Glacier Bear (Blue Bear):
A rare, bluish-gray color phase found in parts of Alaska.
Kermode Bear (Spirit Bear): A subspecies (Ursus
americanus kermodei) found in coastal British Columbia.
About 10–20% of this
subspecies are white due to a recessive gene, but they are genetically American Black Bears.
3. The Brown Bear (A Species with Subspecies)
Scientific Name:
Ursus arctos
Color/Appearance: Varies widely from near-white or blonde to brown and dark brown.
Grizzly Bear:
This is a subspecies (Ursus arctos horribilis) of the Brown Bear found inland in North America.
They are typically smaller than coastal brown bears, and their fur often has white-tipped hairs, giving them a "grizzled" appearance.
Kodiak Bear: Another subspecies
Ursus arctos middendorffi) found only on the islands of the Kodiak Archipelago
n Alaska. T
hey are the largest brown bears and one of the largest land carnivores in the world.
The "Silent Guardians" of the Wild: Why We Must Protect Our Bats
At Outdoor Wild, we believe that "Wild" means more than just a place to hike—it’s a delicate balance where every creature plays a vital role. Right now, one of our most important allies, the bat, is facing a silent crisis.
The Hidden Value of Bats
Bats aren't just "spooky" creatures of the night; they are the world's most effective natural pest controllers.
The Mosquito Shield: A single little brown bat can eat up to 1,200 mosquitoes in an hour.
Economic Heroes: Bats save farmers billions of dollars every year by eating crop-destroying insects, reducing our need for chemical pesticides.
Cave Bat Crisis: Many of our cave-dwelling species are already fighting for survival against diseases.
They are the "canaries in the coal mine" for our ecosystem's health.
The Conflict: Wind Turbines and Wildlife
We support a cleaner planet, but "green" shouldn't mean "deadly." Wind turbines are suppose to be a critical tool for fighting climate change, but for bats, they can be an invisible trap. We are loosing bats do to white nose syndrome . The wind turbines just adds a double whammy for the bats survival
Barotrauma: Moving blades create sudden air pressure changes that can collapse a bat's lungs before they even touch the turbine.
Collision Risk: Many migratory bats are attracted to the tall structures, mistaking them for roosting trees.
Our Stance: Smarter Energy for a Safer Wild
We believe in technology that respects the animal kingdom. At Outdoor Wild, we advocate for:
Smart Curtailment: Using sensors to pause turbines when bat activity is high.
Acoustic Deterrents: Using ultrasonic sound to warn bats away from blades.
Strategic Siting: Keeping turbines away from known bat caves and migration "highways."
A healthy wild needs its night shift. Let’s keep the sky safe for the creatures that keep our world in balance.
Dean Romano
Your Plant Based Almond Milk is Killing the planet which in return Kills you
Title: The Bitter Side of Sweet Almonds: California’s Central Valley Crisis
Location: Central Valley, California
The Fact: 80% of the world’s almonds are grown here.
The Problem: It has become a graveyard for the honeybee.
In the Central Valley, miles of almond monocultures stretch as far as the eye can see. While this makes for a massive harvest, it has created a "green desert" for our pollinators. Every February, nearly every commercial honeybee hive in the United States—over 2 million colonies—is trucked into this one valley.
What they aren't telling you:
The Pesticide Cocktail: To keep up with global demand, industrial almond producers use a heavy rotation of pesticides, including glyphosate (Roundup). These chemicals don't just kill "pests"; they destroy the bees’ immune systems, leaving them unable to fight off viruses and mites.
The "Bee War": Scientists have compared sending bees to the Central Valley to "sending them to war." In a single year, over 50 billion bees die during or shortly after the almond bloom. They are worked to exhaustion without their natural winter rest, fed sugar water instead of diverse nectar, and exposed to toxic drift.
Biodiversity Collapse: By replacing wild grasslands with endless rows of the same tree, we’ve taken away the "salad bar" of nutrients bees need to survive.
At Outdoor Wild, we believe that if it’s not safe for the animals, it’s not truly organic. Just like we refuse to over-roast our coffee to hide poor quality, we refuse to ignore the environmental cost of industrial "health foods."
We stand with the Salad Guardians—the wild bees, the native pollinators, and the beekeepers fighting for a chemical-free future. We don't just want coffee that tastes good; we want a world where the pollinators that make our food possible aren't treated as "disposable" tools.
What can you do?
Choose Organic: Support almond growers who use cover crops and zero-pesticide policies.
Plant for Pollinators: Turn your own backyard into a refuge with native flowers.
Stay Wild: Keep questioning where your food comes from.
Hollow Hair: Their fur is made of hollow tubes that trap air, providing incredible insulation and making them excellent swimmers their coats act like a built in life jacket.
The Longest Commute on Earth
Some North American
herds, like the Porcupine
Caribou Herd, undertake the longest land migration of any mammal on the planet.
They can travel over 3,000 miles (4,800 km) in a single year between their wintering grounds and their calving grounds on the arctic coast.
4. Gender Equality in Antlers
Caribou are unique in the deer family because both males and females grow antlers.
Males drop theirs in early winter after the rut.
Females keep theirs all winter long until they give birth in the spring. This gives pregnant females a
"weapon" to defend the best feeding spots in the snow against the (now antlerless) males.
Current Status (2025)
Unfortunately, many caribou populations are in trouble.
Boreal Woodland Caribou in Canada are currently listed as "Threatened."
They are highly sensitive to habitat fragmentation
once roads or logging paths are cut into their forest, it becomes easier for wolves and bears to find them.
Conservation efforts are currently focused on protecting large, "intact" blocks of old-growth forest.
The "real" history of the American wilderness was paved by thinkers and activists who fought to keep those lands wild.
