Category Archives: Lifestyle/Hunting

Waterfowl Zone Survey

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By Bruce Ross, Executive Director bross@wisducks.org

This article appeared in Wisconsin Waterfowl Association’s March, 2025 Newsletter edition.

The DNR consults duck hunters before adjusting season structures like zones, dates, splits, and lengths. These decisions are made for five-year periods; the next will cover 2026-2030, barring major bird population changes.

WWA conducts surveys to understand members’ preferences, giving us significant influence in setting zone structures. Please share your insights so our representative can advocate effectively on your behalf. We will publish the results later this month.

Take the survey.

onX Hunt Joins EXPO as Presenting Sponsor

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By Bruce Ross, Executive Director bross@wisducks.org

This article appeared in Wisconsin Waterfowl Association’s March, 2025 Newsletter edition.

Things are ramping up for an even bigger and better Waterfowl Hunters EXPO in August.  As we move to a two-day event, there will be more exhibitors, activities, and contests.

Take a peek into the 2025 EXPO.

Since 2021, the Expo has experienced tremendous growth, evolving from a modest gathering into a premier showcase hosting 150+ exhibitors and 220+ booths last year. We welcomed over 6,200+ attendees, a significant increase from our inaugural year. Expect 9,000 attendees this year and have over 25% increased exhibitor capacity.

With the 2025 Expo now spanning two days, top brands like Banded, Avery SuperStore, Vortex, Browning, Winchester, Benelli, Beretta, and more are joining. We are incredibly proud to announce a partnership with OnXHunt as our Title Sponsor!!

And this year there will be our inaugural Duckhunters Banquet featuring the latest gear and guns, Wisconsin unique hand-carved decoys and much, much more.  This event will sell out so stay tuned for updates and when you can register.

Finally, there are opportunities to play an essential role in this celebration of all things waterfowl opportunities—come join the fun!

Will It Cost You More to Duck Hunt This Season?

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By Bruce Ross, Executive Director bross@wisducks.org

This article appeared in Wisconsin Waterfowl Association’s March, 2025 Newsletter edition.

The Governor’s recent budget proposal included several items of interest to waterfowlers including topics that parallel WWA’s top three policy issues this year:

  • Reauthorization of the Knowles Nelson Stewardship program, which provides funding for hunter accessible lands. WWA is part of a hunting and fishing coalition that is supporting a continuation of the program, even if not exactly like the Governor’s proposal.
  • A cost share program for farmers to reduce sandhill crane depredation.  WWA appreciates the Governor’s recognition of the sandhill crane problem in Wisconsin. Still, as we’ve told his staff,  that problem is multi-faceted, requiring multiple strategies, one of which is a responsible hunting season.  As proposed by the recent bi-partisan Legislative Study on Sandhill Cranes.  Their proposed solution of a seed coating subsidy will only worsen the problem.
  • License and stamp fee increases to “fix” the current $15.5M deficit in the DNR’s Fish and Wildlife Account. Depending on what licenses you tend to buy, under the governor’s proposal, it would cost you at least $22 more to hunt waterfowl.

This account, which is primarily funded through license fees, has not seen a significant increase since 2005. Due to inflation, the purchasing power of the account has declined. This fund is used to maintain the quality of outdoor experiences—the increases proposed by the governor range between $10 and $40.

WWA is not against license fee increases. Eight years ago, we supported this with a coalition of outdoor groups proposing across-the-board license fee increases.  But a closer look revealed accounting issues and the effort stalled. In the next legislative session, we shifted focus to the well-managed waterfowl stamp, which hadn’t increased since 1997. Four years ago, we (and other duck organizations) successfully raised the stamp from $7 to $12, generating over $300,000 annually for habitat restoration.  Some of these funds were used to undertake the three projects (Lunch Creek, Peter Helland and Navarino) we already completed under the Public Lands Program.

