Sometimes taking a look at life somewhere else provides interesting perspective on our own.
Tennessee's deer season closes January 6, after the archery segment opened more than 3 months ago.
However, in the state of Wisconsin, the firearm season for deer is open for nine days, and that's it! Nine days of an intensive, all-out effort by hundreds of thousands of hunters to fill their tags. During that short season, Wisconsin hunters kill at least 300,000 deer (see graph at bottom of page), some years up to 450,000 deer. That equals 50,000 deer a day, and obviously a huge number of hunters jammed into the woods together at once.
Game wardens in Wisconsin apparently work pretty much non-stop during the intensive campaign, and after the season, the state's Chief of Law Enforcement issues an amazingly comprehensive year-end report. The report goes on the web for all to see, and provides some interesting insight into hunters, hunting, and game wardening. Tennessee and other states should take a lesson from Wisconsin. This is the kind of information hunters and non-hunters alike deserve to know.
Most interesting to me, baiting deer is legal in Wisconsin. However there is a "10 gallon limit." In other words, you can put out up to 10 gallons of corn at a time, but no more. The report shows lots of citations issued for baiting violations.
"Cabin shooting" is also a growing problem. Folks put bait out in the backyard, sometimes under a street light, and shoot deer out the backdoor after dark.
And apparently legal shooting hours are strictly enforced in Wisconsin, much like legal shooting hours are enforced for waterfowl hunters. You get out of your tree stand at legal sunset, or you get a ticket.
Below is that final report issued by Wisconsin Chief Conservation Warden Tom Harelson. I think you'll find it interesting reading.
2001 Deer Gun Season Chief Conservation Warden Report
Date: November 30, 2001
To: Darrell Bazzell
From: Chief Conservation Warden Tom Harelson
Hunting Pressure and Attitudes of Hunters:
Conditions & Pressure - Wardens reported lighter than normal hunting pressure throughout the region during most of the 9-day season. Most hunting activity was observed the opening weekend with very few hunters observed Monday through Wednesday. Hunting activity increased over the Thanksgiving Holiday, but still remained fairly light. Weather was probably a contributing factor with above normal temperatures and rain on a couple of days. Heavy rain on the last Saturday ended the hunt early for many hunters. Many hunters felt that the warm weather contributed to the reduced deer kill, as hunters remained on stands rather than walk around to get the deer moving. There were also a good number of hunters complained about not seeing deer and questioned the Department’s deer numbers.
Another factor that was influenced by the warm, wet conditions was the higher than normal water levels in lakes, rivers and marshes, making the marshes inaccessible since they did not freeze over as was the case last year. Hunters speculated that those low-lying areas became refuges for the deer. Hip boots were part of many hunters' attire the second weekend.
The Changing Landscape & Hunting Culture -- The effects of changing land use patterns and our hunting culture coupled with baiting/feeding practices in Wisconsin continue to have a dramatic impact on deer and deer hunting in Wisconsin. Every year more and more "huntable" acres of property are being occupied by homes with residents who may or may not be hunters. In addition, local units of government are under pressure to restrict the use of firearms in some of these traditionally rural areas. This "urban sprawl" is also having an impact on traditional hunting areas with an increase in calls, questions, and complaints relating to the "discharge of a firearm within 100 yards of a dwelling". Many of these residents also feed deer year round for viewing purposes, to prevent starvation, to keep deer on their property, etc. creating refuges for large deer numbers.
Privately owned "hunting lands" continue to change as well. Most are heavily posted and are seeing less hunting pressure than in the past. Deer drives are not as commonplace and landowners are placing restrictions on the harvest of deer on these properties. In addition, hunters using these private lands prefer to "sneak in and out" of their stands preventing deer from leaving the property if at all possible. Some of these individuals will be the first to complain that the deer numbers are over estimated.
Urban Sprawl - Numerous deer hunters have expressed concerns about the numerous small tracks of land, both public and private that are being closed to hunting. Warden Zeihen made the following statement: Hunting pressure was non-existent in Waukesha County. Areas of traditional gun deer hunting are being lost at an increasing rate due to urban sprawl. In the Eagle/Mukwonago administrative area, the only place left to hunt other than state lands are on the borders with Racine, Walworth and Jefferson counties. Many of the local hunting parties that I saw year after year now head North to look for their deer.
Conflicts between hunters and non-hunters - There were some safety concerns with non-hunters using biking and hiking trails and not wearing blaze orange. The unseasonably warm weather probably increased trail use during this year. It was suggested that we increase our public relations efforts in this area when a potentially warm weather season approaches in the future, warning hunters and non-hunters alike.
Confusion about our tagging system - Clearly, the biggest concern of hunters encountered by wardens this season revolved around the proliferation of regulations and the difficulty hunters (and wardens alike) were having understanding the deer hunting regulations and the use of carcass tags. Many hunters commented they believed they needed their lawyers with them to ensure they weren’t breaking any laws. The charts in the regulation booklets are difficult to read and, in some cases, inconsistent with actual law. All wardens report this as being a significant problem! We absolutely must simplify the tagging system for our deer hunters and become consistent in future years.
Deer baiting and feeding - The use of bait/feed continues to grow at an exponential rate each year. As reported in past seasons, many persons who are not in favor of baiting are doing so themselves, because they feel they need to just to compete. Wardens’ sense that there is a growing concern from the majority of hunters who feel that baiting/feeding cannot continue as it has. Many complaints before and during the season were either directly or indirectly related to the practice of baiting. These complaints occurred on both private and public lands.
This year wardens found that the prevalence of illegal bait is continuing to increase. This year wardens issued 99 citations to hunters who were hunting over illegally baited areas which is up significantly from last year. The following excerpts were taken from some of the warden reports and are indicative of the kinds of complaints dealt with this season:
Warden Cletus Alsteen of Green Lake reported that the illegal use of bait was his most common violation and arrested one hunter with 3 pickup loads of pumpkins and squash under his stand, which was 70 yards away.
Warden Mike Young of Shiocton indicated that "the biggest problem this year seemed to be the large bait piles. The properties that bait draw in a large number of deer from surrounding properties. On the opening day 5 subjects were cited on one piece of property that had 7 separate bait piles ranging in size from 20 gallons to approximately 80 gallons. The piles were started in September and maintained till the gun season"
Warden Judi Nigbor of Montello stated that baiting problems appear to be increasing in the county. Hunters are putting truckloads of corn, potatoes, and carrots on their property so the neighbors don’t shoot "their" deer. Most of the large bait piles were found along the edges of standing cornfields and hay fields. One hunter was found hunting within 50 yards of two separate piles of corn. There were about 100 gallons of corn in each pile, and a dump truck load of corn within 150 yards of the stand.
Warden Ken Thomson of W aupaca reported that "it seemed like the biggest problem I ran into was the use of excessive bait. Thompson issued 6 citations for too much bait on complaints only. Most of the baits were over 30 gallons in size with some over 100 gallons. One hunter who was cited for hunting over 100 gallons of corn told me that he had passed up 5 nice bucks and had seen over 50 does by 9:00 a.m. opening morning. No wonder his neighbors weren't seeing any deer.
Warden Jeff Knorr of Fremont indicated that there is no shortage of bait in the woods with many baits from 15 to 150 gallons in size. In one case wardens checked some hunters on private property in Waushara county on opening morning only to find 2 hunters in elevated tower stands hunting over well in excess of 150 gallons of shelled corn. In another case Wardens Knorr and Mark Shepherd of Winneconne also found 2 hunters from the same hunting group on a separate property hunting from a tower stand over the same type of illegal bait. Both hunters had harvested nice bucks that had dropped dead in the illegal bait piles but had also failed to immediately validate and tag the deer as required. The 2 hunters were both cited for hunting over the illegal bait material and the tagging violations with the 2 bucks and shared rifle seized.
Why mess around with bags - In Columbia County the DNR plane located a baited area the size of a gravity box dumped in a field.
10 Gallons must not work - On opening day Warden Holmes walked in on a hunter that had baited with over 400 lbs. of corn and he had placed a permanent tree stand on state land. This person was cited for both offenses and was told to remove the corn and stand.
These few examples begin to give a flavor of the problems surrounding baiting and feeding. An attachment to this report of stories by wardens gives dozens more examples where baiting is a problem.
Venison Processing - Warm weather was a concern for many hunters because they were worried that a deer would spoil if they left it hanging. Seems that most hunters left for home early because they had killed a deer and wanted to get the meat home and cut up before it spoiled.
Complaints of deer numbers down - Almost every warden reports hunters expressing the opinion that DNR deer population estimates were off, and that the big kill last year certainly had an impact on the number of deer this year. Those hunters who were around 20-30 years ago said things have come full circle. Even though the wildlife biologists report that registration totals were right on line with the two previous warm seasons (1998-1999), there is still a lot of concern among hunters concerning deer numbers. Personal observations by most wardens showed fewer deer seen on patrol than previous years but that may be a result of either the "…don't scare the deer off my property" or "….hold them on my property mentality." Statements were made to the effect that, if the DNR tries to push for another Zone T season, that there might be another "red shirt rebellion" looming on the horizon. This seemed to be a major concern of most hunters contacted. Warden Demler in Sawyer County observed a sign placed on state property (subject unknown) that stated, "This was the worst hunting season in 20 years, thanks DNR".
ALIS License Issues - The ALIS license system is an outstanding law enforcement tool. Our wardens were able to complete investigations in short amounts of time that would have lingered until after the deer season was over. Along with the compliments, wardens passed on many suggested changes that will be forwarded to Customer Service and Licensing for improvements next year.
Reduced Law Enforcement Operating Budgets – The budget shortfalls facing the law enforcement program severely hampered our ability to effectively patrol areas, respond to all calls for service, use the aircraft, purchase needed equipment, etc. In addition, the reduction in Limited Term Employee funding required some wardens to work without their deputy wardens during this past deer gun season, a serious safety concern. Many wardens took days off during the middle of the week in deer season because they did not have the money to operate their vehicles.
Incidents/Observations Where Shooting Hours Were An Issue:
Hunting Hours - The lengthened shooting hours combined with overcast days much of the season reduced the number of late hunting violations for the most part with the majority of hunters using commons sense by leaving the woods on or before legal hunting time. While many hunters still seemed to rely on the old "4:30 PM" closing time, on clear nights there were still persons hunting well after the legal shooting hours. It also appeared that there were many more early hunting violations reported pre-dawn. While the numbers of citations issued for late hunting are down from past years, some of this is due to the fact that wardens were not comfortable walking in to check hunters at closing time. Last year a Pennsylvania Warden was shot and killed by a hunter doing just that. Wardens were urged to use extreme caution if attempts were made to contact these late hunters. Many Field Wardens feel the department should reconsider its position on the hunting hours and change the rules to require an earlier closing time reflecting "safe hunting light conditions" each day during the gun deer seasons. It was also recommended that the Department put together an aggressive media campaign prior to next season aimed at educating hunters about the dangers of hunting in reduced light conditions and to encourage persons to quit hunting when appropriate for the conditions.
Selected warden comments on hunting hours:
It can't be to early to shoot - Warden Chris DeRemer in Rock County responded to a complaint of late shooting. DeRemer found and interviewed the suspects and one of them finally admitted that he shot a deer while he was walking from his stand back to his truck to leave. Warden DeRemer asked him to estimate the time that he shot, and the hunter replied that he couldn’t be sure because "it was too dark to see my watch!"
Dangerous Conditions - Warden Todd Wippermann of Clintonville commented that he "observed very dangerous conditions at closing time especially on the rainy dark days of the season. I did receive several complaints of late hunting even with liberal hunting hours however, I worked several of these complaints but no arrests were made. Working these late hunters is much more dangerous to the warden than in years past and is still not one of my highest priorities. On some of the darkest evenings you could not even see blaze orange at 15 minutes after hours"
It's a black out - Warden Sabrowsky’s first evening (which was clear) advised he eased up behind a hunter in his stand. At quitting time he could barely see the hunters blaze orange. He waited. The hunter remained watching his illegal bait until 15 minutes after when Sabrowsky finally shined a light on him making him quit. Sabrowsky literally could not see his blaze orange from a distance of 60 feet 15 minutes after closing.
Early Shooting - Warden Jeff Knorr of Fremont reported "I was informed by several hunters of hearing early shots this year, 6:00 am, 6:05 am, 6:07 am, and 6:11 am-meaning 15 to 20 minutes early-obviously an opportunity situation and tough to enforce"
Scared to be out There - Warden Dave Algrem of Wautoma indicated that "while the opening day evening had clear skies making for good visibility even with the new hours the rest of the season had mostly cloudy dark closing hours. A number of hunters mentioned they thought to was too dark and were actually scared to move around then"
Late, Late Hunting - Warden Dale Hochhausen, Fond du Lac County issued 2 late hunting citations and 1 warning to members of the same hunting camp. Based on a previous late hunting complaint, Warden Hochhausen contacted 2 persons while hunting in their stands 21 and 26 minutes after closing and warning a third for shooting 4 minutes after close.
Couldn’t See My Sights - Warden Darren Kuhn of Green Bay heard from one group of hunters that stated they had deer within range near the end of an evening hunt but could not see their sights to make the shot. Warden Kuhn commended that group for not taking the risk of shooting and crippling the deer that were in range even though season was still open. If hunters were unable to see their sights to shoot, Warden Kuhn would argue that it is too dark to hunt and the hunting hours should be re-evaluated.
Search and Rescue:
A common misconception of Conservation Wardens is that they just arrest people and resolve user conflicts. Although, catching poachers and resolving conflicts are an important part of the job, there is much more. Because of their extensive knowledge of the terrain and equipment necessary to get back into remote locations, wardens have always served an important search and rescue role for lost hunters. The following are a collection of selected comments from wardens involved in search and rescue during the deer season - some with a happy ending and some with a sad ending:
Things aren't always as they appear = Unfortunately, the West Central Region had 5 of the fatal shooting incidents (not counting the Clark County homicide investigation) and 2 non-fatal incidents. The incident in Clark County resulted in finding a gunshot victim where wardens were called in to investigate a possible hunting accident. This case now appears to be an intentional homicide. Wardens Wagner, Knepper, Yearman, Maxinoski, and Schwengel have been assisting the sheriff’s department in this case where a Medford man who was believed to been hunting was found shot twice in the back and laying in a wooded area. Warden Maxinoski went airborne with the "Spirit of Marshfield" helicopter to aid in the search of the scene. No firearm was found with the man.
Happy to be Found! - Warden Pat Novesky of Mountain heard a shot about 15 minutes after the end of shooting hours and began walking that direction. About 10 minutes later, Warden Novesky heard another shot this time about 50 feet away. As Warden Novesky announced his presence an excited and appreciative hunter stated "Thank God, I’ve been lost in here since 1:00 O’clock". The hunter was about 2 miles from the rest of his party and was firing in the air to get their attention.
I Should Have Told My Spouse - In another case, Warden Pat Novesky assisted the Oconto County Sheriff’s Department with attempting to locate a lost hunter who had apparent heart problems. The hunter’s vehicle was eventually found parked at a local "gin mill" and the hunter was fine, however had forgot to check in with his wife.
