NORTHEAST WISCONSIN – According to DNR Warden Clark Delzer, fox and coyote trapping seasons are set to close on February 15, while rabbit and squirrel hunting seasons will wrap up on February 28. Delzer stresses that even as seasons come to an end, proper tagging of harvested animals remains critical and is required under state regulations. Hunters and trappers with questions about rules or reporting are encouraged to contact a conservation warden at their nearest DNR post for guidance.
At the same time, DNR staff are preparing for their annual winter bear den surveys, an important effort to monitor Wisconsin’s bear population. Wildlife biologist Brian Woodbury says landowners can play a key role in that work if they come across a den on their property. He warns people not to approach dens, explaining that bears inside are in a semi-hibernation state and should not be disturbed.
Woodbury says disturbing a den could cause a bear to wake up and relocate, which can be harmful to the animal and make it harder for biologists to gather accurate data. Instead, landowners who discover a den are asked to report the location online so trained DNR staff can document it safely and without disrupting the bear.
Comments