By Bruce Ross, Executive Director
This article originally appeared in Wisconsin Waterfowl Association’s September Newsletter edition.
I hope by the time you read this that you’ve enjoyed your first waterfowling of the season. With Teal and Early Goose season having opened on the 1st, our season is finally upon us.
Over the past few weeks, I’ve fielded several calls from WIWaterfowlers raising concerns about the “structure” of this year’s season.
- I spoke to a Northern duck hunter who couldn’t understand why the DNR would start the Northern zone season on the same (late) date as the Southern zone – “don’t they understand that freeze-up is stealing almost three weeks from us!”?
WWA Life Sponsor Dale Arenz, photo courtesy Paul A. Smith
- Another Northern Waterfowler expressed appreciation that with the same opening dates, the Northern zone won’t suffer “zone-hoppers” from the south, crowding out their opening day.
- Conversely, I got a comment from a Southern zoner who was frustrated that his season was effectively shorter because of the same opener in North and South zones!
- I’ve heard from WIWaterfowlers who question the need for a Mississippi River zone if the dates are going to be so similar to the other zones.
- And I’m beginning to hear from Lake Michigan hunters lobbying for their own zone.
It’s not a surprise that some WIWaterfowlers are now beginning to think deeply about how the calendar is affecting their imminent hunting opportunities. But remember, these zones dates were determined by the DNR back in the spring, within the guidelines set by the US Fish and Wildlife Service. There were significant opportunities for public input, so I hope you weighed in. WWA certainly did, based on our understanding of our members’ desires.
However, there’s an upcoming opportunity to influence future WIWaterfowling “structure” decisions for years to come! The DNR will have a once-in-five-years opportunity to adjust zones and the number of season splits. And your WWA will be developing a survey to send out later this year to collect your thoughts so that we can advocate for them in the upcoming decisions. So as you’re jawing in the blind with your buddies, talk about the issues you see, and be prepared to share those thoughts. Stay tuned.
One last thought, somewhat related to this issue: The strength of WWA’s Advocacy “voice” is related to its membership numbers. If you are getting this newsletter, you have been a member of WWA. But is your membership current? The easiest (and cheapest) way to renew your membership is to buy a Membership Conservation 2020 Calendar. Bonus: You’ll then get a chance to win a prize every day of the year! Get one now – and consider getting some for your duck hunting buddies who are not currently members of WWA. And even if you don’t win a prize, your WWA will be an even stronger voice, looking out for your interests, every day of the year.
By the way, one of our favorite sponsors, SportDOG, just came out with a new video that helped get me charged up for this season – take a look: