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This agenda item discusses proposed changes to the 2019 Migratory Bird Hunting Seasons, including lengthening the early teal season, adding snow and Ross's geese to the early goose season, and adjusting bag limits. It also covers waterfowl population and habitat updates, public involvement, and season structure proposals.
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WI Natural Resources BoardAPRIL 2019 Agenda item: 2.B.4. – 2019 Migratory Bird Hunting Seasons – Taylor Finger, Migratory Game Bird Ecologist
Proposed Season Parameter Modifications • Increase the early teal season length from 7 days to 9 days • Add light geese (snow and Ross’s geese) to the early goose season (Sept. 1 – 15 at 20/day) • Include a second split (season closure) in the South Zone Regular Canada Goose Season to allow the season to include the Christmas and New Years Holidays • Consistent statewide opening date of Sept. 28th • Increase the black duck bag limit from 1/day to 2/day • Decrease the pintail bag limit from 2/day to 1/day (Federal requirement) Agenda item: 2.B.4. – Taylor Finger, Migratory Game Bird Ecologist
Waterfowl Population and Habitat • 2018 Continental ducks 41.2 million near record high – 63 years • Continental wetland count – above average • Ontario nesting Canada geese – long term decline • WI ducks and wetlands above average • WI Canada geese above average Agenda item: 2.B.4. – Taylor Finger, Migratory Game Bird Ecologist
Duck Population Estimates Agenda item: 2.B.4. – Taylor Finger, Migratory Game Bird Ecologist
Canada Goose Population Estimates Agenda item: 2.B.4. – Taylor Finger, Migratory Game Bird Ecologist
Online Input Tool Agenda item: 2.B.4. – Taylor Finger, Migratory Game Bird Ecologist
Public Involvement • Hunter surveys (2005 -17) and committee recommendations (2004-18) • Feb - Mar - Press releases, website, GovDelivery email updates • Facebook and Facebook Live – Reached 52,000 people with over 10,000 video views. • New Online Input Tool • Over 2000 people provided input and comments on the 2019 season proposal • Conservation Group presentations/feedback • February 9 – Wisconsin Wildlife Federation • March 2 – Wisconsin Conservation Congress Migratory Committee • March 9 - Wisconsin Waterfowl Hunters Conference • March 11-14 Public Hearings • La Crosse, Rice Lake, Appleton, and Pewaukee (119 people in attendance) • 2224 individual & 5 groups Agenda item: 2.B.4. – Taylor Finger, Migratory Game Bird Ecologist
Season Structure Proposals • Public input indicates majority support for all season proposals but some have differing opinions. • WCC Supports all WDNR season proposals • Early Teal Season • 70% support for a season • 57% support a 9 day or longer season • North Duck Zone Opening Date • 53% support Sept. 28 • 31% support Sept. 21 • South Duck Zone Opening Date • 50% support Sept. 28 • 36% support Oct. 5 • Mississippi River Duck Zone Split Length • 61% support a split • 66% support a split length less than 12 days Agenda item: 2.B.4. – Taylor Finger, Migratory Game Bird Ecologist
WI Natural Resources Board Agenda item: 2.B.4. – Taylor Finger, Migratory Game Bird Ecologist