Charlie Elk

pseudonym of a man

  • News
  • Think Pieces / Opinion
  • Turkey Hunting
    • Fall Turkey
    • Spring Turkey
    • turkey hunting tips
    • Stories
  • Humor
  • Deer Hunting
  • Willow Ridge Custom Turkey Calls

Archives for August 2013

2013 Wisconsin Fall Turkey Permit Drawing Results

August 19, 2013 by Charlie 2 Comments

Update 8/23/13 The corrected number and zones of Leftover Wisconsin Fall Turkey permit numbers has been updated.  2013 Fall Turkey Leftover Permit Availability

Here is a PDF table of Wisconsin’s 2013 fall wild turkey drawing results.  2013 fall turkey permits pdf

There were 20,000 more fall turkey applicants in 2013 than in 2012 as a result there are hunters who did not draw a fall tag in units 2, 5,6 & 7 including 130 landowners did not draw a permit in these units.

55, 711 wild turkey permits were awarded out of a total of 96,700 permits available.

Leftover tags are available as follows:

  • Unit 1 – 15,845
  • Unit 3 – 17,340
  • Unit 4 –  7,804

These tags will available for sale starting August 24 at 10 A.M.  Hunters may buy one tag per day until sold out.

 

Warm up the calls, the fall turkey season starts September 14, 2013

Warm up the calls, the fall turkey season starts September 14, 2013

Filed Under: Fall Turkey, News

Wisconsin 2103 Fall Turkey Drawing and Over the Counter Tags

August 14, 2013 by Charlie Leave a Comment

Turkey dogs are legal statewide in Wisconsin during the fall. Dogs are used to find and breakup fall flocks then master and dog setup to call them back.

Turkey dogs are legal statewide in Wisconsin during the fall. Dogs are used to find and breakup fall flocks then master and dog setup to call them back.

Update 3: 2013 Wisconsin Fall Turkey Permit Drawing Results

Update 2: 8/19/13 OTC turkey permits, Wisconsin Fall 2013 Leftover tags to be sold over the counter numbers here.

Update: The fall turkey drawing was just finished Monday morning 8/19/13.  Results will be posted soon.

With great anticipation serious Wisconsin fall turkey hunters are waiting for the drawing to be completed and the results to be announced.   We all know that all applicants will most likely be drawn; with 97,000 permits available and only an estimated 40,000 applicants odds are very good at winning this lotto.  The drawing is not completed yet, WDNR expects results to be posted early in the week of 19th.

The most serious of hunters like to buy their licenses as soon as possible.  This gives them their

Fall is beautiful time to hunt turkeys. Gobblers gobble and strut in the fall too. 3 gobblers that fought their way into my calls.

Fall is beautiful time to hunt turkeys. Gobblers gobble and strut in the fall too. 3 gobblers that fought their way into my calls.

first sense of completion – “yep, I’m going hunting”  even if the start is still well into the future, having that license in hand brings a sense of reality, a concrete step in the preparation process.

Other turkey hunters are more casual you can see them standing in the license line the day before opener.  Worse are the hunting buddies you pick up early on opening day morning who inform you they need to stop and buy a license.  If they are in my truck this is a good way to get booted out.  But I digress.

Leftover 2013 fall turkey tags are sold over the counter (OTC) at the rate of one per day until sold out.  In previous years there are thousands of tags left at season’s end Dec 31st so there appears to be no hurry.  Except again for those seriously addicted turkey chasers

who have all their other gear ready to go, some never put it away so it’s always ready, these turkey hunters will be buying their OTC tags each day starting August 24, 2013.

My motto: It is never to early to start obsessing about the next season.  Or put another way: “Dear Lord please let me have just one more season.”

Wisconsin winter turkey offers an additional challenge.

Wisconsin winter turkey offers an additional challenge.

Happy hunting.

 

Filed Under: Fall Turkey, Turkey Hunting Tagged With: Fall turkey, hunting, Turkey Hunting, Wild Turkey, Wisconsin Turkey Hunting

Wisconsin State Senate Schedules Crossbow Hearing

August 12, 2013 by Charlie 4 Comments

Update 12/17/13 Crossbows Now Legal in Wisconsin

Just when you think hope of change is slim, in this case crossbows legal for all hunters in Wisconsin–  I wrote about the slim hope the other day Will Wisconsin let everyone use a crossbow in 2013?

