Back in 1946, the Wisconsin Conservation Commission had the idea to set aside an area made up of five lakes in Vilas County for fisheries research. Using special free permits and mandatory reports from all anglers fishing the lakes, they’ve gained a lot of knowledge and tested the impact of various fishing regulations on those fishing populations. …

Researchers across the world rely on curious citizen scientists to be their eyes and ears, collecting data that can help solve some of the biggest questions in science. Citizen scientists can be anyone from any background who wants to volunteer their time to helping the scientific community learn more about the world around us. At the Wisconsin DNR…

As the Wisconsin DNR prepares to welcome another warden recruitment class, now, more than ever, diversity in the field is essential to make sure the warden service reflects the communities they serve. In this episode, we hear from DNR Conservation Wardens Vong Xiong and Juan Gomez who come from different walks of life and serve the same mission. Bo…

It doesn’t matter if it’s January or June, snowing or sunny and 85 degrees; it’s always a good idea to get outdoors in Wisconsin. Sure, we have plenty of beautiful opportunities all across our state. But it’s not just a matter of looking at some pretty scenery. Studies have found a significant link between getting outdoors and improved mental healt…

On Episode 56, we talk to Wisconsin snowmobilers, Erica Marten and Jen Marcott-Bong, founders of the female-focused Facebook Group “Wisco Sled Divas” connecting women who love to ride. Erica and Jen share some of their best tips, tricks and snowmobiling stories – including what to pack, favorite trails and how you can make the most of your next rid…

With roughly 15,000 lakes and over 84,000 miles of rivers and streams, there are plenty of opportunities for Wisconsinites to fish around every corner. Free Fishing Weekend is coming up this weekend – Jan. 16-17, 2021. It’s the perfect opportunity to give ice fishing a try. Grab some gear and find your adventure on any water bodies in Wisconsin whe…

‘Tis the season for celebrations and recollection. We’re looking back at all 15 Wild Wisconsin – Off The Record podcast episodes from 2020 and delivering our “greatest hits.” Hear highlights from a few of our best episodes and find a new favorite as we head into the new year. Listen to the full episodes here: 50 Years Of Earth Day What 50 Years Of …

In 2010, Wisconsin established legislation that banned electronics waste from the landfills. Over those ten years, Wisconsinites have recycled more than 325 million pounds of TVs, laptops, cellphones and more. As one of only 25 states with some sort of an electronics recycling law, Wisconsin is widely considered to have one of the most successful p…

Hunting is a long-established tradition woven into the fabric of Wisconsin’s culture. As hunters new and old make their way into the woods this November, we wanted to know what makes this season so special in Wisconsin. In this episode, we hear from Carissa Freeh, a wildlife biologist for Pheasants Forever in central Wisconsin. Hunting since 2014, …

Chronic Wasting Disease is an always fatal, infectious disease that affects deer, elk, moose, and reindeer. Hunters (and non-hunters, alike!) play an important role in helping us monitor the disease across the state. And in 2020, we've made it easier than ever before to help us do exactly that. On this episode of Wild Wisconsin, we sit down with DN…

2020 has been an unpredictable year. Despite the uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Wisconsinites have remained resilient. Although times have been tough, Wisconsinites have gotten outdoors to enjoy the many adventures available in our state. In this episode of Off the Record, we asked residents on Facebook to share their inspirational st…

Each year, over one million people use Wisconsin’s Ice Age Trail to recreate, meditate or take in the unique sights sculpted by a glacier thousands of years ago. Last spring, Coree Woltering, a North Face sponsored ultrarunner, embarked on a challenge that very few have attempted in the IATs 12,000-year history. For over 21 days, Woltering endured …

Ninety-four percent of Wisconsinites live in an area that meets all federal air quality standards. Fifty short years ago, that wasn’t necessarily the case. The first Earth Day in 1970 paved the way for a couple of landmark environmental initiatives, including the signing of the Clean Air Act. The Clean Air Act is widely considered one of the most c…

Wisconsin has thousands of miles of trails that can be used for everything from hiking to snowmobiling – and lots in between. State trails are an easy way to start exploring Wisconsin’s outdoors. We’re also fortunate enough to have two of 11 National Scenic Trails wind their way through our state -- all of the Ice Age Trail and about 200 miles of t…

Earth Day was founded by Wisconsin’s very own Gaylord Nelson. Then a senator, and former Wisconsin governor, Nelson had a simple idea for a day of awareness for the planet. The year was 1970. Gas was cheap. There were no regulations like the Clean Air Act or the Clean Water Act to keep factories from polluting our air, land, and water. A rising con…

Every 10 years, the U.S. population is counted via a census – and the 2020 census is right around the corner. In March, about 95% of the nation’s households will be receiving an invitation in the mail to participate. And 2020 will mark the first year that the census can be completed online. How and why should you respond to that invitation? In this…

More and more women are getting involved in science-based careers historically dominated by men. Although women are still underrepresented in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has a number of women scientists. In honor of International Women’s Day on March 8, we talked with…

During the 2019 hunting season, we asked you to pass it on and take someone hunting with you. Justin Morrissey was already a step ahead of us and was working with his best friend, Joey Wakeen, who has Down syndrome, to get ready for the season. The friends, who are really more like brothers, decided it was time for Joey to give hunting a try. They …