Outdoor Wild recognizes that these are the figures who essentially created the "product" we enjoy today—the public lands and the ethics behind visiting them.
1. Aldo Leopold (The Father of Wildlife Ecology)
He is truly the elder statesman of the movement.
The Land Ethic: In his famous book A Sand County Almanac, he argued that we shouldn't just see land as property or a resource, but as a community we belong to.
The Gila Wilderness: He was instrumental in getting the Gila National Forest in New Mexico designated as the world's first official "Wilderness Area" in 1924.
2. John Muir (The Father of National Parks)
If Leopold was the philosopher, Muir was the advocate.
Yosemite: He was the primary force behind the creation of Yosemite National Park.
The Sierra Club: He co-founded the Sierra Club to help protect the Pacific Coast mountains.
The Famous Campout: He famously took President Theodore Roosevelt camping in Yosemite for three days in 1903. Legend says they slept on the ground in the snow, and by the time they came back down, Roosevelt was convinced to sign the Antiquities Act.
3. Theodore Roosevelt (The Conservation President)
Roosevelt used his "Bully Pulpit" to turn the ideas of Muir and Leopold into law.
Massive Protection: During his presidency, he protected approximately 230 million acres of public land.
Legacy: He established the U.S. Forest Service and signed the law that allows presidents to create National Monuments.
4. Margaret "Mardy" Murie (The Grandmother of Conservation)
Often overlooked, she was a giant of the 20th century.
The Wilderness Act: She worked tirelessly for decades to get the Wilderness Act of 1964 passed, which created the legal definition of "Wilderness" as a place "where the earth and its community of life are untrammeled by man."
Alaska: She was the driving force behind the protection of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.
On a site like outdoor Wild, showcasing these icons adds a lot of "soul" and authority It moves the conversation from just "gear and hiking" Fishing and hunting, and Camping to "stewardship and history."
Dean Romano
The Glass Mystery: Hunting Wisconsin's Freshwater Jellyfish
By the Outdoor Wild Team
Most people think of jellyfish as salty, ocean-dwelling hazards. But deep in the crystal-clear, spring-fed lakes of the Wisconsin Northwoods, a tiny ghost is hiding. It’s translucent, the size of a dime, and it only appears when the world is perfectly still.
Meet Craspedacusta sowerbii—the Wisconsin Freshwater Jellyfish.
Where to Spot Them
While they’ve been found in over 100 Wisconsin lakes (including massive spots like Lake Mendota), they are famous for appearing in the calm, northern spring-fed lakes and rock quarries of Vilas, Bayfield, and Florence counties.
They are masters of the "now you see me, now you don't" lifestyle. You can boat over the same spot for ten years and see nothing. Then, during a particularly hot August or September, the water temperature hits that magic 25^\circ\text{C} (77^\circ\text{F}) mark, and thousands of these tiny "medusae" bloom at once.
Wild Fact Sheet
The Size: Almost exactly the size of a U.S. dime.
The Look: 99% water and almost entirely clear. Look for a faint white "X" inside their bell.
The Sting: Non-existent for humans. While they have hundreds of microscopic stinging tentacles to catch plankton, they can’t pierce human skin. You can swim right through a "bloom" of them without feeling a thing.
The Origin: Known in China as the "Peach Blossom Fish," they likely hitched a ride to the U.S. in the early 1900s via ornamental water plants.
How to "Capture" One (On Camera)
If you're out on the water trying to document these for your own "Wild" journal, follow these pro tips:
Angle is Everything: Don't shoot straight down into the sun. Get your camera low to the water and shoot at an angle.
The Dark Secret: They are easiest to see against a dark background—look for them where the lake bottom drops off or over a patch of dark weeds.
Polarize: Use polarized sunglasses or a camera filter to cut the surface glare; otherwise, they’ll look like simple air bubbles.
Outdoor Wild Take:
These jellies are a reminder that "wild" doesn't always mean "big." Sometimes the most incredible encounters are the ones you have to squint to see.
Wisconsin DNR Reports
&
News
On May 14, 2026, USDA-Wildlife Services verified wolves harassed cattle on a property in the town of Cloverland, Douglas County. Auditory deterrents have been deployed as a non-lethal abatement measure.
On May 14, 2026, USDA-Wildlife Services verified wolves killed a calf on a property in the town of Cloverland, Douglas County. Property managers are doing maintenance on existing woven wire fencing.
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) partners with the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Wildlife Services department to investigate reported conflicts with wolves. Interactive maps, past reports and damage payment information is available on the DNR's website.
Interactive Wolf Depredation Threats Map
This resource shows locations of wolf depredation and threat conflicts verified between 2013 and the present. Click here to launch.
Depredation Reports
Depredation reports detail individual Wildlife Services reports, including if the report was verified as wolf depredation or determined as another cause. View past reports here.
Livestock producers: If you suspect suspect a wolf or bear has depredated or is harassing your livestock, contact USDA-Wildlife Services at 1-800-433-0663 (southern Wisconsin) or 1-800-228-1368 (northern Wisconsin).
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 30, 2026
Contact: Jenna Fastner, DNR Captive Wildlife Health Specialist
Jenna.Fastner@wisconsin.gov or 715-894-7181
Keep Wildlife Wild:
Know What To Do If Encounter Young Wild Animals This Spring
Never try to care for a wild animal yourself. If you find a young wild animal, leave it alone and keep children and pets away to reduce stress on the animal. / Photo Credit: iStock/seb29
MADISON, Wis. – As warmer weather approaches, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds the public that wild animals and their young will be on the move across Wisconsin.
"Springtime brings a flurry of inquiries from concerned individuals about the wildlife they are encountering. It is perfectly natural for many species of young wild animals to be left alone for extended periods of time, and they should not be disturbed," said Jenna Fastner, DNR captive wildlife health specialist. "Wild animals are well-adapted to life in the wild and learning natural behaviors from their own species is imperative to their survival."
