Four Basic Rules of Firearm Safety · NOVEMBER 2010 VOLUME 37 NUMBER 11 Four Basic Rules of Firearm...
11
NOVEMBER 2010 VOLUME 37 NUMBER 11 Four Basic Rules of Firearm Safety New 2010 Deer Hunting Regulations Page 6 E very time you pick up a firearm, you pick up a responsibil- ity. Safe storage of your firearms is also YOUR responsi- bility. The rules of home firearms safety are few in number and easy to follow. It is extremely important that these rules be strictly obeyed. Equally important is the development of the proper attitude toward firearms. An attitude of respect and seriousness should always be en- couraged and maintained when dealing with guns. In the beginning, this may require a conscious effort, but as time passes it becomes automatic and safety becomes instinctive. • Unload all firearms before taking them into the home. Simple reason dictates that firearms should be loaded only when in the field or on the range. At all other times, during travel and espe- cially in the home, they should be kept unloaded. • Never handle or show guns without first carefully check- ing to be sure they are unloaded. Open the action and keep it open until the gun is again ready for storage. Never assume that a firearm is unloaded, even if it was checked only a few min- utes earlier. And don’t trust the safety to compensate for unsafe gun handling -- like all mechanical devices, safeties can malfunction, and in any case, they are only intended to supplement human care and intelligence. Among experienced gun handlers there is a kind of ritual that is repeated whenever a firearm is shown or examined. The person picking up the gun opens the action and checks to make sure it is not loaded. When the gun is handed over to the second person, he goes through the entire procedure again. This is not an insult to the original handler. In fact, most shooting veterans take it as a sign of gun-savvy and competence, because there is just no way to be over- cautious about firearms safety. • Long arms, such as rifles and shotguns, should be stowed securely in racks or cabinets, preferably locked. Handguns should be stored in a locked cabinet or drawer. Locked storage is particularly important if there are children in the home. Standing a shotgun in the closet corner or keeping a pistol in the desk does not do the job. If the proper storage facilities are not available, trigger locks should be purchased. Different types are available for use on all kinds of guns, including revolvers and pistols, and they prevent even a fully loaded gun from being fired. On the practical side, guns should be stored in a reasonably dry environment but away from exposure to heat. Dampness causes rust and heat can bake the wood of stocks and grips to the point of crack- ing or splitting. • All ammunition should be kept under lock and in a lo- Firearm Safety in Your Home T= Treat every firearm as if it is loaded. Never assume a firearm is unloaded and never treat it that way, even if you watch as it is unloaded.Make it a habit to treat guns like they are loaded all the time. A= Always point the muzzle in a safe direction. About one third of all hunting incidents are self in- flicted injuries.That means the muzzle was pointed at some part of the hunter’s body. A safe direction is a direction where the bullet will travel and harm no one in the event of an unwanted discharge. There are no accidental discharges with firearms, only unwanted discharges. B= Be certain of your target and what’s beyond it. Positive target identification is a must.To shoot at something you only think is a legal target is gambling.In the case of human injury, that means gambling with human life. You must be absolutely certain and correct in judgment before deciding to shoot.Otherwise, it’s reckless behavior.In addi- tion to identifying the target, a hunter must know that a safe backstop for their bullet is present in every shooting situation. We don’t always hit our target, and, in some cases, the bullet passes through the target. A safe backstop guarantees that no one will get hurt. K= Keep your finger outside the trigger guard until ready to shoot. If a hunter stumbles with a firearm in one hand and nothing in the other, whatever that person does with their free hand will automatically happen with the hand holding the gun. If a finger is inside the trigger guard, that hand is likely going to close around the pistol grip of the gun and on the trigger causing an unwanted discharge. cation separate from firearms for complete safety. Again, this is especially important if there are children in the home. An extra measure of safety can be had by storing ammunition in another room or on a different floor level. The objective is to create a situation in which conscious effort is required to bring firearms and ammunition together. Obviously the keys to all storage areas must be kept away from children. • When handling firearms, always keep the muzzle point- ed in a safe direction. Avoid horseplay at all times -- guns are not toys and they must be handled with respect. Common sense must be used in choosing the safest direction to point the muz- zle. “Down” is not always the safest direction and neither is “up.” Firearm Education Safety in general is largely a matter of education and home fire- arms safety is certainly no exception. The head of the house must teach safe gun handling to all family members. Without proper edu- cation, preventive measures are nearly useless. Children are never too young to begin the lessons of safety.Teach- ing can begin long before the child is old enough to understand de- tailed instruction. Start by setting a proper and consistent example. If parents treat guns with care and respect, children will likely follow their lead. The second stage is more difficult, but well worth the effort. It involves convincing the child that firearms are not toys. Having no- ticed adult interest in guns, children will naturally develop a healthy curiosity about their use and operation. In addition, children tend to have an entirely unrealistic idea of what guns are all about because of exposure to modern realistic toys and to the fantasies of televi- sion. The quickest and surest way to show youngsters the power of firearms is by demonstration. Take them to the local range, fire a few rounds of high velocity ammunition at closed gallon cans of water, and show them the results. It is a serious mistake to assume that keeping children ignorant will prevent accidents. Nothing could be further from the truth. Where firearms are concerned, there is no such thing as blissful igno- rance. Keeping youngsters in the dark only insures that they will not understand the potential danger and increases the likelihood that they will seek to satisfy their curiosity without proper supervision. Also, the hazards that the parent wishes to eliminate are greatly increased if the child does not know how firearms function. A good rule for children is: “Hands Off” until they are old enough to be taught safe gun handling, and then only in the presence of an adult -- NEVER while playing with other children. As soon as a child is old enough, he or she should be enrolled in one of the many firearms safety classes sponsored by sportsmen’s groups across the country. These courses provide excellent training and serve to reinforce the lessons learned at home.
Transcript of Four Basic Rules of Firearm Safety · NOVEMBER 2010 VOLUME 37 NUMBER 11 Four Basic Rules of Firearm...
NOVEMBER 2010VOLUME 37NUMBER 11
Four Basic Rules of Firearm Safety
New
2010 Deer Hunting
Regulations
Page 6
Every time you pick up a firearm, you pick up a responsibil-ity. Safe storage of your firearms is also YOUR responsi-bility.
The rules of home firearms safety are few in number and easy tofollow. It is extremely important that these rules be strictly obeyed.Equally important is the development of the proper attitude towardfirearms. An attitude of respect and seriousness should always be en-couraged and maintained when dealing with guns. In the beginning,this may require a conscious effort, but as time passes it becomesautomatic and safety becomes instinctive.
• Unload all firearms before taking them into the home.Simple reason dictates that firearms should be loaded only when inthe field or on the range. At all other times, during travel and espe-cially in the home, they should be kept unloaded.
• Never handle or show guns without first carefully check-ing to be sure they are unloaded. Open the action and keepit open until the gun is again ready for storage. Never assumethat a firearm is unloaded, even if it was checked only a few min-utes earlier. And don’t trust the safety to compensate for unsafe gunhandling -- like all mechanical devices, safeties can malfunction, andin any case, they are only intended to supplement human care andintelligence.
Among experienced gun handlers there is a kind of ritual thatis repeated whenever a firearm is shown or examined. The personpicking up the gun opens the action and checks to make sure it isnot loaded. When the gun is handed over to the second person, hegoes through the entire procedure again. This is not an insult to theoriginal handler. In fact, most shooting veterans take it as a sign ofgun-savvy and competence, because there is just no way to be over-cautious about firearms safety.
• Long arms, such as rifles and shotguns, should be stowedsecurely in racks or cabinets, preferably locked. Handgunsshould be stored in a locked cabinet or drawer. Locked storageis particularly important if there are children in the home. Standinga shotgun in the closet corner or keeping a pistol in the desk does notdo the job. If the proper storage facilities are not available, triggerlocks should be purchased. Different types are available for use on allkinds of guns, including revolvers and pistols, and they prevent evena fully loaded gun from being fired.
On the practical side, guns should be stored in a reasonably dryenvironment but away from exposure to heat. Dampness causes rustand heat can bake the wood of stocks and grips to the point of crack-ing or splitting.
• All ammunition should be kept under lock and in a lo-
Firearm Safety inYour Home
T = Treat every firearm as if it is loaded. Never assume a firearm is unloaded and never treat it that way,even if you watch as it is unloaded. Make it a habit to treat guns like they are loaded all the time.
A = Always point the muzzle in a safe direction. About one third of all hunting incidents are self in-flicted injuries. That means the muzzle was pointed at some part of the hunter’s body. A safe direction is a direction wherethe bullet will travel and harm no one in the event of an unwanted discharge. There are no accidental discharges withfirearms, only unwanted discharges.
B = Be certain of your target and what’s beyond it. Positive target identification is a must. To shootat something you only think is a legal target is gambling. In the case of human injury, that means gambling with human life.You must be absolutely certain and correct in judgment before deciding to shoot. Otherwise, it’s reckless behavior. In addi-tion to identifying the target, a hunter must know that a safe backstop for their bullet is present in every shooting situation.We don’t always hit our target, and, in some cases, the bullet passes through the target. A safe backstop guarantees thatno one will get hurt.
K = Keep your finger outside the trigger guard until ready to shoot. If a hunter stumbles witha firearm in one hand and nothing in the other, whatever that person does with their free hand will automatically happenwith the hand holding the gun. If a finger is inside the trigger guard, that hand is likely going to close around the pistol gripof the gun and on the trigger causing an unwanted discharge.
cation separate from firearms for complete safety. Again, thisis especially important if there are children in the home. An extrameasure of safety can be had by storing ammunition in another roomor on a different floor level. The objective is to create a situation inwhich conscious effort is required to bring firearms and ammunitiontogether. Obviously the keys to all storage areas must be kept awayfrom children.
• When handling firearms, always keep the muzzle point-ed in a safe direction. Avoid horseplay at all times -- gunsare not toys and they must be handled with respect. Commonsense must be used in choosing the safest direction to point the muz-zle. “Down” is not always the safest direction and neither is “up.”
Firearm EducationSafety in general is largely a matter of education and home fire-
arms safety is certainly no exception. The head of the house mustteach safe gun handling to all family members. Without proper edu-cation, preventive measures are nearly useless.
Children are never too young to begin the lessons of safety. Teach-ing can begin long before the child is old enough to understand de-tailed instruction. Start by setting a proper and consistent example.If parents treat guns with care and respect, children will likely followtheir lead.
The second stage is more difficult, but well worth the effort. Itinvolves convincing the child that firearms are not toys. Having no-ticed adult interest in guns, children will naturally develop a healthycuriosity about their use and operation. In addition, children tend tohave an entirely unrealistic idea of what guns are all about becauseof exposure to modern realistic toys and to the fantasies of televi-sion. The quickest and surest way to show youngsters the power offirearms is by demonstration. Take them to the local range, fire a fewrounds of high velocity ammunition at closed gallon cans of water,and show them the results.
It is a serious mistake to assume that keeping children ignorantwill prevent accidents. Nothing could be further from the truth.Where firearms are concerned, there is no such thing as blissful igno-rance. Keeping youngsters in the dark only insures that they will notunderstand the potential danger and increases the likelihood thatthey will seek to satisfy their curiosity without proper supervision.Also, the hazards that the parent wishes to eliminate are greatlyincreased if the child does not know how firearms function.
A good rule for children is: “Hands Off” until they are old enoughto be taught safe gun handling, and then only in the presence of anadult -- NEVER while playing with other children.
As soon as a child is old enough, he or she should be enrolled inone of the many firearms safety classes sponsored by sportsmen’sgroups across the country. These courses provide excellent trainingand serve to reinforce the lessons learned at home.
WISCONSERVATION November 20102
* * * OFFICERS * * *
President Jack Nissen, 1811 Ottawa Ave., Dousman, WI 53118, (262) 370-8154 cell. Email:[email protected] *Alt NWF Affiliate Delegate
First Vice President Chuck Matyska, Route 1 5055 Cty V, Cecil, WI 54111, (715) 745-6382.Email: [email protected]
Second Vice President John Wagner, 722A Silverlake St., Oconomowoc, WI 53066.
Secretary Tom Nissen, 1811 Ottawa Ave., Dousman, WI 53118, (262) 719-5295. Email:[email protected]
Treasurer Larry Laehn, 9536 N. State Rd. 26, Milton, WI 53563, (920) 540-9927. Email:[email protected]
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR / LEGISLATIONGeorge Meyer, 201 Randolph Dr., Madison, WI 53717, (608) 516-5545.Email: [email protected]
WisconservationWISCONSERVATION (USPS 108-190 ISSN 0164-3649) is published monthly for $25 per year byWisconsin Wildlife Federation, W7303 County Road CS & Q, Poynette, WI 53955-9690. Periodical postagepaid at Oshkosh, WI and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: WISCON-SERVATION, W7303 County Road CS & Q, Poynette, WI 53955-9690.All communications regarding adver-tising, editorial, circulation and Wisconsin Wildlife Federation matters should be sent to W7303 County RoadCS & Q, Poynette, WI 53955-9690. Permission to reprint articles is normally given providing proper creditis given both publication and author. Views expressed by freelance writers are their own and do not neces-sarily represent those of the publication or the WWF.
