Outdoor/Recreations

As bats return to summer roost sites from winter hibernation, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds Wisconsinites to remove bats safely and humanely. Now through May 31, before the nursing and baby bat protection period begins, bats can be kept out of homes and buildings by following best practices. The DNR’s Wisconsin Bat…

MADISON – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) encourages residents and visitors to take precautions to avoid potential conflicts with black bears across the state as they emerge from their dens early this spring. Black bears are most common in the northern half of the state; however, populations have been slowly expanding southward for…

May is Clean Air Month and there is much to celebrate at the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), including the positive steps toward reducing air emissions and improving air quality across the state. And its working. Recent studies show that 95% of Wisconsinites live in areas meeting all federal air quality standards. Clean air…

MADISON – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds anglers that the 2021-2022 fishing season will open May 1, without any changes to season dates. All regulations and license requirements still apply. “I hope everyone is as excited as I am for the 2021 fishing season,” said Justine Hasz, DNR Fisheries Management Bureau Director.…

MADISON – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds hunters to practice safe hunting as they prepare for the upcoming spring turkey season. While turkey hunters are skilled in the art of concealment, wearing the wrong color could put hunters more at risk this upcoming turkey season. It’s especially important to avoid wearing red,…

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is celebrating Citizen Science Month, honoring the volunteers in scientific research and monitoring. The DNR partners with the public on more than 20 citizen-based monitoring projects in which volunteers collect information about an array of natural resources, from location and abundance data for birds, bats, bumble bees and…

MADISON  – The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced that nearly 38,000 acres of private land will be open for public access to hunters this turkey season thanks to a partnership between the department and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA-NRCS). With USDA-NRCS support, the DNR could partner with private landowners…

MADISON – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has announced the department recently awarded over $509,000 in funding for the new Lake Monitoring & Protection Network (LMPN) subprogram. This statewide network of natural resources professionals will help local communities prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS) and protect their local waters’ health. The…

MADISON – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds hunters that the application period for the 2021 elk hunt is open through May 31 for the chance to draw a hunt of a lifetime. Following several successfully managed Wisconsin elk hunts, the DNR is planning the fourth elk hunt in state history this fall.…