Bird Dog & Retriever News
February/ March 2026 issue page 12
|
|
|
|
|
Wisconsin
DNR Seeking Nominations For 2025 Hunter And Archery Education Awards
Deadline To Submit Nominations Is Feb. 15
Nominations for the 2025 Hunter Education Instructor of the Year, Hunter Education Group of the Year and Archery Education Instructor of the Year awards are now open. Photo credit: Wisconsin DNR
MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is accepting nominations for the 2025 Hunter Education Instructor of the Year, Hunter Education Group of the Year and Archery Education Instructor of the Year awards.
Current hunter and archery education instructors and hunter education groups that have significantly advanced hunter safety on a voluntary basis through extraordinary service are eligible to be nominated.
“The dedication of our hunter and archery education instructors to ensuring that our students have the highest quality of safety training before heading into the woods is an incredibly valuable tool for the agency,” said Lt. Renee Thok, DNR hunter education administrative warden. “They deserve as much recognition as we can give them. Nominating an instructor or group is a very special way to honor them for their countless hours of volunteer time they put in to continue to grow the future of safe, responsible hunters.”
Extraordinary service can take many forms, including recruiting new instructors, recruiting new students or hunters, increasing the volume of courses taught, or involvement in other community activities related to hunter education.
To nominate an individual or group, download the nomination form on the DNR’s volunteer webpage and email the completed form to DNRLESafety@wisconsin.gov by Feb. 15, 2026.
Wisconsin NRB Meeting Jan. 28
The Wisconsin Natural Resources Board (NRB) will meet in-person for the January meeting to consider proposed rulemaking documents and other matters.
The meeting will begin at 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 28 in public meeting room G09, State Natural Resources Building (GEF 2), 101 South Webster Street, Madison, Wisconsin. The Board will act on items 1-4 and 7-8 as listed on the agenda.
The public is encouraged to watch the January meeting on the DNR’s YouTube channel.
The deadline to register for public testimony and/or submit written comments for board consideration is 11 a.m. on Jan. 21, 2026. Remote testimony from the public via Zoom may be accepted. In-person public appearances are also welcome.
During the January meeting, the Board will be considering:
Request that the Board adopt LE-05-24, proposed rules affecting chapter NR 64 related to all-terrain vehicles.
Request that the Board adopt DG-01-24, proposed rules affecting chapter NR 809, related to drinking water standards for PFAS, and affecting small businesses.
Request that the Board adopt DG-02-24, proposed rules providing technical corrections to chapter NR 809 to clarify and correct existing language and add Consumer Confidence Report requirements.
Request that the Board approve the Statement of Scope for Emergency Board Order WM-16-25 (E) and Board Order WM-17-25 and conditionally approve the public hearing notice for WM-17-25 and notice of submittal of proposed rules to the Legislative Council Rules Clearinghouse, for proposed rules affecting chapter NR 10 related to administering the elk hunting license drawing.
Request that the Board approve the Statement of Scope for Board Order AM-15-25 and conditionally approve the public hearing notice and notice of submittal of proposed rules to the Legislative Council Rules Clearinghouse, for proposed rules affecting chapters NR 419 to 425 related to incorporation of reasonably available control technology requirements for sources of volatile organic compound air emissions.
Request approval of department recommendations for the 2026 bear harvest quotas.
The Board will also receive presentations on the Office of Agriculture and Water Quality’s progress on the Statewide Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy, a DNR research study on demographic analysis and future projections of Wisconsin deer hunters, a summary of research on wake boats and impacts to lakes along with an update on the DNR’s response to the petition for rulemaking on wake boat restrictions in the State of Wisconsin.
The complete December NRB meeting agenda is available on the DNR website.
In addition to being encouraged to watch the upcoming meeting, there are opportunities for the public to testify and to submit written comments about issues that come before the NRB. More information regarding public participation at Board meetings is available on the DNR website.
Register Today For Spring Hunter Education Classes; Be Ready To Enjoy Fall Hunts
The DNR offers multiple hunter education course options and locations, so hunters can choose the best format for how and where they’d like to learn. Photo credit: Wisconsin DNR
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) encourages the public to register for a hunter education course now before courses begin filling up in the spring. Whether you’re looking to learn more about firearm safety or want to give hunting a try, the DNR has classes available to help you get started.
Hunter education plays a vital role in keeping Wisconsin a safe place to hunt. Anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 1973, is required to hold a hunter education certificate to purchase a hunting license unless hunting under the Mentored Hunting Law.
The first months of the year are a great time to secure your spot to earn your hunter education certificate this spring. The DNR offers multiple course options and locations, so hunters can choose the best format for how and where they’d like to learn.
Individuals aged 17 and younger are required to take the traditional or internet + field day and are not eligible for the online-only course. Individuals ages 18 and older are eligible to take any option, including the online-only course.
Traditional: Students attend a multi-day, in-person course to learn hunter responsibility and safety. This course has the widest availability statewide.
Internet + Field Day: Students complete an online course and then attend a one-day field day.
Online-Only (Ages 18+): The online-only course has the same general content as the other course option, but it is entirely online. This course is specifically for students with prior hunting or firearms handling experience and is only available to individuals 18 or older.
Search for upcoming courses in your area through your Go Wild account. Additional courses will be posted as they become available.
To learn more about hunter education and the individual course offerings, visit the DNR’s Safety Education webpage under the “Hunting” tab.
 |
 |
 |
 |