$25.00 of annual dues paid to Wisconsin Wildlife Federation entitles members to one year’s subscriptionto Wisconservation. One year’s subscription to non-members—$25.00.
Printed by Ripon Printers, 656 S. Douglas St., Ripon, WI 54971.
WISCONSERVATION EDITOR ASSOCIATE EDITORDaniel A. Gries Ralph Fritsch
Phone: (920) 725-4092 (715) 850-2456Fax (920) 725-1013
President’s ReportVol. II Part VI
Well, the fall hunting seasonis well underway and I hopeyou all have some spare time
to get out and enjoy the great outdoors.The fall hunting season is truly the besttime of year to get together with our fel-low sportsmen and women and spend afew days afield.
You may recall an article I wroteawhile back in regards to some researchbeing done on a Vaccine for CWD. OnMonday, October 4th, George Meyer andI were invited to attend a presentationsponsored by SCI of Wisconsin on thisissue. The material that was presentedwas very in-depth and more that I couldunderstand, but what I did learn fromthis presentation is that great effort andprogress is happening on the develop-ment of this vaccine, and it looks verypromising. Currently the vaccine is onlyavailable in an injectable form and willbe first tested on a captive herd of sheepin Saskatchewan. Much has been writ-ten on this issue already, but as I receivemore news, I will be sure to pass in on
here in the Wisconservation.On October 9th, the WWF hosted a
fundraising banquet at the PoynetteMacKenzie Environmental EducationCenter. The banquet was sold out and agood time was had by all. Proceeds fromthe event will be used to replace the over80 mattresses used by the visiting stu-dents. I would like to thank Ruth AnnLee who was the banquet’s chair personalong with all of her committee membersand all the volunteers who helped makethis first-ever banquet a success. A spe-cial thanks to the Dousman Gun Clubfor sponsoring and to Pete Zuba and hiskitchen staff for the fine meal we en-joyed. Also a special thank you to Mr. BillHeiden for the generous donation fromone of his clubs to help with this effort.
Good luck this fall and most of allhunt safe, hunt responsible and have agood time.
Safe Hunting to you all!!Jack Nissen
Wisconsin Wildlife Federation President
FITCHBURG – The Departmentof Natural Resources will be con-ducting burns this fall on state
properties in southern and southwest Wis-consin.
Controlled or prescribed burning is anecological and economical method of limit-ing exotic and unwanted brush invasionsthat crowd out native vegetation and also:
• Stimulates prairie grass growth andimproves habitat for upland game and wa-terfowl.
• Creates pockets of open water for wa-terfowl amidst cattails proliferating in lowareas.
• Improves cover type for upland nest-ing birds, such as pheasants, and spurs na-tive vegetative growth for songbirds.
Most of the prescribed burns will takeplace on State Natural Areas, propertieswhich are generally defined as tracts ofland or water that represent the last ves-tiges of Wisconsin’s native landscape as itexisted prior to the 1830’s, before intensiveEuropean settlement. They harbor features
MADISON – Mercury-containingdevices may no longer be sold inWisconsin under a new law that
goes into effect Nov. 1.Signed in October 2009, Wisconsin Act
44 created Sections 118.07 (4) and 299.49of the Wisconsin Statutes to ban the sale ofmany devices made with mercury.
“Mercury is a hazardous material thatcan cause serious environmental and hu-man health problems,” says Sue Bangert,administrator of the Air and Waste Divi-sion in the Department of Natural Resourc-es. “When products containing mercury arebroken, disposed of in a landfill, or inciner-ated, they risk releasing mercury into theenvironment, and once it is in the environ-ment, mercury cannot be removed.”
The ban covers devices for which mer-cury-free alternatives are widely available:
• fever thermometers unless prescribedby a practitioner;
• manometers of the type used in milk-ing machines on dairy farms;
• thermostats;• instruments or measuring devices,
Prescribed Burns Aim to PreserveNative Landscapes
Sale of Mercury-Containing DevicesProhibited in Wisconsin Nov. 1
New rule also regulates use of mercury in Wisconsin schools
essentially unaltered by human-causeddisturbances or that have substantially re-covered from disturbance over time.
So most importantly, prescribed burnshelp to preserve grasslands and nativeflora, plant species that were sustained bynatural fires before settlement.
DNR biologists hope to start burningsoon, depending on the weather. SNA prop-erties scheduled for possible burns this fallare:
Columbia County – Rocky Run OakSavanna
Dane County – Cherokee Marsh, Sug-ar River Wetlands, and Empire Prairie –Westport, Zauner and Ziegler parcels.
Grant County – Blue River Sands andWyalusing State Park.
Green County – Muralt PrairieIowa County – Pecatonica River WoodsLafayette County – Weir White OaksRock County – Rock RiverSauk County – Mirror Lake Pine-Oak
Woods and Bakkens Pond.
including barometers, flowmeters, hydrom-eters and other thermometers;
• mercury switches and relays; and• household items including, toys, jew-
elry, over-the-counter pharmaceuticals andcosmetics.
The law does allow the DNR to grantexemptions to the ban for specific circum-stances. See the mercury as an elementpages of the DNR website for more infor-mation.
In addition to a general ban on thesale of mercury-containing devices, Act 44also includes regulations on mercury inschools. Since the beginning of this year,schools were no longer allowed to purchasefree-flowing mercury or any mercury-con-taining equipment. Beginning January 1,2012, schools may no longer store mer-cury anywhere in the building, and mustremove all traces of mercury from sciencelabs, equipment and machinery. Schoolsare not required to make any unplannedchanges to equipment such as thermostatsor other mercury-containing HVAC infra-structure.
By George Meyer, Executive Director
The Wisconsin Wildlife Federationis taking several approaches toget the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Ser-
vice to delist the wolf in Wisconsin from theFederal Endangered Species list. We fileda formal legal petition in May along withthe states of Wisconsin, Minnesota andother conservation groups asking them tostart the process referred to below to takethe wolf off the endangered species list inWisconsin, Michigan and Minnesota.
In addition the WWF has initiated aCitizens Petition drive to collect 10,000 sig-natures to take the wolf off the endangeredspecies list. Those petitions will be hand de-livered to the Secretary of the Interior andthe Wisconsin Congressional delegationafter the first of the year in order to showthem the overwhelming public support fordelisting the wolf in the State of Wisconsin.
In addition, the U.S. Fish and WildlifeService is taking comments up until No-vember 15, 2010 on the petitions mentioned
above to take the wolf off the list. The WWFis encouraging you all to submit your indi-vidual comments.
The public may submit information re-garding the Service’s status review of thegray wolf by one of the following methods:
Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. In the box that reads“Enter Keyword of ID,” enter the Docketnumber: FWS-R3-ES-2010-0062. Checkthe box that reads “Open for Comment/Submission,” and then click the Search but-ton. You should then see an icon that reads“Submit a Comment.” That is where youfile the comment.
In addition you can send your commentthrough the U.S. mail to: Public CommentsProcessing, Attn: FWS-R3-ES-2010-0062;Division of Policy and Directives Manage-ment; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; 4401N. Fairfax Drive, Suite 222, Arlington, VA22203.
Comments must be received by No-vember 15, 2010!
By George Meyer, Executive Director
At its October meeting, the Wis-consin Natural Resources Boardapproved the purchase of a boat
launch, large solid pier, marina and 4.83acres of land on Lake Michigan from theWagon Trail Resort. The property includes860 feet of shoreline for fishing and picnick-ing. The property is located in Rowley’s Bayand will be the only public launch and har-bor of refuge for small boats in the fifty-twomile distance between Bailey’s Harbor onthe south and Gill’s Rock on the north. Thepurchase had been delayed from the Sep-tember Board meeting because of questionsby the Natural Resources Board about thepurchase.
The cost of the acquisition was $1.05million dollars which reflects the high val-ue of water front properties in Door County.The Wisconsin Wildlife Federation repre-senting many Door County conservationgroups, the Wisconsin Council of Sports
Action Alert: Comment on Wolf Delisting
NRB Acquires Lake Michigan HarborFishing Organizations and the WisconsinConservation Congress all weighed in withtheir strong support for the proposal. Theorganizations pointed out the great needfor the facility and the cost and environ-mental damage of creating a new harbor atother locations in the vicinity.
The area is a highly popular destinationfor fishing, boating, canoeing and kayakingdue to the large amount of public land andland owned by land trusts in the area. Thelaunch, if approved by the Governor, will beopen to the public in 2011. Improved ma-rina lights and navigation aids will be inplace by the spring of 2011. There will beroom for 15 trailer/car parking spaces atthe facility. The large pier is a deep-waterpier providing a very good shore fishingopportunity. The Town of Liberty Grovehas agreed to maintain the site within fiveyears.
It was a good day for anglers and otherrecreational users of Lake Michigan.
