Sometimes business gets backed up, and I have no choice but summarize what's going on in the outdoors. Such is the case this week as a number of important matters come to mind, plus I need to correct last week's item on the upcoming migratory game bird season structure.
For starters, the duck season opener in the Southern Zone is NOT Sept. 25 as the article stated. Fortunately, vigilant reader Stu Soper noticed the mistake and let me know about it.
The September date is, of course, the opening day of the season in the Northern Zone. In the Southern Zone, the season runs Oct. 2 to 10; then reopens on Oct. 16 and ends Dec. 5. I hope nobody gets nailed with a hunting violation as a result. Stu, I owe you one!
I traveled to Wautoma last week to attend a meeting of the Wisconsin Conservation Congress Outreach Committee. This is the second kick at the can regarding our effort to let people know what the Congress is all about and what we can do to promote our conservation heritage among those who have yet to enjoy the many outdoor opportunities available in the Badger State.
We first met in 2007, resulting in more involvement with youth activities such as the Wisconsin Outdoor Expo held in Beaver Dam each year in May. We set up our new and improved Wall of Fame representing the rich heritage of Wisconsin fish and game management. The display features an array of artifacts of the state's hunting, fishing and trapping traditions. Our newsletter, Conservation Chronicle, was another outcome from those first meetings.
New insights came as the result of including two members of the Natural Resources Board, Duke Welter and Christine Thomas. The NRB has the final say on most rules governing our hunting, fishing and trapping seasons. All three WCC Executive Committee members are also involved with the committee.
The discussion was lively on a wide range of topics, a few of which I felt were beyond the scope of the group's focus. A couple of ideas sent shivers of alarm through my bones.
There were suggestions that the Congress should get more involved with such environmental issues as global warming, and we should broaden our membership beyond the hook and bullet crowd. As it is, some believe we are too scattered and need to be more specific about what we contribute to fish and game management.
Despite objections from those who fear discussion of the issue, global warming is about as divisive a topic as one can imagine. The so-called consensus on climate change is anything but, with many from the scientific community offering considerable evidence which conflicts with assertions from mainstream environmental groups.
These groups have much to gain from continued emphasis on the matter, including lucrative government grants and a cause around which to rally their members. Global warming also offers colleges and universities opportunities to cash in on the sweepstakes.
The Conservation Congress Outdoor Heritage and Education Committee met in Stevens Point last Saturday. As chair of the committee, I chose the Schmeeckle Nature Reserve as the site of the meeting.
In addition to making its meeting facilities available to outside groups, the reserve conducts interpretive planning and training as part of the UW-Stevens Point Department of Natural Resources.
The committee voted to advance several local resolutions to the 2011 spring hearings. Included is a new Recreational Card for some disabled veterans that would give them a free hunting and fishing license and access to state parks and trails. Another would allow hunters to transfer a permit (e.g., bear tag) up to the opening date of the season (currently the transfer must be done 15 days prior). Also advanced was a proposal to include a brief summary of the role of the Conservation Congress in the Hunter Education Program.
Turkey tags on sale
Leftover turkey tags for the fall season went on sale Aug. 28. Hunters may purchase one permit per day from any licensed vendor, DNR Service Center or online. The fall turkey season opens Sept. 18 and closes on Nov. 18 for the gun deer hunt. The season resumes on Nov. 29, ending Dec. 31 (Zones 1 to 5).
Ginseng harvest begins
Ginseng grows wild in many parts of southwestern Wisconsin. Prices are up this year - $120 or more per pound green (newly harvested) and $400 to 500 when dry. An instate license is $15, free to landowners.
The root is usually not marketable, however, unless the plant is 10 years old or more. Look for plants with three or more prongs, each with up to five leaflets. A stalk will hold a cluster of bright red seed pods. Ginseng is often found on wooded, north facing slopes. Other plants that might be indication of its presence include wild flowers such as Jack-in the pulpit, cohosh, ginger or various kinds of ferns.
The ginseng harvest season is Sept. 1 through Nov. 1.
