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Wisconsin Waterfowl Association

By Bruce Ross, Executive Director

This article originally appeared in Wisconsin Waterfowl Association’s September, 2020 Newsletter edition.

DNRlogoprocessAt the WWF-sponsored Waterfowl Summit, Chief Warden Casey Krueger reported that his first half year in the job has been a challenging one, and not just due to COVID (although it had significant impacts):

  • There has been significant senior turnover, making management and continuity difficult.
  • Adapting to the challenges of COVID (think about the  greater law enforcement (LE) demands associated with the public’s greater use of WI outdoor properties and water-borne recreation, while trying respect the social distance constraints in place).
  • Interestingly, the wardens (as fully fledged law enforcement officials) have played a role in keeping the peace in city disturbances (think Madison and more recently, Kenosha). Local police and Sherriff departments have been overwhelmed and requested their assistance. Think about the challenges that poses to their primary responsibilities around the state!
  • He noted that vehicular accident (boating and ATV/UTV) deaths are up. Maybe logical given the increased use of state recreational locations in today’s pandemic environment, but tragic nonetheless.  So one of his emphasis areas for wardens in the field is checking for appropriate use and condition of personal flotation devices.  Check your jackets out and wear them when underway!
  • He reminded waterfowlers that the US Fish and Wildlife Service requires that harvested birds must have identification tags if not in the actual custody of the hunter who shot the bird.
  • He also indicated that enforcing AIS (Aquatic Invasive Species) regulations will be a priority. Check out this month’s article on AIS to know what and why you should be removing any vegetation form your boat, gear and dog every time you leave your honey hole.
  • When questioned on whether Park Rangers are expected to get LE credentials back any time soon, he said no. The day-to-day demands on a park ranger, coupled with the training and other expectation that come with LE credentials is too much to ask of any one person.
  • Finally, Chief Warden Krueger expressed confidence that the recently announced DNR budget cut of $5M won’t have a significant impact on law enforcement efforts this fall.