Executive Director Activity
WISCONSERVATION November 20103
Wisconsin Wildlife FederationAffiliate Clubs & Organizations
Abbotsford Sportsmen’s ClubAbbotsford
Badger Fishermen’s LeagueMenomonee Falls
Bloomer Rod & Gun ClubBloomer
Brown County Sportsmen’s ClubGreen Bay
Central WI Gun Collectors Assoc IncSeymour
Chippewa Valley Outdoor ResourceAlliance - Chippewa Falls
Daniel Boone Conservation League IncHartford
Door County Rod & Gun Club IncSturgeon Bay
Field & Stream Sportsmens ClubFond du Lac
Friends of the Brule River & ForestLake Nebagamon
Grellton Conservation ClubJohnson Creek
Hudson Rod and Gun ClubHudson
Koenig’s Conservation ClubElkhart Lake
Little Wolf River Houndsmens ClubAmherst
Mill Creek Education & Gun ClubMilladore
Nekoosa Conservation LeagueNekoosa
Outdoor Inc Conservation ClubNew Holstein
Polk County Sportsmens ClubBalsam Lake
Richfield Sportsmens ClubRichfield
Sauk Trail Conservation ClubOostburg
Sheboygan Co Conservation AssocSheboygan
Sparta Rod & Gun ClubSparta
The Wildlife Society - UWSPStevens Point
Walleyes For Tomorrow IncFond du Lac
West Bend Barton Sportsman ClubWest Bend
WI Council of Sportfishing OrgCecil
WI Muzzle Loaders AssocMilton
Wild Ones Natural Landscapers LtdAppleton
Wings Over WIMayville
Wisconsin House Outdoorsmen ClubMilwaukee
Almond Rod and Gun ClubAlmond
Beaver Dam Conservationists IncBeaver Dam
Boscobel Sportsmens ClubBoscobel
Brule River Sportsmens ClubMaple
Central Wisconsin Sportsmen’s ClubMarshfield
Columbia County Sporting AlliancePortage
De Pere Sportsman’s ClubDe Pere
Dousman Gun ClubDousman
Fin N Feather Sportsmans ClubMilwaukee
GB Area Great Lakes Sport FishermenGreen Bay
Hartford Conservation & Gun ClubHartford
Izaak Walton League Bill Cook ChapterStevens Point
Lake Poygan Sportsmen’s ClubLarsen
Madison Area Dachshund ClubNeshkoro
Milwaukee Casting ClubBrookfield
North Bristol Sportsman’sSun Prairie
Outagamie Conservation ClubHortonville
Prairie du Chien Rod & Gun ClubPrairie du Chien
Rio Conservation ClubPardeeville
Sayner-St. Germain Fish & Wildlife ClubSaint Germain
Shoto Conservation ClubManitowoc
Stan Plis Sportsmans LeagueNekoosa
Tomorrow River Valley Conservation ClubAmherst
Watershed WatchersWest Bend
WI Assoc of Field Trial ClubsAppleton
WI Deer Hunters AssocRoberts
WI Sharp-Tailed Grouse SocietyGrantsburg
Wildnerness Sportsmen’s ClubWisconsin Rapids
Winnebago Cons ClubOshkosh
Wisconsin Trapshooting AssociationMukwonago
American Wild Turkey Hunting Dog AssocBonduel
Beloit Rifle Club, Inc.Beloit
Brice Prairie Conservation AssocLa Crosse
Calumet County Conservation AllianceMenasha
Challenge The Outdoors IncMilton
Columbus Sportsman’s Assoc IncColumbus
Delton Sportsmen ClubLake Delton
Durand Sportsmans ClubDurand
Flambeau Area SportsmanButternut
Globe Conservation ClubSouth Milwaukee
Hayward Rod & Gun ClubStone Lake
Jefferson Sportsmen’s ClubJefferson
Lakeshore Fishing ClubMilwaukee
Manitowoc Cty Coon HuntersNew Holstein
Milwaukee Police Officers Conservation-Sportsman Club - Elkhorn
Oconomowoc Sportsman’s Club IncOconomowoc
Padus Gun ClubWabeno
Racine Co. Conservation League Inc.Franksville
River Valley Chapter of the NWTFPortage
Shadows on the Wolf, IncShiocton
Smerke’s Sportsmen’s ClubSheboygan
Star Prairie Fish & Game AssociationNew Richmond
Town of Boulder Junction ShootingRange - Land O Lakes
Watertown Archery ClubWatertown
WI Assoc of Sporting DogsCascade
WI Deer Hunters IncNeshkoro
WI Taxidermist AssocNew London
Wildlife Society, WI ChapterMadison
Winnebagoland Conservation AllianceFond du Lac
Wisconsin Waterfowl AssocWales
Association of Conservation Clubs ofTrempealeau County - Whitehall
Berlin Conservation ClubBerlin
Brill Area Sportsmen’s Club, Inc.Rice Lake
Carter Creek Sportsmen’s ClubRhinelander
Chaseburg Rod N Gun ClubChaseburg
Coon Valley Conservation Club IncCoon Valley
Dodge County Sporting Conserv AllianceMayville
Ettrick Rod & Gun Club, IncEttrick
Florence Cty Forestry & Parks DeptFlorence
Great Lakes Sport Fishermen OzaukeeChapter - West Bend
Hope Rod & Gun ClubMcFarland
Johnsonville Rod and GunPlymouth
Lakeview Rod & Gun ClubMuskego
Manitowoc Cty Fish & Game ProtectiveAssoc - Manitowoc
Monches Fish & Game ClubDousman
Oconto Co Sportsmans All.Coleman
Palmyra Fish & Game ClubPalmyra
Racine County Line Rifle Club IncOak Creek
Rock River Koshkonong AssocFort Atkinson
Shawano Gun Club IncShawano
Southern Brown Conservation Club/Izaak Walton League - Greenleaf
Sugar River Coon HuntersMilton
Triangle Sportsmens ClubEast Troy
Watertown Conservation ClubFall River
WI Bow Hunters AssocClintonville
WI Federation of Great Lake Sport FishingClubs - Kenosha
WI Trappers Association IncNekoosa
Willow AcesGreenfield
Wisconsin Bowfishing AssociationSullivan
Yahara Fishing ClubWaunakee
Augusta Area Sportsmens ClubAugusta
Big Oaks Hunting Club IncRichmond, IL
Brown County Conservation AllianceGreen Bay
Central St. Croix Rod & Gun ClubCataract
Chippewa Rod & Gun ClubChippewa Falls
Dane County Conservation LeagueMadison
Door County Fish Farm & Game ClubSturgeon Bay
Farmers & Sportsmen’s ClubSheboygan
Forest County Assoc of Lakes IncPickerel
Green Bay Duck Hunters AssociationGreen Bay
Horicon Rod and Gun Club IncHoricon
Kiel Fish and Game IncKiel
Lincoln County Sports ClubMerrill
Mayville Gun ClubMayville
Mosinee Sportsmens AllianceMosinee
Osseo Rod and Gun ClubOsseo
Pewaukee Lake Sportsman’s ClubPewaukee
Rice Lake Rod & Gun ClubCameron
S. Milwaukee 1400 Fishing & HuntingClub - South Milwaukee
Sheboygan Area Great Lakes SportFishermen - Sheboygan
Southern Clark County Sportsman’s ClubGranton
Suscha-Fale Sportsmen’s ClubSheboygan
Trout Unlimited Aldo LeopoldBeaver Dam
Waukesha County Conservation AllianceGreenfield
WI Coon Hunter AssociationPlymouth
WI Hunter Ed. Instructor Assoc.Brookfield
WI Woodland Owners AssociationStevens Point
Wilton Rod & GunWilton
Wisconsin Chapter American FisheriesSociety - Madison
WISCONSERVATION November 20104
The Wilderness Sportsman’s Club located on Brostowitz Road in Wisconsin Rapidshosted their annual Fish For Fun on August 7, 2010. Fish For Fun is a free fishingevent for those with special needs. The participants enjoy fishing on the club’s pondbrimming with bluegill. It seems as though every cast produces a fish with the accom-panying excitement, pictures, and congratulations. The pond is easily accessible witha packed trail and benches to accommodate the needs of those fishing. All who partici-pate enjoy a free lunch hosted by the club after a couple of hours of active fishing. Thisyear almost 30 individuals with special needs participated in the event with over 25helpers including club members and participants family members and caregivers. Weappreciate all the participants and enjoyed giving them each a couple of gifts. They aresuch a thankful group of people. A special thanks to the members of the WildernessSportsmans Club, Timberline Bait and Archery, and the Wisconsin Wildlife Federationfor their help and sponsorship of this important community event. For informationabout this event in 2011 feel free to write the club at 3535 Brostowitz Road, WisconsinRapids, WI 54495.
Affiliate Club ActivitiesWilderness Sportsman’s Club Winnebagoland Conservation Alliance
Donation
Directors Betty Borchert (left) and Mike Arrowood (right) representing theWinnebagoland Conservation Alliance presented a check in the amount of $1000 toRuthAnn Lee - Lead Instructor at the MacKenzie Environmental Educational Center.The funds will be used to purchase new dorm mattresses in the MacKenzie campusdorms. WWF Photo/Dag
The Smile Says it All
DEERHUNTERS
Don’t miss that once-in-a-lifetime shot!Get your gun sighted at...
Twin City Rod & Gun ClubWe are open to the public 7 days a week from 9 a.m.
until dusk until the start of the gun deer season.We have targets from 25 yards out to 300 yards.We are located just 6 miles west of US 41 on Hwy BB, Appleton
at W7832 Winnegamie Dr., right between the Winnegamie Golf Courseand Anderson Sod Farm.
NIGHT SHOOTS UNDER THE LIGHTSNOV. 15TH, 17TH & 18TH
9:00 AM TO 8:00 PMCall (920) 757-6135 for more information or
www.twincityrodandgun.com
Got Ya!!!
OFFICE ADDRESS:W7303 County Road CS & QPoynette, WI 53955-9690
OFFICE PHONE:800-897-4161 - Toll Free
FAX 608-635-2743
WEB PAGE ADDRESS:www.wiwf.org
WISCONSERVATION November 20105
Opening Roads on theNational Forest
by Jerry Knuth, Chair, WWF Forestryand Parks Committee
For our readers who have occa-sion to travel the scenic roadswithin the Chequamegon-Ni-
colet National Forest “CNNF,” here’s acurrent update on the progress towardmajor modifications in the Motor VehicleUse Map “MVUM” which encompassesall roads – paved and unpaved, off-roadand walking trails as well.
You’ll recall that the Wildlife Federa-tion met with the folks in charge of theCNNF asking that they delay enforce-ment as planned to give seasonal userstime to find out how the road changeswould affect their travels in the area.Roughly a 3-year period of education andsoft enforcement policy was orchestratedwith the help of the folks at the FederalForest Service. This plan included anopportunity for public input to formallyrequest that planned road changes beamended. The Forest Service developeda “MVUM REQUEST FORM” which al-lowed the FFS to take a second look ateach situation. Here’s some basic statis-tics on how this process has worked:
Through the March 2010 MappingProcess the Forest Service staff evaluat-ed 517 letters which contained 761 roadrequests. Of the 761 road suggestions,655 requests were to add or increasepublic motor use; and 106 requests werefor no public motor vehicle use or to re-move use.
In further refining these numbersand adding road suggestions from ForestService Staff, 527 roads were evaluatedthrough the Roads Analysis Process.Here’s the results of that analysis:
➢ 240 roads – increased or addedpublic motor vehicle use
➢ 16 roads – reduced public motoruse
➢ 21 roads – eliminated public motoruse
➢ 6 roads – eliminated public motoruse on a portion of the road
➢ 116 roads – maintained currentpublic motor vehicle use
➢ 128 roads – maintained no publicmotor use
Looking ahead at the 2011 road mapprogram, it is important to recognizethat the public has yet another oppor-tunity to make formal suggestions (viathe MVUM REQUEST FORM) beforethe CNNF road map is finalized and nor-mal enforcement kicks in. Here’s how thecurrent year requests stack up at the endof September, 2010:
➢ To date they have received 69 let-ters containing 59 specific requests.
➢ Of these 59 road issues, 49 areto add public motor vehicle use and 10requests are to remove public motor ve-hicle use.
The public still has time to get thisfinal round of requests into the FederalForest Service, but you’ll need to get thespecifics into the FFS administrativelocations by the end of November. Therequests will be evaluated and decisionsmade in the first quarter of 2011. The2011 CNNF Road Map will be announcedin March and available in June of 2011.The MVUM Form is available on-line.
The WiWF has taken a keen interestin this 3-year process where federal gov-ernment employees have gone the extramile to allow for public input and followthrough with real change. Our hats areoff to the staffers at the CNNF. While wearen’t quite ready to say “Mission Accom-plished,” we will say many thanks for allyour efforts to date.
MADISON – Autumn is a greattime of year for landownersto enjoy their property but it
is also a good time to work on improvingthe property by preparing for tree plant-ing next spring.
The Spring 2011 Tree and Shrub Or-dering Form (pdf) is now available fromthe Department of Natural ResourcesState Nursery Program. The form in-cludes information about tree and shrubspecies that are available and directionson how to order online or by mail. Speciesinformation and tips on how to preparea site can also be found on the forestrypages of the DNR website.
“Every year, Wisconsin landownersplant millions of tree seedlings to en-hance and restore native forests,” saysAvery Dorland, a tree nursery special-ist with the Wisconsin DNR ForestryDivision. “As busy as the last part of theyear can be, autumn is the ideal time toprepare tree planting sites and to orderseedlings.”
And when a landowner is thinkingabout what species of trees to plant, thefirst place to turn for advice is the localDNR office. Each county has a DNR for-ester available to visit your land, answerquestions, and help the landowner getthe maximum benefits from their tree-planting activities.
“Landowners contemplating largetree planting projects should contacttheir local DNR forester or a private con-sulting forester for advice on species se-lection, site preparation, planting meth-ods, cost-sharing programs, tree planterrentals, and other considerations in es-tablishing a successful forest tree plant-ing,” Dorland said. Contact informationfor DNR foresters can be found on theDNR website.
Even though these trees will notbe distributed and planted until nextspring, Dorland said it is important to or-der now because many desirable speciessell out quickly.
Landowners can purchase seedlings
from the DNR state nurseries for refor-estation, wildlife habitat, and windbreakand erosion-control purposes. The nurs-eries offer pre-mixed seedling packets of300 seedlings for small landowners withmixes for windbreaks, wildlife habitat,shoreland, and hardwood and savannahrestoration.
Customers who would like to selectspecific seedlings or shrubs must or-der a minimum quantity of 1,000 treeseedlings or 500 wildlife shrubs. Hard-wood tree species available from thestate nurseries include red oak, bur oak,swamp white oak, black cherry, silvermaple, sugar maple, green ash, whiteash, quaking aspen, river birch, whitebirch, yellow birch, and black walnut. Co-nifer tree species available include whitespruce, black spruce, white pine, redpine, jack pine, and white cedar. Wildlifeshrubs available include hazelnut, nine-bark, American plum, silky dogwood andred-osier dogwood.
“The seedlings grown at the statenurseries are high-quality native speciesgrown from seed harvested in Wiscon-sin,” Dorland said. “Planting these Wis-consin-grown trees and shrubs is a greatway to improve wildlife habitat, increasethe value of the land, reduce soil erosion,improve overall aesthetics, and possiblygenerate income for the landowner.”
Seedlings and shrubs are distributedin April and early May. Landowners whoorder from the DNR can pick up theirseedlings at the state nurseries located inBoscobel, Hayward, or Wisconsin Rapids,or in many counties at a central locationdesignated by the local DNR forester.
“Staff at the state nurseries place ahigh value on customer service,” Dorlandsaid. “Information on tree and shrub in-ventory is updated regularly. The statenursery seeding catalog (pdf) provides in-formation on the various seeding species.A frequently asked questions page alongwith links to additional tree planting in-formation help landowners to maximizetheir investment.”
Order Tree Seedlings Now forSpring 2011 Planting
Anew field guide is available tohelp people identify and controlinvasive plants in Wisconsin. A
Field Guide toTerrestrial Invasive Plantsof Wisconsin provides photographs, iden-tification and control information, aswell as resources for more informationfor 58 invasive plant species that disruptwetlands, grasslands and forests, as wellas home gardens and yards.