A pleasant surprise.  Here is the press release from Rep. Mary Czaja (R) and Rep Chris Danou (D)

Madison – Statement from Rep. Mary Czaja (R-Irma) and Rep. Chris Danou (D-Trempealeau) on progress of Assembly Bill 194 in state Senate:

“We are encouraged by the progress of AB 194 and we thank Senator Neal Kedzie, Chairman of the Natural Resources Committee for scheduling a public hearing this week. There has been a great deal of discussion between legislators of both parties, sporting groups, and hunting enthusiasts and it is encouraging to see this legislation move forward.

 “Expanding crossbow use in Wisconsin will bring increased economic activity, in the manufacturing and retail sector. It will also provide additional hunting opportunities for all Wisconsinites, particularly women and young people who may not possess the physical strength to use a traditional bow. We thank our colleagues in the Assembly for their unanimous support of AB 194 in June. We look forward to the Senate considering the merits of this legislation.”

A hunter's crossbow. Will it be legal for all hunters in 2013 or 2014?

A hunter’s crossbow. Will it be legal for all hunters in 2013 or 2014?

Assembly Bill 194 establishes a separate season and license for crossbow use in
Wisconsin, with the season to run concurrent to the traditional archery season. AB 194 was passed by the State Assembly with a vote of 95-0 on June 6th, 2013.

The slim chance Wisconsin could have crossbows legal in Wisconsin for the 2013 season is getting fatter.  Stay tune for updates as they happen.

UPDATE: 08/13/13 Public Hearing Rescheduled for August 21.

While on WPR:  Mike Brust, President of the Wisconsin Bowhunters Association said:

 the concern is that an influx of crossbow hunters could result in fewer hunting opportunities for traditional bowhunters.  WBA supports a new crossbow season — as long as it’s separate from the traditional bow season.

The Natural Resources  Committee will hold a public hearing: 

Wednesday, August 21, 2013 10:00 AM

300 Southeast State Capitol Madison, WI

Update 8/20/13: The slim hope of a 2013 crossbow season in Wisconsin has been squashed according to Senator Farrow in his crossbow legislation reaches compromise press release.  Those hunters who do not possess a disability permit will have to wait until 2014.

Madison – After weeks of discussion and amendment drafts, the Wisconsin State Senate is prepared to move Assembly Bill 194, also known as the Crossbow Hunting Bill, through the legislative process. The bill, offered by Senator Paul Farrow (R-Pewaukee) and Representative Mary Czaja (R-Irma), was passed by a vote of 95-0 in the State Assembly on June 6th and has been the topic of extensive discussion in the State Senate.

The bill creates a new crossbow hunting season that would run concurrently with the archery deer hunting season. It will also provide for a new era of sporting heritage in Wisconsin by gaining the interest of women, children, the elderly and disabled to Wisconsin’s long hunting traditions. The compromise allows for the DNR to create the new season in 2014 and allow enough time to evaluate the impact of the new season on the deer herd.

“Although members of the State Senate will ultimately make some changes to this legislation, it is the hard work and dedication of Representative Mary Czaja that truly held this legislation together,” stated Farrow. “With the amount of support this legislation received in the Assembly, Representative Czaja could have held firm and declined Senate amendments. Yet, because of her leadership and her commitment to our sportsmen and women, she helped create a workable and acceptable amendment.”

Filed Under: News Tagged With: crossbow, Wisconsin deer hunting

The Death of Fawn Named Giggles

August 9, 2013 by Charlie 1 Comment

Fawns like this are rarely if ever abandoned. Do not try and help, Mama deer will be back.

Fawns like this are rarely if ever abandoned. Do not try and help; Mama deer will be back.

