The river appears to have quieted some from last week. The water
level has been dropping along with my luck with a rod and reel.
Still we have had several fish fries in the last week. The walleye
run will be on soon if it hasn't started by the time you read this
maybe.
I did take in a softball and baseball game in Stoddard this last
week. Spring has sprung I think.
On
the front burner for me is the Badgers (last Saturday night),
Easter Dinner (last Sunday), the upcoming first spring wild turkey
season for which I have a permit (this next week), the
DNR
spring wildlife & fisheries proposed rules hearing and annual
Conservation Congress county meetings
(on Monday night), and the all things outdoors budget slashing down
in Madtown - in that order.
First GO Badgers! Bucky skinned the Wildcats to end Kentucky's
(almost) perfect season at 38 and Won. Next up, Duke. We watched
with Barb and Chuck down home.
Easter dinner on Dutch Hollow Road, was fantastic with appetizers,
ham, turkey and gravy, taters, salads, desserts amuck, and lots of
Easter candy. We even made a special Badger sign together to hang in
the Burton bar to have some fun with Kevin, the owner and Kentucky
Wildcat fan who was actually at the game. I look forward to the
report when he sees the sign.
Of course, for those of us who pay attention to and/or care about
things outdoors in the Badger State, there are the annual Wisconsin
DNR and Conservation Congress Spring rules hearing. This Monday
evening at 7, citizens across Wisconsin have an opportunity to ask
questions, listen, and vote preferences on a myriad of things related
to hunting, fishing, trapping, and other Wisconsin natural resources.
The Vernon County meeting is in the commons at the Viroqua High
School.
Here is a sampling of some of the items up for public input on Monday
night: one question reads, “Do you support the DNR implementing
antler point restrictions upon the recommendation of the County Deer
Advisory Council?” My first response is, “Uh, no . . .?” Let
me get this straight; so if a buck doesn't have enough points on its
rack, a hunter will have to pass it up if a particular county deer
committee rules it. I don't see how this rule is necessary or how it
is good for the deer herd. I guess I'll have to ask. Many people
think wardens already investigate trespass issues, but they don't at
this time, so another question up for debate is, “Are you in favor
of giving authority to Wisconsin DNR conservation wardens to
investigate and issue citations for trespass violations when the
trespassing occurred while the person was engaged in hunting,
fishing, trapping or other activities the DNR regulates?” I like
the idea of giving wardens that power, but I doubt they want it.
Because of reduced budgets, there are so few wardens left already,
giving them more duties will just spread them that much thinner.
Another question that may create some angst is: “Do you support a
legislative change to ban deer baiting and feeding statewide from
September 1 through the last day of any deer hunting season?” Lots
of people will probably violate this one whether they know it or not.
Also, because the state is budgeting little or nothing to combat CWD
in the deer herd, banning deer baiting and feeding (a place where the
disease may be spread from deer to deer) is probably a good idea -
year round. There are also questions regarding changes in trapping
regulations, changes in trout regulations, changes in panfish
regulations like limits and such, changes in a number of county
specific lake regulations, a change in the rules governing portable
tree stands on public lands, and allowing the legislature to change
the monetary value of illegally killed wildlife and the amount paid
out for crop damage. Other advisory questions are in regards to:
silicone sand mining regulations, creating more awareness of the
importance of milkweed and butterfly habitat, fines for dogs running
at large while training, and leaving duck decoys unattended over
night. There are quite a few more questions to go over at the
meetings, but these stuck out to me.
Until
next time, get out - I'd also like to remind everyone that the
Stoddard-Bergen Fire Department Big Walleye Tournament fundraiser is
coming up once again on April 25. For fishermen who plan to take
part, there is an early bird deadline for two monetary prizes of
April 04, 2015. All entries must be postmarked on/or before
Saturday April 18, 2015. I encourage folks to stop by the
Stoddard-Bergen Fire Station on April 25th and see the weigh-ins and
enjoy some of the good food and beverage.
I'll expound on the proposed state budget next time I guess. Oh
yeah, remember to get your fishing license if you haven't already.
Enjoy.
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