Isn't the fall that gets you, it’s the sudden stop at the bottom - On Tuesday November 20th, Warden Knepper participated in a search and rescue operation in Clark County. An older gentleman had climbed up into an oak tree during a deer drive for a better view. A branch broke and the man fell about 8-10 feet and landed on his head and neck. Warden Knepper was the first on scene and walked two miles back into swampy woods where the victim was laying down, afraid to move. Warden Knepper helped update the medical team on the victim’s condition. The subject had to be put on a backboard and hauled out from two miles in the woods. It took a long time to get the victim out, after which he was air lifted by the "Spirit" helicopter to the Marshfield Hospital. The victim had remained in the hospital for one day. A "dedicated" member of the victim’s group took his loaded rifle back into the woods with the rescuers in case a deer would be kicked up. When it came time to take the victim out of the woods, we needed that extra person to rotate carrying the victim. However, the hunter could not help since he had to carry his gun.
Sad young man listens well - In Chippewa County Warden Gullickson assisted the sheriff’s department with locating a 69-year-old hunter who died of apparent natural causes while attempting to make a deer drive toward his 12-year-old grandson. The grandson waited 10 hours at his stand for his grandfather before going for help. He told his mother that he thought he was lost and that Warden Gullickson had told him in hunter education class to stay put until help arrived. He did just that.
Dangers surrounding dams - Warden Rosen was called to a boat accident during the gun deer season. Two anglers had ignored the warnings of the dam gates opening and became caught in heavy current along the Lake Mallalieu dam and were repeatedly and violently smashed against the dam. The anglers were forced to scale the face of the dam to escape with their lives. One angler was given private transport to the Hospital for treatment of a broken leg. Warden Rosen and a St Croix County Deputy retrieved the capsized vessel, which will most likely be a total loss.
Full service agency - Warden Peterson and Stone searched for a 10-year-old boy for approximately 2 hours before he was found. The boy’s father was the subject of an investigation and when he was contacted regarding the investigation, reported that his son was missing. No other LE agencies were called to assist.
Tree stand safety - Wardens Bauman, Leezer, Modjeski, and Burmesch responded to an incident where a hunter fell from a tree stand. Bauman and Leezer provided transportation for EMT’s through fields and carried emergency equipment up steep hills to the scene to attempt to save the victim. The victim was transported by the wardens to a site where Med-flight could transport the victim to a hospital. Unfortunately, the victim died.
Car problems - Wardens got a call to respond to search for lost hunters on the Kickapoo Wildlife Area near Wauzeka. While wardens were starting to search the 2000-acre property, the Crawford County Sheriff’s Dept. was attempting to locate family of the owners of the two vehicles at the DNR parking lot. Both persons, who had been hunting together, were found at home. They had car problems on both vehicles and got rides with someone else. On the other hand…information from this incident led to two felons hunting with firearms later in the season.
A long ways to just get lost - A hunter from Louisiana who did not come out of the Kickapoo Wildlife Area by their group's designated meeting time of 3:30 p.m. At 6:30 p.m., his hunting partners went to a nearby residence and called the sheriff' dept. The property owner rode his horse onto the property and after a short search found the subject. With the use of his portable radio he called a family member who picked up the lost hunter with an ATV and transported him to the parking lot. A thank you card will be sent to the property owner.
Those hills are dangerous - The Grant County Sheriffs Department reported that they had received a telephone call reporting that a hunter had fallen off a cliff near Cassville and broke his leg. He had to be taken out by boat. Later it was learned that he was hunting by himself and had gone in by boat, and was climbing the hillside when he slipped and ended up breaking his leg. It was quite a while before anyone came looking for him.
Good news - Warden Mike Cross responded to a call from the Jefferson County Sheriff's Dept. regarding an elderly hunter overdue from the field. The public hunting ground he was on adjoins a vast tamarack swamp and it was almost the end of hunting hours and getting dark. En route to assist, Cross secured permission from a private landowner to use a gate on his property for access if they needed to get rescue vehicles in behind the public land. All was well, as the hunter returned to his relieved son's vehicle by himself!
All's well that ends well - Warden Mike MacKenzie did assist at a search and rescue attempt on the Northern Highland American Legion State Forest the second Saturday of the season. MacKenzie met with hunters and attempted to locate a lost 15-year-old hunter. The local fire department personnel, sheriff’s department and rangers were also there. MacKenzie assisted both Saturday evening and Sunday morning. The hunter was located the following morning, cold, wet, but in good shape.
It's worth a buck - Warden’s McGeshick assisted the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office in locating a lost hunter in Consolidated Paper Company Property northeast of Monico, WI. The hunter had shot a six point buck and was trailing it when started to get late. The hunter found the deer and after tagging and field dressing the deer the hunter began to drag the deer out. It became late and it was not a clear night to assist the hunter in finding his way out. The other hunters in his hunting party called the sheriff’s department and requested their assistance in locating their lost party member. McGeshick arrived on scene and assisted the sheriff’s department. The hunter was able to get out of the woods by following the sounds of the siren of the patrol vehicles. The hunter left the deer in the woods so to find his way out easier. The hunter went back the following morning to retrieve the buck.
If I'm lost, I'm going to be warm - Warden’s McGeshick and Osborne were called by the Forest County Sheriff’s Office to look for a lost hunter in the Nicolet National Forest by Armstrong Creek, WI in the northeastern corner of Forest County. The other hunter hunting with the lost hunter called the sheriff’s department with a cell phone. McGeshick and Osborne traveled to the scene of the lost hunter and found a person on the side of Forest Service Road sitting next to a fire. McGeshick and Osborne contacted the person by the fire and found it to be the supposed lost hunter. There was a communication shortcoming between the two hunters. One hunter came out of the woods farther down from the other hunter. The two individuals were about 500 yards away from each other. Better communication between the two would have avoided the situation.
Just forget about everything - Warden Lindsley assisted the Florence County Sheriff’s Office in locating a lost hunter who was overdue by a week. Warden’s four-wheel drive squad was able to check areas where squad cars found it inaccessible. Hunter was located in fine health and unaware that he should have called home once in a while.
Sourballs might save your life someday - There was only one search and rescue incident for the Cumberland Team this season. On the opening day a 75-year-old hunter became lost near the Burnett-Polk County line on county forestland. He was not seen after 2:30 p.m. The Burnett County Sheriff’s Department initiated a search effort the next morning. Warden’s King, Smith, Edwards and Deputy Warden Tamara Larson assisted. Additionally, Warden Larson used her trained bloodhound. Pilot Phil Miller assisted with this effort also. Deputy Larson was approximately 100 yards from the lost hunter when he was spotted by Pilot Miller. The hunter was in good condition after spending the night outside and stated that he had gotten along well on the supply of sourballs he had in his pocket.
Warm weather makes it better - Warden DiSalvo and Bayfield County deputies were involved in the search for a lost 13-year-old. The youngster spent the night in the wood. Hunters in the area came upon the boy and led him out as Mark was arranging for the DNR pilot to begin a search. Dense fog had prohibited an earlier flight. The youngster had walked off behind the cabin to a stand and then decided to go to a different stand and got lost. Luckily the weather was warm. The father was relieved and then was instructed about the need to be with the youngster while hunting. A citation was also issued to bring home the point.
HUNTING ACCIDENTS
Firearm related shooting incidents while hunting were down during the firearm deer season compared to the previous two years. This year there were 19 total incidents reported most of which happened on the first two days of the season (see Chart #1 below). From a safety point of view this season was bittersweet. The 2001 gun deer season the 5th safest season on record for total numbers of accidents. Unfortunately, 7 of the accidents were fatalities. This is the highest number of fatalities reported since the 1987 season when there were 8 fatalities (see Graph #1 below). While there were 7 fatal accidents reported, it is important to note that when the investigations are competed that one or more of these may not be recorded as a hunting related incident. Our hearts go out to the families and friends of those that were involved in a hunting incident.
It has been asked as to what can these incidents, both fatal and nonfatal injuries, be attributed; what was the common denominator that caused these things to happen. There are an infinite number of possible contributing factors, which can add to the cause of these things happening. Weather (snow or fog vs no snow or clear skies), topography (hills vs flat cornfields), type of ground cover (open fields vs thick forests) can be an issue. However, none of these causes a hunter to pull the trigger; that decision rests with each individual hunter. There’s no question that when we have snow cover during the gun deer season visibility is better. Perhaps some of these incidents this year would not have happened if there had been snow. In every firearms related incident whether they are fatal or an injury, whether they are self inflicted or caused by someone else there are some common denominators. Those are: Failure to point the muzzle in a safe direction, failure to keep the safety on and your finger out of the trigger guard until ready to shoot, failure to positively identify your target, failure to have a safe backstop for your shots, and failure to always know your safe zones of fire. Simply put, hunters will be safe when they decide to be safe. The very good news is that the great majority of our hunters are safe and they are getting safer all the time. As we have increased the numbers of hunters in Wisconsin the hunting incident rate continues to drop. This deer season we had over 600,000 hunters in the field. To have only 19 reported incidents is remarkable. The incident rate for this season was 3.1 per 100,000 participants. That is less than half the national average of 7 per 100,000 participants.
Some of the particular facts of this season are that this is the 5th time we have had less than 20 total incidents to report. The percentage of these, which were caused by juvenile hunters (-12 – 17 year old), dropped to 23.5%. The statistical normal percentage is 33% for this age group. The average age of the shooters causing these was 33.9. Deer drives were a contributing factor in 42% of the incidents. Handguns dropped to only 1 reported injury this season. One very disturbing fact is that 3 of these incidents this year involved juveniles of ages 12 and 13 hunting alone contrary to law, which requires this age group to be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Hunters shooting themselves caused 31%.
Over time we see a continuing trend of declining numbers of gun deer hunting incidents. To have a season with less than 20 total gun related incidents is truly remarkable and yet unacceptable. Our hunter education program’s goal is to see a season with no reported incidents. As we continue to certify more hunters every year in hunter education we expect to see safer seasons to come. I’d like to personally thank all of our safe hunters, volunteer instructors, conservation wardens and department staff that have contributed to such a successful incident reduction trend.
Chart #1
2001 DEER GUN SEASON ACCIDENTS
#ACCIDENTS Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thr Fri Sat Sun Total
Fatal 4 1 1 1 7
Nonfatal 5 3 2 2 12
Graph #1
ARRESTS AND SEIZURES
ARRESTS:
There were 1340 arrests during the deer gun season, a decrease (13%) from 2000, when 1533 arrests were made (see attachment #2). This year was the lowest number of arrests since 1976 (see Graph # 2 below). This year continued the downward trend in juvenile citations with only 38 issued. It is felt that this is a direct result of the hunter education program and the work of over 4000 plus volunteer instructors.
Some trends appear in examination of individual arrest categories. Not surprisingly, arrests for "hunting before/after hours" dropped from 226 in 1999 to just 69 in 2000 and 39 arrests this year. The liberalized hours and the wardens not working on late shooters because of the danger, account for most of this drop. Citations for "hunt from or within 50 feet of the road", or "shoot from the roadway" number 168 this year, down slightly from 186 in 2000. Warm conditions that allowed hunters to stay in the woods all day generally discouraged hunters from shooting from the roadway. Arrests for hunting over illegal bait continues to increase, numbering 99 this year, up from 80 in 2000(up 19% in a year when total citations were down 13%). Most baiters cited are substantially over the 10-gallon limit, with amounts well in excess of 100 gallons common and almost always involved in other violations. The most common citations continue to be transporting loaded or uncased firearms, with 249 citations issued, down from 342 in 2000.
Hunting without blaze orange citations increased by 43% this year. Wardens reported that hunters were eager to shed their coats in the warm weather and most did not have lighter orange clothing to wear. Surprisingly, hunters were willing to take a chance with this important safety regulation.
Of particular interest is the fact that since 1976 the numbers of juvenile citations have generally declined. Juveniles accounted for 13 percent of the total arrests in 1976 and for only 3 percent in 2001. It is felt that the hunter education program is responsible for most of this decline.
Graph #2
The top 10 citations are listed in Chart #2 below from the highest to the lowest. Hunt from a permanent tree stand on public lands had the most significant percentage change from last year with a 53% decrease.
ATV’s continue to be a significant part of deer hunting. Their use grows each year. Wardens issued 70 citations to ATV operators during the season. This year, the most common violation was for operation of an ATV on the roadway. While ATV’s are a tremendous tool for removing deer and getting to and from hunting spots, they are a source of significant complaints from the public, especially on public lands.
Chart #2
2001 RANK 2000 RANK VIOLATION 2001
TOTAL 2000
TOTAL % CHANGE
1 1 Uncased firearm in or on a motor vehicle 131 172 - 31 %
2
2 Loaded firearm in or on a motor vehicle 118 170 - 44 %
3 6 Hunt over illegal bait 99 80 + 19 %
4 5 Hunt within 50 feet of a road 85 85 SAME
5 3 Shoot w/in 50’ of Road 83 101 - 18 %
6 4 Failure to attach or validate the carcass tag 54 88 - 39 %
7 10 Operate ATV on roadway 42 36 +17 %
8 9 Hunt before or after hours 39 47 - 17 %
9 11 Group deer hunting 38 27 +19%
10 19 Hunt without blaze orange 33 19 +43%
14 7 Hunt deer in the wrong quota area 24 49 - 51 %
16 8 Hunt from permanent tree stand on state property 22 47 - 53 %
SEIZURES:
Illegal deer seizures numbered 150 this year, down from 260 last year (also a year with lots of tags), but below the 356 deer seized in 1998 (see Chart #3 below). As noted below, some folks continue to not tag deer (or validate their tags), despite having a pocketful of tags.
Chart #3
2000 DEER GUN SEASON SEIZURES
#SEIZURES Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thr Fri Sat Sun Total
Illegal Deer 4 39 27 14 11 11 6 8 19 11 150
Illegal Bear 1 1 2 1 5
GENERAL COMMENTS
SHERIFF'S DEPT. COOPERATION - The cooperation between the Department and local sheriff's departments was again excellent. There were many instances where sheriff's deputies were handling conservation violations. In a few instances wardens handled trespass and traffic to fill in behind a county officer. Dispatchers simply sent the closest car. The cooperation and partnering was excellent between all involved and allowed for a smooth and safe deer season.
CONSERVATION WORK EFFORT - Traditionally, conservation wardens work over 18,000 hours of deer enforcement during the pay periods surrounding the deer season. Additionally, there was a tremendous amount of effort in both in the early hunts and working shiners at night…..and it’s not over yet. We still have the Muzzleloader season, Zone-T late hunt and the late archery to go. Complaints from the deer season will continue well into 2002 and will result in arrests and the seizure of many more illegal deer before the next season comes around. My thanks to all our wardens who put in so many long hours under difficult and dangerous conditions this fall. There is a tradition in the warden service to measure ones career in how many deer seasons they have left to work. I would like to especially thank those wardens who may have worked their last deer season as a Game Warden! Now, it’s time for them to go hunt or just spend time with their families!
Attachment #3
ENFORCEMENT HIGHLIGHTS & LOWLIGHTS
Sometimes, in order to understand a warden’s job, you need to hear about some of the routine contacts that are made. Wardens seek out and find people in every conceivable situation – both good and bad. While 95% of the hunters are good people out having fun, there are some marginal hunters that the warden must deal with. We must continue to strive to correct these problems! These stories are grouped as "Positive Incidents Involving Hunters" and "Highlighted, Exceptional or Unusual Cases or Seizures." It is the intent of the warden service that people can read these and learn from other peoples actions.
Positive Incidents Involving Hunters:
"Not in Any Hurry" - Many hunters were enjoying the balmy weather and interested in taking a longer than usual amount of time talking with wardens during routine checks. This generally worked well, as wardens were not as eager to get back in the truck and spin precious miles away. Hunter’s did not seem to have the same enthusiasm to hunt hard during this season.
