Dog sledding thrives in WI

PLUS increasing elk hunting quota, State Park pass design contest open, and luxury travel magazine ranks WI

Author

Forrest Koslowski
February 20, 2025

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Mornin’ to everyone glad that the DNR repealed this ancient law banning the carry of firearms while fishing. This is the Wiscampsin Weekly, the email that gets you in the know on the Wisconsin outdoors in 5 minutes or less. New reader? Subscribe here.

This week’s weekly:

📈 DNR to issue more elk hunting tags in 2025

🖼 State Park Pass design contest open

🌎 Luxury travel magazine ranks 2 places in WI as Top 50 Most Beautiful Places

🐕 Story of the week: Howling through the snow: Sled dog racing thrives in WI

📈 DNR to issue more elk hunting tags in 2025 LINK

  • Wisconsin's elk population reached a record high of 544 in 2024, prompting the DNR to propose a record 17 hunting permits for the 2025 season, including for the first time antlerless elk in the central herd.

  • The proposed 2025 quota includes eight bulls in the northern herd and four bulls and five antlerless elk in the central herd, reflecting ongoing population growth since elk were reintroduced in 1995.

  • The Wisconsin Natural Resources Board will vote on the proposal on February 26, 2025, with funds from hunting applications and licenses supporting elk management efforts.

 🖼 State Park Pass design contest open LINK

  • The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is inviting high school students to design the 2026 12-month vehicle admission pass, with submissions due by April 30.

  • Designs must depict Wisconsin's natural beauty, using only four colors (including black and white) without shading or blending.

  • The winning artwork will be featured on passes valid for 12 months from the purchase date, continuing the new format introduced in 2025.

🌎 Luxury travel magazine ranks 2 places in WI as Top 50 Most Beautiful Places LINK

  • Condé Nast Traveler, a luxury travel magazine, named Apostle Islands National Lakeshore and Door County as two of the 50 most beautiful places in America for 2025.

  • Apostle Islands is praised for its year-round outdoor adventures, including kayaking through sandstone cliffs in summer and exploring ice caves in winter.

  • Door County is celebrated for its charming towns, scenic beaches, and stunning cherry blossoms in spring, making it a beloved Midwest vacation spot.

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🐕  STORY OF THE WEEK: Howling Through the Snow: Sled Dog Racing Thrives in North Central Wisconsin

In north central Wisconsin, winter isn’t just about shoveling snow—it’s about flying through it. Sled dog racing, a sport often associated with the Alaskan wilderness, is alive and howling in the Badger State, thanks to a passionate community of mushers who’d rather be dragged through snow than sit by a fireplace.

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WISCAMPSIN WEEKLY POLL

37% of you who voted in the poll were aware of Columbia Lake before last week's episode. To the other 63%, we are happy to enhance your Wisconsin outdoor knowledge 🤝

Milwaukee got 7.5" of snow last Wednesday. How many inches of snow does it take to crack into Milwaukee's top 10 most snowiest days (in recorded history)?

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