Post Updated August 30 WDNR proposed Policy Change– scroll down–

A sad story, with plenty of wrongs on all sides.  Watch the first WISN 12 ” Armed Agents Raid Animal Shelter for Baby Deer” news story here.  It started when a good-intentioned Illinois couple mistakenly thought they were rescuing an abandoned baby deer close to the Wisconsin / Illinois border.  They compounded the problem by crossing a state line with a living wild animal to bring it to Wisconsin-based St Francis shelter for “rehabilitation”.

  • The first mistake, a fawn left alone is rarely, if ever “abandoned” by its mother.  Does frequently leave their young fawns alone for extended periods of time.  One can only imagine the panic the doe experienced when she returned to find her fawn gone.  Many times I have watched does dash madly about to find wayward fawns that had wandered out on their own.  The giggling sound made by the fawn which led to its name Giggles was the fawn calling out for its mother.  In this case, the fawn was removed when it should have been left alone.
  • The second mistake, St Francis should not have taken the fawn in without contacting the WDNR within 24 hours to apply for a permit as Wisconsin law requires.

Regarding – “The Armed Raid” – It’s quite clear WDNR law enforcement overreacted, although I can find no evidence of any illegality on the part of law enforcement. I have corresponded with some of those involved and law enforcement friends who were not involved. On the condition I not reveal their names here is what I found.

  • Before a search warrant, St Francis refused a request by a couple of wardens to search and take custody of the fawn.  They did not sneak around and spy first as reported in the news.  St Francis was within their rights to refuse a warrantless search.
  • 16 government agents and employees came back to serve the search warrant.  10 Conservation Officers dressed in regular duty uniform with the prescribed sidearm.   One Deputy Sheriff dressed in regular duty uniform and normal sidearm. Two plain clothed detectives with concealed arms. Three WDNR Wildlife staff, presumably the ones who tranquilized Giggles.  The Wisconsin Reporter confirms my information above.

Supervisor Jennifer Niemeyer did the WDNR no favor in her interview with WISN 12 News where she said:

  • “the law requires the DNR agents to euthanize animals like Giggles because of the potential for disease and danger to humans.”  charlie says: Actually, that is not true as it is not a blanket kill requirement, the law allows for the issue of a permit for rehab purposes.
  • “These are always very difficult situations for both parties involved, and we are empathetic to the fact of what happened because we know in our heart of hearts they tried to do the right thing,” Niemeyer said.  charlie – Yes, correct, sensitivity and common sense should have entered in this situation.  WDNR used neither.
  • “Could you have made a phone call before showing up, I mean, that’s a lot of resources,” WISN 12 News investigative reporter Colleen Henry asked.
  • Niemeyer continued “If a sheriff’s department is going in to do a search warrant on a drug bust, they don’t call them and ask them to surrender voluntarily their marijuana or whatever drug that they have before they show up,”

Niemeyer’s last statement is really over the top.  There is no comparison or moral equivalence between a drug raid and a 35 lb. fawn.  This case clearly demonstrates the problem with the “letter” of the law and the spirit of law.  Or as most citizens think of it – common sense.  In the sad case of Giggles, the ability and the power of the position overruled compassion and common sense.

Deer who have found their way into life-threatening predicaments such as stranded on ice flows or bucks with locked antlers are routinely saved when found.  Further, those who engage in saving them are given accolades, not citations.

In the case of Giggles, the fawn WDNR claimed the risk of CWD as the excuse to kill her.  But it is well-documented fawns do not have CWD nor are they carriers of CWD in their first nine months of life.  In this case, the DNR could have issued a permit and allowed the fawn to return to an Illinois shelter as was the plan before they interfered.

Fortunately, Governor Walker agrees this WDNR enforcement action was uncalled for and over the top.  He is demanding significant changes in procedure.

 Proposed Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources policy change August 30, 2013
Immediate reintroduction of wild animals into the wild

After voluntarily collecting an illegally captured wild animal, DNR staff would reintroduce the animal to the wild if it does not pose a threat to public health, the health of wildlife, or to the animal itself. In the case of deer, if a deer originates in a Chronic Wasting Disease zone, it could only be reintroduced in a CWD zone.