"Self-Policing Hunters" -- It is safe to say that a lot of hunters are getting tired of poaching activities. The cooperation from the public this fall has been really impressive. Many wardens report that nearly all the complaints they received were excellent with good information available to follow-up on. Waterfowl hunters on Lake Onalaska realized that wardens were busy with deer season and decided to help out by keeping wardens advised of waterfowl violations by cell phone. Warden Bauman made several arrests for exceeding the bag limit on ducks and shooting canvasbacks during the closed season with this help. Warden Manteuffel contacted one hunter that left his tree stand in order to get the license plate number of a vehicle that he saw shoot a deer off of the road. Unfortunately, the hunter was not able to get a license plate number before the poacher speed off.
"Sensible Shooting" -- Many hunters stated that they passed up shooting some deer on opening weekend due to concerns about how many deer they could take care of without the meat spoiling. They only shot what they knew they could handle and didn't want to waste any.
"Reporting Illegal Activity" - Warden Todd Wippermann of Waupaca had one hunter follow and obtain a license number from a vehicle whose occupants were shining deer after legal hours. This information resulted in follow-up contact by Warden Wippermann who issued a citation to the subject.
"Change of Heart?" - Warden Jeremy Cords of Chilton completed an illegal deer investigation that will result in criminal charges against the person responsible. The defendant in this case volunteered to pay for the meat processing as long as it was donated to charity, and was looking for ways to help the DNR in Calumet County. Maybe this person has seen the light.
"Resilient Deer?" -- Warden John Buss received a call from a local Sauk County hunter that turned himself in for violating a hunting regulation. The hunter stated that he shot a deer from his deer stand and the deer fell over. The hunter climbed out of his tree stand and turned around to look over at the deer he shot and the deer was standing again. The hunter shot the deer and it fell over a second time. When the hunter went over to the deer there were two bucks that were dead. The hunter thought he was shooting at the same deer. The hunter called Buss and turned himself in. Warden Buss seized one deer and let the hunter keep the other buck. The hunter stated that he had extra tags back at the house, however, he did not want to violate the group deer hunting law.
"Misreading Tags" -- Warden Heather Gottschalk received a call from a hunter who realized, after hearing some other hunters talk about the carcass tags, that he had shot a deer for which he did not have a tag for but originally thought he did. He contacted Warden Gottschalk and informed her of the situation. He felt terrible that he had misread the tags and had shot a deer he was not entitled to. He had both deer butchered and was more than willing to accept any decision Warden Gottschalk made. Although the hunter did take an extra deer, it was a mistake that we are sure others made and did not have the conscious or morality to call in. The meat was seized and that was the end of it.
"Warden Krueger Goes the Extra Mile" -- On opening day Warden Casey Krueger was talking with an elderly gentleman, who was giving Warden Krueger information regarding some other hunters on state land. The individual was informing Warden Krueger that he was very hard of hearing and never sees any deer, he just enjoyed coming out and sitting in the woods. Warden Krueger could hear a deer coming through the slashing, and alerted the elderly hunter. Both the hunter and Warden Krueger held still as Warden Krueger watched for the deer. Seconds later the deer revealed itself and Warden Krueger pointed out the deer to the hunter. The hunter could still not see or hear the deer. Warden Krueger again pointed out the deer. The hunter then saw the deer and lifted his rifle. With one clean shot the deer was downed. The hunter took off running towards the deer, thanking Warden Krueger numerous times for helping him with the deer. Krueger assisted him with the "new" tagging system, shook the hunter’s hand and left the area.
"Rambo’s Just Obeying the Law" -- Warden Jill Schartner (Green County) saw what she could only describe as "Rambo" this deer season. A hunter standing along the roadway, holding six shotguns, several guns strapped over his shoulders and a shotgun in each hand. He explained that a deer drive had just gotten finished and he was left, to hold the guns, since no one brought gun cases along. He stated they did not want to put the uncased firearms in the vehicle, so everyone else drove back in the drop off cars and he was waiting for their return.
"Anyone Lose Some Deer?" - A hunter from Watertown observed two deer fall off the back of a vehicle on the Interstate north of Madison. He picked up the deer and attempted to catch up to the driver to no avail. After he took the two deer to a processor along with his deer, he called the Hotline to advise them what happened and where the deer were if anyone reported them missing.
"Memories of Hunter Safety Not Foggy" -- Several hunters mentioned that due to the heavy fog they passed up shots on opening day. The hunters expressed safety concerns as they could not see beyond the deer. It is nice to see hunters following the third rule of hunter safety.
"Decoy’s Reputation Doing the Job" -- Warden Chuck Horn only received one complaint of shooting off the road and the suspects were quickly contacted and cited. This is down significantly from Horn’s first several seasons in Grant County, where 30-40 complaints of road hunting a season were not uncommon. The reputation of the "decoy" has had a definite impact as well. Hunters told Horn that they saw his decoy out in areas that it was never deployed. Horn just smiled and nodded.
"Trespass Complaints Down" -- Warden Mike Cross reports that trespassing complaints were down in his area, as it seems many hunters have taken steps to comply with the rules by asking permission well in advance, and ensuring their companions do the same.
"ATV Riders Know the Rules" -- Wardens Dave Youngquist and Gervis Myles worked under the plane for several hours and the pilot talked the wardens into a group a mile of the road on private land of a large landowner who were using ATV’s to get around and had a network of trails. The hunters had gun cases for their firearms and were unloading their guns before transport. It was good to see this compliance level in such a remote area.
"First Deer a Real Drag" -- Warden Rick DeWitte had encountered a young hunter who had shot his first deer and found out how difficult it was to drag it back on a warm afternoon. He had reported that several other older hunters not from their hunting party, stopped by to help him drag his deer to the road.
"DNR Hotline Does Work" - Warden Todd Schaller of Fond du Lac spoke with a Hotline complainant on a "Hunting After Hour’s" violation. The complainant was very pleased with the investigative results and used it as a positive lesson for his daughter who is new to hunting. The complainant is also Hunter Safety Instructor and plans on teaching future classes that the violation reporting system does work.
"Able to Retrieve Deer" - Warden Chris Kratcha Sturgeon Bay has finally heard positive comments from two different groups in Southern Door County stating how they and their neighbors let each other onto their respective lands to retrieve and tag wounded deer. Warden Kratcha has heard just the opposite reaction in the past.
"Starting Late and Quitting Early" - Warden Mike Neal of Sister Bay had numerous hunters express concerns about the hunting hours this season and tell him that they were not walking in until legal hunting hours or were leaving the woods early because it was too dark to see anything. He was very glad to see that a number of hunters were using excellent discretion when deciding to begin or end their hunting each day.
"Nice Weather Keeps Complaints Down" -- Warden Supervisor Arendt reports that the lack of complaints due to the weather keeping the hunters in the woods has made a positive impact on hunters from the traditional complaints as the hunters stayed away from the road hunting practices.
"The Hugging Hunter" -- Warden’s Sealander and Nimz encountered a woman at her truck with a deer she had just shot. She had gone out on her own and had shot, tagged, field dressed and dragged the deer back to her vehicle all on her own. She was so excited about doing everything by her self that she even gave Warden Nimz a great big hug!
"Hunter Patience" -- Many hunters displayed a high degree of patience in regards to the confusion with the tagging regulations. Many hunters called wardens to ask questions to make sure they were ‘doing the right thing’. One hunter in Racine County had turned up at the registration station with an improperly tagged deer. The warden was called and the hunter was asked to wait for the warden. The warden was delayed at a serious vehicle accident. Despite the fact this hunter was aware that he potentially faced arrest and issuance of a citation, he waited an hour and a half for the warden to arrive so he could explain what happened. Even though the hunter lost his deer, the contact between the hunter and warden was a positive one.
"Hunting Party Ethics" -- One member of a hunting party called in a complaint on another new member of the same hunting group who had shot a deer off of the road. Went back to the landowner and told him where they went. The complainant did not feel that he could let this go. Warden Kalmerton responded to the area, the 10 point buck that had been shot was seized and the shooter was cited.
"Wisdom Beyond His Years" – From Warden Drake: I had one story told to me on the last Sunday of the season by a father and son. The 14-year-old told me that he had a small buck come by at about 15 yards before hours on opening day. He kept looking at his watch waiting for hunting hours to begin. Unfortunately the buck left before hunting time arrived. The same young hunter saw a six pointer (the same deer perhaps) a couple days later but did not take the shot because he was concerned about some houses in the background. Two very wise decisions. I am happy to report that the young hunter did say that he harvested an antlerless deer later in the season and is looking forward to getting the buck next year.
"You Should Have Listened" -- A hunting party was contacted on a logging road after the close of hunting hours. They were all standing around their vehicles talking when contacted by the Wardens. When contacted one of the hunters had an uncased and loaded gun on the vehicle. Several of the hunters in this party stated this hunter deserves a ticket because he is unsafe and they just told him to get the gun unloaded. The Warden obliged the other hunters and the violator was issued a citation.
"Community Donation" -- When Warden DiSalvo’s truck was broken down, he was provided the use of a local business mans truck and cell phone to follow some suspected violators when they were spotted driving through town. He called his supervisor while in the private truck and informed him he was really saving money by using a donated truck and cell phone! The suspects were followed and the case investigated because of the positive relationship Mark has in his community and their willingness to help him.
"Helping Others a Reward in Itself" -- Wardens Kroeplin and Zebro contacted two hunters who were hunting on Washburn County forest property. The two hunters stated that shortly after daylight another hunter "encroached" on their hunting area. When this person shot a nice 8 point buck they decided to contact him. When the not-too-happy hunters found that the other hunter was an elderly gentleman they helped him field dress the buck and drag it to his vehicle.
"A Family Affair" -- Warden Swanson contacted a group of hunters that represented four family generations. This group proved that hunting is truly a family affair.
Highlighted, Exceptional or Unusual Cases or Seizures:
"I Fought the Deer . . . and the Deer Won!" - Warden Mike Stahl of Oconto Falls was called to rescue a frantic deer trapped in a baseball field fence in the City of Oconto Falls. While attempting to rope the deer’s’ neck, the doe stood up and slapped Warden Stahl in the face with her hoof twice before he could react. After a brief "starry" moment in time Warden Stahl was able to rope her and with the aid of other officers "flex cuff" the deer’s legs and transport the deer to safety outside of the city. Fortunately he was not hurt but there were plenty of rodeo fans on hand to see the show.
"Thou Shall Not Poach" - Wardens Steve Daye of Marinette and Ed McCann investigated a complaint and interviewed a suspect who confessed to tagging two antlerless deer with Zone T tags outside of a Zone T Unit. Interestingly this confession took place in suspect’s dining room where a painting of retired Warden Doug Hoskins "Thou Shall Not Poach" hung on the wall.
"Headlighting & Loaded Guns Don’t Mix" – Wardens Steve Daye of Marinette and Ed McCann nabbed an individual the Friday before season while he was using the vehicle’s headlights to shine while in possession of a loaded gun behind the seat. He also told the wardens about borrowed archery tags and the others involved in the ring.
"Tip of the Iceberg" – Four males, ages 17 to 19, were stopped by the Manitowoc County Sheriff’s deputies on Monday evening of the gun deer season for a traffic violation, which led to their arrests for drug offenses. Warden Robert Stroess of Manitowoc responded to the jail because a loaded rifle and a spotlight were found in the front seat of the vehicle. Written confessions were obtained implicating the four individuals in various violations, including Hunting Deer with Aid of An Artificial Light, Possess Firearm While Shining Deer, Possess Firearm While Shining Wild Animals, Shine After Hours, Transport Loaded Gun in Vehicle, Transport Uncased Gun in Vehicle, Hunt Deer After Hours, Possession of a Rifle in Shotgun Zone, Fail to Wear Blaze Orange While Hunting Deer, and Fail to Display Back Tag While Hunting Deer.
"Turning Yourself In?" -- Just the day before the deer gun season Warden Holmes concluded an investigation about a buck that was shot illegally in the Zone-T season in late October. Warden Holmes had an individual approach him to report that a known poacher had shot and killed a buck during the zone t season. This buck was left in the woods to rot after being shot. Warden Holmes and Warden Nerva did find this buck and a shell casing were left at the scene of the crime. Subsequent interviews by Warden Holmes, Warden Nerva, and Warden Meyer have shown that the deer was actually killed by the original complainant who was trying to get another poacher in trouble for the criminal offense. Evidence of a firearm and shell casing has been seized and a forensic match may be sought with the assistance of the crime lab. This investigation has led the wardens to four bucks that were shot illegally over the last two seasons. Charges of filing a false complaint and illegal deer are pending on several individuals.
"Deer Driving?" -- Warden Holmes received a complaint about some youths illegally running down a buck in the early morning hours just prior to Saturday’s opener. This deer was then taken without a tag. Warden Holmes was able to recover the deer and the truck that was used to hit the deer. The owner ran off into the woods when law enforcement arrived. The deer and the truck were seized. The investigation is pending.
"Reckless Lake Shooting" -- On the last Friday of the season Warden Holmes received a complaint about a hunter shooting recklessly across a lake towards a deer and some homes. This person was not wearing orange or a backtag at the time of the incident. Investigation by Warden Holmes has shown that the person was indeed acting in a reckless manner by shooting across a lake and towards other residences. The person was not wearing blaze orange and had no back tag. The deer was wounded and the hunter made no effort to retrieve the deer. This individual has been cited for several of the violations. The complaining homeowner was satisfied with the outcome of the complaint.
"Dead Wolves" -- Three wolves in the West Central Region were found dead after the opening weekend. Wardens are investigating the deaths in conjunction with Special Agents from the US Fish & Wildlife Service.
"The Gall of Some Bear Poachers" -- Wardens Yearman and Brann are investigating the shooting of a black bear in eastern Eau Claire County where the gall bladder and hams were skillfully removed and taken. This was in a remote location and as of this time no suspects have been found, although some evidence has been recovered.
"Still a Dangerous Job!" -- On opening day, Wardens Thiede and Cork located a button buck on a deer pole at a Jackson County deer camp. The deer had been tagged, but the hunter had failed to slit the date and time of kill as required. Nobody was at the cabin, so the wardens seized the invalid tag and continued their patrol. About two hours later, at dusk, the wardens again walked beyond the gate of the remote camp. A pickup truck was parked on a woods road above the cabin. Darkness silenced the sounds of distant shots as Thiede and Cork waited at the hunter’s truck. The first hunter, shrouded by darkness, drove an unregistered ATV to the waiting wardens. Surprised and angry, the man was persuaded by gunpoint to hand over the loaded and uncased rifle he held in one hand. On the rear rack of the ATV was an untagged deer. The second hunter had not yet returned to his truck when the wardens escorted the first hunter to the front yard of his cabin. Suddenly, the headlights of the second hunter’s pickup truck illuminated the wardens as it accelerated down the woods road and swerved sharply toward the wardens before coming to an abrupt stop. An angry man exited the driver’s door while holding an uncased and loaded rifle. He held the deer rifle at waist level, muzzle forward. The wardens, in full uniform, immediately identified themselves and persuaded the man to put down his rifle. Appropriate charges were issued and the deer seized.