WWA is reserving judgment on this topic for now. State Senator Rob Stafsholt requested an audit of this account last year, and until the audit results are reported, no legislative action will take place. Waiting for the audit’s findings before reacting to the Governor’s proposal is prudent.

Additionally, WWA is collaborating with the WI Wildlife Federation and other groups to assess how Wisconsin should fund activities supported by the Wildlife account. Our stance: All users, not just license purchasers, should contribute to the resources we all utilize.

More information will follow as it becomes available.

Cedar Creek Volunteers Sponsor Wounded Warrior Hunt

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This article appeared in Wisconsin Waterfowl Association’s March, 2025 Newsletter edition.

Members of WWA’s Cedar Creek chapter, along with other volunteers, sponsored a Wounded Warrior Hunt last month. Wounded Warriors in Action from St. Joseph, MO, took Steve Wolke and Allen Pipper on a duck hunt in Arkansas and a goose hunt in Missouri.

Treasure Island owners, guides & chaperones from Wounded Warrior in Action of St. Joseph, MO (Brian Roderick/Kyle Evans) and Wounded Warriors (Steve Wolke/Allen Pipper) pose inside the lodge.

Kyle Evens and Brian Roderick from the St. Joseph chapter of Wounded Warriors aided with the hunt. Treasure Island Outfitters supplied the guided hunt and hospitality

Wounded Warriors (Steve Wolke/Allen Pipper) on day two of the hunt in MO.

The first Saturday in February is open to veterans-only hunting in Arkansas, and the veterans tallied eight ducks. The second day was the goose hunt in Missouri, where 12 geese were harvested. Kyle and Brian noted great accommodations (Treasure Island) and company.

The group will sponsor another hunt in 2026.

Wounded Warriors and chaperones on day one of the hunt in AR.

DNR Warden: We Speak the Same WWA Language

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Green Bay Offers Opportunities

An article from WWA’s Words From The Wardens.

This article originally appeared in Wisconsin Waterfowl Association’s March, 2025 eNewsletter. 

By DNR Warden Logan Woods/Green Bay Warden Team

When I was hired as one of the Class of 2021 DNR conservation wardens, I was proud to join the team dedicated to protecting those who use and enjoy the natural resources and those who protect the resources that make Wisconsin what it is.

Wisconsin is a real gem of a state that we all know attracts plenty of outdoor recreationists who want to join our fun. Whomever it is – visitor or state resident – the wardens’ mission is to keep everyone safe so they can go home with a story or two.

Still in my first five years as a warden, I consider my work team dedicated to people and our resources to extend well beyond my Green Bay Warden Team to include this organization, which, as my luck would have it, stands for the waterfowl habitat and safe, ethical waterfowl hunting.  I share this passion and consider myself remarkably lucky to serve the residents and visitors in the greater Green Bay area, which includes huge waterfowl hunting opportunities.

I also can add that I am from West Bend and earned my conservation law enforcement degree from the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point.

Plot A Green Bay Hunt

Kona, before the retrieve. CREDIT: Warden Logan Woods

As you prepare and think about where your waterfowl hunting adventures may take you in 2025, I encourage you to consider a trip to my service area. In fact, come on over and check it out during the summer months. Scout a few spots and talk to the area fishing shops.

I know some hunters prefer not to share their hunting spots; however, as a public servant, I’ll share a few things I know about this area.

This last duck season, I enjoyed many duck hunting excursions on the Bay of Green Bay. This is one of the best waterfowl hunting spots in the state. I’m all in – I have my hunting buddy, Kona, a skiff, camo netting and decoys.

As a waterfowl hunter, you would have the opportunity to possibly harvest any duck species that passes through Wisconsin. From blue and green-winged teal in the early season to canvasbacks and gadwall in October, to golden eye, bufflehead and long tail during the open water season in December.