Knowing what to do before you find a young wild animal can make all the difference in the moment to protect it and keep it in the wild with its parents.
The public can help keep wildlife wild by observing from a safe distance to provide young wild animals their best chance of survival. Keep people and pets away from the area. If your children are interested in the animal(s), they can learn to keep wildlife wild by observing from a safe distance.
Some common young wild animals you may encounter this spring include:
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Cottontail rabbit kits can be encountered anytime from spring through fall. They open their eyes at one week old and begin exploring outside the nest for short periods to nibble on grasses after about 2-3 weeks.
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Eastern gray squirrels raise their young in leaf nests, called dreys, tree cavities and man-made structures such as attics. Litters typically consist of two to four young, called kits. By 7 weeks old, they will begin to explore outside the nest area.
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Opossums are the only marsupial in North America, and females have a pouch on their abdomen in which they carry and nurse their young. As they grow, joeys begin to ride on their mother’s back until they are approximately 7 inches long from snout to rump when they become independent.
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Raccoon kits are 12-14 inches long and capable of walking, climbing and exploring by 6-8 weeks of age. When they're at the exploring stage, they can be seen active during the day without their mother.
Wildlife rehabilitation facilities often reach capacity during the warmer months and need to limit admissions of sick, injured and orphaned wildlife. The public can help reserve space for wild animals truly in need by always contacting a licensed professional for advice before assuming a wild animal needs help.
In Wisconsin, you must have a license to conduct wildlife rehabilitation, and you should never try to care for a wild animal yourself to protect their health and yours.
Visit the DNR's Keep Wildlife Wild webpage to learn more about the normal behaviors of Wisconsin’s wildlife and why it is important for young wild animals to grow up in their natural environment.
In Wisconsin
As of April 15, 2026, water levels on the Wolf River are too dangerous for the DNR to monitor the status of the lake sturgeon spawn at sites within the Wolf River drainage.
When water levels recede and it is safe to check, we will send an update on the status of sturgeon throughout the Wolf River drainage.
Until that time, there are pods of spawning lake sturgeon that can be seen at Princeton.
Sturgeon patterns can change rapidly. Though they may be at one location in the morning, they may not be that evening. Updates will be made on our Sturgeon Spawning webpage as changes occur.
As of May 7, 2026, here is what has been reported on the Fox, Wolf and Peshtigo rivers:
Princeton Dam, Upper Fox River: No sturgeon have been observed.
Sturgeon Trail, New London, Wolf River: No sturgeon have been observed.
Bamboo Bend, Shiocton, Wolf River: No sturgeon have been observed.
Shawano Dam, Wolf River: No sturgeon have been observed.
De Pere Dam, Lower Fox River: There are a good number of sturgeon below the De Pere Dam. About 30 were observed this morning, with good groups of fish actively spawning. Now is the time to go see them because there might not be a third wave!
Peshtigo Dam, Peshtigo River: Sturgeon are present and can be seen spawning.
Sturgeon patterns can change rapidly. Though they may be at one location in the morning, they may not be that evening. As a result, if you’d like to see them at a certain location, make sure you get out and see them soon.
As a result of the high water this spring, monitoring the progress of the sturgeon spawn continues to be a challenge. We will continue to monitor and send updates when conditions change. Updates will be made on our Sturgeon Spawning webpage as changes occur.
Summer 3D Archery Shoots: Where Practice Meets Adventure
Photo Credit: The Council to Advance
Hunting and the Shooting Sports
When summer arrives in Wisconsin, archers trade indoor lanes for wooded trails, rolling hills and lifelike targets. Summer 3D archery shoots have become a cornerstone of the bowhunting community, offering practice with an immersive outdoor experience that closely mirrors real hunting scenarios.
Unlike traditional target shooting, 3D shoots are set along natural terrain, often featuring steep climbs, uneven footing and realistic shot angles. These courses are designed to simulate real-world hunting situations, helping archers refine distance judgment, shot placement and composure under pressure.
Local clubs and organizations play a major role in filling the summer archery event schedule. Many host regular 3D shoots on wooded courses, offering accessible events for archers of all ages and skill levels.
Check in for shoots, clubs and even leagues.
What truly sets Wisconsin apart is the diversity of its 3D archery scene. From family-friendly club shoots to physically demanding mountain-style courses, there’s something for everyone. Many events include food, camping and social gatherings, turning a day of shooting into a full weekend experience.
Summer 3D shoots are more than scoring rings, they’re about preparation, camaraderie and time spent outdoors. Whether you’re tuning up for fall hunting season or simply enjoying the sport, Wisconsin offers one of the best 3D archery communities in the country.
DNR Accepting Shooting Range Grant Applications
Applications Due Aug. 15
The DNR's Shooting Range Grant Program provides financial assistance for safe and accessible firearm or archery recreational shooting opportunities for the public. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is accepting applications for the Shooting Range Grant Program through Aug. 15, 2026.
The grant program provides financial assistance for safe and accessible firearm or archery recreational shooting opportunities for the public. Managers of public or private shooting ranges or members of the public interested in building a new range are encouraged to apply. Ideal ranges are located near highly populated areas and offer educational programming for the public related to hunting and shooting sports. Ranges operating as a for-profit business are not eligible for funding.
Previous projects awarded grant funding include renovating or constructing backstops, shooting benches, restrooms and indoor ranges. Former grant winners can apply again.
The grant program is administered as a reimbursement grant for incurred expenses. All new construction must be compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
The 2026 grant cycle will have $600,000 available for range improvement projects. In 2025, the DNR awarded the full program budget of $600,000 to 10 projects, leveraging $238,900 in matching contributions and $838,900 in total project costs.