"Always Hang Your Untagged Deer in the Same Spot" -- Wardens Jodarski and Hallinan received some information about some individuals that had shot a deer from a road and had taken the deer to their apartment untagged to cut up. Wardens Jodarski and Hallinan contacted one of the suspects at his apartment and found some freshly wrapped venison in a freezer. Suspect stated that the deer was registered and was taken legally. Warden's Jodarski and Hallinan had the suspect show them where the deer was gutted and hung. Suspect took the Wardens to a rural residence outside Mauston where an untagged deer was found hanging in the same tree as the first deer was earlier. Both suspects, who were brothers, were encouraged to be truthful and eventually gave voluntary, signed statements that they shot the first deer from the road, transported the untagged deer to Mauston where they eventually tagged and registered the deer. The one brother further stated that he shot a nub buck and hung it, untagged in the same tree because he was late for an interview for a job. He was planning on coming back later to tag the deer.
"Is That a Diaper…?" -- While checking a remote deer camp in Trempealeau County, Wardens Thiede and Harelson encountered a "diapered" deer. Unseasonably warm temperatures on opening weekend had forced hunters to take drastic measures to preserve their venison. After hanging the field dressed buck from a tree, the men, confident that their actions were concealed behind an old barn, placed a burlap "diaper" on the deer. The burlap sack, of course, acted as a support for ice packed into the body cavity of the deer. The hunters, truly enjoying deer camp, insisted that the wardens join them in a group photo.
"Dad Likes to Howl at the Moon" -- Warden Scott Thiede and Deputy Warden Tim Price followed tire imprints to a lone hunter walking a remote woods trail on a large tract of private land in Jackson County. The hunter stated that more hunters were at two pickup trucks parked further down the trail. As the wardens drove forward, the lone hunter began howling like a wolf. Apparently, the howling was a signal for the "pack" of five hunters to meet on the trail. The wardens did not find other hunters at the trucks, because they had come out of the woods to join the lone hunter after the wardens drove forward. When contacted, four of the hunters were licensed and carried rifles. A 12-year-old in the group did not possess a firearm, but he was wearing his 19-year-old brother’s backtag/carcass tags. His older brother was not hunting with the group. The dad stated that his unlicensed son was there to assist with deer drives, and that he was not hunting. He had, of course, forgotten to remove the backtag from his older son’s coat. Possible yes, but suspicion hung in the air like opening day fog as Deputy Warden Price disappeared into the woods. Dad’s other rifle, the one used by the unlicensed hunter, was found partially hidden under leaves about 50 feet off the trail.
"Can’t We All Just Get Along?" -- After opening weekend, a hunter phoned Warden Thiede to report "hunter harassment" from someone on private lands adjacent to his property. The early morning solitude of opening day was shattered by high volume country music emanating from the distant fog. Upon investigation, the landowner located two boom boxes strategically located on stools at the property line. The portable speakers were directed at his property. Although he never saw anyone, someone would turn the portable stereos on and off as if taunting the deer hunter.
"Long Time Violator" -- Wardens Modjeski and Spors investigated a hotline and issued a citation to one of the suspects for transporting an uncased and loaded rifle inside the cab of a Case International tractor. After explaining the citation, the violator commented "I've been doing this for 50-years!"
"Almost Too Much Help" -- Warden Knepper responded to a fresh killed buck on private quality deer management land. Three hunters were sitting in their cabin when they heard three rifle shots next to their road. The hunters observed a large ten-point buck lying dead on their field. The hunters moved the deer in case the subjects were going to come back to look for it. About fifteen minutes later the subjects returned and dropped off a subject in the field with a portable marine band radio. The subject was scared off the land by the hunting party. Warden Knepper arrived immediately after this had happened and met with the hunting party. Warden Knepper had the three individuals go back to the cabin area to avoid detection if the subjects came back again. To Warden Knepper’s surprise the violators came back about 20 minutes later and searched for the deer with an 800,000-candle power spot light. Warden Knepper stopped the vehicle and obtained a confession from the driver that he had shot the large buck while standing on the road.
"Didn’t Get Enough Turkey on Thanksgiving" -- On the last day of the gun deer hunt, Wardens Knepper and Schwengel responded to a turkey poaching complaint in northeastern Clark County. The complainant stated that two men in a pick-up fired 5-6 shots, with a rifle, from their vehicle, off a busy county highway. The wardens observed a dead hen turkey in a field and watched for any suspicious vehicles that might be returning to pick up the turkey. Nobody returned to pick up the bird. The wardens retrieved two .223 shells from the scene and Warden Knepper later collected a tire impression mold. Wardens Knepper and Schwengel interviewed some subjects believed to be involved or knowledgeable of the violation or suspects. One of the subjects had his Chapter 29 privileges revoked for a period of six years for shining and shooting deer in two counties. The other subject is on probation for a burglary. Warden Knepper interviewed the subject on probation and found that he was uncooperative. Warden Knepper notified his probation officer, who immediately placed the subject in jail. Warden Knepper then went to the Clark County Jail and re-interviewed the subject on probation, who gave a full confession.
"Got to Love the Dedication of a Packer Fan!" -- Wardens Hausman and Peterson spotted a car parked on a "goat trail", in Pierce Co., with a hunter slumped over the wheel. Upon contact Warden Hausman observed an uncased shot gun on the seat next to the "hunter", who was fast asleep listening to the Packer game. Warden Hausman woke up the individual and after identifying himself as a Warden and asking if he happened to have a handicapped permit. The subject muttered, " he should have got it, he should have got it…….." Warden Hausman asked, "the permit?". "No he should have caught that pass…..". He wasn’t quite awake yet apparently. He was also found to be intoxicated and was relieved of his gun and also cited.
"Just Plain Sad!" -- Wardens Wilson and Treml apprehended a man for hunting from a road and also di, scovered he had shot multiple deer whic, h were tagged with his wife’s tags who had not been hunting. The man also forced his young son to tag another deer so the father could keep his tag.
"Returning to the Scene of the Crime" -- Warden Mezei received a complaint about shooting from the roadway. After hearing shots, the complainant found two hunters walking on his field, two empty shell casings on the road, and recorded the license plate number. The following morning the complainant called and said he found a fresh drag trail on the field that the hunters had shot on. Wardens Mezei and Meyer worked their way down to the area and as they were driving down the road passed the suspect vehicle. Both individuals first denied being on that road the previous day or shooting. Later they did admit to it and said they came back at 8 p.m. to get the deer. They had dragged the deer off of the field and into a wood lot before the complainant had contacted them. The deer was a doe and was tagged with a hunter choice tag belonging to the shooter's father-in-law. The father-in-law was not present when the deer was shot. The deer was later recovered from a hunting camp. The criminals always return to the scene of the crime.
"Street Justice" -- Wardens Bauman and Leezer investigated a complaint of a hunter who shot across a highway at a deer, firing shots in front of and behind a vehicle traveling down the road. The driver of the vehicle, a fairly large man, stopped his car, walked out to the hunter, dropped the hunter with one punch and seized his weapon until authorities could arrive. Charges of reckless use of a firearm are pending.
"Any More Dumb Questions?" -- Wardens Dewald and Schramm cited a man for loaded guns in a vehicle after the man told his 15 year old son to shoot at a deer decoy from a paved road. When the man received his citation he asked, "who owns the farm that decoy was on"? Warden Dewald responded, "I do." The hunter had no additional questions.
"Right Place, Right Time!" -- On Monday, Warden Kubisiak saw a mother drop off a younger male in the woods at 4:30pm. Warden Kubisiak felt that there was a possibility of the young man being called up to come and tag a deer. Warden Kubisiak contacted the young man and asked if he got dropped off to tag a deer and the young man said he did. After investigation, it was found that the young man’s father had already shot a buck on opening weekend and said that he thought the deer he was going to have his son put his tag on was a doe when he shot it. The deer had been dragged a distance untagged, gutted and hung in a tree prior to the son’s arrival. Warden Kubisiak also contacted the father’s father-in-law who said he "found" a buck deer lying near a tree stand on the property the father in law owned. This deer too was dragged a distance untagged, gutted and laying on the ground. Oh yeah, the father in law also had shot and killed a buck on opening weekend.
"Find a New Place to Violate" -- On the last day of the season Wardens Meyer and Manteuffel received a complaint of deer hunters chasing and shooting at deer in the middle of the Eau Pleine Flowage. After contacting the hunters, three in the group were issued 2 citations for a loaded firearm in a motor boat with the motor running and one for improper boat registration. Wardens Maxinoski and Volenberg had arrested these same three hunters earlier this year at the same location for hunting waterfowl from an open water blind.
"I’d Like to Report a Violation…" -- The Portage County Sheriff’s Department received a complaint about someone shooting from their vehicle in the southern part of the county. A deputy arrived first and met with the caller and his two friends. The caller said that he was following an old green, rusty truck and that the passenger shot out the window at a deer in the field. The caller continued up the road and called in the complaint on his cell phone. The caller then started back to the scene but stopped short when he saw someone gutting the deer. He didn’t get any closer because he was afraid. There was a dead, gutted, doe deer in the field. Upon Warden Meister’s arrival, the officers agreed that there was something amiss. Warden Meister noticed some blood on one of the subject’s shoes and a small amount on his hands. After separating the parties and a half-hour later, the truth was learned. The caller was in his car following his two friends in their car. The passenger in the lead car shot out of the passenger side window and killed a doe deer standing in the field. Sometime during the gutting process, another hunter came along and spooked the trio. In order to cover their tracks and still get the deer, they called in the complaint. After two citations for loaded firearm and shooting from a vehicle were issued, the deer was seized. The deputy also saw fit to issue each of them a citation for obstruction. If only every violator called in complaints on themselves!
"Group Violating" -- Warden’s Goldsworthy and Osborne observed a vehicle that belonged to a past violator and radioed to Warden McGeshick to check the area because the hunter might hunt late. Warden Willems dropped off McGeshick at about 4:25 p.m. Warden McGeshick heard a shot very close to him. Warden McGeshick observed the hunter leave the area. All the Wardens waited in the area for the hunters to return for the deer. Approximately one hour later three hunters returned for the deer. Warden McGeshick observed three hunters gut the deer and drag the deer to a vehicle without a tag on the deer. Another truck arrived and a hunter got out of the vehicle with a tag for the deer. Contact was made and interview conducted. Warden’s Goldsworthy and Osborne went to one of the hunter’s house and checked the four deer he had hanging. One of the deer had a tag on but not validated. Two deer were seized from this contact.
"Can You See the Reasoning for Hunting Hours?" -- Warden Plautz reports arresting a hunter who was still engaged in hunting from his stand at 5:03 p.m. when hunting hours closed at 4:43pm. Warden Plautz was wearing blaze orange and stood in an open field approximately 60 yards away from the hunter when the hunter climbed down from his stand and used binoculars to scan the field. Warden Plautz was utilizing nightvision equipment to observe the hunter looking through his binoculars looking in the direction of Warden Plautz. This hunter did not even see Plautz dressed in blaze orange due to the darkness. The subject was arrested for hunting late.
"Beer and Deer Do Not Mix" -- Wardens’ Dremel and Ashton received a complaint on November 21 at 10pm of a trespassing hunter that had shot two antlerless deer, tagged one, and left the other injured in the woods. A responding Deputy Sheriff dispatched the injured deer. After searching the area, Dremel and Ashton found a ‘fresh’ empty beer bottle near the gut pile of the deer the hunter had tagged. On Thursday, November 22, Dremel returned to the woodlot and contacted a deer hunter walking into the woodlot about ½ mile south of the location the 2 deer had been shot. Warden Dremel was able to obtain a confession from the hunter regarding the incident. While speaking with this hunter, it became clear to Dremel that the hunter had been drinking. Dremel performed field sobriety tests on this subject, which he failed. As Dremel was contacting this hunter, another hunter walked by Dremel drinking a beer on his way in to his deer stand as he carried his shotgun in the other hand. The first subject was arrested for going Armed While Intoxicated, littering, hunting with an Improper License, and for Hunting in an Unauthorized Quota Area. Wardens Eddy and Plautz assisted Dremel as he returned to locate the second hunter. Upon contacting him, the hunter stated he had 2 beers during the Packers/Lions game. This hunter failed sobriety tests and was arrested. He later registered a .22 on an Intoxilyzer at the Racine County Sheriff’s Dept. In addition to an Armed While Intoxicated charge, the subject was also cited for Littering as he left his beer bottle in the woods.
"If I’m Wearing Camo, Maybe the Warden Won’t See Me" -- Warden Eddy received a complaint on Tuesday, November 20 from a sportsman that he had observed a person bow hunting in the M3 DMU. The complainant stated the hunter would wear blaze orange while walking to his stand but once in the stand, the hunter would remove this clothing and hunt in full camouflage. Warden Eddy scouted the stand during the day and returned to the area in the evening. Warden Eddy discovered the subject hunting 21 minutes after hours. The subject was cited for hunting without Blaze orange and for hunting late. Note: Warden Ashton has also received a number of complaints of this same individual violating the fish and game laws.
"A Shining Example" -- On Saturday, November 23, Wardens Ashton and Eddy were checking hunters on a remote piece of private property. Warden Eddy contacted one hunter who was found to be hunting late. Warden Ashton observed a vehicle proceeding across a field throwing a light across the field apparently shining the field with a spotlight. Ashton stopped this vehicle and discovered a hunter returning from the woods. All of the hunter’s gear was stowed in the back of the vehicle with the exception of his shotgun – which was next to him in the front seat. The hunter, who was cooperative, stated that he regularly ‘shines’ his way back home at the end of the hunting day and was aware that it was not legal. The subject was arrested for shining while in possession of a firearm.
"Avoidance Tactics" -- On Saturday, November 23, Warden’s Reed and Dunn received a complaint of a deer shot from the road after closing hours in northwestern Walworth County. A witness described a vehicle that Reed was familiar with. Over the course of a four-day investigation, involving some very uncooperative subjects, Wardens Reed and Dunn did some detective work to solve this case. The wardens recovered the deer from the field. Recovered a slug from the deer, and recovered spent casings from the scene. A trip to the crime lab revealed fingerprints and additional information regarding the firearm involved. Statements from witnesses were taken and several attempts at contacting the suspect were made. One of these contacts involved the suspect placing his vehicle sideways in a woods road to block the wardens’ ability to travel down the trail. He utilized this tactic to flee from contact with the wardens. Reed and Dunn did, however, ultimately contact the suspect and they obtained a confession to shooting that deer and shooting at an additional one. Charges are being formulated at the time of this report and may include counts of Illegal Deer and Obstructing a Warden for a couple of individuals. This group was well known to Waukesha and Walworth County Wardens for several years.
"Lying Doesn’t Add Up" -- From Warden Drake: Regional Warden Mickelberg and myself were driving down a road in Menomonee Falls and noticed a hunter walking along a treed fenceline toward a farm. I pulled into the farm and started to walk toward the location where I had last seen the hunter. Mickelberg started going the down the opposite side of the fenceline but was stopped by an individual coming from the house. I got to where the hunter had been and could not see him. I cut through the fenceline and observed the individual walk from behind a barn. At this time I could see he was not wearing a backtag and did not have a firearm anymore. Mickelberg and I contacted him and he advised that he had put his firearm and other hunting coat with the backtag on it up by the house. It was not possible that the individual had gotten to the house but we went along with it anyway. The hunter then retrieved an unloaded, cased shotgun from the locked trunk of a car. The other coat however did not have a backtag on it either. After questioning him about how he could have gotten in the truck of his car so fast without us seeing him, the hunter advised he had actually been hunting illegally with a rifle and had stashed it in the barn. His backtag was in his pocket. A check of the barn revealed a 30-06 rifle. To make matters worse, the hunter had stashed the loaded, uncased rifle in the front seat of a truck that was parked in the barn. In order to hide one violation, he committed two others.