Kona after the retrieve

Open water hunting also is more popular, but don’t let that stop you. There is plenty of bay to go around. If you want a unique duck hunting experience, open water duck hunting is tons of fun. I take my skiff and put a grayish sheet over the top of me. Diver ducks aren’t known for being especially suspicious, so that kind of cover is all you really need.

I’m honored to serve the citizens of Wisconsin and feel very fortunate to be able to hunt as well during my off hours. Consider coming over to the Green Bay area and experience it for yourself.

Stay safe out there!

 

Walter M. Struebing – A Michigan Decoy Carver

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A Decoy Corner Article

By Bruce Urben, WWA President

All photos courtesy of the author from his private collection

Walter Struebing redhead decoy ca.1920, Urben collection

For the last seven years I have been writing about the great decoy carvers of yesteryear along with a few up and coming contemporary carvers. My focus has been on Wisconsin carvers in general, as well as several “factory” decoys and a few carving legends outside of our grand state.

This month one of those legends from our neighboring Wolverine State of Michigan is my focus. This carver was instrumental in leading the way in style and design for many other carvers in the State of Michigan!

Walter M. Struebing was born on September 25th, 1897, just north of Marine City Michigan near the St. Clair River. This man proved to have a strong influence on decoy design over a wide area… including Wisconsin.

His signature thick paint combing on the body

Walter was a hunter since he was 12 years old and a professional waterfowl guide for most of his life. He knew the water he hunted and he knew ducks! Walter’s water was where the St. Claire River connects Lake Huron and Lake St. Clair. This is where the river fans out through thousands of acres of marshland and has deep and swift moving water in the channels. It took a special decoy design to meet these hunting challenges. Walter’s design included a long wooden keel and a swing weight to stabilize the decoy in moving water.

Long keel marks (keel removed)

Struebing’s decoys are large and sturdy, but yet show careful attention to both carving and painting. He carved mainly Canvasback and Redhead decoys along with some Goldeneyes and Buffleheads. His head carving shows excellent character, with fine detail carving on the bill. Walter’s painting patterns are bold and effective, with an unusually heavy-combed texture on the body. While very few, if any, of his decoys are signed or stamped, you cannot mistake the thick, heavy combed paint patterns on the decoy as Struebing’s signature. Walter turned out over 5,000 hand-carved decoys in his lifetime, many of which are still being used today!

When Walter began carving in the early 1900’s he didn’t know Ben Schmidt or Tom Schroeder or others from Michigan decoy carving fame. What he did know was the special design and style of his own that was able to attract and deceive migrating waterfowl.

Detailed bill carving

Like many decoy carvers of note, Walter is gone now, having passed away in June of 1967 at 70 years of age.

Struebing decoys are in high demand by collectors in Wisconsin and Michigan. Many are valued in the $500-$600 range if you find them and are able to pry them out of duck hunters’ hands as many are still are on the job. A Struebing decoy is a classic decoy that will grace any mantel and be a fine addition to any collection;

Walter M. Struebing – Marine City, Michigan, master decoy maker and waterfowler extraordinaire.

Know License Requirements To Keep Enjoying Wisconsin Hunts

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National Program Tracks All Violations

An article from WWA’s Words From The Wardens.

This article originally appeared in Wisconsin Waterfowl Association’s February, 2025 eNewsletter. 

By DNR Conservation Warden Evan Fox

Wisconsin waterfowl hunters have incredible and envious opportunities that attract plenty of non-residents toting their firearms to enjoy adventures.

It’s no wonder why, as our state offers layout boat hunting on the Great Lakes, the pools and sloughs of the Mississippi River, rice lakes and flowages in the north, and field hunting for mallards and Canada geese.

Friendships form in the field. Run into someone enough, and you’re likely to be invited to visit their home state to enjoy their hunting opportunities.

Daisy, the hunting partner of DNR Warden Evan Fox, keeps eye for falling birds on a recent waterfowl hunt. CREDIT: DNR Warden Evan Fox

Before you go, review and abide by that state’s hunting regulations – which may be different from Wisconsin’s. Just as we expect our fellow non-resident hunters to know and abide by all Wisconsin’s rules and regulations, we are expected to know and follow the laws in other states.