The Department of Natural Resourcesforestry and endangered resources pro-grams developed the new pictorial guideto help people learn to identify and con-trol some of the invasive species that arecovered by an invasive species controlrule Wisconsin adopted last year, accord-ing to Tom Boos, who coordinates DNRcontrol efforts for forest invasive plants.
The new rule, Chapter NR 40, Wis.Admin. Code, classifies invasive spe-cies as either restricted or prohibited.For both groups of species it is illegal totransport, transfer (including purchaseor sale) or introduce them.
Species classified as restricted are al-ready widespread and landowners arenot required to control them. Restrictedplants include many that are well knownand despised, such as buckthorn, bushhoneysuckle, garlic mustard, spottedknapweed, Canada thistle, wild parsnipand phragmites.
Prohibited species are those that arenot yet established in Wisconsin with theexception of small pioneer stands. Wher-ever they are found, DNR staff, partnersand volunteers hope to contain thesenew invaders before they can becomewidespread and cause extensive dam-age. Most of these plants are not as wellknown, at least in Wisconsin. A samplingincludes Japanese stilt grass, giant hog-weed, poison hemlock, kudzu and mile-a-minute vine.
The field guide will help people to
learn to identify all of these plants, andit also provides details on methods forsuccessful control as well as recommen-dations for minimizing the spread of in-vasives.
The Field Guide to Terrestrial Inva-sive Plants of Wisconsin is available inportable document format on the DNRwebsite and printed copies are for salevia an online order form or by calling608-267-5066. Single copies are $5 plusshipping, with discounts for large pur-chases.
When a new population of a prohib-ited invasive plant is found, citizens areasked to report the infestation and tohelp control it if possible. Prompt report-ing to the DNR can help to prevent theplants from going to seed and spreadingfurther. Reporting can be done by call-ing 608-267-5066 or emailing [email protected]. Where possible, pho-tographs and/or samples of the plantshould be collected to aid in identifica-tion.
“The public’s help in reporting standsof the prohibited classification of inva-sive species is greatly appreciated,” Boossays. “This resource will aid people inidentifying and controlling of any prohib-ited species so that we can work togetherto keep new invaders out of Wisconsin.”
Invasive Plant Field Guide Now AvailablePocket-sized books provide information for identifying and controlling invasive plants
LIP Program - Investment in RestoringNative Species
As you hike or drive your favor-ite fall color route this fall, youmay notice some new signs
along the countryside. These signs desig-nate changes that are happening on thelandscape. Acres where landowners arecommitted to making a change by man-aging their lands to benefit rare species.
“Some people might be amazed tolearn about the high level of interestfrom landowners in managing theirproperty for rare and at-risk species,”said Heidi Nelson, Landowner IncentiveProgram (LIP) coordinator with the stateDepartment of Natural Resources.
“The demand for this program showsthat Wisconsin’s conservation legacycontinues, thanks in large part to thestrong commitment by landowners tomaintain our state’s natural heritage forfuture generations.
Through generous support from theNatural Resources Foundation’s C.D. Be-sadny Conservation Grant Program, LIPparticipants are able to display signs ontheir property, noting that a voluntaryrestoration effort is in progress.
“These signs will provide a visiblesymbol of the Department’s appreciationfor their efforts,” Nelson said, adding “Wehope the signs will elicit curiosity amongneighbors about native habitat manage-ment and interest in improving theirland for the benefit of at-risk plant andanimal species.”
These signs will be available to land-owners working with the Landowner In-centive Program, a DNR program whichprovides cost-share grants to individualsand organizations to create and man-age habitat on private lands for speciesthat are rare or declining in the state.LIP will be accepting pre-proposals un-til October 15, 2010 for next year’s roundof cost-share assistance. LIP funding forthis round will go specifically to projectsin the state’s Driftless Region.
The Landowner Incentive Programcovers up to 75 percent of the total cost ofthe project, with the landowner contrib-uting the remaining 25 percent eitherout of pocket, or as in-kind labor. The
annual grants are awarded based on setcriteria, including number of rare speciesthat will benefit from the work and if theproject will complement other restora-tion work occurring in the same area.
The goal of the Landowner IncentiveProgram is to help private landownerscreate and manage habitat for speciesthat are rare or declining. We do thisby providing management advice, assis-tance with management plans, and cost-share funding to individuals and orga-nizations proposing projects on privatelands throughout the state.
Technical assistance is available toWisconsin landowners free of charge,and is not contingent on applying for orreceiving a LIP cost-share grant. A LIPbiologist can work with you over thephone, email, or possibly even meet withyou on your property, Technical assis-tance can include:
• Identifying what habitats (or spe-cies) may be present on your land
• Suggesting approaches to manage-ment,
• Help in determining priorities andtimelines,
• Guidance in developing manage-ment plans,
• Referrals for cost or technical as-sistance, either through LIP or anotherprogram
• Providing Information on land pro-tection options
• And more…In addition to financial assistance,
participating landowners will receivetechnical advice and assistance withmanagement plans from the DNR. Man-agement activities often funded by LIPinclude prescribed burns, planting na-tive vegetation and controlling invasivespecies.
For more information about the Land-owner Incentive Program, past projects,future grant cycles, or general habi-tat management information, visit thewebsite at http://dnr.wi.gov/org/land/er/WLIP/. You may also contact program co-ordinator Heidi Nelson at [email protected].
A Field Guide to Terrestrial InvasivePlants of Wisconsin
WISCONSERVATION November 2010 WISCONSERVATION November 20106 7
Be Safe Out There ~WWF Board of Directors
Hunters participating in the 2010 Wisconsin deer hunting seasons should be aware of a
number of new rules in place this year. Among the major changes are a rule
that now allows use of magnifying scopes on muzzleloader rifles and another al-lowing the “quartering” of deer in the field to ease their transport.
Scopes or telescopic sights on muzzleloaders
Starting this deer season, hunters using muzzleloader firearms to hunt in Wisconsin may legally use a telescopic sight or scope with magnification dur-ing the 10-day muzzleloader-only deer season. Muzzleloaders with scopes may now be used for all gun deer seasons, including certain state parks with spe-cial muzzleloader seasons. There is no restriction on power or magnification of scopes or telescopic sights. Laser sights are only legal if the person holds a Class C disabled hunting permit.
“Quartering” of deerHunters may now divide a deer or
bear into not more than 5 parts prior to registration, but only to facilitate remov-al from the field. The head must remain attached to one of the 5 main parts, and hunters must retain all parts, including hide and lower legs, except entrails from the field and exhibit at registration.
Movement of Deer Carcasses: from CWD Zone or other CWD StatesHunters are now allowed to trans-
port a whole deer carcass, or parts that contain the head, neck or spinal column from the chronic wasting disease man-agement zone and deer, elk or moose from other states where CWD has been identified to areas in Wisconsin outside the Wisconsin CWD management zone if delivered to a licensed meat proces-sor or licensed taxidermist within 72 hours. The taxidermist or meat processor must be told that the animal came from a CWD area so they know to dispose of the head, neck and spinal column at a li-censed landfill or rendering plant.
Other changes include:• Rifles are now allowed for firearm
deer hunting in: all of Dunn County, in-cluding portions south of Hwy 170; in Shawano County, South of 29 and West of J; and in all of Hartman Creek State Park in Waupaca and Portage counties, except areas of the park closed to hunt-ing.
• A nine-day firearm deer season cre-ated in Potawatomi and Whitefish Dunes State Parks
• The three-day archery license wait-ing period is repealed
• Bucks only Deer Management Units for 2010 include: 7, 13, 28, 29A, 29B, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 49A, 52 and 52A (for gun and archery seasons).
New Rules Important to Deer Hunters Hunters’ Code of Ethics
1. Respect Landowners• Always know where you are hunting and gain permission before entering
private lands. Know how to use a map, compass or GPS unit when needed.• Be courteous, follow the landowner’s rules and treat their property with
respect.
2. Respect other Hunters• Don’t interfere or disrupt the hunt of another. Treat other hunters in a
manner that you would expect to be treated.
3. Respect Non-Hunters• Understand that not everyone supports hunting. While everyone is entitled
to their own view, positive hunting behavior will not turn someone who is neutral into someone that is opposed.
4. Respect Wildlife and other Natural Resources• Follow all hunting laws and report violations observed to your local warden.
Hunting Near Roadways• Highway means the entire width
between the boundary lines of every public road, but does not include private roads and drive-ways.
• Roadway means the portion of the highway which is improved or ordinarily used for vehicle travel, excluding the berm or shoulder.
• Public road means those roads shown on the current, official county highway map available from the Department of Transportation for public use (does not include private roads or driveways).
It is illegal to:1. Hunt within 50 feet from the roadway’s center, or2. Discharge a firearm, shoot an arrow from a bow, or a bolt from a crossbow: a. From or across a highway, or b. Within 50 feet of the roadway’s center.The above prohibition applies to all public roads (defined above). Exceptions: Certain exceptions are allowed for Class A and B Disabled Permit holders. Call the DNR Call Center (1-888-936-7463) for an explanation of these exceptions.
Placing bait for hunting purposes is prohibited in the following counties: Adams, Calumet, Co-
lumbia, Crawford, Dane, Dodge, Grant, Green, Iowa, Jefferson, Juneau, Keno-sha, Lafayette, Manitowoc, Marathon, Marquette, Milwaukee, Portage, Racine, Richland, Rock, Sauk, Sheboygan, Ver-
Counties Where Baiting is Not Allowednon, Walworth, Waukesha, Waushara and Wood Counties.
In these counties, no person may place, use or hunt over bait or feed ma-terial for the purpose of hunting deer. Note: It is not legal to feed deer, even for recreational viewing purposes, in coun-ties where baiting deer is prohibited.
Deer Baiting and Feeding Regulated(2 gallon limit)
Deer Baiting and Feeding Prohibited
Source: WDNR PUB-WM-431 2010
In the remainder of the state (ex-cept for U.S. Fish and Wildlife Ser-vice lands), baiting for deer hunt-
ing purposes is allowed only under the following conditions:
Amount: Each hunter may place up to 2 gallons of bait for each property un-der the same ownership regardless of the size of the property. If the property is larger than 40 acres, then each hunter may place an additional 2 gallons of bait for each additional full 40 acres of contig-uous land under the same ownership if the bait sites are at least 100 yards away from any other bait site (parcels of land that do not touch but are separated only by a town, county or state highway are considered contiguous).
Note: Bait may be spread out or divided into more than one pile as
BAITING CONDITIONS:long as the total amount of bait or feed material is not more than 2 gal-lons per 40 acres or less.
Placement: No person may:• Place a baiting site closer than 100
yards of another baiting site.• Hunt within 100 yards of more than
2 gallons of bait on the same parcel of land.
• Place a baiting site within 50 yards of any trail, road, or campsite used by the public, or within 100 yards from a roadway having a posted speed limit of 45 mph or more.Note: Removal of unlawfully
placed bait or feed material does not preclude the issuance of a citation for the original placement of the un-lawful baiting or feeding material.
Deer Hunting Regulations2009 Top Ten Violations
1. Illegal use of bait 2. Trans. loaded gun in vehicle 3. Trans. uncased gun in vehicle 4. Hunt from an illegal elevated device 5. Feeding wild animals violations 6. Failure to validate tag 7. Hunt without a license 8. Hunt deer without backtag exposed 9. Hunt within 50’ of paved road center10. Group deer hunt violation
Total Arrests – 1404
2009Arrest
Incidents
Warden Shawna Stringham (Viroqua) and Steve Dewald (La Crosse) working in Vernon County, investigated a hunting license complaint. While Stringham talked to one hunter, Dewald noticed another hunter behind a barn grilling steaks. When Dewald noted that the steaks ap-peared to be venison, he asked which deer the venison had come from. Before the hunter could respond, a small girl quickly replied, “that’s from the buck in the pole shed.” Dewald asked to see the buck and found an untagged buck with parts of the hindquarters removed. Enforcement ac-tion was taken.
Wardens Dale Hochhausen (Stoddard) and Steve Dewald (La Crosse) received a complaint from citizens sitting in a van along a county road that they heard a bullet whiz past their vehicle. The wardens observed a deer drive taking place a few hundred yards away so watched the drive. A short time later they observed a man fire multiple shots from a rifle across the roadway at several deer. An untagged deer was found dead in an adjacent road ditch where a pool of blood was found on the road. When contacted, one member of the deer drive com-plained that other people shouldn’t be on the road in their ve-hicle when they are hunting. Enforcement action was taken.
Warden Jason Bayer (Phillips) and Warden Supervisor Casey Krueger (Tomahawk) contacted a hunting party that had been excessively over-baiting with corn, apples and crushed acorns. Six citations were issued to 6 hunters for hunting over illegal baits. Some of the baits were in excess of 25 gallons and the smallest bait pile was approximately 15 gallons.
