DNR Wardens Highlight Valued Partnerships, Unwritten Rules For Mississippi River Fun

This article appeared in the Wisconsin Waterfowl Association’s September 2025 eNewsletter. 

By Wisconsin DNR Wardens Hans Walleser (left) and Lt. Chris Shea (right), DNR Mississippi River Warden Team

If you’ve been on the Mississippi River, you’ve likely seen Wisconsin DNR conservation wardens teaming up with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and conservation law enforcement officers from Minnesota or Iowa.

The river is a massive draw for outdoor enthusiasts, boaters, anglers, researchers, tourists, and residents. With that influx of activity comes the need for lots of education and, when necessary, some enforcement. It is also so big that it crosses state borders and is home to federal refuge areas.

The most common time agencies form teams is during waterfowl hunting season. Having a partner is especially beneficial on season openers and busy weekends. Working together also keeps us on the same page when it comes to providing valuable education and, again, if necessary, enforcement actions.

Whatever agency you see us doing partner patrols with, know that each agency shares the goal of keeping the public safe and protecting our natural resources.

Bucket List Reputation Draws Many, Unwritten Rules Help

The Mississippi River is a common “bucket list” hunting destination for many waterfowl hunters. The vast amount of publicly accessible waterfowl habitat draws hunters from across the country during peak migration. This also means there can be overcrowding issues and user-conflicts during peak times.

Federal and state law enforcement officers often get called to address these user conflicts. Most of these conflicts can be avoided with common sense. However, here are some unwritten rules to help everyone enjoy their waterfowl hunts and respect others on the water.

• Put time in before the season to refresh waterfowl identification skills. Identifying ducks on the wing in challenging light and weather conditions can be tricky. When asked what you harvested, “three brown ducks” is not a great answer.

• Check the weather forecast. Low visibility, high winds and heavy waves make the Mississippi River dangerous at times. Loading boats to or over capacity with gear can compound the dangers. Don’t be afraid to postpone or reschedule a hunt.  Know your limits and make sure someone knows where you plan to be.

• Be prepared at the boat landing before you begin to back in. Have your gear organized to minimize delays to others trying to use the ramp. Don’t forget those personal flotation devices!

• Give each other some space. Scout several places before you plan to hunt in case you find other hunters have arrived before you. If other hunters come in after you and it is still dark, blip your flashlight so they know you are there.

• • Polite communication with other groups can help reduce conflicts and ensure safe shooting zones. We often receive complaints each season of shot raining down on other hunters.

• Avoid setting up directly downwind of other hunters or shooting at birds working into their decoys. Avoid “sky busting” at birds out of range just because someone else might get a shot.

• Leave your hunting site cleaner than you found it. Take time to pick up spent shells and other debris.

• Make an immediate effort to retrieve all downed birds to avoid losing them due to river currents or predatory birds. Make an honest effort to locate them, even if it means pausing the hunt.

• Find some good waterfowl recipes. Don’t waste the game you harvested.

• Give each other some grace. For some, this may be their first time out and they don’t know what they don’t know. Hunting numbers continue to trend downward, and we don’t want to discourage novices. Please be respectful.

DNR conservation wardens look forward to hearing your hunting stories this fall in the field.