12-12-2012, 12:20 PM
Madison - Responding to an
outpouring of public opposition, the Natural Resources Board approved a
substantially reduced plan for hunting and trapping in Wisconsin state
parks and on trails.
The board voted Tuesday to allow hunting and trapping on most state
park and trail properties from Nov. 15 to Dec. 15 and for three weeks of
turkey hunting in April. Archery hunting for deer would be allowed from
Nov. 15 through the first Sunday in January.
In addition, the board approved measures to allow only dog-proof traps and to prohibit shooting across trails.
Act 168, also known as the Sporting Heritage Act, opened all state
park and trail properties to hunting and trapping. The legislation was
approved in April by large margins in the Senate and Assembly. The law
goes into effect Jan. 1.
The law allowed the Natural Resources Board to close state park and
trail properties to hunting and trapping only to protect public safety
or unique animals and plants.
The DNR was charged with developing an implementation plan. It
proposed a hunting and trapping season from Oct. 15 to late May on 64%
of the acreage in the state park and trail system.
But public comments on the plan were overwhelmingly negative. Of the 2,033 comments received by the DNR, 1,949 opposed the plan.
And four hours of testimony at Tuesday's meeting were dominated by opponents to the plan.
"The people have spoken," said board member William Bruins.
Board member Terry Hilgenberg made a motion to accept the basic DNR plan but with a much shorter season.
The board approved the reduced framework 7-0.
"I think this is a sensible plan given the strong response we
received from the public," said board member Jane Wiley. "It increases
opportunity for hunters and trappers but reduces the impact on other
traditional park users."
But others were concerned the plan falls short.
"I don't feel it will meet the expectations of the Legislature," said DNR secretary Cathy Stepp.
The DNR will post maps at each property showing areas open to hunting
and trapping. Its website also will feature maps and information.