Prior to submitting a completed application, all applicants are required to contact either Sarah Brenner, DNR Shooting Range Grant Program manager, at Sarah.Brenner@wisconsin.gov or 715-894-8666 or Brett Johanen, DNR public shooting range manager, at Brett.Johanen@wisconsin.gov or 608-772-4928 to discuss their interest in applying.
The shooting range grant funding is made possible by a federal excise tax on firearms, ammunition and archery equipment through the Pittman-Robertson Act.
More information about applying, eligible items and resources can be found on the DNR’s Shooting Range Grant Program webpage.
Green, Sawyer Counties Added To Spongy Moth Quarantine
Green and Sawyer counties have become the latest additions to Wisconsin’s spongy moth quarantine, joining most eastern and central Wisconsin counties already considered to be infested by the invasive insect.
With the announcement, 56 of Wisconsin’s 72 counties are now under quarantine status for spongy moth.
Read the full article here ...
Fungicide For HRD Treatment Available In Smaller Size
People who have been dealing with Heterobasidion Root Disease (HRD) may be familiar with the product name “Cellu-Treat®.” It has been used to treat fresh cut stumps to prevent HRD.
But Cellu-Treat® is not the only chemical available for HRD. Another borate-based chemical, Tim-bor® Professional, can also be used legally for the same purpose in Wisconsin. Both products are manufactured by Nisus Corporation, and their labels are almost identical
Read the full article here ...
Collaborative Hemlock Woolly Adelgid Trapping Effort Begins
This spring, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is collaborating with the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) to set traps to detect the invasive insect hemlock woolly adelgid (Adelges tsugae; HWA).
The project, funded by the Wisconsin Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, calls for traps to be set to detect the invasive insect. No detection of HWA has been made to date in Wisconsin forests.
Read the full article here ...
Species Spotlight: Japanese Honeysuckle
Many people recognize honeysuckle as a fast-spreading invasive shrub that can quickly displace native vegetation. But did you know that some honeysuckles exist as a vine?
Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica) is an invasive perennial vine that can grow to a length of 80 feet or longer.
Read the full article here ...
Take Precautions To Prevent Tick Bites
Adult blacklegged (deer) ticks are already active this year, as of March 2026. The adults start looking for a host as soon as it warms up to around 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
In Wisconsin, between 20-60 percent of adult ticks are infected with the bacteria that causes Lyme disease. However, the risk of getting Lyme disease is higher with bites from nymphal ticks, which are most abundant in June and July.
Read the full article here ...
A Reminder To Campers: Don't Move Firewood
With camping season about to enter full swing, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) urges campers to think twice before giving invasive species or harmful hitchhikers a ride in their firewood.
Tree-killing hitchhikers often lurk on or inside firewood. These include the spongy moth, Asian longhorned beetle, emerald ash borer, the fungus that causes oak wilt and many other invasive insects and fungi.
Read the full article here ...
Governor Plants Seeds Of Celebration For Wisconsin Forests
Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers didn’t have to go out on a limb to make this announcement.
By issuing a Governor’s Proclamation this week, Gov. Evers has shined a spotlight on Wisconsin’s 17 million acres of forestland. His announcement officially recognizes Wisconsin’s participation in Forest Appreciation Week and Arbor Day.
Read the full article here ...
Forest Health Specialist Paul Cigan To Speak
Paul Cigan, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Forest Health specialist for Northwest Wisconsin, has planned a public discussion for Tuesday, June 30 in Ashland.
Cigan will give a presentation on “Invasive Insects and Diseases” and take questions from those in attendance at the event, set for 6 p.m. June 30 at the Northern Great Lakes Visitors Center, 29270 County Hwy. G, Ashland.
Read the full article here ...
More DNR Forestry News
Division of Forestry News
Forest Health News
Forest Products News
Private Forestry News
Reforestation News
Urban Forestry News
Wildland Forestry News
An adult deer tick looks for a spot to attach. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
By Michael Hillstrom, DNR Forest Health Specialist, Fitchburg
Michael.Hillstrom@wisconsin.gov
Adult blacklegged (deer) ticks are already active this year, as of March 2026. The adults start looking for a host as soon as it warms up to around 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
In Wisconsin, between 20-60 percent of adult ticks are infected with the bacteria that causes Lyme disease. However, the risk of getting Lyme disease is higher with bites from nymphal ticks, which are most abundant in June and July, because they are so tiny and difficult to find. While only 10-28 percent of nymphs are infected with the Lyme disease bacteria in Wisconsin, rapid removal of a tick can reduce the risk of infection because it takes at least 24 hours for the Lyme bacteria to spread.
To reduce the risk of contracting tick diseases, wear long sleeves and pants and use an insect repellent with ingredients such as DEET, Picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Clothing can also be treated with permethrin (do not use permethrin directly on skin). Recent research (Anholeto et. al., 2026) found that lemon eucalyptus oil (commercial versions of the essential oil that are formulated and marketed for tick repellency) was an effective repellent of both blacklegged ticks and American dog ticks on various fabrics. Permethrin acts through contact toxicity, so a repellent essential oil product is a useful addition to preventative measures.
After potential exposure to ticks, always do a thorough tick check. Be especially careful to check the lower body, because nymphs usually get on by the feet and are easy to miss below the waist. Shower within two hours of coming indoors and put clothes in the dryer on high heat for 10 minutes to kill any ticks that you may have picked up while outdoors.
If you find an attached tick, remove it as soon as possible and monitor for disease symptoms for 30 days.
You can use resources such as the UW-Madison Wisconsin Tick and Tick-Borne Diseases webpage or the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) “Illnesses Spread by Ticks” webpage to identify ticks and learn about the diseases they cause or submit a photo to the DHS for tick identification.
If you’d like to contribute to tick research, consider downloading The Tick App.
