Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Tree stand safety course now available on line

Tree stand safety course now available on line
Weekly News Article Published: January 27, 2009 by the Central Office
MADISON – Climbing a tree is not like riding a bike.
For hunters who scaled trees as children but haven’t done it as an adult, it does not come back with that first leg up a tree branch in search of the keen hunting spot. This is why a Wisconsin hunter education specialist urges hunters to take advantage of a new on-line tree stand safety course. A link to the course can be found on the left hand navigation panel of the Hunter Safety Education pages of the Department of Natural Resources Web site.
“About one-third of all hunters who use tree stands fall from that stand in their hunting careers,” said Tim Lawhern, DNR hunter education administrator. “Being an amateur when it comes to using stands can be a deadly mistake.”
Lawhern says now is a good time to complete the online tree stand safety course, when there aren’t a lot of hunting seasons to keep hunters in the field.

“It’s free, fun and the information could save your life,” Lawhern said. “You must know how to use the equipment necessary for tree stand use. That includes a body harness and knowing well your physical limitations.”

Hunters who wonder what professionals say about tree stand safety should take the course, Lawhern said.

“Amateurs practice until they get things right,” Lawhern said. “Professionals practice until they can’t get them wrong. Become a professional in tree stand safety.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Tim Lawhern, DNR Hunter Education Administrator – (608) 266-1317

Friday, January 16, 2009

DNR Releases Deer management to continue at Havenwoods State Forest

Deer management to continue at Havenwoods State Forest
News Release Published: January 16, 2009 by the Southeast Region
Contact(s): Judy Klippel, Havenwoods Superintendent, 414-527-0232Tom Isaac, Wildlife Biologist, 262-670-3409

MILWAUKEE – The Department of Natural Resources will again use sharpshooting to reduce the deer population in Havenwoods State Forest. This is the seventh year of the deer management plan, which was initiated in March 2003. This year’s goal is to reduce the herd by a maximum of 12 deer.

The current estimated population in Havenwoods is 25 to 30 deer. Wildlife biologists recommend a population of between four and 10 deer based on the size of the property and the ability of the vegetation to support the deer herd and other wildlife.

Havenwoods superintendent Judy Klippel said that the large population of deer had been damaging plant communities and creating problems for other wildlife within the property. However, reduction of the deer herd in recent years has been helping reduce the amount of new damage. A large deer herd also increases the potential for deer/vehicle accidents.

Wildlife management staff experienced in urban deer management point out that sharpshooting can be a safe and efficient means of removing deer. It has been used successfully in Milwaukee County parks since 1995. A shooter operates from an elevated stand and directs the shot downward from a position with good visibility and away from public access, ensuring human safety. The shooter can fell a deer with a single shot, killing it instantly and humanely.

Several clearly marked locations will be selected in Havenwoods away from homes and trails. On January 22, experienced sharpshooters will work in the morning and late afternoon. January 23 is the backup date. Signs will be posted on the property alerting visitors when the shooting will take place. The property will be closed to the public during the sharpshooting sessions.

Havenwoods State Forest was established in 1980 and encompasses 237 acres on Milwaukee’s north side. The grounds are open from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. daily. The environmental education center is open from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday and most Saturday mornings. For more information on the deer management program, call Havenwoods at 414-527-0232