Warden Bob Jumbeck (Alma) and Steve Dewald (La Crosse) investigated a feeding complaint in Buffalo County on a sub-ject that has been warned and/or cited for illegal baiting/feed-ing in 2004, 2007, and 2008. Wardens found a gravity box load of shell corn dumped on the ground adjacent to the hunting cabin. Enforcement action was taken, AGAIN.
Wardens Mark Schraufnagel (Shawano East) and Warden Todd Schaller (Central Office) made contact with an individual hunting 14 minutes after the close of the season. Schraufnagel observed that the hunter appeared younger than the birth date on his li-cense. The hunter stated he must have accidentally grabbed his dad’s backtag as they both have the same name. A records check indicated that the hunter had not purchased his own license.
The Adams County Sheriff’s Department investigated the theft of 7 trail cameras and 4 tree stands. One property owner had 5 of the cameras and 3 of the stands taken from his land. That landowner had purchased a new cam-era and a $600 GPS chip that was placed in the camera. Investigators were able to follow the GPS track to two of the stolen stands which were placed over illegal baits, and then on to the suspect’s home. Warden Bill Miller (Adams) had previously cited the man for baiting in 2004 and 2006. Miller contacted the man in jail and issued him citations for baiting violations again this year.
Majority hunter behavior greatly outnumbers the minority vio-lators!
Once again on the eve of the 2010 State of Wisconsin Whitetail Deer gun hunting season, Wisconservation shares with readers some questionable hunter behavior compiled by the Department of Natural Resources.
Of the 600,000 plus deer hunters en-joying Wisconsin’s great outdoors, a small minority continues to intentionally vio-late current deer hunting regulations. I refer to the 1404 hunters that were ar-rested during the 2009 season of which several incidents are included in this is-sue. Like many of the 600,000 deer hunt-ers, I too planned a menu – determined an ETD (Estimated Time of Departure) – firearm sight-in activity – packed ap-
propriate clothing – don’t forget the back tag – reconfirm who is bringing what, etc. However, within all that planning activity timeframe and budgeting, including being arrested and posting a bond never crossed my mind. I must belong to the majority.
Unfortunately, many hunters can probably identify with someone who would bend the rules a little for a few venison chops (potential expensive veni-son chops). Over the past seven years, the lowest number of arrests is 1156 in 2004. When I read the arrest incident portion of the 2009 Deer Hunting Season Activity report prepared by Chief Warden Randy Stark, I pondered whether the incident(s) behavior involved mature adults. For sure, the report is not fiction! Glancing backwards in time, I can vividly recall many questionable adult behavior situa-
tions in my 33 years in law enforcement.If you have time for an interesting
READ of the WDNR report, go to the DNR web site www.dnr.state.wi.us scroll left margin, click on Violations:Wildlife scroll to Seasonal Links, click on Hunt-ing, scroll to Reports, click on 2009 Gun Deer Season Report - Maybe the “reports” content will generate some in-camp social hour discussions.
In closing, hopefully the minority re-ferred to within will dwindle in num-bers throughout this 2010 Whitetail Deer hunting season(s). To the majority, GREAT behavior ! ! !
Have a great camp activity, eat well – sleep well and for sure, Be Safe Out There!
WWF Editor Daniel A. Gries
Wisconservation ConversationA Message from the Editor
Finding Public Land Open to HuntingThe DNR website provides detailed maps showing public lands in your area.
Go to dnr.wi.gov and click on the Hunting link. On the left side of the screen under “Hunting Opportunities” click on “Wildlife Recreation Lands” to find
a State Wildlife Area near you that is open to hunting.
• All firearms must be unloaded and completely enclosed within carry-ing cases designed to carry a firearm when in or on any vehicle whether moving or stationary. A holster is not a legal carrying case for a handgun in a vehicle unless it completely encloses the handgun. All firearms must be un-loaded when in or on any motor driv-en boat while the motor is running.
Arms Transportion:Note: Firearms are considered unload-ed if the shell or cartridge is removed from the chamber of a firearm and any clip, magazine or cylinder attached to the firearm; the cap is removed from a percussion muzzleloader; the flashpan is cleaned of powder from a flint lock muz-zleloader; or the powder and projectile is removed from the barrel of an electronic ignition system muzzleloader.
• possess any firearm from 12:00 midnight–11:59 p.m. on November 19, 2010 unless the firearm is unloaded and enclosed within a carrying case. Exceptions: target shooting at established target ranges, target shooting on private lands by landowners and immediate family members who live with them, waterfowl hunting during open season, hunting game birds on licensed bird hunting preserves, and hunting turkeys and small game in CWD Management Zone units.Note: An established target range means an existing location that is set up for target shooting with firearms as its major purpose.
• possess while hunting, shot or shotshells loaded with shot larger than No. BB from June 1–Dec. 13 (unless legally engaged in waterfowl hunting, or while hunting bob-cat). See Waterfowl Regulations for maximum shot sizes for waterfowl hunting.
It is illegal to:
WISCONSERVATION November 20108
Calendar Sales Persons and LocationsW.W.F. Office, W7303 County Road CS & Q, Poynette, WI 53955-9690
608-635-2742, include $2.00 mailing fee
Main Street Ed’s ........................................ArgonneSchultz Shooting Supply..........................ArgonneLaura Huber ...................................................... ArpinLaurel Dewey ................................................AshlandDave Hraychuck....................................Balsam LakeShirley Schroeder ..................................Beaver DamEd Dolata ......................................................... BerlinDoug Kurth.................................................. Big BendKen Barbian ...............................................BrookfieldChuck Matyska ..................................................CecilWhite Clay Lake Lodge................................... CecilDave & Tami’s Marsh Inn .............................CollinsRev’s Windbreaker .................................DeerbrookRobert Fisher ........................................... DorchesterJack Nissen................................................ DousmanTom Nissen ................................................ DousmanMike Rynearson ......................................... DousmanLil Pipping ..............................................Elkhart LakeJared Wenninger....................................Elkhart LakeMike Arrowood .......................................Fond du LacRiver Haus Bait Shop ........................ Fond du LacFrank Micale......................................... Fort AtkinsonTom Dahlen...................................................GrantonRandy Teresinski...........................................GrantonNorb Moes ................................................Green BayKeith Pamperin..........................................Green BayJim Kaddatz ..............................................GreendaleJohn Wetzel .................................................. HolmanJim Meinnert .....................................Howards GroveEd Rollins..................................................... HumbirdJanet Fischer ................................................JacksonWayne Thayer ............................................JanesvilleMark Hasenberg ..........................................KenoshaCorky Meyer............................................. KewaskumEd Coppersmith ........................................KewauneeGreg Kloss ................................................. LaCrosseEric Olson .................................................. LaCrosseFirelite Lounge ....................................... LakewoodDanz Bar ........................................................ Laona
Silver Lake Inn............................................... LaonaLois Whitcomb ................................................LarsenJoe’s Place..........................................................LilyPat Kaiser ...........................................................LodiBig 4+ Sportsman Club .........................Long LakeJim Falish.................................................LuxemburgGeorge Meyer .............................................. MadisonAl Phelan...................................................... MadisonDeb Schotten ...............................................MaustonBarb Orheim..................................................MedfordDan Gries....................................................MenashaDoug Gries..................................................MenashaJohn Koester...............................................MenashaLouie Quella................................................MenashaBruce Terwillegar.........................................MenashaTony’s Bar................................................. MenashaDon Hammes............................................. MiddletonCarolyn Brown ................................................. MiltonLarry Laehn...................................................... MiltonJeanne Hrubes ........................................... MuscodaJeff Niemuth.................................................. NeenahTwin City Rod & Gun Clubhouse...............NeenahWayne Winter............................................. NeshkoroTim Cieminski .......................................... Oak CreekPhil Janoska.........................................OconomowocJohn Wagner........................................OconomowocWade Jeske ...........................................Oconto FallsCraig Challoner .................................................OmroBob Kirk ............................................................OmroDan Billman.................................................OostburgBrian Hobbs ................................................. OsceolaBetty Borchert ..............................................OshkoshDoug Flouro .................................................OshkoshTew’s Two Sport Shop ............................. OshkoshWaynes One Stop..................................... OshkoshDennis Reinhardt ............................................ OsseoParnell Tavern...............................................ParnellChris Starich ............................................. PewaukeeOld Mill ............................................................Phlox
Jerry Schuh’s Sportsmans Lodge............PickerelLarry Vanderhoef ........................................ PlainfieldJerry Knuth ......................................................PloverDorothy Behr...............................................PlymouthDave Taylor .................................................PlymouthConnie Pribnow.......................................... Port WingDan Lee .......................................................PoynetteWalt Camp ..........................................Saint GermainLarry Freitag.............................................SheboyganJim Meinert ..............................................SheboyganJ&H Game Farm....................................... ShioctonPaula Owen........................................Soldiers GroveRoger Borkowski............................ South MilwaukeeSnarlys .........................................South MilwaukeeJames Spielbauer .......................... South MilwaukeeBob Miller ........................................................SpartaJoe Zanter.......................................................SpartaJon Schaeffer...............................................StratfordDick Baudhuin......................................Sturgeon BaySteve Pease.................................................. SullivanMcMahons Irish Waters ............................... SuringJim Wareing ...................................................SussexRalph Fritsch..............................................TownsendBackhaus Retreat.......................................WabenoRusty Wabeno Bowl...................................WabenoJim Weishan................................................. WabenoTom Cramer ..............................................WatertownDave Chingway .........................................WatertownJim Huhn...................................................WatertownArt Schneider ............................................WatertownRick Lazarczyk...........................................West AllisRuss Hitz...................................................... WheelerJim Klomscen..............................................WhitehallMike Stueck ................................................ WhitelawSlim & Maryanns ............................................ZittauBertilla Bueckern...................................Freeport, MNGreg Bezdicek ......................................Manning, ND
This Issue Prize IdentificationJanuary 1 $1000 July 11 Benelli Super Nova CamoFebruary 5 Remington 750 .308 August 1 $1000March 5 Savage 111 30.06 September 2 Remington 1187 12 GaApril 11 WeatherbyVanguard 30.06 October 2 Franchi I-12 CamoMay 1 $1000 November 1 $1000June 1 ATV - Winners choice to $6000 December 8 WeatherbyVanguard 30.06
2011 Conservation Calendar
$100,000 in Retail Gifts and PrizesVISIT OUR WEBSITE AT: www.wiwf.org
Odds of Winning - 1 in 28 (365 prizes)$20.00 Donation
A gift for all occasionsFirearms $1000
CASH PRIZEON THE 1ST
OF EACHMONTH
WWF Inland Fisheries CommitteeMembership Call
The Inland Fisheries Committee of the Federation is looking for indi-viduals that are interested in being active members of the Commit-tee.
The purpose of the Committee is to identify and discuss issues that pertainto fish and fishing in Wisconsin and bring the issues to the Board for discussionand possible action by the WWF. Issues may include but are not limited to suchtopics as DNR regulations or lack of habitat, management, water pollution,groundwater pumping, diseases, public access and many others.
Anyone interested in a position on the Committee can contact Mike Arro-wood at 920-922-0905 or [email protected]. Or the WWF office at 800-897-4161.
Mike ArrowoodChairman
TELL PEOPLE YOU
READ IT IN
WISCONSERVATION
W.W.F.Grouse
Ol’ Ruff
… Don Balke, Thiensville1973
WISCONSERVATION November 20109
The fall 2010 pheasant hunt-ing season opened statewide atnoon Oct. 16 and runs through
Dec. 31.In Wisconsin, research has shown that
wetlands are one of the most importantyear-round cover types for pheasants.Areas within the pheasant managementcounties that contain adequate wintercover such as cattail and shrub-carrmarshes, well-established native prairiefields, and areas with 15 percent or moreof the landscape in idle grassland willhave the highest pheasant densities. Itwill be important for hunters to identifyareas with high-quality habitat, concen-trating their hunting efforts in that area.
“Successful hunters will have a num-ber of potential hunting spots lined upand be ready to move in order to findbirds,” says Sharon Fandel, acting up-land wildlife ecologist for the Depart-ment of Natural Resources.
During the 2009 pheasant huntingseason, more than 57,000 hunters wentout in search of pheasants and reportedharvesting 241,732 birds. The top coun-ties for harvest included Dane, Fond duLac, and Waukesha.
Pheasant stocking programThis fall, Department of Natural Re-
sources wildlife biologists plan to releaseapproximately 51,000 game farm pheas-ants on 71 public hunting grounds. Thisis an increase from 2009 when 45,000game farm pheasants were stocked on 71public hunting grounds.
