By Brad Heidel, Executive Director – bheidel@wisducks.org
This article appeared in the Wisconsin Waterfowl Association’s November 2025 Newsletter edition.
It’s Prime Time! Birds are migrating. This is the time of year we all spend a good portion of our time thinking about, well, all year long. It is the time of year that our entire staff works so hard to put ducks over your decoys. It is the time of the year we look forward to a north wind and sit quietly in the early morning darkness listening to the marsh awaken.
We are also at a critical time of year when the Wisconsin Waterfowl Association and you can make a difference. That is why I will be asking a lot of you as we push into the new year. We are at some critical points in the legislative work we do as the voice of the 58,000 waterfowl hunters in this state.
SANDHILL CRANE HUNT
Like you, I too want a responsible Sandhill crane hunt here in Wisconsin. This hunt is a common-sense solution to a growing crane population and the crop damage our farmers continue to experience each year. Here are the nine reasons for this hunt:
USFWS management plan embraces it
The crane population justifies it
Hunters support it
Eco-tourism is compatible with it
Farmers will benefit from it
The experimental whooping crane population does not preclude it
WDNR can manage it
A recent ICF opinion poll supports it (well, doesn’t reject it)
The Constitution expects it
Now is the time to contact your state representatives to ask for their support of a state Sandhill crane hunt.
Knowles – Nelson Stewardship Fund
Another is a significant legislative topic: the continuation of the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Fund. Since 1989, the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program has provided more access and opportunities for outdoor pursuits like hunting, fishing, and trapping, but the program is set to expire in June 2026.
A powerful group of hunting and conservation groups, the Sporting Coalition for Stewardship, of which WWA is part of, have been working with lawmakers to educate them about the importance of this program and highlight the fact that lands acquired using Knowles-Nelson Stewardship funds are required to remain open to hunting and trapping, making it one of the most sportsmen- and women-friendly land conservation programs in the country. With over 90% of Wisconsin voters supporting this fund continuing, we need to make our voices heard in Madison. Now is the time to contact your state representative.
Future Waterfowl Seasons & Bag Limits
Soon, you will also be asked for your input on waterfowl season structures. This is an opportunity for your opinions to be heard by Wisconsin DNR staff who work with the USFWS to set season dates and bag limits. You will have the chance to voice those thoughts either directly through DNR channels or via a survey we will send out soon. I encourage you to share your ideas on our future hunting seasons. After public input, the WI DNR will set the seasons for the next five years based on the response. This would include the seasons of 2026 through 2031!
Your Membership Makes a Difference
And last but not least, I’d like to request your membership (provided you’re not already a member). As a waterfowl hunter, your voice needs to be heard. Our voice is stronger when we have the numbers behind that voice. No other organization fights for what is important to Wisconsin waterfowl hunters more than WWA – Wisconsin Habitat, Our Hunting Rights, and the continuation of the traditions we all cherish so much. Help me make our organization stronger than ever! Please Join Now
Your support is greatly appreciated and does make a difference. I encourage you to take as much time in the marsh this fall as you can. Time is short – take advantage of it.
Hope to see you in the marsh,
Brad Heidel
Executive Director
Wisconsin Waterfowl Association
