 The fishing is free and big smiles included on Free Fishing Weekend June 6-7.
Resident and nonresident anglers of all ages can fish Wisconsin waters without a fishing license on these days. More than 20 special fishing clinics and other events are planned statewide to help introduce kids and other newcomers to this popular form of recreation. People of all ages are welcome to borrow a the rod, reel and other gear from the Department of Natural Resources’ 52 tackle loaner sites, located at several parks and DNR offices.
“Fishing in Wisconsin is always great fun at a great price, but it’s really a bargain on Free Fishing Weekend,” DNR Secretary Matt Frank said. “Our hope is that people will have fun, enjoy the outdoors and head out again sometime soon.”
Trout stamps are not needed during the two days; however, all other fishing regulations such as length and bag limits apply. For fishing regulations, places to fish and tips to help you get started, visit Fishing Wisconsin.
“Fishing is a part of Wisconsin’s heritage that supports healthy families, healthy local economies and a healthy environment,” Secretary Frank said. “With our many lakes and rivers you can find great fishing in your backyard.”
During the rest of the year, kids under 16 always fish for free, as do residents born before Jan. 1, 1927. People who exhibit proof that they are active service members of the U.S. armed forces and are a resident on furlough or leave also are granted license waivers. Other adults 16 and older need to purchase a license; Wisconsin has a wide variety of licenses to meet your fishing plans and budget. Licenses may be purchased: over the Internet or by calling toll-free 877-WI LICENSE (877-945-4236); and at 1,400 license sales locations. For more information call the DNR Customer and Information call center at 888-WDNRINFo (888-936-7463) anytime between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
- Theresa Stabo (608) 266-2272
 MADISON, Wis. -- It’s turtle nesting time again in Wisconsin and state conservation officials are urging motorists to be on the alert for turtles crossing roads and highways.
During late May and early June, turtles begin the trek from their aquatic habitat near lakes, wetlands and streams to drier habitats where the female will deposit her eggs.
Although the decline in turtle populations can be attributed to habitat loss and high rates of egg predation by skunks and squirrels, road mortality can have a significant impact on the population of common turtle species such as snappers and threatened turtles such as the Blanding’s and wood turtles
As a species, turtles mature slowly. Female turtles mature slower than males and are killed at a much higher rate because they must travel on land to find a nesting place.
“Female turtles that travel long distances from their aquatic habitat in order to nest are most vulnerable to road mortality, because they may cross several roads,” according to Robert Jagla, wildlife and conservation biologist with the Department of Natural Resources in Milwaukee. “Female Blanding’s turtles are known to travel up to a mile over upland habitat to locate suitable nesting areas.”
Although most turtles will stop moving when they feel or see an approaching vehicle, motorists are encouraged to do the following during nesting season:
- Slow down near wetlands during June;
- Stop and help the turtle cross the road if it’s safe to do so;
- Turtles found crossing a road should be carefully moved to the side of the road in the direction they are facing; and
- Use common sense---and a stick for the turtle to bite---if assisting a snapping turtle. Slowly pull the turtle across the roadway by its tail.
Remember that turtle season is closed from Dec. 1 until July 15. If you observe anyone taking turtles or their eggs for pets or food contact the DNR hotline at 800-TIPWDNR (800-847-9367)
Turtles are up against tough odds even without highway mortality. Three of Wisconsin’s 12 turtle species are listed as either threatened or endangered species. Jagla says that as few as 5 percent of eggs laid survive to hatch and of those, only very few may survive to reproductive age. Natural predators of turtles and turtle eggs are many and include raccoons, skunks, fox, opossums, herons, egrets, seagulls, cranes, crows and others.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
- Robert Jagla - 414-263-8585
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