Preston Cole, Department of Natural Resources nominee leans scientifically in approaching chronic wasting disease, possible water shortage and contamination problems, and communications with public.

Speaking to a group of outdoors writers/reporters last week at a DNR building in Madison, Cole encouraged contacts with DNR officials for answers and information.

In the recent past, many DNR employees were discouraged from talking directly to the public or in front of hearing committees. Even DNR field and specific responsibility experts were held back to voicing opinions.

Regarding CWD, Cole’s approach is to first find out what is known and what can be shared among states and agencies dealing with this form of lethal transmissible spongiform encephalopathy impacting white-tailed deer, elk, moose and reindeer.

“For example, Michigan State has a fast test for CWD they’ve been working on so why should we develop one of our own,” Cole said. “We’re trying to avoid duplication and have a strategy to go forward.”

The advantage would be hunters knowing test results sooner.

One concern is determining the best way to continue to get more samples from deer hunters, using incentives, self-serve kiosks, and in-person stations.

Expect to see the baiting and feeding issue surface soon, too. The question is already being asked, why still allow baiting and feeding?

The department has begun by filling five science positions.

The votes from the recent WDNR and Wisconsin Conservation Congress Spring Fish and Wildlife Rules Hearings are posted for viewing on the DNR web site. More than 10,700 people participated and voiced their opinions on 88 questions.

Interestingly, Question 80 asked to designate the shagbark hickory nut as the state nut. Instead of a campaign from school children, often fifth grade, this question went first to the Conservation Congress.   If this is to become law, it would require legislative action.

Several other state symbol suggestions, some from school groups, have been denied including ruffed grouse as a state gamebird while the state herb, ginseng flew through coming from several legislators.

Trout anglers are waiting for warmer days. So, too, are gardeners.

Catkin-forming trees are in full flower, but little color is associated with these blooms. Farmers have planted some oats, alfalfa and a few other grains, while deer are feeding heavily on new alfalfa shoots.

Turkey mating is in full swing and in the wide open.

Ground squirrels, opossums, raccoons, and skunks are active. Turkey hunters are likely, while walking into their locations, to encounter a late-feeding pole-cat. This black and white is known by more than 300 slang names.

Some of Wisconsin’s prime outdoors activities — fishing, spring food gathering, hiking, biking, and camping — are on the horizon.

— Jerry Davis is an Argyle native and a freelance writer who lives in Barneveld. He can be reached at sivadjam@mhtc.net or at 608-924-1112.