"State-Wide Cooperation Surprises Violator" -- On November 24th Warden Jumbeck received a call from Dave Lindsley about a road hunting complaint in Florence County. Complainant saw an individual kill a doe while standing on a roadway. The shooter was observed to gut the deer and toss it in a black Chevy truck. Complainant obtained the license plate number that came back to an Oak Creek resident. Upon interviewing subject, Warden Jumbeck found that he actually shot from the opposite ditch across the road and killed the doe. The suspect was under the impression the road he was shooting across was exempt because it was considered a town road. The suspect later admitted he knew the road was on the current county highway map but still thought it was exempted. The road was also newly paved. The doe was seized as evidence of the violation. The level of customer service that we have in this case surprised both Lindsley and the suspect. The suspect committed the violation in Florence County, and on the same evening was contacted and interviewed by Jumbeck. Jumbeck obtained a confession and had a report routed back to Lindsley the next day.
"A Dangerous Situation" -- While working in Lincoln County, Wardens Zeihen and Ganz were called in to a complaint of a hunting dispute. Upon their arrival the wardens were contacted by two men who stated that one of them had shot and killed a doe on that property. While approaching the doe he was contacted by the other hunters brother in law who stated that he did not have permission to hunt on that property and as a result had no right to the deer he had shot. The hunter who shot the doe contacted his friend and they both went back to speak with the in-law. An argument ensued and the irate in-law pushed his sisters husband who responded with the comment "stop pushing me" and then turned with the shooter to approach the dead doe. The brother in law fired a shot into the air behind them and stated "the next one goes into someone’s back". Both men left and called the police department. At the time of Zeihen and Ganz’s arrival the brother in-law was still in the woods with the deer. A local deputy was on the scene and informed Zeihen that the subject had a long and varied history with law enforcement and was known to be unstable. It was determined that rather than go into the woods looking for him, the officers would let him come out the house and contact him there, which is what they did. When contacted, the brother in law was found to be in possession of the deer in question which now had his tag on it. The man gave a statement to Zeihen and Ganz that confirmed what the other men had told them. The Lincoln County Sheriffs Department arrested the man for Reckless Endangerment With A Firearm, as well as being issued a citation by Ganz and Zeihen for Larceny Of Wild Game.
"Hawk Shooting" -- Warden Wolff, working with the Mequon Police Dept., charged a home-owner with shooting a Red-tail Hawk with a .22 rifle and illegal discharge of a firearm within the City limits.
"A sign of the Weather" -- On Thanksgiving Day Warden Pearce observed an individual operating a PWC on Lake Michigan. The operator was cited for failure to have a PFD.
"The Decoy Tricks Another" -- In what was an otherwise uneventful season for Warden Clutter, two hunters, in separate instances, shot from the road at the deer decoy on public land. Both hunters could not believe they had fallen for the decoy, or that neither of them had hit it at 40 yards.
"But I Told Dad to Supervise Me!" -- Warden Nerva had a thirteen-year old boy hunting over an excessive bait pile. When we drove up underneath his stand he was sleeping and did not have a safety harness and could have easily fallen out of stand. When checked he did not know where his father was. He said he told his father that he had to be supervised but his father said to go alone to the stand anyway. Warden Nerva found an empty .30-.06 casing under the stand and asked the boy what he had shot at. The boy said the gun had gone off accidentally yesterday! His father was cited for allowing a juvenile to hunt unsupervised and for allowing the youth to hunt over excessive bait.
"’Sketchy’ Situation Implicates Hunter" -- Warden Lindsley investigated a shoot from the road case referred to Milwaukee County. The suspect insisted he had stepped about 20 feet from the road. To prove his point he drew a sketch of the location. In his illustration he was off the road all right, but on the side opposite from the deer!
"Tip of the Iceberg 2" -- Wardens McGeshick and Osborne received information from the Forest County Sheriff’s Office regarding two individuals who had an uncased firearm in a motor vehicle. McGeshick and Osborne responded to the complaint in Crandon. The two individuals were pulled over by the Crandon Police Officer. The two individuals had open intoxicants in the car while only being 18 years old. The Crandon Police Officer placed them under arrest. McGeshick and Osborne handled the uncased firearms in the vehicle. There were two uncased firearms along with a loaded shotgun in the vehicle. The two individuals had blaze orange clothing in the car along with a spotlight. On the one blaze orange coat there was a backtag attached but it was from 2000. McGeshick interviewed the two subjects and the two subjects admitted to hunting deer without licenses, shining wild animals while in possession of a firearm, hunting small game without a license, and hunt with improper license. The two individuals named another individual who was with them when they committed those previous mentioned violations.
"Decoy Still Bringing in Customers" -- Wardens Burns, DiSalvo, Dryja, Vogelsang, and Quaintance all had hunters that had shot at the decoy from the road and were repeat customers during the deer gun season.
"Will This Get us on TV Again?" – On Sunday, Wardens Vogelsang, Quaintance, and Lemieux were working the decoy when a pickup with MN plates stopped along the road. The passenger loaded up the rifle leaned across the driver and let fly at the decoy out the driver’s side window. When the vehicle was taken to the parking spot Warden Vogelsang noticed the driver and passenger had their wallets out, drivers license in hand, when asked if they had ever been cited for a DNR violation the driver said, "Yes!" When? ,"Three weeks ago!" For what ?," For this!" When looking at the drivers license Warden Vogelsang recognized the city in Minnesota. It was the same driver that had been caught on film for a TV special on the use of the decoys during the zone T hunt. Must be a slow learner. They paid with a credit card the first time but cash the second. Makes one wonder if they did not want the wife to hear about this one.
"Hound Killing Wolf Killed" -- Warden’s Burns and DiSalvo investigated a complaint of an adult female wolf that was gut shot and killed, east of Solon Springs. Warden Burns believes the wolf was from the same pack that killed five bear hounds during the bear season.
"Wardens in Their Sights" -- Wardens Burns and Vogelsang were both scoped by hunters in two separate situations. Both hunters received a harsh lecture on firearm safety. This happens every year. Maybe it is time we had a forfeiture penalty for this type of behavior. As it stands now it’s a criminal charge and most wardens do not want to pursue that approach. If one of the Wardens or a citizen were shot due to this type of behavior there would be no hesitation on the charges.
"Three Times a Violation" -- Warden Dorn received a complaint of an that a hunter was going to shoot deer in DMU 15 and put DMU 22 tags on these deer. Dorn and Deputy Warden Dan Michels maintained surveillance on the hunter until he shot a deer after the close of hunting hours. When contacted by the wardens the hunter did in fact have a DMU 22 tag on the deer. The tag also belonged to his wife who was not hunting that day.
"Interviewing Skills Pay Off" -- Warden Zebro and Recruit Warden Kroeplin were working with the decoy when they observed an individual shoot at the decoy while seated inside his vehicle, which was stopped on a paved road. It was also after the close of legal hunting hours. When contact was made, a spotlight and empty .30-30 shell were found in the vehicle. Through skillful interviewing of the two suspects the wardens learned that on two separate occasions the suspects had shined and shot at deer in the vicinity. Obviously the wardens wrote this information down for the suspects so that they wouldn't forget it! The driver of the vehicle also admitted to being involved in another road hunting violation where he had shot a deer and taken it back to his hunting camp untagged. The driver then put a Zone-T tag on the deer even though he was not in a Zone-T unit. Later, the driver's father cut the Zone-T tag off the deer and replaced it with his Hunter's Choice tag.
"I Wouldn’t Have Violated if I Knew You Were Home" -- Wardens Zebro and Kroeplin investigated a complaint of road hunting wherein a deer was shot while it was feeding at a feeder in a yard. The complainant was in his nearby garage at the time the deer was killed. The bullet path was approximately 15 ft. from the garage. After the deer was shot two individuals walked into the yard to retrieve it. When confronted by the not-too-happy landowner the shooter stated that he wouldn't have shot the deer except he thought the landowner was not at home. Charges of shooting from the road and discharging a firearm within 100 yards of a building devoted to human occupancy are pending.
"Lighted Baits Continue to Cause Problems" -- Warden Langrehr expresses the frustration many wardens are facing dealing with cabin-shooters. As Langrehr explains, hunters complained about hearing late shooting almost every day. Cabin shooting continues to be a growing problem with the use of lighted baits. The morning before the opening day of the gun deer season the Park Falls Warden received a complaint of night hunting at a mobile home hunting camp at 12:30 AM. Investigation revealed that the owner of the mobile home had shot a deer with a crossbow out of the back window of the mobile home where the deer bait was illuminated by the yard light in front of the cabin. The hunter was in the process of filling a deer tag for a friend who was not present and in the process he violated 6 hunting regulations in addition to hunting deer with the aid of artificial light.
"Warden Impersonator Leads Real Warden to Violators" -- Warden Langrehr investigated a warden impersonation complaint and came away with an over the bag limit of deer case. The incident involved two adults and a juvenile. Three deer were seized---two of them bucks that were transported back to a residence by ATV, untagged and un-gutted. There will be multiple charges for transporting untagged deer, transporting loaded firearms on ATV, group-bagging violations, involved in the incident. The impersonator was not located but they do know we are looking.
"Circus Act?" -- How many hunters with loaded guns can ride on one ATV? Answer: Wardens Trowbridge and Nice observed 5 hunters with uncased guns riding on one ATV in a field. The hunters saw the warden’s truck about the same time and scrambled from the ATV. While Warden Trowbridge backed down the rode and drove through the farmyard to the hunters, all were unloading their rifles. Citations were issued accordingly.
"Too Busy to Tend Traps" -- Perhaps the gun deer hunting season conflicts with the trapping season? Warden Trowbridge received a citizen complaint of a fox caught in a leg hold trap. A hunter saw the fox alive in the trap on Saturday morning. When he came by the trap again on Sunday evening, the fox was still in the trap, only dead. Warden Trowbridge and Deputy Warden Lindow removed the fox and traps on Monday morning. The trapper was issued a citation for failure to tend traps.
"Large Buck too Much Temptation" -- Warden Trowbridge received a citizen complaint of a hunter shooting a large 11 point buck from the road. Warden’s Trowbridge and Oginski contacted the hunter, who confessed to shooting the buck while standing within 50 feet of the center of the road. The buck was seized.
"Dad’s Tag Will Do" -- Warden Miller assisted Warden Demler on a case that started as a citizen complaint on a trespass situation and ended with an illegal deer. The subject was road hunting, shot a nice buck from the road, gutted it and dragged it to the road. The subject was spooked away by the citizen complainant but came back after dark, retrieved the deer and transported it untagged to his residence. The subject could not find his tag, so he placed his elderly father’s tag on the deer and hung it in a tree at his father’s house. Wardens Miller and Demler showed up at the Father’s house and started the interviews. All came out in the end. When Wardens Miller and Demler got the deer down from the tree, they found the subject validated the tag for the wrong date and time. According to the tag the deer wouldn’t have been killed for about 6 more hours.
"Setting an Example in What Not to Do" -- Warden Miller had several calls on road hunting and shooting from roads. Some resulted in citations -- one was a local hunter education instructor!
"Tip of the Ice Berg 3" -- Warden Kroeplin and Ranger Kubisiak were following a pickup with a topper on it on a gravel road when an individual from the pickup threw a beer can out the window. Kroeplin turned on the red and blue lights to try to stop the pickup. The operator of the pickup would not stop. Kroeplin pulled his vehicle up along side of the pickup and Kubisiak yelled at the operator of the pickup to pull over. After going a short distance the operator did pull the pickup over. When Kroeplin and Kubisiak approached the pickup the both of them heard a noise coming from the back of the topper as if someone was kicking to try to get out of the topper. After closer examination Kroeplin and Kubisiak found a tagged doe in the back of the pickup. The problem was that the individual had just shot the doe and threw it in the back without field dressing it. The doe had just come back to life when Kroeplin and Kubisiak stopped the vehicle. After kicking and getting the back of the truck full of blood the doe died in a short while. Now comes the rest of the story. After writing several citations to the individual who shot the deer, Kroeplin and Kubisiak focused their attention onto the individual who threw the can out the window. After doing a check from the MDC this individual had a body only warrant from Milwaukee County. He was also charged with domestic abuse and you guessed it he had a rifle in the truck. Hold on the story gets better. He also had an injunction to stay away from his wife and if he was seen with her the both of them are to be arrested for violating the injunction. Yes, you guessed it the wife was driving the pickup. After a short time Minocqua Police Officer arrived at the scene. In a short while the individuals had a long ride to the Oneida County Jail.
"A Lot can be Forgotten in a Year" -- Warden’s Goldsworthy and Osborne contacted a mother and 15 year old daughter that were road hunting. The daughter had a loaded rifle between her legs as the mother drove. The mother stated they just took hunter safety last year and knew it was illegal. One citation issued for loaded gun in a vehicle.
"Dual Purpose Tires?" -- On Wednesday at about 4:55 p.m. Warden Goldsworthy received information from an informant stating that a Chevrolet one ton truck with dual wheels pulled into his neighbor’s driveway and the passenger shot a fawn out of the window of the truck. The fawn was in the deer feeder near the cabin. The truck left the area and returned later to get the deer. The violators spotted a second informant walking through the woods toward the deer. The suspects did not pick up the deer. Warden Goldsworthy responded to the area and talked to the informants and picked up the deer. Warden Goldsworthy also took several digital photos of the area and tire tracks. On Thursday Warden Goldsworthy and Crabtree searched the area for the unique dual wheel truck. A truck matching the description was located. Warden Goldsworthy took more digital photos of the tires and the truck. Warden Goldsworthy showed the photos to both complaints and they said that was the vehicle. Warden’s Goldsworthy, Osborne, McGeshick, Willems and Crabtree contacted the individual who owned the truck. The owner stated that he was driving and a friend of his shot the deer from the truck. After taking statements about the deer they shot from the vehicle on Wednesday. Wardens asked if they had any deer. The hunters showed Wardens deer in the garage. One of the deer had a Zone T tag on it. The deer was not registered. The hunters admitted that the deer was shot in a non Zone T unit and they put the tag on it. One of the other deer another hunter said he shot did not have a tag for antlerless deer so he called a friend for a tag on his cell phone. The friend borrowed him a tag. A total of three deer seized from that group of hunters.
"Not a Happy Birthday?" -- Warden’s Goldsworthy and McGeshick checked the area for deer and observed another hunter. Warden Goldsworthy contacted the hunter. After checking the back tag name Warden Goldsworthy looked at the hunter and asked for a birth date. The hunter said he could not remember. Warden Goldsworthy recognized the hunter from past contacts. The hunter admitted that he did not have a gun deer license and his friend left for Milwaukee and told the hunter he could use his license.
"Wannabe Wisconsinite" -- Warden MacKenzie contacted a hunter from out of state who had been hunting and fishing in Wisconsin the last 3 years using resident licenses. This hunter was charged with providing incorrect information to obtain a license (several counts) and had a buck seized from him.