- Lee Fahrney is the Monroe Times Outdoors writer. He can reached at (608) 967-2208 or fiveoaks@mhtc.net.
For starters, the duck season opener in the Southern Zone is NOT Sept. 25 as the article stated. Fortunately, vigilant reader Stu Soper noticed the mistake and let me know about it.
The September date is, of course, the opening day of the season in the Northern Zone. In the Southern Zone, the season runs Oct. 2 to 10; then reopens on Oct. 16 and ends Dec. 5. I hope nobody gets nailed with a hunting violation as a result. Stu, I owe you one!
I traveled to Wautoma last week to attend a meeting of the Wisconsin Conservation Congress Outreach Committee. This is the second kick at the can regarding our effort to let people know what the Congress is all about and what we can do to promote our conservation heritage among those who have yet to enjoy the many outdoor opportunities available in the Badger State.
We first met in 2007, resulting in more involvement with youth activities such as the Wisconsin Outdoor Expo held in Beaver Dam each year in May. We set up our new and improved Wall of Fame representing the rich heritage of Wisconsin fish and game management. The display features an array of artifacts of the state's hunting, fishing and trapping traditions. Our newsletter, Conservation Chronicle, was another outcome from those first meetings.
New insights came as the result of including two members of the Natural Resources Board, Duke Welter and Christine Thomas. The NRB has the final say on most rules governing our hunting, fishing and trapping seasons. All three WCC Executive Committee members are also involved with the committee.
The discussion was lively on a wide range of topics, a few of which I felt were beyond the scope of the group's focus. A couple of ideas sent shivers of alarm through my bones.
There were suggestions that the Congress should get more involved with such environmental issues as global warming, and we should broaden our membership beyond the hook and bullet crowd. As it is, some believe we are too scattered and need to be more specific about what we contribute to fish and game management.
Despite objections from those who fear discussion of the issue, global warming is about as divisive a topic as one can imagine. The so-called consensus on climate change is anything but, with many from the scientific community offering considerable evidence which conflicts with assertions from mainstream environmental groups.
These groups have much to gain from continued emphasis on the matter, including lucrative government grants and a cause around which to rally their members. Global warming also offers colleges and universities opportunities to cash in on the sweepstakes.
The Conservation Congress Outdoor Heritage and Education Committee met in Stevens Point last Saturday. As chair of the committee, I chose the Schmeeckle Nature Reserve as the site of the meeting.
In addition to making its meeting facilities available to outside groups, the reserve conducts interpretive planning and training as part of the UW-Stevens Point Department of Natural Resources.
The committee voted to advance several local resolutions to the 2011 spring hearings. Included is a new Recreational Card for some disabled veterans that would give them a free hunting and fishing license and access to state parks and trails. Another would allow hunters to transfer a permit (e.g., bear tag) up to the opening date of the season (currently the transfer must be done 15 days prior). Also advanced was a proposal to include a brief summary of the role of the Conservation Congress in the Hunter Education Program.
Turkey tags on sale
Leftover turkey tags for the fall season went on sale Aug. 28. Hunters may purchase one permit per day from any licensed vendor, DNR Service Center or online. The fall turkey season opens Sept. 18 and closes on Nov. 18 for the gun deer hunt. The season resumes on Nov. 29, ending Dec. 31 (Zones 1 to 5).
Ginseng harvest begins
Ginseng grows wild in many parts of southwestern Wisconsin. Prices are up this year - $120 or more per pound green (newly harvested) and $400 to 500 when dry. An instate license is $15, free to landowners.
The root is usually not marketable, however, unless the plant is 10 years old or more. Look for plants with three or more prongs, each with up to five leaflets. A stalk will hold a cluster of bright red seed pods. Ginseng is often found on wooded, north facing slopes. Other plants that might be indication of its presence include wild flowers such as Jack-in the pulpit, cohosh, ginger or various kinds of ferns.
The ginseng harvest season is Sept. 1 through Nov. 1.
- Lee Fahrney is the Monroe Times Outdoors writer. He can reached at (608) 967-2208 or fiveoaks@mhtc.net.