For information about tick safety, visit the DHS Tick Bite Prevention website and watch for their Fight the Bite campaign.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 1, 2026
Contact: DNR Office of Communications
DNRPress@wisconsin.gov
Walleye And Musky Season To Open
On Wisconsin’s Lakes
MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today indicated the walleye and musky season will proceed as normal on Wisconsin’s lakes.
The federal Western District of Wisconsin today issued a temporary restraining order that prevents the enforcement of recent attempts from the Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians to restrict fishing of walleye and musky on certain lakes. Over the past month, the Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians has passed resolutions and made public statements that attempt to prohibit non-tribal members from fishing walleye and musky on nineteen lakes within the external boundaries of the Band’s reservation and from using forward trolling and forward-facing sonar on all lakes within the external boundaries of the Band’s reservation.
The State of Wisconsin filed a federal complaint in the Western District of Wisconsin to prevent the Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians from enforcing these resolutions against Wisconsin-licensed anglers.
Today, the federal court issued a restraining order against the tribe, which means that non-tribal anglers may cast their lines as normal in Big Crawling Stone Lake, Big Crooked Lake, Bolton Lake, Fat Lake, Fence Lake, Flambeau Lake, Ike Walton Lake, Little Crawling Stone Lake, Little Sand Lake, Long Lake, Pokegama Lake, Poupart Lake, Signal Lake, Stearns Lake, Sugarbush Chain (Upper, Middle and Lower), White Sand Lake and Whitefish Lake.
The State of Wisconsin remains committed to collaborating with the Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians on important conservation work to protect the walleye and musky fisheries.
The State reminds all anglers to follow all fishing regulations and bag limits for lakes across Wisconsin, and encourages everyone to be respectful of all Tribal harvesters and other anglers and recreators.
Members of the press interested in copies of the legal filings or other communications needs should reach out here.
Wisconsin turkey hunters registered 47,725 birds this season, 8.6% above the 5-year average of 43,953. / Photo Credit: Northeast Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies
MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today announced preliminary totals for the 2026 spring turkey season. Wisconsin turkey hunters registered 47,725 birds this season, 8.6% above the 5-year average of 43,953.
This spring marks 50 years since wild turkeys were successfully reintroduced to Wisconsin. The first statewide hunt took place in the spring of 1983. Turkey numbers continue to remain stable and they are now found in all 72 counties of the state.
"The reintroduction of wild turkeys in this state has been a remarkable success. 2026 marks the 44th year we have been hunting turkeys," said Taylor Finger, DNR gamebird biologist. "With mild winters and average to above average nesting and brood rearing conditions the last several years, Wisconsin’s turkey population is very healthy, and we continue to see stable harvest trends that indicate stable to increasing numbers across most of the state."
The 2026 spring turkey season started on April 12 with the two-day youth hunt for hunters under 16 years old and concluded on May 26.
The regular season is divided into six separate one-week periods, opening April 15 and closing May 25. These separate periods help maximize hunter opportunities while minimizing interference for a more sustainable harvest.
A total of 254,226 authorizations were available this spring, and hunters applied for or purchased 235,429 of them. The robust participation and harvest numbers demonstrate ample opportunities across the state.
The 2026 statewide fall turkey hunting season will open Sept. 12 and run through Jan. 3, 2027.
The deadline to apply for next spring’s (2027) turkey season is Dec. 10. Hunters can apply for harvest authorizations online through the Go Wild license portal. Any harvest authorizations not awarded in the December drawing will be available for purchase in March as a bonus harvest authorization.
Learn more about turkey hunting in Wisconsin on the DNR’s Turkey Hunting webpage.
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Tricolored bats are one of four species the Wisconsin Bat Program looks for during winter hibernacula surveys. / Photo Credit: Jennifer Redell
Wisconsin Bat Program 2025 Annual Report Highlights
Last year the Wisconsin Bat Program continued to monitor and manage bat populations in the state. Much of the data the program collects comes from both volunteers like roost counters, acoustic surveyors and Wisconsin Bat Ambassadors (outreach volunteers) as well as staff at many program partner groups that include parks, nature centers, conservation groups, universities and other agencies.
The Wisconsin Bat Program is supported, in part, by donations to the Endangered Resources Fund.
Thank you to our donors, partners and volunteers who help make this work possible!
Continued Hope For Little Brown Bats
Good news continues for the largest winter and summer colonies of little brown bats in Wisconsin – numbers continue to grow as key populations recover after white-nose syndrome declines. Little brown bat numbers have surged back to more than 50% of the original population size at Wisconsin’s two largest hibernacula.
Summer Roost Monitoring
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328 volunteers
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727 surveys
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183 roosts
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23,000 little brown bats counted
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6,000 big brown bats counted
Summer Acoustic Monitoring
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325 volunteers
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455 surveys
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23,000 bat calls recorded
Winter Hibernacula Monitoring - Wisconsin DNR with Partners at Virginia Tech
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100 research, survey, and management visits
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60 hibernacula
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23 counties
Wisconsin Bat Ambassadors
A total of 41 new participants joined the Wisconsin Bat Ambassadors by completing a workshop through the Wisconsin Master Naturalist Program. Both new and previously trained Ambassadors, including DNR Parks staff, went on to provide more than 1220 hours planning and conducting more than 290 bat education events for more than 16,500 residents and students across Wisconsin in 2025.
Learn more about the 2025 Wisconsin Bat Program and read the full report online.
The inland trout harvest season for inland streams, springs and spring ponds will open on Saturday, April 4, this year and run through Oct. 15, 2026. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
The 2026-2027 inland trout harvest season will open a month earlier than prior years.
This year, the season will open on April 4 and run through Oct. 15, 2026, increasing harvest opportunities throughout the state’s inland streams, springs and spring ponds.
