amending Chapter NR 10 to establish that coyote hunting is allowed during firearm deer seasons in Wolf Management Zone 1.

Rule Type

Both permanent and emergency.

Finding/Nature of Emergency (Emergency Rule Only)

Non-statutory provisions in SECTION 21 of 2011 ACT 169 require the department to submit rules necessary for implementation or interpretation and establish that the department is not required to make a finding of emergency.

Detailed Description of the Objective of the Proposed Rule

The coyote hunting season is currently closed at times when firearm deer seasons are open in Wolf Management Zone 1. This rule would open the coyote season.

Under this proposal, wolves would continue to be protected during the firearm deer season and harvest would only be allowed by a person who possesses a valid wolf harvesting license.

The current closure was established when wolves were listed in Wisconsin and federally as an endangered species, to prevent incidents of misidentification by people who intended to harvest coyotes. The closure is no longer needed for protection of the wolf population and this coyote hunting opportunity can be restored. The wolf population has expanded and packs are established in many areas outside of Wolf Management Zone 1, where the current coyote season closure has never been in effect.

THE EVENTS CALENDAR HAS BEEN MOVED DANSMALLOUTDOORS.COM/EVENTS

•FISHING CONTESTS: Find them ALL online: @ American Fishing Contests
•RUFFED GROUSE SOCIETY BANQUETS & EVENTS: ONLINE INFO:
•MILFORD HILLS ACTIVITIES & EVENTS: ONLINE INFO

Blue Harbor Resort: Classic Lakeside Resort & Spa

Fall wild turkey and ruffed grouse seasons open Sept. 15

2012 fall wild turkey and ruffed grouse seasons are set to open, hunter prospects look good.

MADISON The 2012 fall wild turkey and ruffed grouse seasons are set to open, and state wildlife officials say that hunter prospects are good for both seasons. The turkey season will open statewide at the start of shooting hours on Sept. 15, as will the grouse season in Zone A. Grouse hunters interested in pursuing grouse in southeastern Wisconsin should be aware that the grouse season does not open until Oct. 20 in Zone B.

Overall, Wisconsins statewide wild turkey population remains strong, and wildlife officials have set the number of fall turkey permits available at 96,700, a 1,000-permit increase over the number of permits offered during last years fall turkey season. Permits were increased by 600 in Zone 2 and by 400 in Zone 7 in order to better accommodate demand by hunters.

Ruffed grouse populations in Wisconsin appear to be entering a downswing, according to this springs drumming survey results. Ruffed grouse populations are known to boom and bust over an 8-11 year period, and the index that the state uses to track ruffed grouse numbers decreased statewide by 25 percent between 2011 and 2012. This decrease isnt a surprise, as Wisconsin was overdue for the expected downturn, but weather conditions in the spring were excellent for nesting and brood-rearing, and should mean a good year for reproduction. First-year birds may therefore help offset the cyclic downturn in numbers, and hunters can expect good hunting again during the 2012 season.

Fall wild turkey and ruffed grouse season dates and reminders

2012 Fall Wild Turkey Season Dates (all zones):

Sept. 15 through Nov. 15

2012 Fall Wild Turkey Extended Season Dates for Zones 1-5 ONLY:

Nov. 26 through Dec. 31

2012 Ruffed Grouse Season Dates:

Zone A: Sept. 15, 2012 through Jan. 31, 2013
Zone B: Oct. 20 through Dec. 8

2012 Woodcock Season Sept. 22 through Nov. 5

For more information, see the Wisconsin wild turkey, ruffed grouse, and Harvest Information Program pages on the DNR website.

Turkey and grouse hunting have special safety concerns

“Wear blaze orange clothing and stay in visual contact with your hunting partners at all times.” Part of the mindset necessary for a safe hunting season.

MADISON — Hunters need to keep safety in mind when hunting turkey and grouse.

Theres something very special about turkey and grouse hunting, says Jon King Department of Natural Resources hunter education program administrator. And with the enthusiasm that goes along with this type of hunting, we should all be mindful of making sure we return home safe and sound at the end of each hunt.

Here are some things King says hunters need to keep in mind when going afield after ruffed grouse and fall turkey:

Follow the four basic rules of firearm safety: TAB+K.

Treat every firearm as if it is loaded.
Always point the muzzle in a safe direction.
Plan your hunt and hunt your plan.
Know your safe zone of fire, know where your hunting partners are and always advance forward in unison and dont get ahead of or behind your hunting partner.
Be certain of your target and whats beyond it.
Shooting into thick cover or heavy brush without positive identification can lead to a tragedy.
Wear blaze orange clothing and stay in visual contact with your hunting partners at all times. If you lose sight of each other, stop hunting, call, and listen until you locate each other.
Other hunters and non-hunters will be afield so take the time needed to ensure you have a safe shot.
Keep your finger outside the trigger guard until youre ready to shoot.
34 percent of hunting incidents are self-inflicted and preventable.

King suggests that you advise someone else of where you will be hunting and when they should expect you back. If something should go wrong, at least someone will know where to start looking.

Famed conservationist Aldo Leopold once wrote, There are two kinds of hunting: ordinary hunting, and ruffed grouse hunting, King says. Dont let careless hunting practices spoil this special tradition.