Hunters can check the PheasantStocking on State Properties map onthe DNR website or the 2010 PheasantStocking Information Sheet, identify-ing public hunting grounds slated forpheasant stocking. Stocked public hunt-ing grounds are primarily located in thesouthern part of the state, in the coreof the pheasant range. Hunters shouldcarefully verify which public huntinggrounds have a 2 p.m. closure and/or al-low hen pheasant hunting.
More information on the 2010 pheas-ant population outlook is available aspart of the 2010 Fall Hunting & Trap-ping Forecast (pdf). See the 2010 Wiscon-sin Small Game Hunting Regulations,available on the hunting and trappingregulations page, for additional details.
Wild Pheasant populationsThroughout much of the southern
half of the state, winter conditions (2007-2008 and 2008-2009) were moderate tosevere with heavy snow. Spring weatherduring the last three breeding seasonshas also been a challenge with cool and/or wet conditions, resulting in decreasedbrood success.
“Two of the past three winters andsprings have been very hard on Wis-consin’s wild pheasant population,”added Fandel. “Both major surveys usedto gauge pheasant populations in thespring showed decreases in 2010, on topof decreases observed over the prior twoyears.”
The spring crowing count surveyshowed a 3 percent decrease and the ru-ral mail carrier pheasant survey showeda 14 percent decrease in the number ofroosters counted compared to 2009.
In addition, brood survey informationcollected in July and August showed a 33percent decrease in the number of broodsseen per observer and a decrease in theaverage brood size, from 5.2 in 2009 to4.3 in 2010.
Bag limitsOn Oct. 16 and 17, the daily bag limit
is one cock and the possession limit istwo. For the remainder of the season thedaily bag limit is two cocks and the pos-session limit is four. Some public hunt-ing grounds offer both hen and roosterpheasant hunting, which requires a freepermit and tags, and some propertiesalso have 2 p.m. closure times. The 2p.m. closure requirements are only in ef-fect for the first two weeks of the pheas-ant season, from Oct. 18 through Nov. 3.A Pheasant Stamp is required to huntpheasants statewide.
Pheasant hunting opportunitiesthrough the Mentored Hunting
Program2010 marks the second year of the
Mentored Hunting Program, which al-lows hunters age 10 or older, born on orafter Jan. 1, 1973, to obtain a hunting li-cense and hunt without first completingHunter Education, provided they huntwith a mentor and comply with all of therequirements under the program.
Ring-Necked Pheasant Season
In an effort to reduce costs, theDepartment is no longer publish-ing the Special Pheasant Hunt-
ing Regulations. Regulations related topheasant hunting can be found withinthe Small Game Hunting Regulations.This web page highlights stocking andState property information. Before hunt-ing pheasants on public hunting grounds,be sure to check the regulations for spe-cial requirements that apply including2:00 pm Closure Areas and Hen-Rooster
Public Hunting Grounds Stockedwith Pheasants
Hunting Areas. A Pheasant Stamp is re-quired statewide.
Depending on production levels,pheasants are released once prior to thepheasant hunting season and then twicea week for the first 2-3 weeks of the sea-son. After that birds are released once aweek until early December (except dur-ing the 9-day gun deer season). The num-ber of birds released at a time dependson the property size and weather condi-tions.
As leaves start to fall across Wis-consin, state natural resourcesofficials are reminding people
that autumn is an excellent time to startcomposting or improve a home compostpile. Composting can help residents savemoney on fertilizer, save municipalitiesmoney on yard waste collection and pro-tect the state’s air quality.
Composting is much better for the en-vironment than burning leaves, branch-es, weeds and other yard materials.
“Burning yard waste can cause healthproblems for your family and neighbors,pollute soil and water, and start wild-fires,” says Kate Cooper, recycling andsolid waste section chief for the Depart-ment of Natural Resources Waste andMaterials Management Program.
State air quality and fire control rulesregulate the burning of yard materialsin Wisconsin, and a growing number ofcommunities have local rules in placethat restrict or completely prohibit burn-ing yard materials.
Composting leaves, grass clippingsand branches puts them to good use.“Composting not only helps keep ourair clean and prevents wildfires, but thecompost itself is a wonderful, valuableproduct.” Cooper says.
Composted yard materials keep soilhealthy and provide nutrients for lawnsand gardens, reducing the need for fer-tilizers and pesticides. Urban residentswho don’t compost on their own propertyoften have access to a community com-post site.
State law bans yard materials fromlandfills, but there are a number of waysresidents can manage leaves and othercompostable materials in their back yardor garden.
Here are a few tips for composting orreusing yard materials:
• Keep it simple. Leaves make great
Compost Leaves this Fall to Protect Air Qualityand Enrich your Lawn and Garden
mulch to be used now, or in the spring.Mow leaves and grass together and leavethe finely chopped material on yourlawn. Ground leaves can also be foldedinto garden beds to add organic materialand soil structure. If you would rathercompost your leaves, there are manyeasy structures you can build to startthe composting process. Search “compostbin” online for suggestions.
• Mix it up. The key to good compostis having a mix of “browns” (fallen leaves,dead plants, coffee grounds and smallbranches) and “greens” (grass clippings,green plants and vegetable food scraps).
• Supply the basics. Compost needsfresh air and water to help microbesbreak the material down and preventodors. Rainfall and snow may provideenough moisture for an uncovered com-post pile, but if your bin has a cover,add some water occasionally. Turn thecompost to make sure air gets mixed inthroughout.
• Expand your horizons. Once youget started with yard materials, you canadd raw fruit and vegetable scraps andcoffee grounds and filters to your com-post bin. Avoid attracting animals byusing a covered bin and covering freshfood scraps with a thin layer of leaves orsoil. Using earthworms to compost foodscraps indoors, a method called “vermi-composting,” is a good option for urbanresidents. “Feeding food scraps to wormshas been a popular project in Wisconsinschools for years. Now some universitycampuses are experimenting with largerscale vermicomposting,” says Cooper. Lo-cal ordinances may apply to home com-posting. Contact your local officials tolearn more.
More information on home compost-ing and vermicomposting is available onthe DNR Web site and on the UW-Exten-sion website.
by Ed Culhane, DNR West CentralRegion Public Affairs Manager
EAU CLAIRE, Wis. -- Nomina-tions are now open for the14th annual Wisconsin Ethical
Hunter Award, an opportunity to cel-ebrate not only the skills but the admi-rable qualities hunters bring to the fieldeach autumn.
Many hunters are volunteers. Someare organizers and leaders, others areteachers and mentors. Most are rigor-ously careful about firearm safety. Mostare interested in continually improvingtheir skills, in a lifetime of learning.
Too often, however, they are associ-ated with “slob hunters,” the minisculeminority that makes the news, the care-less or the rule breakers motivated onlyby self interest.
In 1997, outdoor writers Bob Lamb,recently retired from the La Crosse Tri-bune, and his colleague, Jerry Davis,joined conservation warden Steve De-wald in an attempt to balance the scalesa bit. They conceived the Wisconsin Ethi-cal Hunter Award and wrote that theywere looking for hunters “engaged inbehavior that positively reflects on thetradition of hunting.”
“The people who engage in poachingand other unfortunate behaviors do notreflect what most hunters are like” De-wald said. “People need to hear abouthunters who are teaching outdoor tradi-tions to our youth, hunters who help dis-abled citizens to enjoy the outdoors andthe many hunters actively working toprotect natural resources for everyone’senjoyment.”
In order for that to happen, Dewaldneeds a stack of nominations in the mail.
“We are asking hunters to acknowl-edge ethical behavior in other hunterswhen they witness it,” he said. “This isa statewide award and any hunter li-
censed in Wisconsin is eligible.”Dewald encourages people who have
nominated hunters in the past to consid-er whether the person they nominatedwould still qualify and to consider nomi-nating that person again. There havebeen persons nominated in the past whowould have won the award if nominatedin a different year.
The award, a handsome woodenplaque, is presented by the Natural Re-sources Board.
The following are requirements to beeligible to receive the Ethical Hunteraward:
• The nominee must be a licensedWisconsin hunter.
• The ethical hunting act must havetaken place in Wisconsin during the 2010calendar year.
Written nominations should containthe name, address and telephone num-ber of the witness or witnesses to the be-havior that lead to the nomination.
Written nominations should be sentto Warden Supervisor Steve Dewald atthe Department of Natural Resources,3550 Mormon Coulee Road, La Crosse,WI 54601 before Dec. 15, 2010, a dead-line that is earlier than previous years.
Special youth awards are also given toyoungsters who hunt ethically.
Award recipients in previous yearshave been recognized for:
• assisting a conservation wardenwho was dealing with a dangerous sub-ject;
• restoring wildlife habitat;• making private lands available to
new hunters;• providing opportunities for dis-
abled hunters;• rendering aid to a citizen at a seri-
ous car accident; and• assisting another hunter, a strang-
er, who needed help tracking a deer.
Nominations Sought for 2010 Ethical Hunter Award
Public Hunting GroundsStocked with Pheasants
WISCONSERVATION November 201010
TREMPEALEAU - National andinternational officials gatheredon October 14 at Trempealeau
National Wildlife Refuge with state andlocal partners to celebrate formal des-ignation of the Upper Mississippi RiverFloodplain as a Wetland of InternationalImportance.
DNR Secretary Matt Frank issuedthis statement of congratulation:
“The Mississippi is one of the greatrivers of the world, and we strongly sup-port this landmark designation. Thevast wetlands of the Upper Mississippifloodplain, teeming with fish and wild-life, have long been an important anchorfor Wisconsin’s economy, its environmentand its high quality of life. Now thisbeautiful workhorse of a river is receiv-ing the recognition it deserves as a glob-ally important resource.
“We applaud the U.S. Fish & WildlifeService for its leadership in securing thisdesignation. The Wisconsin DNR has along history of working with our local,state and federal partners on the UpperMississippi, and we look forward to ongo-ing cooperation and good will as we con-tinue to restore and protect this globaltreasure.”
The Wisconsin DNR invites all thosewith an interest to learn more about thisfantastic natural resource and its recre-ational opportunities by visiting a spe-cial web page, Global Treasure.
BACKGROUND:The designation as a Wetland of In-
ternational Importance includes justover 300,000 acres of federal and statelands and waters of the Upper Missis-sippi River floodplain from near Waba-sha, Minn., to north of Rock Island, Ill.All of the 240,000-acre Upper MississippiRiver National Wildlife and Fish Refugeheadquartered in Winona, Minn., and the
The Upper Mississippi RiverFloodplain
6,226-acre Trempealeau National Wild-life Refuge in Wisconsin are included.
These natural floodplain backwatersof the Upper Mississippi run throughWisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa and Illinois.They were enlarged by construction oflocks and dams in the 1930s to improvecommercial and recreational navigation.Today the site consists primarily of flow-ing main and side channel habitats, largeshallow to moderately deep backwatermarshes, flooded floodplain forests andshrub-dominated communities. It is per-haps the most important corridor of fishand wildlife habitat remaining in theMidwest, supporting significant popula-tions of more than 100 native fish speciesand the nationally endangered Higgins’Eye Pearly Mussel. In addition, the siteis at the core of the Mississippi Flyway,through which 40 percent of North Amer-ica’s waterfowl migrate. Several federaland state-managed areas are locatedwithin the site. Recreation is one of themajor economic activities in the area.
The Convention on Wetlands, oftencalled the Ramsar Convention, is an in-tergovernmental treaty that provides theframework for national action and interna-tional cooperation for the conservation andwise use of wetlands and their resources.The designation is awarded by membercountries, including the United States.
There are 30 Ramsar wetlands in theUnited States and Wisconsin has twoof them. Horicon Marsh is Wisconsin’sfirst Ramsar site. The Wetland of Inter-national Importance designation has noeffect on current jurisdictions or on theresponsibilities of the federal, state andlocal governments that manage the river.Nor does the designation affect currentriver uses. Wildlife officials believe thedesignation is an important milestone,however, and one that could help secureadditional funding.
RUSK COUNTY - The muskyPaul Parise boated on Oct. 6,2010, from the lower Flambeau
River in Rusk County is truly the rarestof the rare: a 51-inch albino musky.
“That is a pretty fantastic catch,” saysTim Simonson, co-chair of the Depart-ment of Natural Resources musky com-mittee. “Albino musky are pretty rare tobegin with, and for one to survive to thatsize is pretty uncommon given they don’thave the protective camouflage to hidefrom predators or sneak up on prey. Thisfish stood out from day one, but throughluck and maybe some skill, it survived.”
The fish is the second albino muskyto surface in Wisconsin waters in recentyears. In 2005, a DNR fisheries crewcaught a white musky in their fyke netsduring population surveys. But that fishwas much smaller – 32.7 inches long and7.9 pounds at the time.
Albinism is a heredity condition inhumans, other mammals, birds, fish, rep-tiles and amphibians, in which there is atotal or partial lack of pigment that givescolor to the skin, hair and eyes.
