PUBLIC HEARINGS FOR THE FALL WATERFOWL SEASON

Public hearings throughout Wisconsin will gather input regarding fall waterfowl hunting season structure

DATE: February 28, 2018
CONTACT: Taylor Finger, DNR migratory game bird ecologist, 608-266-8841or Trenton Rohrer, DNR assistant migratory game bird ecologist, 608-261-6458
MADISON - Public hearings regarding Wisconsin's proposed 2018 waterfowl season structure will be held March 12-15. After public comments have been collected, final season structure will be set by the Natural Resources Board at its Apr. 11 meeting in Madison.
"The 2018 waterfowl seasons will be based on the 2017 continental waterfowl population estimates which were at near record estimates since USFWS surveys began 62 years ago. With average to above average precipitation last fall and this winter in Wisconsin, we expect populations to remain high in 2018 and if we have favorable conditions this fall, hunters can expect good waterfowl hunting opportunities" said DNR migratory game bird ecologist Taylor Finger.
Public hearings will be held at the following locations starting at 7 pm:

• Monday March 12, 7 p.m., La Crosse - State Office Building, Rooms B-19 and B-20, 3550 Mormon Coulee Road.;
• Tuesday March 13, 7 p.m., Rice Lake - AmeriVu Inn, 1710 South Main St.;
• Wednesday March 14, 7 p.m., Appleton - Agricultural Services Center, Main conference room, 3369 West Brewster St.; and
• Thursday March 15, 7 p.m., Pewaukee - Wildwood Lodge, N14 W24121 Tower Place.

The department will accept public comments on the proposed waterfowl season structure at each public hearing. If you would like to provide input directly or are unable to attend a hearing, comments will be accepted through midnight Friday, March 16. Written comments can be sent to Trenton Rohrer, Wisconsin DNR, PO Box 7921, Madison, WI 53707, via email to Trenton.Rohrer@wisconsin.gov or by calling 608-261-6458.
To view and provide input on the 2018 waterfowl season options online, search the DNR website, dnr.wi.gov, for keyword "waterfowl."