Trout populations are strong across Wisconsin and this additional month of harvest will provide more fishing opportunities at a time of the year when other fishing seasons are generally closed. This season change was also strongly supported by the public during the DNR and Wisconsin Conservation Congress 2025 Spring Hearings.
If you want to wet a line for trout this season, you’ll need a 2026-2027 general fishing license and inland trout stamp, which are both valid until March 31, 2027. Get yours today through Go Wild or at one of many in-person license sales locations.
Consult the Guide to Wisconsin’s 2026-2027 Trout Fishing Regulations for changes to the trout daily bag and length limits before hitting the water. Notable changes include additional harvest opportunities on waters where trout populations are abundant and harvest is encouraged to meet management goals.
The earlier open harvest season for trout does not apply to inland lakes and ponds. For those waters, the traditional first Saturday in May opener still applies (May 2, this year). No changes have been made to the trout season dates or bag limits on Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, Green Bay or Green Bay tributaries.
To avoid potential conflicts, it’s important to recognize what attracts black bears and take steps to reduce these attractants whenever possible. Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 3, 2026
Contact: Marcus Rufledt, DNR Wildlife Program Specialist
Marcus.Rufledt@wisconsin.gov or 608-438-438-6480
Be Bear Aware: Take Steps Now To Avoid Potential Conflicts With Black Bears This Spring
To avoid potential conflicts, it’s important to recognize what attracts black bears and take steps to reduce these attractants whenever possible. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) encourages the public to be bear aware and take steps to prevent potential conflicts with black bears this spring. As the weather warms and people across the state begin spending more time outside, encounters with wildlife, including bears, increase.
Every spring, Wisconsin’s black bears emerge from their winter torpor and leave their dens in search of food and potentially new territory. These explorations sometimes cause unexpected interactions between black bears and the public. Bears are normally solitary forest animals, but their powerful sense of smell can lead them into urban areas in search of food, especially in the spring and fall.
To avoid potential conflicts, it’s important to recognize what attracts black bears and take steps to reduce these attractants whenever possible. Black bears are known for returning to locations where they’ve found good food sources in the past. That makes prevention the best tactic.
Although black bears are much more common in the northern half of the state, southern Wisconsin has seen more black bear activity in recent years. No matter where in Wisconsin you live or play, follow these basic steps from BearWise® to avoid attracting black bears around your home or campsite:
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Never feed or approach bears. Never feed a bear, whether intentionally or not. The risk of unexpected interactions increases when bears begin to associate people with food. If bears find a consistent food source around people or people actively feed a bear, the bear will make a habit of visiting the area or approaching people.
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Secure food, garage and recycling. Food and food odors attract bears, so don’t reward them with easily available food, liquids or garbage.
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Remove bird feeders when bears are active. Birdseed and grains have lots of calories, so they’re very attractive to bears. Removing feeders is the best way to avoid creating conflicts with bears.
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Never leave pet food outdoors. Feed pets indoors when possible. If you must feed pets outside, feed in single portions and remove food and bowls after feeding. Store pet food where bears can’t see or smell it.
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Clean and store grills inside. Barbeque grills and picnic tables often have leftover food scraps or residues on them that can attract black bears. Clean surfaces after use in public spaces to reduce negative human-bear interactions. Store clean grills and smokers in a secure area that keeps bears out.
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Alert neighbors to bear activity. See bears or evidence of bear activity in your backyard or neighborhood? Tell your neighbors and share information on how to avoid bear conflicts. Bears have adapted to living near people; now it’s up to us to adapt to living near bears.
Know What To Do If You Encounter A Bear
If a black bear is near your home or cabin, from a safe location, try to scare the bear away by making loud noises (like clanging pots and pans together) or throwing objects in the bear’s direction. Black bears tend to avoid interactions with people if escape is possible, so make sure it has a clear escape route – never corner a bear. Do not turn your back to a bear or run away. Once the bear is gone, remove any items that may have attracted the bear in the first place.
If you encounter a black bear while in the woods, stay calm and do not run. Wave your arms and make loud noises to scare it away. Then, back away slowly and seek a safe location where you can wait for the bear to leave. Never approach a bear. For your safety, do not attempt to break up a fight between a pet and a bear.
If unable to resolve a recurring issue with a nuisance bear, contact the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)'s Wildlife Services toll-free lines:
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USDA Wildlife Services, Northern Wisconsin: 800-228-1368 (in-state) or 715-369-5221
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USDA Wildlife Services, Southern Wisconsin: 800-433-0663 (in-state) or 920-324-4514
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For more information on how to avoid unexpected interactions with black bears, visit the DNR’s Black Bear Management webpage or visit our partners at BearWise®.
Verified Wolf Depredation In Ashland County
Interactive Wolf Depredation Threats Map
This resource shows locations of wolf depredation and threat conflicts verified between 2013 and the present. Click here to launch.
Depredation Reports
Depredation reports detail individual Wildlife Services reports, including if the report was verified as wolf depredation or determined as another cause. View past reports here.
Livestock producers: If you suspect suspect a wolf or bear has depredated or is harassing your livestock, contact USDA-Wildlife Services at 1-800-433-0663 (southern Wisconsin) or 1-800-228-1368 (northern Wisconsin).
On April 20, 2026, USDA-Wildlife Services verified wolves killed a calf on a property in the town of White River, Ashland County. Auditory deterrents have been deployed as a non-lethal abatement measure.
Sturgeon Are Still Spawning At Certain Locations
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources <widnr@service. govdelivery.com>
Sturgeon patterns can change rapidly. Though they may be at one location in the morning, they may not be that evening. / Photo Credit: Bob Rashid
As of April 28, 2026, here is what has been reported on the Fox, Wolf and Peshtigo rivers:
Princeton Dam, Upper Fox River: Sturgeon can no longer be seen.