If you ever plan a hunting sojourn in another state or country, it is imperative to understand the rules. Why? Running afoul of other state’s laws can directly affect your hunting privileges at home.

Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact

The Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact includes 49 member states. Any person whose license privileges are suspended in one member state would also have them suspended in Wisconsin and every other member state.

You need to know what licenses are required in Wisconsin and in the state where your friend or family member lives.

States require an assortment of different licenses to hunt migratory birds, including a basic hunting license, waterfowl license, small game license, state waterfowl stamp and the Harvest Information Program (HIP). Some states require additional licenses for swans or cranes, and you may need to take an identification test to prove your adeptness at identifying the correct birds.

Know Where To Hunt

Some states hold a drawing to hunt state-managed wetlands, and some lands are off-limits to nonresidents during certain dates.

Bird Tagging, Transportation Rules

You cannot put or leave waterfowl at any place or in the custody of another person unless you tag the birds with your signature, address, number of birds identified by species and the date you killed them. When transporting migratory birds, you also need to keep the head or a wing attached for identification purposes. Know both the daily bag limit and your total possession limit.

Enjoy your visits out of state. Take the time to learn the local rules and regulations. And make sure you know Wisconsin’s laws – where the hunting is best.

Jack VanKauwenbergh – A Green Bay Carver, Hunter and Fisherman

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A Decoy Corner Article

By Bruce Urben, WWA President

All photos courtesy of the author from his private collection

Peter VanKauwenbergh, Jack’s father, immigrated to America in 1886 from Belgium. Peter was married and his son, Jack, was one of the first generation of American-born VanKauwenbergh’s. Jack (John) VanKauwenbergh was born in 1901 and helped operate the family dairy farm on the Northeast side of Green Bay. VanKauwenbergh’s were decendents of a long line of Flemish farmers.

VanKauwenbergh decoys are easily identifiable by their arched backs and later spray painting/combing

In 1926, Jack married Edna LeCuyer and moved off of the family farm. He found employment with the City of Green Bay as a street sweeper operator and general laborer. In 1935, Jack built his own house, which included a basement workshop where he began his decoy carving career. He began carving decoys in 1938 to provide additional income for his family; while Jack became interested in hunting ducks, he was never very successful at it. Jack had to resign from the City of Green Bay due to health reasons and relied on decoy carving for his livelihood. He sold his decoys to two sporting goods stores in the Green Bay area, initially for $7 per dozen, and by the time he quit carving he was getting $27 per dozen; good money during the depression years.

Jack’s decoy carving career only lasted about five years until he had his home mortgage paid. It’s estimated that he carved more than 1,000 decoys in that time.

VanKauwenberg decoys have pinched bills at the head and wide exaggerated bills.

Jack carved canvasback, mallard and bluebill decoys. Almost half of his decoys were bluebills and his canvasbacks were very rare. His decoy bodies were made from locally sourced white cedar, which were hollowed with a drill press. His heads were carved from pine and were attached with a screw through the bottom of the decoy. Jack’s wife, Edna, primed all of the decoys and Jack detail painted them by brush with oil paints. Later in his career he resorted to spray painting to be more efficient. He used a special combing technique on the backs to give a feather effect.

Jack’s decoys were very well constructed and sanded smooth. All have pinched bills at the head and high arching backs. There is no mistaking a VanKauwenbergh decoy with arching back, wide bill and turned head. Even today, with rough use over almost 90 years, his decoys show very few age splits or cracks and are still watertight!

Jack VanKauwenbergh passed away in 1964 at the age of 63. His decoys add an important chapter to the history of Green Bay decoy carvers. Even though he only carved for a few years, collectors still value his decoys quite highly.

Another Wisconsin original decoy carver.