The growth and development of analbino is the same as that of a normalindividual. They also have the ability toreproduce offspring.
Rare Albino Musky Caught in Rusk County
Paul Parise landed this 51-inch albinomusky on Oct. 6, 2010, from the lowerFlambeau River. Contributed Photo
The complete story about PaulParise’s unique musky catch and releasewill appear in the December 2010 issueof MUSKIE Magazine, the official publi-cation of Muskies, Inc. [www.muskiesinc.org].
MADISON - The State of Wis-consin and the U.S. Depart-ment of Justice filed a Su-
perfund lawsuit to require continuedclean-up work on Wisconsin’s Lower FoxRiver at Green Bay. The complaint alsoseeks a court order requiring 11 respon-sible parties that have yet to agree tocleanup settlements to continue fundingand performing the PCB cleanup with-out delay. State and federal authoritiesalso announced that they had reacheda final settlement with another respon-sible party, Geor-gia Pacific.
Following is astatement fromWisconsin De-partment of Nat-ural ResourcesSecretary MattFrank:
“We fully sup-port this action.We have madegreat progressin cleaning upthe Fox Riverand recentlyfinished thesecond year offull-scale dredg-ing and PCBremoval. We areconcerned thatthe absence ofa global settle-ment betweenthe major par-ties will undermine future clean-up ef-forts. Without signed agreements, workinto the future is uncertain.”
“The reason we are suing is to makesure we can complete the cleanup. Inthe absence of a global settlement, wehave worked cooperatively with the pa-per companies to make real progress incleaning up the river. We have negotiat-ed for several years with the responsibleparties to reach a global settlement. Theproposed Georgia Pacific settlement is amajor step in obtaining agreement for fu-ture completion of the cleanup. We thankGeorgia Pacific for their continuing co-operation and agreeing to this proposedsettlement.”
“We will continue to work with theU.S. Department of Justice, the Wiscon-sin Department of Justice, the Environ-mental Protection Agency and parties ofinterest to finish the tasks needed to re-turn a healthy river to the people of theFox River Valley.”
Secretary Matt Frank Statement onFox River Clean-Up Suit
BACKGROUND:The Fox River is the largest PCB
cleanup project in the world.Between about 1954 and 1971, paper
companies using polychlorinated biphe-nyls (PCBs) to make carbonless copy pa-per discharged nearly 700,000 pounds ofthese chemicals into the Fox River. Thedangers posed by PCBs were unknownuntil the early ´70s, but their use anddischarge into the environment wereoutlawed by federal environmental reg-ulations in 1976. The ban was success-
ful, but becausePCBs bind todirt and breakdown very slow-ly, they are stillfound today inthe sedimentof the LowerFox River andGreen Bay.
Since the1970s therehave been sig-nificant im-provements inthe water qual-ity in this sys-tem. This hasresulted in therestoration ofa diverse fish-ery, includinga world-classwalleye fishery.However, levelsof PCBs (and
mercury) in fish are still high enoughthat consumption advisories for mostspecies are needed to protect humanhealth.
In addition to the river sediments,PCBs have also been detected in manyfish and birds species in the Lower FoxRiver and Green Bay. PCBs concentratein the fatty tissue of fish that eat contam-inated river sediment, and get passed upthe food chain in a process called bioac-cumulation.
Several entities have been identifiedas responsible parties (RPs) for the PCBdischarges into the Lower Fox River, andare or will be helping with the cleanup ofPCBs from the river. They are P.H. Glat-felter Co.; WTM1; Appleton Papers Inc./NCR; U.S. Papers; Riverside Paper Com-pany: and Georgia-Pacific.
Little Lake Butte des Morts, whichlies between Lake Winnebago and Apple-ton, is also known as Operable Unit 1 inthe cleanup plan for the Lower Fox Riverand Green Bay. The Little Lake Buttesdes Morts cleanup, started in June 2004and completed 2009, involved dredging784,000 cubic yards of PCB contaminat-ed sediment.
2011 Wisconsin State Park andForest Admission Sticker to Feature
Silhouette of KayakerEntries now being sought for 2012 sticker design contest
Adesign featuring the silhouetteof a kayaker on the water byStephanie Cuzner, a senior last
year at Waukesha South High Schoolwas the winning entry in the contest forthe 2011 Wisconsin state park and for-est annual vehicle admission sticker. The2011 stickers will be available at park,forest and other Department of NaturalResources offices in December.
Runners-up in the 2011 sticker designcontest were: Second Place - Owen Mons-ma, Madison Memorial High School andThird Place - Makenzie Flom from Ce-darburg High School. The winning de-sign is displayed on more than 150,000vehicles. There were more than 300 en-tiries received for the 2011 contest.
In addition to seeing their designproudly displayed on more than 100,000vehicles, the contest winner receives anengraved plaque, an annual vehicle ad-mission sticker featuring their designand a state trail pass. The design contest,sponsored by the Wisconsin Departmentof Natural Resources, is open to all highschool age students attending public, pri-vate, or parochial schools in Wisconsin.
2012 admission sticker designcontest now open
Aspiring artists in Wisconsin highschools can now begin submitting entriesfor the contest to have their original art-work selected as the design for the 2012Wisconsin state park and forest vehicleadmission sticker.
The contest is open to all high schoolage students attending public, private,or parochial schools in Wisconsin. Thedesign must be the artist’s own originalcreation and not copied or duplicatedfrom previously published art, includingphotographs. Entries are accepted for thedesign contest through March 28, 2011.
Contest information and winning andhonorable mention entry designs areavailable on the Department of NaturalResources Web site, along with past win-ning entries.
Annual stickers are $25 for a Wiscon-sin resident, $10 for a Wisconsin resident65 years of age and older, and $35 for anonresident. Residency is determined bythe license plate of the vehicle.
2011 Winning Design for WisconsinState Park and Forest admission
sticker
WISCONSERVATION November 201011
Environmental EnforcementWisconsin Department of Justice
Murphy Oil USA Agrees to Substantially UpgradePollution Controls - Will Spend over $142 Million at
Refineries in Wisconsin and Louisiana
Enbridge Energy Settles State Lawsuit Over AirPollution Violations for $1,000,000
SUPERIOR - The U.S. JusticeDepartment, the U.S. Attorney’soffice in Madison, Wisconsin, the
Environmental Protection Agency andthe Wisconsin Department of Justicetoday announced a proposed settlementwith Murphy Oil USA, Inc., which willdramatically cut nitrogen oxides (“NOX”),sulfur dioxide (“SO2”) and particulatematter (“PM”) emissions from the com-pany’s Superior, Wisconsin refinery, andwill also improve Murphy Oil’s programsto monitor and repair leaks of volatile or-ganic compounds (VOCs) and to preventoil spills. Murphy will also pay a $1.25million civil penalty.
This is the second Wisconsin settle-ment with Murphy Oil, which had pre-viously entered into a settlement ad-dressing Clean Air Act violations at itsSuperior, Wisconsin refinery in 2002, af-ter a 10-day trial. Today’s settlement willreplace the 2002 settlement. The 2002settlement required cuts in SO2 emis-sions, monitoring and repair of leaks ofVOCs and to prevent oil spills. Murphypaid a $5.5 million civil penalty out ofwhich the State of Wisconsin received$750,000.
Of the $1.25 million in civil penaltiesunder the current settlement $625,000will go to the United States that initi-ated the enforcement effort, $395,312.50to the Louisiana Department of Environ-mental Quality, and $229,687.50 will goto the State of Wisconsin even thoughMurphy’s Louisiana facility is approxi-mately four times the size of its Wiscon-sin facility.
Murphy Oil USA has agreed to installnew and upgraded pollution reductionequipment at its two petroleum refiner-ies in Wisconsin and Louisiana, at an es-timated cost of $142 million as part of acomprehensive Clean Air Act settlement,
SUPERIOR – Enbridge Energy,Limited Partnership has agreedto pay $1,000,000 to settle state
claims under Wisconsin’s air pollutionlaws. The judgment resolves chargesthat Enbridge Energy failed to complywith certain requirements under thoselaws at its crude oil pipeline breakoutstorage terminal in Superior, Wisconsin.
Enbridge Energy’s facility in Superioris a stationary source of air contami-nants under Wisconsin law, which trans-ports crude oil, diluents, condensates,and natural gas liquids, and stores crudeoil and condensates.
Under Wisconsin law, Enbridge En-ergy was required to obtain and followpermits that governed its operation andmaintenance of the facility. Accordingto the complaint, at various times since2001, Enbridge Energy violated state airrequirements by operating the Facilitywithout the proper air pollution controloperation permit, commencing construc-tion without a construction permit, fail-ing timely to repair seals on storagetanks and to report the repairs, failingto conduct timely inspections of the in-ternal floating roofs on the tanks, main-taining noncompliant stack dimensions,noncompliant tank seals, noncompliantoperation of automatic bleeder vents and
the Environmental Protection Agencyand the Justice Department announced.
Murphy’s refineries are located inSuperior, Wisconsin, and in Meraux,Louisiana. The new air pollution con-trol technologies and other measures tobe implemented at both refineries willreduce emissions of sulfur dioxide andnitrogen oxide by nearly 1,400 tons peryear once all controls are installed. InWisconsin this will mean reductions ofabout 56.5 tons of NOX, 446 tons of SO2,and 12.3 tons PM per year. Additional to-tal reductions of 338 tons per year of NOXare required from both facilities due torequired improvements in facility heat-ers and boilers. The settlement will alsoreduce emissions of volatile organic com-pounds, particulate matter and carbonmonoxide. These pollutants can causeserious respiratory problems and exac-erbate cases of childhood asthma, amongother adverse health effects.
The States of Wisconsin and Louisi-ana, including the Wisconsin Depart-ment of Justice and Wisconsin Depart-ment of Natural Resources, activelyparticipated in and are joining in thesettlement with Murphy, which was filedwith the U.S. District Court for the West-ern District of Wisconsin. The settlementis subject to a 30-day public commentperiod and approval by the federal court.
“Compliance with Wisconsin’s andfederal air pollution control laws is es-sential to keep a level economic playingfield between all Wisconsin businessesand their competitors, and to protectpublic health,” said Attorney GeneralJ.B. Van Hollen. “This settlement sendsthe right message in both respects,” hesaid.
Assistant Attorney General ThomasDawson represented the State of Wiscon-sin in the action.
ungasketed fittings on the tanks, failingto maintain up-to-date design drawingsand tank documentation, failing to time-ly complete painting one tank roof white,and underpaying air emission fees.
Enbridge has since the identificationof the initial violations contained in thecomplaint worked with the Departmentof Natural Resources to resolve the vio-lations, including undertaking a compre-hensive air evaluation of the tanks andassociated components and emissions atits facility, and instituting proceduresto ensure future environmental compli-ance.
In announcing the settlement, At-torney General J.B. Van Hollen stressedthe importance of proper permitting,monitoring and operation of such a largesource of air emissions. “This action willhelp encourage the protective measuresthat Wisconsin requires in its air pollu-tion control program,” Van Hollen said.“The Wisconsin Department of Justicewill continue to work with the DNR toensure that Wisconsin’s citizens andnatural resources are protected throughcompliance with the law.”
Assistant Attorney General JoAnne F.Kloppenburg prosecuted the case. DaneCounty Circuit Court Judge Peter C. An-derson approved the settlement.
Oneida County Landowners Ordered to Pay $34,959 for CausingRoad Fill to be Placed in Wetlands and on Lakebed, and for Con-
structing a 336 Foot Pier and Platform Without a Permit
RHINELANDER – AttorneyGeneral J.B. Van Hollen an-nounced that the Wisconsin De-
partment of Justice has been granted adefault judgment concluding its lawsuitagainst Zbigniew and Dorota Kretowicz,Illinois residents who violated Wiscon-sin’s waterway and wetland protectionlaws at their Oneida County property.
According to the complaint filed at therequest of the Department of NaturalResources, Mr.and Mrs. Kretowicz pur-chased land on Neptune Lake that theyknew could not be accessed by the ease-ment recorded to serve it because theeasement crossed wetland and lakebed.DNR advised Kretowiczes to acquire anupland easement, but they did not. Townof Monico resident Rudy Pederson placedapproximately 80 yards of gravel fill inthe wetland to create a 16 by 200-footroad for the Kretowiczes. Kretowiczesthen constructed a cabin and a 4 by 336foot pier crossing the wetland and veg-etated lakebed to reach the lake fromtheir building site. The pier extends 40feet into Neptune Lake, and ends with a
18 by 32 foot platform in the lake. SinceNeptune Lake is classified as an Area ofSpecial Natural Resource Interest, an in-dividual permit is required for piers. Apermit was also required for the wetlandand lakebed fill. No permits were soughtor obtained.