Sturgeon Trail, New London, Wolf River: No sturgeon can be seen. Conditions are too dangerous to monitor.
Bamboo Bend, Shiocton, Wolf River: No sturgeon can be seen. Conditions are too dangerous to monitor.
Shawano Dam, Wolf River: Only a few sturgeon can be seen spawning.
De Pere Dam, Lower Fox River: Some sturgeon can be seen spawning below the dam.
Peshtigo Dam, Peshtigo River: Some sturgeon can be observed below the dam at Peshtigo.
Sturgeon patterns can change rapidly. Though they may be at one location in the morning, they may not be that evening. As a result, if you’d like to see them at a certain location, make sure you get out and see them soon.
As a result of the high water this spring, monitoring the progress of the sturgeon spawn continues to be a challenge. We will continue to monitor and send updates when conditions change. Updates will be made on our Sturgeon Spawning webpage as changes occur.
What To Do If You See A Stranded Sturgeon
High water levels are still causing areas outside of the river to flood, allowing some sturgeon to utilize passages that are usually unavailable. Many of the culverts are still accessible during this high water. The Winnebago Sturgeon Team is aware that there are sturgeon in new locations along the Wolf River and other areas of the Wolf River drainage due to these high waters. The DNR has and will continue to respond to reports of sturgeon.
To reduce the stress on fish and decrease the chance that they swim up to the shallow area again, we ask that people leave these fish alone. As waters recede, fish will return to their normal areas.
If you witness stranded sturgeon, please contact Margaret Stadig at Margaret.Stadig@wisconsin.gov or 920-410-8670.
Wisconsin's General Fishing Season Opens
Saturday May 2nd,
Are You Ready?
Get ready to make memories and chase trophies on Wisconsin's waters this fishing season. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
As you get ready to hit the water for the general fishing opener on Saturday, May 2, make sure you know the fishing regulations for where you are planning to fish. Many regulations changes have gone into effect this year, including changes to season dates and bag and length limits.
Whether these changes were made to help control angler impacts on local fish populations, provide additional angler opportunity where biologically appropriate or maintain numbers or sizes of fish within a waterbody, these regulation changes will help ensure fishing opportunities exist in the future.
Some of the major regulation changes for the 2026-2027 season are outlined below.
Inland Musky Season
There is no longer a separate northern zone musky season opener. Anglers can now fish for muskies on inland waters statewide from May 2, 2026 – Dec. 31, 2026 on open water. The musky season structures for the Great Lakes, Green Bay and Michigan/Minnesota boundary waters are unchanged.
Key reasons for this season structure change include no biological reason to restrict anglers from legally targeting muskies earlier in the year. Increased minimum length limits with a daily bag limit of one fish, combined with high rates of voluntary catch and release has resulted in negligible harvest.
More information on this change can be found on the DNR’s Musky webpage.
Panfish Bag Limits
There are some panfish bag limit changes on specific water bodies, all of which are aimed at rehabilitating or preserving panfish size structure.
This year, the 10-year statewide experimental panfish regulations concluded. As a result, a new regulation for rehabilitating overharvested panfish populations is now in effect on some lakes. These may have a cap of five fish of certain species, with a daily limit of either 10 or 25 panfish depending on where you are fishing.
See page 30 in the regulations to determine if your fishing location has a new species-specific bag limit.
Sturgeon Catch And Release
There are now designated waters for catching and releasing sturgeon from June 6, 2026 – March 7, 2027. Anglers do not need a harvest tag to catch and release lake sturgeon in the identified waters.
The current hook and line harvest season remains unchanged.
Smallmouth Bass Harvest
Smallmouth bass harvest has now changed in Lake Michigan and tributaries to Green Bay and Lake Michigan. See pages 85 and 89 of the regulations for details.
The Art of the Hang: How Long Should You Age Your Venison?
One of the most common questions I get is, "How soon should I process my deer?" While the temptation is to get it in the freezer right away, patience is the secret ingredient to the tenderest meat.
The Golden Rule: Never Freeze on Day One
Rigor mortis sets in shortly after the harvest and usually lasts 12 to 24 hours. If you freeze your meat during this window, the muscles contract and stay that way, resulting in what we call "shoe leather."
Pro Tip: If the weather is too warm (above 40°F), don’t risk the meat spoiling. Quarter the deer out and let it age in a dedicated meat refrigerator.
Tailoring Your Timeline
The age of the animal and the temperature of the air should dictate your schedule:
Yearlings & Does (2–4 Days): Younger deer are naturally tender. They don't require a long hang time. If you’re seeing temperatures in the high 40s, process them sooner rather than later to prevent bacterial growth.
The Sweet Spot (5–8 Days): For a middle-aged deer (2½ to 3½ years), this is the ideal window. If you can keep the carcass between 34°F and 37°F, the natural enzymes will break down connective tissue beautifully.
The "Old Buck" Special (9–13 Days): An old, trophy-class buck has much tougher muscle fibers. If conditions are perfect and you’re keeping a close eye on the meat, two weeks on the pole can transform a "tough" deer into a prime dinner.
Managing the Temperature Spike
We all know the weather doesn't always cooperate. If the sun comes out and temps spike temporarily:
Place a heavy bag of ice inside the chest cavity.
Wrap the carcass in a clean blanket or an old sleeping bag to insulate the cold.
Always use a digital meat thermometer. It’s the internal temp of the meat that matters most, not just the air around it.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 4, 2026
Contact: Jenna Fastner, DNR Captive Wildlife Health Specialist Jenna.Fastner@wisconsin.gov or 715-894-7181
Keep Wildlife Wild: A Fawn’s Best Chance Of Survival Is With Its Mother
Young fawns spend most of the day on their own, quietly waiting for their mothers to return from feeding. / Photo Credit: iStock/Kerry Hargrove
MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds the public to protect white-tailed deer fawns by leaving them alone while out exploring this spring and summer. If you encounter a fawn while outdoors, the DNR urges you not to touch it or intervene in any way – there’s a good chance it’s right where it’s supposed to be, and its mother isn’t far away.