•Ability of a licensed rehabilitator to rehabilitate wild animals for reintroduction to the wild If a wild animal cannot be immediately released into the wild, but could be safely released after rehabilitation, it would be taken to a licensed rehabilitator. In the case of deer, following rehabilitation, a deer which originated in a CWD zone could only be reintroduced into a CWD zone.

•Restricted use of euthanasia DNR staff would only euthanize a wild animal if it is sick, highly likely to be diseased, or a threat to public health or the health of other wildlife. Additionally, the proposal calls for the following change which would require action by the state legislature to change state law:

• Ability of an individual to care for a captured deer with proper health and disease protections Individuals who illegally hold a captured wild deer would still face citations and penalties for illegally possessing the deer. They may be able to keep the deer if they meet a series of regulations to ensure the health of the deer and the state’s deer population as a whole. These include, but are not limited to, specific size and space requirements for an enclosure, health tests administered by a licensed veterinarian, and a notification process to both DNR and DATCP.

We are still waiting for changes in their law enforcement procedures.  Sending 16 government agents to deal with one small fawn and six animal shelter employees is ridiculous.  It is not the same as a drug raid.

Filed Under: News, Think Pieces / Opinion Tagged With: deer, news, Wisconsin deer

Fully 3D Printed Rifle The Grizzly Hand Firing

August 8, 2013 by Charlie Leave a Comment

3D Printing is a technology my brain has a hard time wrapping around.  As a long time Star Trek fan I have pondered the societal ramifications if a working replicator could be built.  If the average person could own a replicator would they ever have to work again?   If not what would a fellow do with all that leisure time?

Is a 3D printer our replicator?  Currently they are large machines but soon there may be small more portable versions.  Will the survival kits we carry while hunting or hiking in the back country soon be these printers?  Supplying any need we may have.  Or imagine the day we carry a 3D printer about the size of a backpack so instead of setting up camp we can simply print it into existence.

Here is a video of a 3D printed rifle that shot 14 rounds before cracking.

Should we develop regulations on this technology or let it develop unfettered.  Laws and regulations have a history of unintended consequences while smothering and crushing creativity.

Is a product from a 3D printer a manufactured one or just a print, much the same as a printed document?  This is important where firearms are concerned because there are regulations concerning the manufacture and sale of firearms. Where as, there are no regulations controlling the printing of products.  At least none that I am aware of.  Stay tuned, something tells me that is about to change.

Filed Under: News, Think Pieces / Opinion Tagged With: hunting, news

Will Wisconsin let everyone use a crossbow in 2013?

August 8, 2013 by Charlie Leave a Comment

Update March 10, 2014 Wisconsin Cancels Disabled Hunter Permits

Update 12/17/2013 Crossbows Now Legal In Wisconsin

After investigating many possible scenarios there appears to be a chance  although a slim one that Wisconsin’s bowhunters will be allowed to use crossbows in the 2013 archery season.  Well, technically during the soon to be established concurrent crossbow season, an important distinction to some.

A hunter's crossbow. Will it be legal for all hunters in 2013 or 2014?

A hunter’s crossbow. Will it be legal for all hunters in 2013 or 2014?

When the Wisconsin Assembly unanimously passed AB 194 many hunters were optimistic they would have the long denied opportunity to hunt deer with a crossbow in Wisconsin.  In this age of extreme political partisanship where nothing gets a unanimous vote it sure seemed a slam dunk the WI Senate would quickly follow suit.  Unfortunately that was not the case, SB 185 is stuck in the Senate Natural Resources Committee.

Senator Neal Kedzie is the chair and there are rumors he is not enthusiastic about legalizing crossbows.  I have heard these from other Senator’s staff.  This may be more finger pointing by others rather than being based in any fact.  You can judge for yourself; Here is my email to Senator Kedzie and his response-

charlie wrote:

 Honorable Senator Kedzie,

Many deer hunters were looking forward to hunting with crossbows during this fall’s archery season especially after the Assembly passed this bill unanimously.  However it now appears SB185 is stuck in the Natural Resource committee with no action scheduled.  Is this correct?   Are there plans to get this to the floor of the Senate anytime soon? 

