Wild Wisconsin - Off the Record

Did you know Wisconsin has a festival for just about everything? With more than 11,000 across the state, it's easy to find a reason to celebrate. And that's not the only reason to get out and enjoy Wisconsin in the summer. In our first episode back, we sit down with DNR secretary-designee Preston Cole, Tourism secretary-designee Sarah Meaney and Director of Wisconsin State Parks Ben Bergey to explore Wisconsin's endless summer recreation opportunities.

Learn more about what's happening in Wisconsin's State Parks this summer at https://dnr.wi.gov/calendar/events/parks/

Find other events in Wisconsin via the Department of Tourism: https://www.travelwisconsin.com/events

New technology has changed the way we hunt, but nothing beats good old woodsmanship! Getting familiar with how deer move and behave year-round can make all the difference, whether you're a hunter or a wildlife photographer looking for that perfect shot. Join Eric Canania and Anna Brose as they discuss what a year looks like in the life of a white-tailed deer in Wisconsin. They'll cover everything from winter behavior to the rut and help you use this information to your advantage!

The hunting world is changing – why not take advantage of new technology to improve your time in the woods? DNR's new FREE hunting app, Hunt Wild Wisconsin, gives your everything from mobile mapping to regulations and shooting hours – all in the palm of your hand. Join Scott Karel and Jeff Walters as they discuss what the app can do for you, whether you're chasing deer or exploring new public lands. Download the free app today at dnr.wi.gov, keywords "hunt app." You can find our other podcasts and much more at dnr.wi.gov, keywords "Wild Wisconsin."

What do you need to know before you head into the woods for another Wisconsin deer season? How are these rules and regulations made? If you've ever asked yourself either of those questions, we've got you covered. Join Scott Karel from the Wildlife Management Bureau and Matt O'Brien from DNR Law Enforcement as they cover some new rules and get you up to speed. You can find our other podcasts and much more at dnr.wi.gov, keywords "Wild Wisconsin."

Communicating with hunters and outdoorsmen and women in 2018 is no easy task – with new technology, comes new opportunities (and challenges). So, how do we connect the dots? We're joined by Mark Boardman, Jim Hamilton and Erik Barber from Vortex Optics and Jeff Guerard, the Chairman of Wisconsin Backcountry Hunters and Anglers to discuss what we're doing to make sure our users are informed. You can find more podcasts at dnr.wi.gov, keywords "Wild Wisconsin."

Panfishing is a perfect way to get someone new interested in fishing (and also happens to be the driving force behind everyone's favorite fish fry) – but where do you start? We're joined by DNR fisheries staff Zach Woiak, Travis Motl and Patrick Short, along with Wisconsin Conservation Congress delegate Tom Schwefel, to cover some tips and tricks that can help you catch more fish! Looking to get into fishing, but don’t know where to start? Head to dnr.wi.gov, search "learn to fish."

The Friday night fish fry is about as "Wisconsin" as you can get – but what about the fish that make it all possible? We're joined by DNR fisheries staff Max Wolter, Zach Feiner and Alex Latzka to talk about everything from panfish management to new research and what it means for your time on the water. Interested in learning more? You can check out Wisconsin’s panfish management plan at dnr.wi.gov, keywords "panfish plan."

Rule one for any hunter is to always be comfortable with your firearm, but how can you take it to the next level? We're joined by Shawn Wozniak from Mayville Engineering Company's Shooting Sports Division to discuss home reloading and what it can mean for your time in the field, target shooting, and new ways to get people interested in the outdoors through shooting sports.

Public land hunting can be intimidating, but is there more to the story? In this episode, we're joined by the guys from The Hunting Public, along with DNR wildlife management staff Jeff Pritzl and Bill Hogseth, to share their thoughts on how YOU can plan a successful public land hunt this fall from start to finish. We'll also cover how DNR staff manage these lands for wildlife (and the people who enjoy spending time outside). Looking for more? Check out dnr.wi.gov, keywords "Wild Wisconsin."

Wild Wisconsin Season 2 is quickly approaching, and we're beyond excited to share that the guys from The Hunting Public will be your hosts! Check out this podcast and get to know what they're all about, from their history as hunters to their thoughts on how we can get more people interested in the outdoors! You can find Wild Wisconsin season 2 and much more at dnr.wi.gov, keywords "Wild Wisconsin."

They're excited, we're excited - everyone's excited! After years of careful management and a whole lot of help from partners, Wisconsin is just months away from its first managed elk hunt in state history. Join Kevin Wallenfang and two successful elk tag applicants as we discuss the ins and outs of the elk hunt and hear their plans to be part of history this fall. Looking for more? Head to dnr.wi.gov, keyword "elk."

The Mississippi Flyway is the stuff of legend, and DNR staff are hard at work to make sure Wisconsin remains a premiere destination for waterfowl hunters, birdwatchers and wildlife photographers. Join DNR migratory game bird ecologist Taylor Finger and assistant migratory game bird ecologist Trenton Rohrer as we cover everything from survey work to connections with partner groups that make our state the place to be for migratory birds of all kinds. Looking for more? Head to dnr.wi.gov, keyword "waterfowl."

Wisconsin is home to world-class turkey hunting, but that wasn't always the case. Join DNR upland wildlife ecologist Mark Witecha as we talk all things turkey – from recovery efforts in the 1970s to a day in the life of a thunderchicken. You can learn more at dnr.wi.gov, keyword "turkey."

Gray wolves are a popular topic of discussion among many of Wisconsin's citizens – their story is an interesting one, and we are working hard to make sure all the information you need is available to learn more. With help from hundreds of volunteers, DNR staff conduct surveys annually during winter months, when snow cover affords suitable tracking conditions. Join DNR large carnivore ecologist Scott Walter for an inside look at wolves in Wisconsin and how you can play a role in management. You can learn more at dnr.wi.gov, keyword "wolf."

The department's Bureau of Natural Heritage Conservation plays a huge role in ensuring that a number of plant and animal species native to Wisconsin continue to thrive. From bald eagles to butterflies, their work helps to conserve rare species throughout the state. Join Drew Feldkirchner and Owen Boyle to learn more about NHC and what it means for your time in the outdoors. To learn more, visit dnr.wi.gov and search keywords "Natural Heritage Conservation."

Wisconsin is home to an incredible amount of public land – here, you can enjoy everything from hunting to wildlife watching. The Voluntary Public Access program provides an opportunity to be compensated for opening your land to public use – seems like a pretty sweet deal, right? Join Anne Reis, Tim Lizotte, Cheyenne Wehler, John Lindeman and Kathie Hanssen for an inside look at what VPA means for both a landowner and public lands user! To learn more about this program, visit dnr.wi.gov and search keywords "VPA."

Every hunter should know what they shoot, and why - join Shawn Wozniak from Mayville Engineering Company to learn more about home reloading and other tips for improving your shooting. Learn more at Wild Wisconsin.

Good habitat is the key to a successful hunt. Best part? We've got the tools to help you create a space that deer can't resist. Join DNR staff Bob Nack and Eric Canania, along with DMAP cooperators Kim Zuhlke and Curt Jacob to learn more about why good habitat can help fill your freezer this fall and improve your land for all types of wildlife. Learn more at Wild Wisconsin.

DNR conservation wardens are the backbone of what we're all about here at DNR – join Chief Warden Todd Schaller as we discuss how staff work with you in the field to ensure a safe and successful hunt. Learn more at Wild Wisconsin.