Please Stand Up and Make Your Voice Heard!

Starting this week, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will be holding hearings across the state to address the proposed rules and standards for the state’s new Stewardship Program.  The hearing will set the guidelines and requirements on how the Stewardship property is used, which will determine the status of hunting and fishing on massive amounts of land in Wisconsin.  With great statewide support two years ago, the Stewardship Program was authorized via the state legislature’s approval, and we encourage you to show that strong support again in helping to set the framework of rules to protect hunting on these lands. 

The Stewardship Fund’s budget requires that all lands purchased be opened to public hunting, fishing and trapping with some exceptions.  It is the exceptions that have the potential to dramatically impact hunting, fishing, and trapping in Wisconsin.  Rest assured that radical anti-hunting groups will show up to these hearings and attempt to frame the exceptions so that hunting is only allowed as a last resort.  Make your voice heard and protect the great heritage of hunting in Wisconsin by telling DNR to institute concrete rules and standards.  Only when there is demonstrable proof of significant harm to public safety or unique plant or animal species should hunting, fishing, or trapping on a Stewardship parcel be sidelined.  The rules and standards must be spelled out in detail to ensure hunting, which would prevent those who might want to deceptively “interpret” general rules against hunters’ interests in the future. 

The Wisconsin DNR will be holding these public hearings to establish the requirements for the program operates and it is imperative that your voice be heard.  We highly encourage everyone to attend.  The hearing times and locations are listed below.

Eau Claire, October 14, 7:00 p.m. - DNR West Central Region Headquarters (Room 158/185), 1300 West Clairemont Ave.

Rhinelander, October 15, 7:00 p.m. - Nicolet Area Technical College (Learning Resources Center Theater) 5364 College Drive

Madison, October 20, 7:00 p.m. - Madison Area Technical College, Truax Campus (Student Lounge – 142C), 3550 Anderson St.

Green Bay, October 21, 7:00 p.m. - Northeast Wisconsin Technical College (Room CB213 C&D), 2740 W. Mason St.

West Bend, October 22, 7:00 p.m. - UW Washington County (Lecture Hall 201), 400 S University Dr.