"Yes, the Laws Do Apply to You, Too" - A non-resident hunter came into the c-land office the day prior to deer season. He had flown to WI from Arizona and wanted to purchase a hunting license. However, he was born after January of 1973 and never had a Hunter Safety class. When told by the front liners that he couldn't purchase a license he asked to talk with the Warden Supervisor. The Warden Sup also told him he couldn't purchase a license unless he had received basic military training or had a Hunter Ed. course. The individual then became extremely angry, walked out of the office and could be heard yelling four letter words while on the sidewalk outside. The following Monday one of the front liners showed great initiative and called a local license agent to inquire if anyone from Arizona had purchased a deer license the previous Friday. Of course the answer was yes. Warden Dorn will be issuing a citation for the infraction.
"Can be a Dangerous Job!" - Wardens Rick Peters of Oconto and Mike Kitt of Marinette stopped in to talk to a group of hunters hanging out on the road in front of a residence. After being told the group had not gotten any deer, Warden Peters noticed a partially butchered deer hanging in a back shed. The group was adamant about wardens not looking at the deer. After calling the Sheriff’s Department for assistance, Warden Peters again attempted to check out the deer. During the resulting melee, Warden Kitt was pushed over an embankment, Warden Peters got punched in the face, and three of the group was sprayed with pepper spray. Warden Goerlinger and local officers assisted at the scene. One went to jail on felony battery to law enforcement officer and misdemeanor disorderly conduct, resisting and obstruction charges. Similar charges will be levied against two others in the group. Other than a minor scrape and some bruises and the loss of a pair of glasses, the wardens were all OK. Two search warrants were served right after deer season and wardens recovered about $1,000 worth of marijuana that was turned over to city officers who had assisted.
"It Can Pay to Save Miles" - Warden Kelly Crotty of Pembine home was saving a few miles on his truck when he observed a truck stopped at the intersection adjacent to the front yard of his home and an adjoining field. Warden Crotty noticed that the truck did not move while he slowly backed out of the driveway. When contact was made, the driver volunteered that he was "just looking at a map". Warden Crotty observed a gun case next to the driver and found it to be loaded with three shells. The citation was written in Warden Crotty’s driveway but the offender never knew it.
"Knowing Your Target and Beyond?" - Warden Roger Hanson of Green Bay took four complaints of shots through or near buildings in southern Oconto County. One call involved a bullet passing through a workshop just a couple of feet from the owner’s head. Warden Rick Peters of Oconto took a complaint of a party who had bullets hitting the trees near him as he hunted the edge of a field on a foggy morning. Warden Chris Kratcha of Sturgeon Bay identified two vehicles and two houses being struck by "stray" bullets and possibly a third house that was struck on Saturday. Luckily no injuries were a result of these stray bullets, but the potential is there for it to happen. One such incident occurred when the bullet traveled approximately 650 yards before striking a truck, with the occupants standing just yards in front of the truck.
"Don’t Fence Me In" - Wardens John Lacenski and Karl Brooks of Madison issued a citation for possession of a rifle in a shotgun area to a hunter who was momentarily humored when he "blocked the wardens truck in" while the wardens hiked back in looking for more hunters. Warden Jim Horne of Shawano was radioed in front of the hunter’s companions who indicated to Warden Brooks that the usual Shawano County fine for that offense was $500 and 10 days in jail. The other hunters hastily found their companions and moved this truck out of the way.
"White T Shirts and Black Jackets Don’t Cut It" - Wardens Cletus Alsteen of Green Lake and Tom Thoresen received a Hotline indicating their were some hunters not wearing the proper blaze orange clothing while deer hunting in the Grand River Marsh Wildlife Area. One of the hunters was to be wearing a white T-shirt with a very small orange vest. The wardens responded and met with the complainant who indicated that another hunter was wearing a black coat with even less orange. When contact was made with the hunter who donned the white T-shirt, the hunter with the black coat, who saw the wardens, fled and threw the firearm he was carrying. Warden Thoresen was able to apprehend this individual and also recover the firearm. This individual was not only wearing the wrong clothing but also did not have a deer-hunting license.
"If a Little Bait is Good, More Must be Better" – This year wardens across the state found that the prevalence of illegal bait is continuing to increase. This year wardens issued 99 citations to hunters who were hunting over illegally baited areas. The following excerpts were taken from some of the warden reports this season:
Warden Cletus Alsteen of Green Lake reported that the illegal use of bait was his most common violation and arrested one hunter with 3 pickup loads of pumpkins and squash under his stand, which was 70 yards away.
Warden Mike Young of Shiocton indicated that "the biggest problem this year seemed to be the large bait piles. The properties that bait draw in a large number of deer from surrounding properties. On the opening day 5 subjects were cited on one piece of property that had 7 separate bait piles ranging in size from 20 gallons to approximately 80 gallons. The piles were started in September and maintained till the gun season"
Warden Ezman, on Sunday, November 25, 2001, observed a hunter in blaze orange set up in a position to potentially shoot a deer from a residence across a road into paper company land. Warden Ezman pulled into the residence to express safety concerns about the location of the hunter and observed an illegal bait pile next to the residence (approximately 35 gallons) Warden Ezman advised the hunter and his girlfriend that they were hunting over an illegal bait pile. Warden Ezman recorded the information in order to issues citations to the hunters. Warden Ezman recognized the residence from a previous complaint e-mailed to Warden Ezman from Warden DeWald about cabin hunting over illegal bait pile. Just before leaving the residence after explaining the citations Warden Ezman decided to walk around the small mobile home to check for a possible bait pile near a back window. Warden Ezman observed a freshly killed doe deer behind the residence. Warden Ezman began requestioning the three hunters at the residence because they had just told Ezman they did not kill any deer during the season. After several hours of questioning and requestioning Ezman obtained statements from the three hunters explaining that the adult doe was shot at 10:00PM the previous night. The deer was shot from the window over the illegal bait pile under the yard light. The deer was shot with a 22-caliber rim fire magnum. All three hunters participated in the illegal kill by tagging, dragging, gutting, or preparation to shoot the deer from the residence. The deer and rifle were seized.
Warden Holmes walked in on a hunter on opening day that had baited with over 400 lbs. of corn and he had placed a permanent tree stand on state land. This person was cited for both offenses and was told to remove the corn and stand.
Wardens McGeshick, Osborne, Crabtree, Goldsworthy and the U.S. Forest Service made several arrests for illegal bait all in the same group. All were for baits in excess of 10 gallons. One hunter had 58 pumpkins others had 6-10 pumpkins.
Warden Krull had located a large elevated stand overlooking a bait pile containing as much as 50 gallons of bait previous to the 2000 gun deer season. He had missed contacting the suspect using this stand although knew that he killed a deer from the stand. Previous to this years gun season he measured more than 60 gallons of bait at the stand. He contacted a subject hunting from the stand on the second day of the season. The subject was found to have a 12-volt battery in the stand, with a floodlight clamped onto the front of the blind, pointing at the bait. The subject was found to be in possession of a loaded 30-06 rifle and a crossbow, cocked and loaded with a broad head tipped bolt. The subject later admitted to planning on using his rifle during legal hours, and the crossbow and light after dark. The subject also admitted to hunting from the illegally baited stand the previous year, and hunting with the crossbow 20 or 25 times in the past.
Warden Swanson apprehended two policemen who were hunting over separate bait piles that consisted of several hundred pounds of corn. One of the individuals was in a tower-type stand that had been constructed on Washburn County Forest property. Around this stand approximately an acre had been cleared to improve visibility. While the two didn't know they had been doing anything wrong their hunting companions had been charged 3 times in the past 4 years with illegal baiting and constructing permanent stands on county forest lands. Obviously, the companions were charged with placing illegal bait and the Washburn County Forestry Department is pursuing charges on the stand.
Warden Kroeplin and Ranger Schepper contacted 6 different hunters on opening day of the deer season that were hunting over excessive bait piles. Two of the hunters were a father and son hunting out of different stands approx. 200 yards from each other. Each of them had in excess of 1000 pounds of bait by their stands.
Wardens Goldsworthy, Osborne, Crabtree, McGeshick and the U.S. Forest Service made seven arrests for illegal bait all in the same group. All were for baits in excess of 10 gallons. One hunter had 58 pumpkins others had 6-10 pumpkins. Another hunter had a front-end loader bucket of cranberries.
Warden Pfeiffer, While patrolling on opening morning came across six hunters by a disabled vehicle. The vehicle had all four tires flattened by nails driven through boards that were buried across an access road onto public land. The owner of the vehicle blamed an individual who owns private property next to the public land they intended to hunt. Warden Pfeiffer assisted the hunters in making a complaint to the Sheriffs Department. The group of hunters (from southeastern WI) had to call a flatbed wrecker from 60 miles away. After getting the tires repaired the hunters, including a 12-year-old first time hunter and two other kids, packed their gear and went home without hunting. A similar situation occurred 3 years ago, when 3 tires were flattened on a vehicle owned by a different person, on an access road to public land adjacent to a different border of this same piece of private property. After the hunters left Warden Pfeiffer entered the private property and checked several hunters. All of the hunters were hunting over baits that, although presently legal in size, had clearly been much larger at some time earlier. All of the stands were connected by roads or ATV trails. One out of state hunter was cited for hunting without a license. Most of the hunters in this group were carrying two way radios. Obviously the hunter from out of state was not, but even still he was almost tipped off by the first hunter, who Warden Pfeiffer stopped when he was seen running through the woods in the direction of his tree stand. He’ll have a radio next year. While checking out the property Warden Pfeiffer found a steel grain bin with a storage capacity of several thousand gallons and an automatic feeder by the cabin. A neighbor told Warden Pfeiffer that the storage bin had been installed a couple of months earlier and a grain truck had arrived a few days later. Warden Pfeiffer later received a complaint that the owner of this property used a log skidder to build a road onto State lands and is driving ATV’s on this road to access other State lands. This matter is still under investigation. It is Warden Pfeiffer’s opinion that more and more hunters are adopting this type of outrageously selfish attitude about hunting. Filling a bag limit with the biggest and the best is becoming increasingly more important than the hunting experience. Although the non-hunting majority of voters in Wisconsin have historically supported the right to hunt Warden Pfeiffer believes the selfish attitudes of many hunters will cause this to change.
Warden Judi Nigbor of Montello stated that baiting problems appear to be increasing in the county. Hunters are putting truckloads of corn, potatoes, and carrots on their property so the neighbors don’t shoot "their" deer. Most of the large bait piles were found along the edges of standing cornfields and hay fields. One hunter was found hunting within 50 yards of two separate piles of corn. There were about 100 gallons of corn in each pile, and a dump truck load of corn within 150 yards of the stand.
John Jorgenson, DNR pilot guided Wardens David Youngquist and Gervis Myles into a remote private piece of land where the landowner leases out the hunting rights and where Youngquist received an illegal baiting complaint earlier in the fall. Youngquist was unable to locate the bait while on foot, but the pilot saw the corn immediately from the air and could tell it was a fair amount of bait and there was a hunter near it. Once Youngquist and Myles found the bait it seemed like too much but it was hard to tell how much without a bucket to check it. It started to rain heavily and there was an ATV near the bait and a deer stand within 63 yards of the stand, which had a backpack on it. The hunter came out of a different area with his 7 and 8-year-old kids who were watching their Dad hunt. He admitted that he had been hunting over the bait the day before and that his girlfriend had shot a buck in the area on Saturday. In his backtag holder with his license was his girlfriend’s license. Myles questioned the other hunters about this female hunter and found out that she does not hunt. Youngquist talked to the bait hunter in his truck and he admitted that he shot a small buck on Saturday and put his girlfriend's tag on the buck and that she was not out hunting at all. This case came about as a result of the plane and Youngquist would not have made any progress on this bait complaint this year had it not been for the plane.
Warden Ken Thomson of Waupaca reported that "it seemed like the biggest problem I ran into was the use of excessive bait. I issued 6 citations for too much bait and I think that was just the tip of the iceberg. Most of the baits were over 30 gallons in size with some over 100 gallons. One hunter who was cited for hunting over 100 gallons of corn told me that he had passed up 5 nice bucks and had seen over 50 does by 9:00 a.m. opening morning. No wonder his neighbors weren't seeing any deer.
Warden Jeff Knorr of Fremont indicated that there is no shortage of bait in the woods with many baits from 15 to 150 gallons in size. In one case wardens checked some hunters on private property in Waushara county on opening morning only to find 2 hunters in elevated tower stands hunting over well in excess of 150 gallons of shelled corn. In another case Wardens Knorr and Mark Shepherd of Winneconne also found 2 hunters from the same hunting group on a separate property hunting from a tower stand over the same type of illegal bait. Both hunters had harvested nice bucks that had dropped dead in the illegal bait piles but had also failed to immediately validate and tag the deer as required. The 2 hunters were both cited for hunting over the illegal bait material and the tagging violations with the 2 bucks and shared rifle seized.
"Deer Revenge?" - Warden Todd Wippermann of Clintonville reported that "one hunter advised me that he was actually run down and struck by two deer while he was aiming at another while standing on a trail in some thick pines. The deer struck him from behind and knocked him down to the ground but he was still able to shoot the deer he was targeting!"
"You Can Run, But You Cannot Hide" - On opening day Warden Judi Nigbor of Montello followed up on a buck that had been shot and left for waste on private property during the Zone T season in Marquette County. Several hunters were contacted in their stands and asked if they had hunted during the early Zone T season. When two possible suspects were located, they were interviewed regarding the incident. One individual confessed to shooting the buck by mistake and left it lay in the woods.
"The Rut is Still On" - Warden Wayne Jeidy of Oshkosh had two unusual instances of hunters finding bucks with their antlers locked together this season in the same general area. One of the pair’s antlers was quite large and the deer were aged to be 4 and 5 years old.
"An Accident Waiting to Happen" - Warden Jarozewski observed a 10-year-old boy walking down the side of a town road next to a grassy field holding 2 deer antlers. Wearing a blue tie-dyed T-shirt and blue jeans the boy stated he was playing the "deer hunting game" with his friends in the grassy field. Needless to say us the Wardens were dumbfounded by this and advised the kid he should wear blaze orange and put away the antlers!
"The Crime Lab Can Tell Us" - While approaching a hunter to check his license the subject ran from Warden Mike Young of Shiocton however was later found by Warden Amie Jarozewski of Neenah now without a firearm. After checking all hunters in the area the wardens determined that this unarmed subject must have been the person in the stand even though he had denied it. An orange hat, two boxes of shells and a gun case were taken from the stand. After discussing the hair samples and DNA testing along with the possible fingerprints on the shells, the subject admitted the hat and shells were his and that he was in the stand that morning. Criminal charges will be filed for hunting deer without a license and obstructing a conservation warden.
"Convicted Felons & Firearms" - Wardens encountered several situations during the deer gun season involving convicted felons or individuals with domestic abuse charges which prohibited them from possessing firearms. The following excerpts were taken from warden reports this season:
Warden Edwards did an ALIS search on approximately 20 felons prior to the deer gun season and found that one-half of them had purchased hunting licenses. A prohibition on the purchase of a deer gun license by felons would do a lot to correct the concern of felons hunting with firearms.
Warden Chris Kratcha of Sturgeon Bay received information and confirmed that a convicted felon had purchased a gun deer license and a bonus tag for Unit 80A. Warden Kratcha has also learned that this person had a brother who may also be a convicted felon. Warden Kratcha is awaiting confirmation of this conviction because a deer has been registered under the brother’s name at one of the local stations. The brother has also purchased a gun deer license and bonus tags.
Wardens Knepper and Wagner, on the day before gun deer opener, apprehended a convicted felon who was bow hunting during the closed season. The subject was trying to get a jump-start on a large buck that was frequenting the area. Wardens Knepper and Wagner interviewed the subject and gained two illegal deer from years past that he had shot with a rifle, one of which was never registered.