During their first few weeks of life, fawns stay quiet and hidden while their mothers look for food nearby. Their spotted coats and minimal scent are their best defenses. While fawns can walk from birth, it takes them a few weeks to become fast enough to keep up with their mothers and avoid predators. Remember, wild animals care for their young differently than humans do, and their best chance of survival is in their natural environment.
“Young fawns are often left alone for most of the day to keep them safe,” said Jenna Fastner, DNR captive wildlife health specialist. “Although their mother can return at any time, white-tailed deer are crepuscular, or more active at dawn and dusk, which means the fawn can be alone for long periods between feedings. By the Fourth of July, most fawns are on the move alongside or near their mothers.”
What To Do If You Find A Fawn
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Unaccompanied fawns have rarely been abandoned. If you find a seemingly healthy fawn lying quietly by itself, do not touch it, and leave the area as soon as possible.
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Do not bring other people or pets to look at the fawn. The mother will not return while people or other animals are around. Giving the fawn and its mother space is the best thing you can do to support their natural behavior.
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Do not feed the fawn. Wild animals have specialized dietary needs that are not easily met, and providing nonnatural food sources puts them at risk of suffering nutritional deficiencies that can lead to deformities or death.
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Call a licensed wildlife rehabilitator for guidance before intervening. Wildlife rehabilitators often specialize in one or a few species. Make sure you are contacting a wildlife rehabilitator licensed to provide rehabilitative care to fawns.
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As a reminder, it is against the law in Wisconsin to take an animal from the wild to keep as a pet or to provide unlicensed rehabilitation. To protect their health and yours, you should never try to care for a wild animal.
For more information on keeping Wisconsin’s wildlife wild, visit the DNR website.
These workshops are open to the public and cater to a variety of skill levels and interests. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
Upcoming Programs To Expand Your
Outdoor Skills As Of May 5, 2026
Spring has sprung! In addition to prime time for turkey hunting (check out the mid-season Turkey Field to Fork programs below) and the start of the warm-weather fishing season, it’s time to start planning summer shooting practice in preparation for the fall hunting seasons.
Summer is a busy time at shooting ranges, between shooting leagues, competitions and general practice for hunters looking to maintain and improve their skills. When it comes to wingshooting, every practice counts, no matter your skill level.
If you’re new to shooting moving targets, take a look at our Learn to Wingshoot Clinics, which will get you started on the right foot with gun fit, shooting stance and coaching to help you gain confidence hitting basic moving targets. Novice Sporting Clays Walkthroughs will help you get comfortable going to a range on a regular basis and shooting with a group of similar skill level. Sign up for one clinic and as many walkthroughs as you like – you’ll thank yourself when fall rolls around.
Upcoming Programs
Hunting Programs
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May 8: Learn to Bow Hunt: Field to Fork Program – Dane or Barron counties
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May 9: Turkey Field to Fork with the National Deer Association – Mead Wildlife Area (Milladore)
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May 12: Women’s Learn to Wingshoot Clinic – Waunakee Gun Club (Dane)
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May 16: Deer Processing Workshop – Rhinelander Ranger Station (Rhinelander)
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May 16 – 17: Pass It On! Mentored Youth Turkey Hunts – Potosi
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May 16 – 24: Pass It On! Mentored Youth Turkey Hunts – New London
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May 19: Women’s Sporting Clays Walkthrough – Waunakee Gun Club (Dane)
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May 23: Turkey Field to Fork with the National Deer Association – Kettle Moraine State Forest – Northern Unit
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May 30: Central Wisconsin Deer Recovery Workshop: Dogs & Drones – Blackhawk Archery Club (Custer)
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June 23: Learn to Wingshoot Clinic – Waunakee Gun Club (Dane)
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June 30: Novice Sporting Clays Walkthrough – Waunakee Gun Club (Dane)
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July 21: Women’s Learn to Wingshoot Clinic – Waunakee Gun Club (Dane)
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July 28: Women’s Sporting Clays Walkthrough – Waunakee Gun Club (Dane)
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Aug. 18: Novice Sporting Clays Walkthrough – Waunakee Gun Club (Dane)
Fishing Programs
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May 14: Angler Education Instructor Training & Certification – Blackhawk Lake Recreation Area (Highland)
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May 16: Fishing for the Future – Washington Park – Urban Ecology Center (Milwaukee)
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May 30: Exploration Station – Fish – Devil’s Lake State Park (Baraboo)
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June 6: Learn to Fish – Hartman Creek State Park (Waupaca)
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June 6: Fishing Clinic – High Cliff State Park (Sherwood)
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June 6: Ozaukee County Fishing Clinic For All – Harrington Beach State Park (Belgium)
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June 18: Learn to Fish – Devil’s Lake State Park (Baraboo)
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July 23: Learn to Fish – Devil’s Lake State Park (Baraboo)
Learn more and find instructions to register for classes on the DNR Events calendar. Make sure to check back often throughout the season – new events are added as they are scheduled.
If you’d like to host an outdoor skills program, please reach out to:
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Hunting, Trapping and Shooting: Emily Iehl at Emily.Iehl@wisconsin.gov
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Fishing: Jarrod Folkman at Jarrod.Folkman@wisconsin.gov
Equipping The Wild
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Let’s be honest: The coffee industry is broken. You’ve seen the brands—the ones charging $13.00 , $16, $18, or even $20 for a single 12oz bag of coffee. They tell you it’s "special" or "bio-hacked," but usually, you’re just paying for their massive advertising budgets and fancy corporate offices.
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