 

DNR Warden: Communication and Teamwork Make Big Safety Differences

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‘Sled Safe’ Weekend is Jan. 31 – Feb 2

An article from WWA’s Words From The Wardens.

This article originally appeared in Wisconsin Waterfowl Association’s January, 2025 eNewsletter. 

By Lt. Jacob Holsclaw, DNR Off-Highway Vehicle Administrator

As we head into the winter, my thoughts always go to two topics: early ice safety and snowmobile season. Right up there on my season list is the importance of communicating with others to make every Wisconsin outdoor excursion a fun and safe event.

As the Wisconsin Waterfowl Association members are aware, our state is known for its waters, which are inviting any time of the year to human and winged creature alike. However, it is best to admire the beauty of ice covers on our treasured waters from the shore – especially when the early winter temperatures are bouncing like a ping pong ball.

After we have the first cold nights, we start to see the early ice. It may look solid to the naked eye, but it’s not. There can be, and often are, cracks and changes in the ice thickness that you will not see.

The ice covers hide the currents, debris and underground springs still feeding lakes and rivers. These factors, and more, are why no ice is ever considered safe – no matter the month.

  • Please remember the DNR does not monitor ice conditions, but they are monitored locally. Local fishing clubs, outfitters and bait shops remain your best sources for local current ice conditions. However, the best idea for safe winter fun is to enjoy outings without travel over ice.

WINTER’S POPULAR OUTDOOR FUN

Photo credit: iStock/c3nsored

Two of the most popular winter activities including ice fishing and snowmobiling. Wisconsin is a destination state for fishing and for snowmobiling. Wisconsin has one of the most successful snowmobile programs in the country. The numbers don’t lie.

During the past five years, we have averaged 230,000 registered sleds; we host 25,000 miles of trails.  Along with registration, snowmobilers are required to purchase a trail pass for every snowmobile if operated on a trail system. This additional funding assists with maintenance costs. Approximately 600 dedicated snowmobile clubs work hard to promote their sport and coordinate with counties to maintain the trails, ensuring that residents and nonresidents alike enjoy the Wisconsin winter.

A tragic part of snowmobiling are the fatal and serious injury crashes that occur every year. All these crashes are preventable. Speed, alcohol and careless operation are top factors in fatal incidents.

Around 67% of fatal snowmobile crashes involve alcohol or drug use. During the past 10 years, snowmobile fatalities have been slowly decreasing. In 2014, there were 22 fatal incidents, while in 2023 there were 16.

The 2023-2024 season was an anomaly with the mild winter resulting in many trails never opening and three fatalities statewide. Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) conservation wardens have risen to the challenge and addressed it with focused enforcement efforts. Patrol, environmental factors, education and media outreach have all contributed to safer trails.

Off-highway vehicle (OHV) use in Wisconsin is increasing. The DNR OHV program continues to pivot and adjust to the changes. Often, this involves leaning on the help of others since the workload never decreases.

The department also conducts an all-hands-on-deck safety enhancement campaign each winter called “Sled Safe”. This is a coordinated and publicized effort taking place over one weekend to reduce snowmobile crashes and keep snowmobilers safer on the trails. This year, it will be Jan. 31 – Feb. 2.

Enforcement makes a huge impact but is not the only answer. Ultimately, we can’t choose for people to make good decisions, and I often think about ways we can educate and communicate to recreators before something happens.

TEAMWORK TO SPREAD SAFETY MESSAGES

About two years ago, the OHV and boating programs began to partner with Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD). They were interested in branching beyond the normal motor vehicle focus and exploring opportunities to promote safe operation in the recreation vehicle world.

Along the same lines, I desire to use as many avenues as I can to make the trails safer. We have been able to coordinate safety messaging with neighboring states. This includes handouts for public events and press releases to media outlets around Wisconsin. MADD also has unique opportunities to work with families impacted by intoxicated drivers and, in some cases, spread a safety message through public service announcements and interviews.