Warden Cleven investigated a road hunting complaint and found that the driver was a convicted felon and had been arrested 4 times before for driving while revoked. During the incident the passenger shot a deer from the drivers side window (while the driver was seated!) and also shot across the oncoming traffic lane. To top it off there were two juveniles in the back seat!
Warden Kubisiak and Deputy Warden Volenberg, on opening day, contacted a man walking down the road covered from head to toe in deer blood. When Warden Kubisiak asked how the hunt was going, the man said he was not hunting and just got through CARRYING his sister’s deer out of the woods. After an interview of the sister, Warden Kubisiak got a statement telling how the brother, a convicted felon for THC Delivery/Manufacturing, shot the deer with a 7mm-08 pistol without a deer hunting license.
Warden Manteuffel and Deputy Warden Fabian contacted one hunter who had not yet had the opportunity to validate and tag his deer. This despite the fact that he had shot the deer almost two hours earlier. While issuing a citation for failing to immediately tag the deer, it was determined the hunter was also a convicted felon. There really are some days when a person should just stay in bed and not go hunting.
Warden Jim Jung of Manitowoc and Deputy Warden Ron Thiel were contacted by the Manitiwoc County Sheriff’s Department about a road hunter who had killed a deer just south of the City of Manitowoc. A plate number had been taken and the suspected hunter contacted. The hunter denied having shot a deer but allowed the SUV to be searched. A small amount of blood and deer hair were found and he admitted that he had shot and killed a deer but did not take the deer with him. The hunter stated that he and his wife had attempted to load the deer but could not lift it into the SUV so they left it. The deer was not at the scene and the original caller stated that a second truck had returned after the SUV had left the scene. A records check showed that the suspect had been convicted of a felony in 1993.
Wardens Mike Neal of Sister Bay and Bryan Lockman checked on a complaint of some large bait piles which also led the wardens to a convicted felon who was hunting with a firearm. When this group was first contacted a radio call was made to the convicted felon appraising him of the wardens presence, the convicted felon responded by stating " Don’t tell them where I am, I’ve got to go." After a brief search of the area the individual was located still carrying the firearm. Upon checking it was found that this individual had been convicted of multiple felonies for a wide variety of violations.
Warden Mitch Groenier of Delafield spent five days of the season working in Crawford and Richland Counties. Groenier arrested two felons with firearms on the last day of the season. One said that he knew that he couldn’t have a gun, but thought he could still hunt. The other said he thought that the felony went away after seven years and he could have a gun after that. Warden Kirschbaum reports that one of these cases originated from a vehicle license check at a public hunting ground parking area on the first day of the season in which revealed an improper use of plates. The vehicle was later observed at the Crawford County Probation and Parole office and a deputy who knew the operator informed Kirschbaum that the operator was a felon, but no one could place him with a gun during the previous contacts. His vehicle was observed at the same public hunting ground on the last day and he was found in possession of a firearm at that time. The matter was turned over to the Crawford County Sheriff’s Dept. and the DA’s office. The other felon case was a companion to the first felon. It pays to pay attention to detail!
Warden Heather Gottschalk interviewed one hunter for John Buss who had supposedly taken a deer that someone else had shot. Later it was determined that the subject did indeed shoot the deer he had in his possession. However after review of the suspects record it was determined that the suspect is a convicted felon. The suspect gave a signed statement to Heather that he shot the deer with a 7mm and transported this deer along with the one he shot on opening weekend in the back of his truck with the gate up - maybe trying to hide something?
Wardens Mike Kitt of Marinette and Tom Hansen encountered a juvenile and two adult hunters just into Forest County. Inspection of their licenses revealed that one hunter had borrowed his father’s license/backtag. During questioning, the hunter advised Warden Hansen that the reason he had not purchased a license was because he was a convicted felon. A record’s check was unable to confirm his felony status. However the radio check revealed that the second adult was prohibited from possessing a firearm because of a domestic abuse charge. The second individual claimed that his probation agent had told him that it was okay to go hunting. Signed statements were taken and forwarded to Forest County Sheriff Dept. for possible charges. Interestingly, the Wardens were directed to not seize the firearms or arrest the subjects, but rather simply document everything and refer it to their agency.
Warden Fell received a complaint of a deer carcass thrown along the side of a town road. The complainant also said that he found a deer carcass tag on the opposite side of the road. Fell investigated the complaint and interviewed several individuals including the person who was the owner of the deer carcass tag. Fell eventually learned that the suspect, who had a domestic abuse injunction that prohibited him from possessing a firearm, had shot two deer. One of the deer was not tagged. The suspect finally confessed to his misdeeds. The deer carcass was not related to these violations at all. The suspects tag had blown off a deer he was transporting in the back of his vehicle.
Wardens Martin and King apprehended a convicted felon on Thanksgiving morning. The felon was observed by a DNR Pilot headlighting a field. When contacted he was found in possession of a 7mm magnum rifle. Warden Martin has received numerous complaints on this individual the past 10 years.
"Multiple Guns & Group Hunting" - Warden Darren Kuhn of Green Bay encountered a hunter in a tower stand who was in possession of two shotguns and a loaded 30.06 rifle (shotgun only area). The hunter in the stand maintained that he was not using the rifle and one of the shotguns and that they belonged to his boss who had hunted in that stand earlier in the day. Warden Kuhn made contact with the hunter’s boss and interviewed him. The boss admitted to hunting with the rifle in case a big buck was out of range for his shotgun. As a result of the interview Warden Kuhn also uncovered a group deer hunting violation that had occurred during the opening weekend. The boss apparently had shot a buck opening morning and did not want to use his hunter’s choice on the buck because it was too small. The boss ended up having his brother’s girlfriend tag the deer. The girlfriend was at her residence in Luxemburg, Kewaunee County, when the buck had been shot. The boss was cited for the rifle violation and the group deer hunting violation.
"Even the Best Laid Plans . . ." - Warden Chris Groth of Green Bay apprehended a person who had intentions of shining and shooting deer in Door County. Warden Groth observed the suspect shine at about 2:00am and when stopped, the hunter did not have a gun in the vehicle, however a rifle was located about 100 yards from where the suspect had been stopped. The suspect explained that he had been at the tavern drinking and decided he would go out looking for deer to shoot. The suspect returned home and retrieved his 300 Winchester Magnum rifle. The suspect placed the loaded rifle along side of the road and commenced shining. The suspect stated that he had located a big buck and was returning to get the rifle so he could shoot it and that was when Warden Groth had stopped him. This case is being referred to the Door County DA for possible criminal charges.
"Thanksgiving Turkey?" - While checking hunters’ deer stands and bait, Warden Chris Kratcha of Sturgeon Bay found a suspicious trail of turkey feathers leading from a blind to a vehicle parking area. Warden Kratcha returned the next day, hoping to question the hunter in his blind. Warden Kratcha found the blind empty and left the area. Moments before driving off, Warden Kratcha observed a vehicle drive in and parked near the gated area leading to the blind. Warden Kratcha found the driver to be the hunter from the blind, and after a short interview, this hunter admitted to shooting a turkey out of frustration on Wednesday of the gun deer season. When asking to look at the rifle used to shoot the turkey, the hunter handed Warden Kratcha a loaded 30.06 that was placed on the passenger seat of the hunter’s truck.
"Persistence Pays Off" - As reported illegal night hunting complaints kept coming in, Wardens Mike Neal of Sister Bay and Bryan Lockman continued working to apprehend the suspected poachers. One night during the deer gun season, these same wardens observed a slow moving truck shining very sporadically in an area where previous complaints and shots had been reported. After seeing the wardens’ vehicle, the suspect vehicle headed for the highway at a high rate of speed. After making the traffic stop the occupants were found to have three rifles in their possession with one of the rifles being a loaded 7mm Magnum Rifle. The driver of the truck was a suspect in a number of the illegal night hunting activities that had been occurring in the area.
"Dad and Big Brother Said I Could" – On Sunday of the opening weekend, Warden Robert Stroess of Manitowoc and Deputy Warden Bob Church walked into a location where two illegal feeders were known to be. The wardens walked through the thick fog and located a person in blaze orange in a tree stand over one of the illegal feeders. He was a juvenile and did not have a firearm. He indicated that there were other hunters in the area also, including one over the other feeder. Warden Stroess walked to the other feeder where he found a 14-year-old boy asleep in his tree stand who admitted to hunting deer without a license. Deputy Warden Church had a similar situation with an adult hunter on the other end of the woods. Both admitted to hunting deer without a license. The adult, who was the juvenile’s older brother, had given permission for the juvenile to hunt without a license. The owner of the land – the father of both suspects – had apparently known they had no licenses also, yet he still provided them with the shotguns they were using. Charges are pending.
"Oh, and You Had to Be with Me" – On Thanksgiving Day, Wardens Robert Stroess and Jim Jung of Manitowoc walked into a hunting club property to check if any hunters were hunting over one of the seven illegal feeders on the property. One hunter was perched on a stack of hay bales in the middle of a field. Was it mentioned that illegal feeders that were also in excess of the 10 gallons of bait requirement surrounded the hunter? Each feeder had several hundred gallons of shelled corn. When the hunter turned and saw the wardens approaching he quickly got out of his "hay stand" and walked toward the wardens. He said he was simply protecting his property from trespassers, which is why he had a shotgun although he didn’t have any shotshells with him. While showing Warden Stroess the feeders and other stands, a doe crossed the road. The hunter, seeing the deer, turned toward Warden Stroess and said "Oh, and you had to be with me." The hunter didn’t catch his verbal mistake until he was confronted about it ½ hour later. It seems he may have been hunting after all. Warden Jung met up with Warden Stroess and the hunter. Hidden in the hay bales were the slugs from the hunter’s shotgun who later admitted hiding them in the hay bales because he saw the wardens coming and wasn’t sure about how far he needed to be from the feeders.
"No Deer in the Area . . . oh" - Warden Stahl and Deputy Warden Tom Bahti contacted a elderly hunter who was complaining that he only saw one deer which he ended up shooting near his Suring home. As the gentleman was talking about the lack of deer he looked up and said there’s a deer. With that he pointed down the road in front of his home, where three deer were now standing. We kindly pointed out to him that it did not look as if he got the last one in the area after all.
"Jet Skiing During Deer Season?" - Wardens Jon Scharbarth of Reedsville and Tom Hansen found two personal watercrafts operating on Long Lake in Manitowoc County on opening day of the gun deer season due to the balmy weather. A short observation period resulted in a citation for operating within 200 feet of shore and several warnings.
"Not a Good Place to Post" - Warden Scharbarth and Special Warden Ron Thiel happened upon a deer drive underway in a small woodlot. The drivers were pushing the piece south towards a road. The lone "stander" (a 12-year-old first time hunter) was on the opposite side of the road in a location that allowed for shooting only across the road or at several residences. As fate would have it, two deer came running across the road just as a vehicle was driving on the road. The vehicle hit the brakes to avoid the deer, and this "stander" fired several shots at the deer as they exited the ditch on his side of the road. A citation was issued to the stander’s father as party to violation for illegally shooting across a road and was also warned for being out of visual and voice contact of his son.
"It’s Illegal in Wisconsin, Too!" -- Wardens' Roesler and Schartner spent most of Sunday, the second day of the deer season, following up on a complaint from opening day. It was said, that while a deer drive was going on, hunters stopped on the roadway and shot into the deer drive. Several shots went over the heads of a hunter and his son. Later Saturday night, the deer drive hunters had heard that the group of hunters shooti, ng from the roadway had taken a 12 point , buck, which is why the call came in. A green truck, white truck and white Blazer were described as being involved in these violations. After six hours of speaking with more then 25 hunters, 6 home owners and 11 suspects, Schartner and Roesler were able to determine that 3 deer were shot from the roadway, not just one. Mixed information was given and 3 citations were issued. One citation was to the grandfather, who allowed his 12 year-old grandson to run into the field and fire into a deer drive, causing shots to go over the deer driver's heads (dad and his son). One of the suspects interviewed, a Minn. Resident, stated, "this type of hunting is illegal in Minnesota." As he found out, it is also illegal in Wisconsin. Incidentally, he was the one who legally shot the 12 point buck, but his son was cited for shooting off of the roadway.
"Same Shot, Different Year" -- Warden Mike Green cited two family members for hunting deer with rifles on their property in a shotgun only zone. They should have known - Green had cited two different family members during the 2000 season for the same violation.
"Research Results in Citations" -- It took some digging, but Warden Mike Green detected an individual for hunting deer without a license at the one of the Wildlife Areas in Dane County. The individual was hunting with a duplicate backtag that had been purchased by another member of his hunting party. The name and address had not printed out on the backtag and the individual had signed his own name on the tag. The hunter stated he used the duplicate tag because he couldn't purchase his own license since he had not completed hunter safety. The hunter was issued several civil citations.
"Dumpster Diving for Evidence" -- Warden Mike Green received a complaint of an individual dragging an untagged deer into an apartment complex in Madison and later placing the carcass in a dumpster outside. Upon checking the dumpster, the it was found to have a carcass tag still attached. A license check was run and the licensee was contacted. He admitted to having a felony and domestic abuse conviction on his record, and said that he had not possessed a firearm. However, he did tag the deer another person shot. He was cited for a group hunting violation.
"Three Bucks Will Cost You!" -- Warden Mike Green received a complaint of two individuals shooting three bucks opening morning of the season and calling a non-hunting relative to tag one of them. A registration stub was found for the person tagging the third buck and follow-up will be conducted on the complaint after season.
"Boy Named Sue?" -- Wardens Boyd Richter and Chris Wunrow checked two hunters in the Town of Clinton. Richter looked at a juvenile hunter’s backtag. The first name on the backtag was an obviously female sounding name, while the hunter was a 16 year old boy. Richter asked the hunter why he was wearing a tag with a different name and the hunter said because he was using his mom’s license. He could not buy a license because he never passed hunter education. A citation was issued to the mother for loaning a license, and a citation to the father for party to the same violation. The 16 year old was warned for hunting without a license and was told to take a hunter education class.
"The Law Even Applies on Private Property" -- Wardens Boyd Richter and Chris Wunrow observed a deer hanging from the bucket of a tractor on private property. Wardens pulled in to check, and found a truck with an untagged buck fawn in the bed. Richter waited next to the deer, while another truck pulled up. Richter observed a hunter in the passenger seat with an uncased shotgun. There was also a passenger sitting on the tailgate with an uncased shotgun. Richter made contact with the hunters and found the gun that the hunter had in the passenger seat was also loaded. A third uncased shotgun, belonging to the driver was laying under a coat in the bed of the truck. A young boy was sitting in the bed of the truck, while his father was the passenger in the front seat of the truck. Citations issued for one loaded firearm in a vehicle, one fail to attach a deer carcass tag, and two uncased firearms. Richter seized the deer that was untagged. The subject with the loaded firearm was the landowner who stated he did not think they were doing anything wrong because they were on his own land.
"Reckless Shot Puts Child in Danger" -- Wardens Mike Cross and John Welke assisted the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department in an investigation where a house was shot. The 12 gauge slug entered the home through a window embedding in a wall a couple feet from where a 7-year-old was playing. The shooter was identified and arrested by the Sheriff’s Department. The slug traveled 305 yards before entering the house.
