Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
DNR Central Office - Madison
PO Box 7921
Madison
WI 53707
Phone: (608) 266-6790 Fax: (608) 264-6293
For Release: November 4, 2005
Contact(s): Randy Stark, Chief Warden, (608) 266-1115
DNR distributes hunter safety public service announcements
MADISON – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is rolling out two new public service announcements (PSAs) to state radio and television stations. The PSAs urge hunters to keep the tradition of hunting safe and enjoyable by seeking permission from property owners before they hunt and following safe hunting practices. DNR hopes the PSAs will begin airing statewide in early November.
“Our goal is to encourage hunters and landowners to work cooperatively to support a safe and enjoyable hunting environment for everyone,” said DNR Chief Warden Randy Stark.
“Wisconsin has been experiencing rapid changes in rural land use and ownership patterns–a lot of land is changing hands. Large tracts of land are being split up. There are more owners, more ownership boundaries, and that means more potential for trespassing and conflicts,” said Stark.
State conservation wardens continually monitor hunting violations and the circumstances of accidents for trends. Analyses of past trends have led to blaze orange clothing requirements for hunters, stressing the four rules of firearm safety to hunter education students* and in PSAs, and special public education efforts related to hunting from tree stands. These PSAs represent another example of an effort to proactively address a potential problem.
“We have employed the old adage, if it’s predictable, it’s preventable,” said Stark.
More than 625,000 sports people participate in the state’s annual deer hunt, and more than 15 percent of the state population participates in hunting. To reach these hunters, DNR is asking the state’s broadcast media to support a safe hunt by getting the PSAs on the airwaves. Because the hunting community, like all communities, is becoming more diverse, the PSAs also have been translated into Spanish and Hmong and distributed to special language stations.
“Having a place to hunt is critical to the future of hunting. The Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Fund has been invaluable in providing public hunting grounds in the state, but private land still provides the majority of Wisconsin’s hunting opportunity,” Stark said.
Consequently, it is important for hunters forge positive relationships with landowners, know the land they are hunting and its boundaries, and be courteous in the field, he noted.
Anyone on private land without the consent of the owner is trespassing and subject to monetary penalties up to $1,000. Wisconsin law does not require landowners to post their land for a successful prosecution. The law places the burden on the individual to know whose land he or she is on at all times.
Hunters need to know the lay of the land where they’ll be hunting. County plat books can aid hunters in determining land ownership and locating property boundaries. Once permission to hunt is obtained, it is recommended hunters walk the property they will be hunting prior to season and become familiar with fence lines, landmarks and other distinguishing characteristics that help them stay within the boundaries of the property they have permission to hunt.
Hunters who hunt on public land also need to know the property boundaries so they don’t inadvertently move onto adjacent private lands without permission.
“The Wisconsin hunting tradition is all about family and friends and depends on a safe and enjoyable hunting environment for everyone. We need everyone to do their part in creating this environment by being respectful of the laws that promote safety and conservation, and of the landowners and fellow hunters we meet in the field. If everyone does their part to avoid conflicts and misunderstandings—we’ll drive the conflict out of the woods,” Stark said.
Trespass problems are handled by local law enforcement authorities. Landowners experiencing hunter trespass problems should contact their sheriff’s office, providing any information they have such as back tag numbers, vehicle descriptions, license plates or other descriptions.
Wisconsin offers many hunting location options for hunters. More than 5.5 million acres of federal, state and county land in Wisconsin are open to public hunting. Hunters should feel welcome to pursue their sport on public lands. The Wisconsin Hunter Harassment Law supports and protects hunters who are legally engaged in hunting, fishing or trapping from unlawful interference. DNR conservation wardens enforce this law. To report harassment violations, please call the DNR Hotline at 1-800-TIP-WDNR, or 1-800-847-9367.
Wisconsin’s gun deer season starts Saturday, Nov. 19 and runs through Sunday, Nov. 27.
*Four Rules of Firearm Safety: TAB-K
Treat every gun as if it was loaded.
Always point your gun in a safe direction.
Be sure of your target and beyond.
Keep your finger off the trigger and outside the trigger guard area until you are ready to shoot.
website:
http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/caer/ce/news/index.htm
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