There is certainly more to come as we work towards reducing fatal incidents. Teamwork truly makes a difference.  And this takes me back to communication, which has a vital role in snowmobiling and ice fishing. Here are some safety tips I share for early winter ice:

  • Carry a cell phone, and let people know where you are going and when you’ll return home.
  • Wear proper clothing and equipment, including a personal flotation device or a float coat to help you stay afloat and to help slow body heat loss.
  • Take an extra pair of mittens or gloves so your hands can remain dry and warm.
  • Wear creepers attached to boots to prevent slipping on clear ice.
  • Carry a spud bar to check the ice while walking to new areas.
  • Carry a couple of spikes and a length of light rope in an easily accessible pocket to help pull yourself – or others – out of the ice.
  • Do not travel in unfamiliar areas – or at night.
  • Have a plan in place noting where you will be and when you plan to return. Along with leaving a written note of your plans, it is also recommended to keep a charged cell phone.

Stay safe and let’s enjoy a fun-filled winter in the new year!

Arthur “Bud” Bergman – A Van Dyne, Wisconsin Decoy Carver

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A Decoy Corner Article

By Bruce Urben, WWA President

Van Dyne, Wisconsin is a small village located in the Town of Friendship in Fond du Lac county. Some may call it an “intersection” village, located several miles north of the City of Fond du Lac and a stone’s throw west of Lake Winnebago. Van Dyne is close to several prime waterfowling areas at Eldorado marsh, Rush Lake and the Winnebago chain. This small village is also the hometown of the Bergman Brothers, Arthur and Orville.

An Art Bergman decoy from the author’s collection. Photo courtesy Bruce Urben.

Art “Bud” Bergman was born in 1914 and his brother, Orville, was born two years earlier. They both lived their whole life in Van Dyne. Art was an avid waterfowler, hunting the area’s duck hot beds. He began carving decoys in the 1930’s for his own use and became quite proficient carving anything in wood. This led him to teach decoy carving at the local technical school in Fond du Lac for some time.

Art carved most species of waterfowl, but was best known for his bluebills and coot, which migrated to Lake Winnebago in large numbers each fall. Early in his carving career, he sold many hand-carved decoys to area hunters. After his retirement from the technical school, Art built a duplicating lathe at his small shop in Van Dyne to speed up his decoy production. He turned out bodies and heads in less time and finished them with knives, draw shaves, rasps and sandpaper. Art turned out thousands of decoys, many of which he sold unpainted to supply needs of local waterfowlers. Art painted some of his decoys and others were shipped out and painted by area artists. One painter in the state of Maine in particular was George Soule’s daughter (see the L.L. Bean Decoy Corner article for more info.), who was a well known decoy artist. It is remarkable that a local carver from small-town Wisconsin had connections with a highly noted East Coast artist in the 1930-40’s without benefit of websites, social media, computers or sometimes even phones!

Many feel that Art’s decoys closely resembled Mason Decoys, which were also produced from duplicating lathes popular in 1920-1930.

Art’s decoys had smooth bodies and little to no feather carving. He provided some detail in the heads, depicting the head/bill separation and nostrils. Most were provided with glass eyes and were simply painted to represent the species. Art’s brother Orville “Orv”  also carved decoys for his own use, however, after Art passed away in 1985, Orville took over the duplicating lathe until his death in 2005, carrying on the Bergman decoy tradition.

Needless to say, there are many Bergman decoys still being used and many more stored away in boathouses, garages and basements waiting to be found by collectors. Unfortunately, most Bergman decoys have little or no identification marking or signage. Skilled collectors are able to identify Bergman decoys from Mason’s and there are several online resources to help.

Art Bergman was a talented Wisconsin decoy carver, teacher, entrepreneur and waterfowler who left his mark on the decoy market in Winnebago-land. A classic decoy that is a prize on anyone’s mantel!