"Telephone Poles Aren’t Even Legal Game" -- Wardens Mike Cross and John Welke checked a group of hunters standing along the side of the road. Welke noticed several spent 12 gauge shot shells lying on the road. After interviewing most of the hunting party, Welke gained an admission from one of the hunters that he had shot several times from the roadway, but not at a deer. The hunter decided to shoot at a telephone pole; a nice grouping of slugs was embedded in the telephone pole nearby. The shooter was cited for shooting from the roadway.
"Pre-Season Leg Work Pays Off" -- Warden Dave Walz checked some permanent stands on state property before opening day. Walz came across three hunters using three of the four stands he'd previously located. One hunter had put up the stands the weekend prior to the opener for himself and his relatives. Two of the hunters had recent wrist surgery so they were unable to carry the stands out themselves. One citation was issued to the hunter who had placed the stands and two warnings were given.
"Hunter Provided With Reading Materials" -- On opening day of the season Warden Dave Walz and Deputy Warden Colleen McMullin observed a hunter sitting in the back of a dump truck parked on a lane by a small woods. Upon approaching the hunter he was found to be hunting out of the back of the vehicle. He stated he thought the back of the truck was safer than climbing up in a tree. He asked if it was okay to hunt from the bed of the truck. After he was advised no, it is not okay, he was provided with another copy of the hunting regulations and subsequently issued one citation.
"Littering Leads to Additional Citations" -- Warden Dave Walz and Regional Warden John Glennon responded to a traffic stop made by a Dodge County Deputy. A deputy observed something fall off the top of a vehicle as it left the public hunting area parking lot. Upon pulling up behind the vehicle, the deputy saw litter being thrown from the van and he observed an uncased shotgun in the back of the van. Wardens obtained identification and then also found one of the group purchased a hunting license without having completed a hunter safety course. The person who threw garbage out the window said he knew he couldn’t litter in the city limits, but didn’t think it was a problem out in the country. Two citations were issued and the gun deer license taken.
"Déjà vu All Over Again" -- Approximately 3 years ago Warden John Buss cited two cousins for violations. One individual was cited for hunting after hours and the other individual was cited for a loaded firearm in a vehicle. John cited the after hours violation first and ½ hour later the second individual came out of the woods with a loaded firearm in a vehicle. This year John went to the same farm and cited the same two individuals in the same order they were cited three years ago. The first individual was cited for an uncased firearm and ½ hour later the second hunter came out and he was also cited for an uncased gun.
"Location Attracts Road Hunters" -- Wardens John Buss and Welke were traveling down CTH B in Sauk County and saw some hunters were making a deer drive. Two deer ran out toward the highway and crossed the highway approximately 40 yards behind Warden Buss’ truck. One of the hunters shot at the deer when they were crossing the road behind Buss’ truck. The hunter left the area after he saw that John stopped his vehicle. Wardens Buss and Welke found the hunter and issued him a citation for shooting across the roadway. The shooter did not see Buss’ truck (Tunnel Vision). Two days later Warden Buss received a complainant that a hunter shot at a buck while the hunter was on the north side of CTH B and the buck was on the south side of CTH B on the same farm and the same location. The complainant did get the backtag and reported the violation to John. Wardens Buss and Randy Stark were able to find the hunter and obtain a confession. This second violation took place in the same location as the first violation - but the shooters were different people.
"Thanks for the Citation!" -- Wardens John Buss and John Welke stopped at a deer camp and determined that a buck was 300 yards up in the woods and the deer was not tagged. The individual that shot the deer was back at camp trying to get his son’s tag. The individual stated that his son was not going to hunt the rest of the week and he wanted to put his son’s tag on the deer. The son was sleeping in camp when his father shot the nice buck. Buss and Welke issued a citation to the father and seized the buck. The guy sent John a letter thanking him for the way the situation was handled.
"Effective Method of Squirrel Hunting Still Illegal" -- In Dodge County, an ingenious fellow took advance of the deer season fervor to enter local cemeteries with his $880.00 RWS pellet gun with $400.00 scope (without being detected by his lack of blaze orange clothing) to hunt and harvest squirrels. After being observed by a visitor to the cemetery and being suspected of illegally hunting deer (which were also present in and about the cemetery), with the help of the Horicon Police Department, this resourceful hunter contacted the Wardens only after he had his vehicle towed from the cemetery. Interview of the hunter revealed that this was a very effective method of harvesting the usual high population of squirrels found in cemeteries, regardless if the cemetery was in the City limits. Defendant was cited for hunting without required blaze orange clothing during the deer gun season and hunting within the City limits. Discovered within the impounded vehicle was the expensive pellet gun along with another BB gun and his limit of five squirrels.
"Was the Violation Worth the Trip?" -- Warden Heather Gottschalk was about to make contact with an elderly hunter who was standing too close to the road (part of a drive) when she heard 6 shots. Gottschalk moved up to the intersection and looked down the road just in time to see one hunter clear the far side of the road at a dead run and trip and fall in the marsh on the other side of the road. Heather also observed the older hunter crossing the road. Both admitted to shooting all 6 rounds across the road as the deer lay dead on the opposite side of the road. Both were cited. One of the subjects was cited several years ago by Gottschalk for shooting a swan.
"Lying in a Tree Stand?" -- Warden David Horzewski received a hotline complaint before the gun deer season on a permanent tree stand on state property. Horzewski located the stand the day before the gun season with the complainant. Horzewski and Deputy Warden Paul Zajackowski located a hunter in the stand on the opening morning of the season. The hunter stated that he found the stand the week prior while scouting the area. The complainant, however, recognized him as the person who was in the same tree stand on the opening day last year. He was cited.
"Alcohol Major Factor in Reckless Behavior" -- Wardens Chuck Horn and Mark Little got called to assist a Grant County Deputy in a case involving one hunter who threatened to kill another hunter over a permission dispute. Alcohol was involved and the offending hunter was put through field sobriety tests and thought to be under the influence. This was confirmed by breath test (.19%BAC) and he was charged with disorderly conduct by the county and reckless use of weapon by Horn and Little.
"Fleeing Hunter Concerned About the Price of Deer" -- Wardens Chuck Horn and Mark Little received a complaint of shooting from the road where one subject took off on foot (without blaze orange) and the other took off in the vehicle when confronted by the property renter. With the assistance of Wardens Kirschbaum, Sprosty and a Grant Co. Deputy, the vehicle was tracked down and, after an initial bout of lying, the driver came clean and admitted everything. The shooter went over hill and dale and eventually ended up back in Montfort, about 8 miles away. The driver, a brother to the shooter, called to report he was home and Horn and Little interviewed him and obtained a written confession. Both subjects were charged with hunting within 50 feet of the roadway’s center (Driver as party to:) and the shooter was charged also with no back tag and no blaze orange. The main concern the shooter had when confronted was that someone was going to have to pay for the deer he shot, he figured he already bought and paid for it and the wardens should give it away for free.
"Unusual Occurrence" -- Warden Dave Wood issued a non-accountable tag for antlers in velvet, which were found on a deer shot opening day. Warden Dave Wood received two complaints of hunters shooting multiple bucks. One was an incident in southeastern Dane County where a hunter had called his wife to bring out her tag. After responding to the complaint, Wardens Wood and Deputy Warden Wade Romberg got a statement from the wife saying that she had given her back-tag to the husband at the vehicle, and then she left. Wardens Wood and Romberg confiscated the second buck and issued 4 citations for group hunting and borrowed/loaned tag violations. The second complaint is still being investigated.
"Observant Citizen Leads Wardens to Violator" -- Warden Joe Frost received a Hotline call about a person that had just shot a deer off the road and put it in his truck untagged. The complainant followed the vehicle and was able to get a license plate number. Wardens Frost and Tim Otto interviewed the suspect who confessed to shooting the deer off the road and putting it in the vehicle untagged. The suspect drove to a property several miles away and had his son tag the deer. The suspect’s rifle was found loaded and uncased on the front seat of his truck along with an uncased shotgun belonging to his son. The suspect was issued citations for shooting from the road, placing a loaded firearm in a vehicle and failure to immediately tag and validate. His son was cited for transporting an uncased gun in a vehicle and group deer hunting violations. The rifle and deer were seized.
"Warden Pilots Help Catch Violators" -- Wardens in Iowa County used the airplane for only two hours one afternoon to detect violations. Wardens Dave Youngquist and Gervis Myles were alerted to two hunters hunting over an illegal bait. Further interviews resulted in a loaned and borrowed tag case and ATV violations that resulted in six citations issued. Meanwhile, Wardens Joe Frost and Randy Rossing were directed to hunters coming out from fields in vehicles. Three people were found to have uncased firearms and one person was found to have open intoxicants in a motor vehicle. Weather forced the flight to end early.
"Lack of Planning Leads to Violation" -- Wardens Joe Frost and Randy Rossing observed a deer drive where two standers were posted less than 34 feet off the center of the road. One stander shot twice at a deer. When the drive was done the two standers were cited. The property owner who organized the drive said the standers were not supposed to shoot back into the drive which meant they could only shoot across the road. The group said they would put more time into planning their drives.
"Land Manager Leads Warden to Violator" -- Tom Howard, DNR Lands Manager, called Warden Joe Frost to the public hunting grounds at Blackhawk Lake Recreation Area. Howard had gone in to help take out two deer that were shot way back in on the property. The hunter said his wife shot the deer and she was still hunting in the valley. He left to get her and returned a half-hour later and said he accidentally used his wife’s jacket and tags. The hunter was cited for borrowing another’s tags and the buck and doe that he’d shot were seized.
"If I Knew I Was Violating, I Wouldn’t Have Stopped!" -- Wardens Nadolski and Rossing observed a truck that was driving slowly on the Cheese Country Recreation Trail in Lafayette Co. The occupants were dressed in blaze orange. Nadolski and Rossing met the truck at the next road crossing. Upon contact the wardens found two partially uncased shotguns (the cases were not fastened shut), one being loaded with five slugs. The passenger attempted to close the case on the loaded shotgun when he realized Nadolski and Rossing were wardens. The subject claimed if he had known the gun was loaded, they would not have stopped for the wardens.
"Exotic Red Deer Mistaken for Whitetail" -- On opening day, Wardens DeRemer and Wolf responded to a call from a surprised hunter who had shot an elk near the Avon Bottoms Public Hunting Grounds in Rock County. The wardens found that the hunter had shot what appeared to be a small cow elk, bearing a yellow ear tag and a metal vet tag indicating that the elk had escaped from a game farm. Calls to the Department of Agriculture and the veterinarian who tagged the animal revealed that the elk was actually a red deer (same genus as the North America elk), originally from Greenwood, WI and transported to the Rockford, IL area where, it is presumed, it made a break for it. The red deer closely resembled a large whitetail deer, and since it was a "farm raised deer," no citations were issued. DeRemer seized the red deer. Special Operations Section Chief Tom Solin followed up with the Illinois Dept. of Agriculture and the previous owner.
"Keep This Under Your Hat" -- While checking for late hunters, Warden Chris DeRemer contacted a hunter leaving the woods and asked to see his backtag. The hunter removed his backtag from under his baseball cap. The hunter claimed he had taped his backtag on his blaze orange vest, but it kept falling off so he put it under his cap. While checking the backtag, DeRemer found that the subject had a Rockford, IL address on a resident backtag. DeRemer ran several checks and interviewed the subject and found that the subject had used an expired WI ID card to purchase a license the previous year. DeRemer issued the subject a citation for License Fraud and seized his 2001 and 2000 hunting licenses.
"Complaint Reveals Previous Violation" -- While working a late shooting complaint on Thanksgiving day, Warden Chris DeRemer received information on a previous violation. One subject related to the subject involved in the current complaint allegedly shot two bucks with a bow during the archery season. DeRemer and Deputy Warden Mike Dieckhoff interviewed the suspect, and Wardens Boyd Richter and Karl Brooks spoke with the suspect’s younger brother. They both admitted to that one had shot both bucks and used the other's tag on one - a loan/borrow license violation. They further revealed they had done the same thing the previous year. DeRemer issued the suspect two citations for borrowing another’s tag. The younger brother was warned for loaning his tag, and DeRemer seized an 11-point buck.
"He Did It! No, He Did It!" -- Warden Nice and Deputy Warden Williams seized a nice 11pt buck that was determined to have been in violation of the group deer hunting law. Upon stopping a vehicle the two individuals in the vehicle each claimed the other had shot the buck. It was determined neither shot the buck but rather a third party who had already left the camp had really shot the buck. After killing the buck the individual wanted to continue to hunt so another member of the party radioed back to camp to find a tag from someone who was going home. A third party then responded to the location via ATV and used their tag to tag the nice buck. It appears almost everyone has a radio or cell phone with them these days.
"Landowner Appreciative for Decoy Work" -- Warden Nice and Deputy Warden Williams apprehended a hunter for shooting from the roadway and not wearing blaze orange after she spotted the deer decoys in the field and shot twice from the roadway at the decoys. Warden Nice was talking to the landowner who complained at the time of the incident. The landowner was able to hear the shots and radio traffic and observe the violation. The landowner was over appreciative that the wardens were helping out with the road hunting problems in the area.
"Some People Just Don’t Get It" -- Warden Dave Youngquist watched two hunters drive down a county highway on their ATV with their loaded, uncased .270 and 7mm-mag rifles bungee-corded to the front rack of the ATV. Even after the safety explanation, the hunters from out-of-state failed to see why they were being cited.
"Youth Hunters Reminded About Firearm Safety" -- Warden Rick DeWitte and Special Warden Bloyer were driving down the road and observed a vehicle ahead with several young hunters walking behind. The truck stopped and the young hunters climbed on board the flatbed truck with their un-cased rifles. DeWitte and Bloyer drove up to the truck and contacted the hunters. They were in the process of moving down the road and were going to make a deer drive beginning along the road and up over the hilltop. The 22-year-old driver had stopped and told the young hunters to climb on board. The driver also had his gun in a case that was only partially zipped on the front seat next to him. The young hunter's guns were uncased and some were loaded. They had responded to the older relative’s direction to climb on board. Upon further questioning, DeWitte found that two of the 12 year old hunters had taken hunter safety that fall in a nearby town, at which class Warden DeWitte had spoken to them about firearm safety and the hunting regulations, stressing the regulations for firearms in and on vehicles. The young hunters had recalled the presentation. The driver was cited for transporting uncased firearms in/on a vehicle. Warnings and a safety reminder were issued to the youth and their father was contacted about the firearm violations.
"Just the Person I Was Looking For" -- Sometimes the wardens are just too efficient and things just fall into place. Warden Rick DeWitte and Intern Hess were checking hunters in Grant County and contacted individuals who were just setting up a deer drive up a hill. About a half-hour later they drove back toward this location and observed a vehicle traveling slowly along the roadway and appeared to be involved in road hunting. DeWitte pulled up to the vehicle as it stopped along the highway at which time the passenger was observed to be talking on a cell phone. The driver commented to DeWitte that he was just the person they were looking for. They had observed a potential uncased firearm in a vehicle violation and were in the process of calling the DNR Hotline number but were unable to get through. DeWitte obtained the information and checked the local hunters nearby. Two young female individuals, one with a firearm, were observed to be hunting on the property. The 13-year-old hunter was not accompanied by the required adult supervision, as the adults were involved in the deer driver which had ended on the opposite side of the farm from the youngsters. Further checking of the other hunters found that they were transporting uncased firearms in their vehicles across the field. Citations were issued for uncased firearms and allowing a youth to hunt without required supervision.
2001 Gun Deer Season Arrests and Seizure Report