Because of the current special crossbow permitting process many once proud bowhunters who became impaired are considered second class hunters due to their special treatment.  Legalizing crossbows for everyone would do a lot to take away the current stigma associated with a hunter who uses a crossbow.  Please do what you can to get SB 185 up for a vote an on to the Governor. 

Thank you.

Senator Kedzie responded:

Thank you for contacting the office of Senator Neal Kedzie regarding legislation relating to the use of crossbows for hunting.  

As you know, an amended version of the bill recently passed the State Assembly; the Assembly version is now different than the Senate version, SB 185.  The Assembly bill was referred to the Senate Natural Resources Committee on Friday, June 14th.  At this time, no hearings have been scheduled, as the full Senate has adjourned and will not meet in regular session until September 17th, at the earliest.   Thus, no other legislation will be taken up by the Senate prior to mid-September, and scheduling a hearing for the bill at this time would be somewhat moot, as the work of the committee is only one step of the Senate approval process.  

Still, we appreciate reading your comments in support of the legislation. 

Office of Senator Neal Kedzie

OK, I said the chance of legalizing crossbows in Wisconsin for the 2013 season was slim at best.  The state senate is not back in session until September 17th three days after the opening of archery season.   If the Senate Natural Resources Committee schedules the public hearing, votes SB 185 out committee, Senate Majority Leader Senator Fitzgerald schedules a full senate vote, SB 185 were to pass and then get the Governor’s signature; by mid October or so.  WDNR already has the license issuing program written, tested and ready to go. It would then be possible to have a crossbow license available by third week of October just in time for hunting the rut and the rest of the archery season.

More likely, SB 185 will be passed early in 2014 and hopefully effective for the 2014 deer season.   No matter what the people want politics move slowly and unfortunately, particularly on the Senate side of the equation politicians listen more to the special interests than voters.

Update: Hearing scheduled for more Wisconsin State Senate Schedules Crossbow Hearing

Filed Under: Deer Hunting, News, Think Pieces / Opinion Tagged With: crossbow, deer, news

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe and receive notifications of new posts by email. No other email will be sent to you.

comments

  • Justin on Bulllet Head Stamp Gallery
  • Kathy Eldred on Beavers Eat and Store Corn
  • Toney Jacob on Hunting Deer From the Ground in Wisconsin
  • Anthony Lumbard on Bulllet Head Stamp Gallery
  • Bryan Ash on Wild Turkeys See In Color; But Will Pink Spook Them?
  • Jim Sinquefield on How to Legally Bait Wild Turkeys

Top Posts

  • How to Legally Bait Wild Turkeys
    How to Legally Bait Wild Turkeys
  • Best Coyote Call - - Turkey Yelps
    Best Coyote Call - - Turkey Yelps
  • Patterning Board Surprise!
    Patterning Board Surprise!
  • Does Wild Venison Tastes Best when Procured in September or Early October?
    Does Wild Venison Tastes Best when Procured in September or Early October?
  • What do Wild Turkeys Eat?  Crops tell the story
    What do Wild Turkeys Eat? Crops tell the story
  • Bulllet Head Stamp Gallery
    Bulllet Head Stamp Gallery
  • When Do Turkeys Nest in Wisconsin?
    When Do Turkeys Nest in Wisconsin?

Recent Posts

  • Kirkland Warbler, Wild Turkey use Audio Bait
  • A Little more Frigid or Warm; What is better for Wildlife?
  • West Nile Virus detected in Wisconsin Ruffed Grouse
  • When the Deer Season Ends
  • First Bubba Chili Pucks

Recent comments

  • Justin on Bulllet Head Stamp Gallery
  • Kathy Eldred on Beavers Eat and Store Corn
  • Toney Jacob on Hunting Deer From the Ground in Wisconsin
  • Anthony Lumbard on Bulllet Head Stamp Gallery
  • Bryan Ash on Wild Turkeys See In Color; But Will Pink Spook Them?

Videos

Mosquitoes use six needles to suck our … [Read More...]

Have you ever had a whitetail deer standing real … [Read More...]

Copyright © 2023 charlie elk

 

Loading Comments...