After the DNR learned of the vio-lations, Mr. Pederson cooperated bypromptly removing the roadway fill. TheKretowiczes, on the other hand, failedto work with DNR or the Department ofJustice, and they failed to respond whenthe lawsuit was filed.
Oneida County Circuit Court JudgeMark A. Mangerson found that theState’s request for $25,425 in forfeitureswas reasonable and proportional to theviolations. Mandatory court costs andsurcharges bring the total judgment to$34,959.75. Judge Mangerson also or-dered Kretowiczes to either obtain a per-mit for their pier and platform within 30days, or remove the structures within 60days.
Assistant Attorney General DianeMilligan represented the State.
WISCONSIN RAPIDS - Attor-ney General J.B. Van Hollenannounced that his office has
resolved a civil environmental prosecu-tion it brought against Daniel E. Waldand Jane M. McDonald. The WisconsinDepartment of Natural Resources (DNR)had asked the Wisconsin Department ofJustice to prosecute Wald and McDonaldfor violating state wetland protectionlaws in the course of their constructionof two ponds on a fifteen-acre parcel ofrural land where they live outside Pitts-ville, in Wood County, Wisconsin, most ofwhich consists of wetlands. The viola-tions in the case were:
•˜That in 2007, Wald and McDonaldexcavated several wetland areas on theproperty to construct two artificial pondswith a total area of approximately .89acres; and
• That they dumped the soils theyhad excavated from the ponds onto threeor four more acres of wetlands to cre-ate dry land along the shores of the newponds.
Wood County Homeowners Agree to Restore Wetlands andPay Penalties for Digging Illegal Ponds in Wetlands
In Wisconsin, Van Hollen said, it isillegal to dig in or dump soils onto wet-lands without first obtaining authoriza-tion for such activities from the DNRin the form of a certification that theproposed activity will comply with statewater quality standards for wetlands.Wald and McDonald did not apply for orreceive such authorization, he said.
To their credit, Van Hollen said, Waldand McDonald have agreed to restorethe wetlands in the manner contem-plated by a professionally developed,DNR-approved, wetland restoration planwhich was prepared at their expense.They have also agreed to pay the Stateof Wisconsin penalties and costs totaling$15,000.
“The Wisconsin Department of Jus-tice will continue to work with DNR toensure that wetland protection laws arefollowed,” said Van Hollen.
Assistant Attorney General ThomasL. Dosch represented the State.
Environmental Protection Agency
WASHINGTON - The U.S. Envi-ronmental Protection Agency(EPA) and the U.S. Justice De-
partment announced that a federal jury inUtica, New York has found Certified Envi-ronmental Services, Inc. (CES), two of itsmanagers, Nicole Copeland and Elisa Dunnand one of its employees, Sandy Allen,guilty of conspiring to aid and abet CleanAir Act violations, commit mail fraud, anddefraud the United States. The defendantswere also convicted of substantive CleanAir Act violations and mail fraud counts.Defendants CES and Elisa Dunn were con-victed of making false statements to fed-eral law enforcement.
“Falsifying asbestos reports and airquality data is a serious crime and under-mines our nation’s efforts to protect humanhealth and the environment,” said CynthiaGiles, assistant administrator for EPA’sOffice of Enforcement and Compliance As-surance. “Exposure to asbestos can be fataland the conviction by a jury shows that theAmerican people will not tolerate illegal ac-tivity that puts the public at risk of canceror other serious respiratory diseases.”
“Because of the dishonest and illegalpractices of this company, many peoplewere left unaware for years of their pos-sible exposure to asbestos,” said Ignacia S.Moreno, Assistant Attorney General for theEnvironment and Natural Resources Divi-sion of the Department of Justice. “Com-panies and employees will be fully inves-tigated and prosecuted when they put thepublic’s health at risk by violating environ-mental laws.”
As alleged in the indictment, CES, itsemployees, and a supervisor from a formerasbestos abatement company, Paragon En-vironmental Construction, conspired overthe course of nearly a decade to falsify lab
New York Air Monitoring Firm, Supervisors Found Guiltyof Fraud and Conspiracy
results used to prove that asbestos removalwas done properly. In numerous instancesasbestos removal companies representedthat homes, schools, and other buildingswere free of asbestos contamination whenasbestos debris remained behind. Ownersof local homes and buildings were unawarethat asbestos had been left behind fromsloppy abatement work because air qual-ity reports were falsified by CES. Due tothe false lab reports, people who lived orworked in the buildings were potentiallyexposed to asbestos, putting them at riskfor developing cancer. EPA investigatorshave notified affected building owners ofthe asbestos problem so proper cleanup canbe conducted.
The conspiracy and substantive CleanAir Act and false statements counts of theindictment each carry a maximum pos-sible term of incarceration of five years anda fine of $250,000. The mail fraud countseach carry a maximum possible term of in-carceration of 20 years and similar fines.
The conviction is the latest in a series ofasbestos removal cases that EPA and theJustice Department have brought to trial.For example, in June 2010, the owners ofKodiak Construction Service were sen-tenced to a combined total of more than 13years in prison after being found guilty ofnumerous asbestos related violations. An-other example is the four year sentence andrequirement to provide restitution to vic-tims of more than $850,000 for the opera-tor of J & W Construction, Inc. that violatedthe Clean Air Act through illegal asbestosremoval and disposal activities.
Asbestos has been determined to causelung cancer, asbestosis and mesothelioma,a fatal disease. EPA has determined thatthere is no safe level of exposure to asbes-tos.
WISCONSERVATION November 201012
Individual MembershipApplication
Want your voice to be heard on environmentalissues? A membership in Wisconsin WildlifeFederation will accomplish just that. Founded in1949, the W.W.F. is Wisconsin’s oldest citizen-led nonprofit conservation organization.
Join Today! We speak to all outdoors issues.A membership fee of $25.00 per year also entitlesyou to a 12 month subscription of Wisconservation,
the official publication of the Wisconsin Wildlife Federation.
Forward your application & fee to: W.W.F., W7303 County Road CS & Q,Poynette, WI 53955-6960
Name:____________________________________________________________
Address: __________________________________________________________
City: _________________________ State:________ Zip Code: ____________
$25 fee enclosed _________Master Card/Visa available – 1-800-897-4161
Membership strength increases our voice strength!
Get
Hooked
Member
October 2010CalendarWinners
1 $1000 Cash Kevin Kelly, Janesville, WI 3852 Franchi I-12 12ga camo Brandon Wanner, Dickinson, ND 74593 Gander Mountain Gift Card $100 value Blaine Montgomery, Granton, WI 46754 $100 Cash Julie Baryluk, Luck, WI 43225 Browning Xbolt Hunter 30-06 Guy Sinner, Waukesha, WI 70806 Gander Mountain Gift Card $100 value David Burkart, Marshfield, WI 23727 $100 Cash Cory Adam Samson, Seymour, WI 64618 Remington 1187 Sportsman 12ga Michael Miller, Milwaukee, WI 4149 Gander Mountain Gift Card $100 value Cory Clark, Wisconsin Rapids, WI 3176
10 $100 Cash Tim Morgan, South Milwaukee, WI 788111 Savage 16FXP3 300 wsm combo Pete Souder, Redgranite, WI 988812 Gander Mountain Gift Card $100 value Marian Theurer, Marshfield, WI 560313 $100 Cash Anthony Maslo, Milwaukee, WI 445414 TC Encore Rifle 30-06 Jim Moon, Burlington, WI 575615 Gander Mountain Gift Card $100 value Sheila Malmin, LaCrescent, MN 954916 $100 Cash Steve Diemel, Bonduel, WI 690817 CZ mallard 104 12ga Colin Cluver, Fort Atkinson, WI 139818 Gander Mountain Gift Card $100 value Nick Nimmer, Waterford, WI 962819 $100 Cash Dean Thom, Helenville, WI 549120 Mossberg 930 12ga Camo Richard Meyer, Menasha, WI 868721 Gander Mountain Gift Card $100 value Robert Thielbar, Kewaunee, WI 148422 $100 Cash Adam Van Doorne, Stanley, ND 745523 Mossberg 500 410 Jim Kaddatz, Greendale, WI 696224 Gander Mountain Gift Card $100 value Joe Wojcik, Neenah, WI 382025 $100 Cash John Bahls, Juneau, WI 527826 Ruger 10/22 RB 22lr Rick McLimans, Fennimore, WI 33927 Gander Mountain Gift Card $100 value Bill Classon, Algoma, WI 142028 $100 Cash Keith Genger, Hartford, WI 632629 Marlin 925 Bolt wood Dustin Treleven, Omro, WI 379130 Gander Mountain Gift Card $100 value Pat McKeown, Oquawka, IL 703731 $100 Cash Troy Klomsten, Pigeon Falls, WI 5554
Take Note!Firearms Safety. Page 1
2010 Deer Season Info. Pages 6 & 7
Calendar Sales. Page 8
Environmental Enforcement. Page 11
Editor D. A. Gries
2010 WWF Print Now Available
“Training Day”Scott Shearer
Edition Size: Signed and Numbered 400Image Size: 17.5” x 24”Price: $25.00Remarques are available for additional cost.Shipping and Handling: $5.00
Wisconsin Wildlife Federation2010 Print of the Year
ABOUT THE ARTISTBorn in 1959 in Columbus, Wisconsin, Scott comes from a long line of
artists and outdoorsmen. His father was an avid sportsman, taking Scott hunt-ing whenever possible. Scott’s mother was a fine artist, studying art at theAmerican Academy of Art in Chicago. “As I grew older, I noticed, instead ofshooting ducks I enjoyed photographing and sketching wildlife, as I sat in theblind with my Dad.”
He spent his youth exploring the outdoors at his family’s home which wassurrounded by woods and wildlife. He spent weekends and summers at thefamily cottage on Lake Koshkonong near Edgerton.
Scott’s high school art teacher encouraged him to pursue art and introducedhim to one of her past students, local wildlife artist Terrill Knaack. “It was agreat opportunity to receive his council and advice.”
Scott went on to complete a BFA in Graphic Design from the University ofUtah. Midway through his career in the graphic arts and printing industry, hedecided to return to what he loved most, painting wildlife. He has studied withinternationally known wildlife artists Terry Isaac and Lee Kromschroeder.
Today, Scott lives on the same family farm where he let his imaginationwander as a child. This land is also where he finds inspiration for all his cur-rent paintings. “I enjoy catching those fleeting moments that you will neverexperience again.”
ORDER FORM 2010 “Training Day”
Name_________________________________________________________
Address _______________________________________________________
City __________________________________________________________
State ______________________________ Zip _______________________
Phone ________________________________________________________
Wisconsin Wildlife FederationW7303 County Road CS & Q
Poynette, Wisconsin 53955(608) 635-2742
Make checks payable to Wisconsin Wildlife FederationMaster Card and Visa Accepted
PADUCAH, KY – Lynn Mc-Cutchen, owner of PaducahShooters Supply, was sentenced
on October 13, 2010, in United StatesDistrict Court, Paducah, Kentucky, for amisdemeanor violation of the MigratoryBird Treaty Act (Title 16, United StatesCode, Sections 703 and 707a and 18 USCSection 2), for aiding and abetting thetaking of migratory birds, that is, ducksand geese, in a manner not permittedby regulations, by knowingly alteringa shotgun so as to render it capable ofholding more than three shells in viola-tion of Federal migratory bird huntingregulations, U.S. Attorney David J. Haleof the Western District of Kentucky an-nounced today.
United States Magistrate Judge W.David King in U.S. District Court inPaducah, Kentucky ordered that Mc-Cutchen pay a $15,000 fine, $10,000 ofwhich will be probated upon the comple-tion of special conditions set forth in theplea agreement. In addition to the fine,McCutchen agreed to recall Benelli Su-per Black Eagle shotguns modified by
Paducah Shooters Supply and to restorethe modified bolts to a condition whichprevents the shotgun from being capableof “floating” a fourth shell. The recall willbe free of charge to customers who havehad Benelli shotguns previously modi-fied at Paducah Shooters Supply. Thisrecall will be advertised in the OutdoorsSection of the Paducah Sun on four oc-casions, and will also be prominentlyposted at Paducah Shooter’s Supply. ThePlea Agreement also calls for either arti-cles or paid advertisements to be placedin Ducks Unlimited Magazine, WildfowlMagazine, and Shooting Sports Retailerdetailing the illegality of modifying thebolt of Benelli Super Black Eagle shot-guns to enable the shotgun to “float” afourth shell for the purpose of huntingwaterfowl and other migratory birds.
The case was prosecuted by AssistantUnited States Attorney Randy Ream,and it was investigated by the U.S. Fish& Wildlife Service, Office of Law Enforce-ment, and the Kentucky Department ofFish & Wildlife Resources.
Department of JusticeOwner of Paducah Shooters Supply to
Pay $5,000 Fine for Aiding and AbettingHunters to Commit Wildlife Violations
