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2017 Migratory Bird Hunting Seasons: Population Estimates, Public Involvement, and Changing Season Parameters

This webcast discusses the 2017 migratory bird hunting seasons, including population estimates for ducks and Canada geese, public involvement in decision-making, and proposed changes to season parameters. Learn about the current status of waterfowl populations, public feedback, and the potential impact of rule changes on hunting opportunities.

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2017 Migratory Bird Hunting Seasons: Population Estimates, Public Involvement, and Changing Season Parameters

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  1. WI Natural Resources BoardApril 2016 Webcast Agenda item: 2.B.1. – 2017 Migratory Bird Hunting Seasons Taylor Finger, Migratory Bird Specialist

  2. Waterfowl Population and Habitat • 2016 Continental ducks 48.4 million near record high – 61 years • Continental wetland count – above ave. • Ontario nesting Canada geese – below average • WI ducks and wetlands near average • WI Canada geese near average • Overall fall waterfowl flight outlook – above average Agenda Item 2.B.1

  3. Duck Population Estimates Agenda Item 2.B.1

  4. Canada Goose Population Estimates Agenda Item 2.B.1

  5. Public Involvement • Hunter surveys (2005, 07, 09, 11, 13, 15) and committee recommendations (2004-17) • Feb - Mar - Press releases, website, 19,000 GovDelivery email updates • Feb 9 – La Crosse meeting • Feb 11 – Wisconsin Wildlife Federation – Stevens Point • March 4 morning - WCC Migratory committee – Wausau • Mar 11- Wisconsin Waterfowl Hunters Conference – Wisconsin Rapids • Mar 13-16 Public hearings: La Crosse, Rice Lake, Appleton, Pewaukee. • 151 individual comments via email/phone call, public meetings and hearings. 5 groups submitted comment Agenda Item 2.B.1

  6. Proposed Zones, Dates and Bag Limits • Most proposed season parameters including zones, dates and bag limits received 71% - 95% public support • Therefore most proposed season parameters will remain unchanged • North Duck Zone - input received indicated 50% in favor of the department proposal of an early season opening date with no temporary closure (split) and 50% in favor of a later starting date or a midseason split to extend the closing date later. • Recommendation from Wildlife Leadership is to move forward with department proposed season structure for the North Zone for 2017 Agenda Item 2.B.1

  7. Changing Season Parameters Maintaining rule change which combines the Horicon Zone time periods from 2 to 1. Eliminating the two permit periods in favor of a single, continuous hunting season will simplify hunting regulations and increase hunting opportunities. Approved by emergency rule in 2016 Under the federal framework for duck hunting, the USFWS is allowing Wisconsin no more than one pintail per day in the bag limit. The pintail bag limit was two daily during the previous season. Agenda Item 2.B.1

  8. Natural Resources Board Agenda Item 2.B.1

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