Mornin' to all the ‘Scons out there celebrating Wisconsin’s 175th birthday this week (honey, we should bring Jalepeño Poppers to the party). 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.

*Alright, we’re not gonna say another word about all our slick Wiscampsin merch, or about how much Dad wants this instead of “free back rub” coupons for Father’s Day.

What we’re ruttin’ over this week:

• Wisconsin’s elk population 🦌 

• Free Fun Weekend 🙌 

• Getting vets outdoors 👍

Elk Population Updates + Hunt Deadline

We received some ~fabulous~ news this week. No, Aaron Rodgers did not change his mind…

Wisconsin’s elk population, once floundering, just passed the 500 mark!

How? Well you see, when a mommy elk and a daddy elk love each other - erm, you get the picture…

Additionally, today is your last chance to apply for the fall elk hunt.

The high points (ha, antler joke…):

• Applications cost $10 and are limited to 1 per person

• Those selected will have to pay a $49 tag fee

• Funding from which helps conserve - and grow - the elk population!

A quick recap

Last summer we totally fan girled on the conservation success of Wisconsin’s Elk population.

The TL;DR - back in the day, Wisconsin had a bountiful herd of elk.

But like many of the wild, native species (moose, caribou, wolves, etc), the explosion of ‘Scons in the state disrupted, and even eliminated, these mammals. Chicago Bears including.

In 1930, an attempt to reintroduce elk failed due to… poaching. Uff-da.

But in 1995, 25 Michigan elk were captured and relocated to Clam Lake, where they put Barry White on queue and started reproducing.

Through careful conservation the population has steadily grown year after year.

Leading to…

This fall’s hunt

It’s slotted to run Saturday, Oct. 14 through Sunday, Nov. 12, as well as Thursday, Dec. 14 through Friday, Dec. 22.

Successful applicants can hunt during either period (guess we’ll just have to see how the Packers are doing).

This year’s quota: eight bull elk from the Clam Lake herd.

Again, it may seem counterintuitive, but by harvesting the older, mature elk (who may be sick, injured, or unable to reproduce), more food and breeding opportunities are available to younger, healthier elk.

Also, the sale of tags and and application fees has helped raise $400,000+ in the past 4 years to conserve this elk population. Now we’re cooking with peanut oil.

How to see 'em

The DNR didn't go through all that work just for you folks to read about the elk!

Take a trip to see ‘em at Clam Lake, the “Elk Capitol of Wisconsin.” Cripes, forget Scottsdale - you should go there for your bachelorette party, honey!

To start your trip, 1) load up on a boatload of cheese curds and 2) visit the Information Kiosk to learn more about viewing opportunities.

Consider making it a camping trip and staying at Copper Falls State Park (voted 3rd best state park by ‘Sconnies) and grab a meal at Chippewa Outpost Restaurant.

There ya have it folks! Don’t forget to share this with a neighbor, and get out ‘der!

🚗 The Recycled License Plate Frame

Hey Wiscampsonites:

Are you sick of promoting Gary Vee's Honda Emporium on your license plate?

Do you wish you could distinguish yourself even further from FIBs clogging our roads?

Does recycling, supporting Wiscampsin, or just plain lookin' rad get you totally amped?

We've got just the thing for you. Behold, the new Wiscampsin license plate frame!

Made in the USA from 95% recycled Polystyrene, this frame belongs on your RV, car, truck, tractor, camper, and everything in between.

Psst. If you click this link you'll even see our Founder’s dog Aspen.

Thanks for the support!

*As always, 1% of profits will go to the Friends of Wisconsin State Parks.

Wiscampsin Weekly Poll

Ten percent of folks got it right… Wisconsin unfortunately ranks 29th for Bicycle Friendly States. A big reason why is we are 49th in federal funding spent on biking and walking per capita. So give a little nudge to your officials.

Nuts and Seeds 🌰 

🧔‍♂️ Helping vets get out ‘der: One man’s beard is doing a whole lot more than just looking handsome. His beard - and the selfless trimming of other men’s beards - is raising funds to get vets outdoors, which can be immensely helpful for those suffering from PTSD. Read the face-warming story here!

🦋 Spongy moths will be a problem: The DNR warns that the spongy moth caterpillar hatch in the next two months may be the worst it’s been in a decade. These little buggers strip trees of their leaves, leading to their death. See what you can do to help.

🎣 Free Fun/Fishing Weekend!: Forgot your wallet at the bar? No problem! This weekend, all ‘Scons can enjoy free day access to all State Parks as well as free fishing (camping fees will not be waived, however). Saturday, June 3 and Sunday, June 4 from 6 a.m. – 11 p.m.

Meme of the Week 😂 

A review from the Trail... Just wait till you read our Ice Age Trail edition!