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Mornin' to everyone staring longingly at their Green Bay Packers cheesehead. 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:

• State Park Sticker winner announced + valid for 12 months 🏆

• Anglers now legally allowed to carry firearms after ruling 🎣 

• $25 rebate on Endangered Resources license plate 💰

• DNR releases forecasts for deer hunting, bird hunting, trapping, and more 🦌 

• Debate over potential Sandhill Crane hunt in Wisconsin 🍗 

State Park Sticker winner announced + valid for 12 months - LINK

GREAT NEWS INCOMING!

First, the DNR has announced that Evan Strand, a junior at Rice Lake High School, won the 2025 Wisconsin State Park and Forest vehicle admission sticker design contest.

Strand’s captivating artwork, which portrays a serene night camping under the stars, will be featured on over 500,000 vehicles. The annual contest, now in its 34th year, received about 150 entries from high school students statewide. Jehiel Josh De los Santos and Joe Bellante earned second and third place, respectively.

Secondly, starting in 2025, the vehicle admission stickers will be valid for 12 months from the purchase date, providing access to over 60 state parks and forests. The 2025 stickers will be available from December 2, 2024, supporting park operations through admission revenues.

Anglers now legally allowed to carry firearms after ruling - LINK

Anglers in Wisconsin can now carry firearms while fishing, as the Wisconsin DNR has agreed to repeal a 25-year-old regulation banning guns on waters and shores.

This decision follows a lawsuit by the Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty (WILL) on behalf of Travis Kobs, who argued the rule violated his Second Amendment rights.

Skylar Croy, associate counsel for WILL, emphasized, "There is a constitutional right under both the state and federal Constitution to protect yourself using firearms. That right doesn’t disappear just because you’re in the great outdoors."

The DNR aims to repeal the rule by January 1, allowing anglers to legally protect themselves in remote areas while fishing, boating, and camping.

$25 rebate on Endangered Resources license plate - LINK

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is celebrating 30 years of Endangered Resources license plates by offering a $25 rebate for new purchases until Dec. 31, 2024. Since 1994, these plates have funded conservation efforts for over 400 wildlife and 300 plant species listed as endangered, threatened, or of special concern.

Funds support initiatives like creating and maintaining the nation's most extensive system of State Natural Areas, which preserve native ecosystems and geologic features.

“The $25 rebate helps more people support rare species and unique places in Wisconsin while showing that support on their car or truck," said Drew Feldkirchner, DNR Natural Heritage Conservation Director.

To purchase a plate and get a rebate, visit the DNR's Endangered Resources license plate webpage to download the necessary forms. Processing takes up to six weeks.

DNR releases forecasts for deer hunting, bird hunting, trapping, and more LINK

Freezer running a little low?

The Wisconsin DNR has released its 2024 fall forecast series, offering hunters and trappers a detailed outlook on various popular game species.

These forecasts, derived from federal and local surveys, DNR research, weather patterns, and advisory committee feedback, provide insights into what to expect this season.

“The species forecasts are based on both science and the observations of DNR professionals and experienced outdoorspeople from across our state,” said Shawn Rossler, DNR furbearer specialist.

The forecasts cover deer, upland game birds, migratory birds, bears, and furbearers.

They also include reminders about public land access, game registration, and season dates.

To see all the forecasts, click here.

Debate over potential Sandhill Crane hunt in Wisconsin - LINK

A legislative committee in Wisconsin is studying ways to manage the state's growing sandhill crane population, which has rebounded to over 110,000 birds.

As these cranes cause crop losses on farms, lawmakers, conservationists, and farmers are exploring potential solutions, including hunting. Rep. Paul Tittl, chair of the study committee, emphasized, “We are not trying to do any certain outcome on this, but we want to study the sandhill cranes and their tremendous success here in Wisconsin.”

The committee aims to balance conservation with agricultural needs, ensuring both cranes and farmers thrive. Recommendations are expected by January, as they seek to address the birds' impact on local agriculture while maintaining sustainable wildlife practices​.

Now forward this email to friend, and get out ‘der!

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Wiscampsin Weekly Poll

75/25 split with majority being in favor of Apostle Islands becoming an official National Park in last weeks poll. We will keep you posted as more updates come to life on that one!

Wiscampsin Job Board

Ecological Restoration Field Worker (Indigenous Restorations, LLC) - Full Time, SW Wisconsin, $17-$20/hr

Digital Marketing Specialist (Striker) - Hudson, WI, Full Time, fishing gear!

Partner Project Coordinator (Lakeshore Natural Resource Partnership) - Part time, Salaried $35,000 to $38,000

Hunting Sales Outfitter (Cabela’s) - Green Bay, WI, benefits! No compensation info…

Conservation Biologist (DNR) - Full-time, Fitchburg, WI, $20.45/hr

Riverway Regulatory Specialist (DNR) - Hmm, no salary/compensation listed…

Meme of the Week 😂

A review from the trail… Is that you, Dad?