There’s a lot of love for Wisconsin’s state parks. In honor of Valentine’s Day, visitors share their Wisconsin State Park love stories about first dates, surprise engagements and scenic wedding days. Listen in to hear how their special day is something they’ll remember forever. -------------------------------------- TRANSCRIPT Announcer: [00:00:00]…

Wisconsin is the birthplace of snowmobiling and continues to offer some of the best snowmobiling opportunities you are likely to find, especially in the northern part of the state. Eagle River is the Snowmobile Capital of the World and host of the Amsoil World Championship Snowmobile Derby. On this episode, Kim Emerson, Executive Director of the Ea…

Ice fishing is a favorite pastime for many Wisconsinites, who have fond memories of going out on frozen lakes with their families with they were young. If you drive past any Wisconsin lake in the middle of winter after its iced over, you’ll almost certainly see at least one person out ice fishing. On this bonus episode of Wild Wisconsin, Bill Scott…

Bald eagles in Wisconsin, and across the country, were once on the verge of extinction, but they’ve made a comeback through conservation efforts. Nests for these distinct birds are now found in 71 of Wisconsin’s 72 counties, typically near a water body such as the Mississippi River. In just the last year, numbers in the southeastern part of the sta…

Wisconsin is home to an array of magnificent natural resources. Native plants, animals, picturesque forests and wetlands are part of what makes the Badger State so great. Sadly, more than 400 fish and wildlife species are in big trouble – with some populations so low that many are at risk of extinction. The Bureau of Natural Heritage Conservation a…

How and why did you get started in hunting? Everyone has their own story. Did a family member introduce you? Were you looking for another way to spend time in nature? Did you want to learn about where your food comes from? In this special bonus edition of Wild Wisconsin, we’re bringing you another story from Wisconsin’s wild side. Listen in as Bill…

Opportunities and exposure for women who fish in Wisconsin are rising. According to the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation, women anglers ages 25-34 have grown over 30% in the last 10 years. And 43% of people who are new to fishing are women. We sat down with various DNR staff to learn why an increase in women fishing is so significant. Li…

This week we're bringing you a bonus episode of Wild Wisconsin - Off The Record. Special guest host and Wisconsin Radio Network announcer Bill Scott chats with avid hunter Jacob Zueske who shares a memorable hunt on a Treestand that left quite the impression. Listen in for more adventures and memories from Wisconsin's wild side.…

Wisconsinite’s love the outdoors. But for families, it can be challenging to find the time for adventures while balancing responsibilities at home. John Stellflue, a Sun Prairie resident and avid outdoorsman, recently headed out for the youth hunt with his nephew – on his wedding anniversary. How did he pull that off? Compromise and respect. From t…

In July, the Wisconsin DNR and Secretary-designee Preston Cole hosted wildlife experts from several Midwest states to collaborate on how to slow the spread of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), a deadly nervous system disease which affects deer, moose and elk. The DNR began tracking the disease in 1999. When we say every sample counts, we mean it. Sinc…

As a state that is well-known for its world-class coldwater fishing experiences, Wisconsin could see significant changes to trout distribution through its streams as a result of climate change. These fish, namely brook trout and brown trout, require cold water to live. Warming temperatures are also more ideal for parasites, which can harm and kill …

Shortly after retiring, former DNR employees Ed and Sandy Miller started working at Eagle Bluff Lighthouse in Door County after seeing an ad in the newspaper. The lighthouse, which was built in 1868, stands on a bluff at Peninsula State Park and not only aids boats through the treacherous bay in the summer, but also helps cross-country skiers, snow…

Hunting is a time-honored tradition in Wisconsin. If you’re curious about the sport, looking for a better understanding of the culture or interested in knowing where your food comes from – the DNR’s Hunt For Food program has you covered. Hunt For Food combines classroom and field instruction for beginners before pairing participants with an experie…

Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) was first detected in Wisconsin more than a decade ago. Today, the fight against it continues. We sat down with Mandy Kamps, a DNR wildlife biologist, to learn the basics of CWD. We also catch up with avid Wisconsin deer hunters, Mitch and Elizabeth Baker, to hear about their journey to help to slow the spread of this …

We all remember Smokey Bear and his fire prevention message from childhood. But did you know that the message has changed slightly in recent years? The big guy is turning 75 on August 9th and to celebrate we sat down with Catherine Koele and Sara Pearson to get the inside scoop on the history of Smokey, his message, and how you can help him celebra…

Wisconsin State Fair is a tradition dating back to 1851 that is loved by Wisconsinties and visitors to the state of all ages. This year it runs from August 1st through 11th and Wisconsin DNR will be back with an even bigger presence. Hear from DNR Secretary-designee Preston Cole, Wisconsin State Fair CEO Kathleen O’Leary and DNR Secretary’s Directo…

July is National Anti-Boredom Month. And what better way to celebrate and escape the indoors than by visiting Wisconsin State Parks. With over 40 state parks and even more state forests, trails and recreation areas, there's something nearby for anyone. 10:20-- Learn about Blue Mind Science 11:40-- Ideas in Door County 14:00-- Gems in Southeast Wisc…

In episode 20, Secretary-designee Preston Cole claimed that he has the best job in Wisconsin. We checked in with Chief Conservation Warden Todd Schaller on this, and he begs to differ. On this week's episode of DNR's Off the Record podcast, Chief Schaller and Lt. Conservation Warden John Sinclair sit down to talk about what it's like being on the b…

Over the last decade, cougars have returned to Wisconsin after a 100-year hiatus with the dispersal of males from a breeding population in western South Dakota. Why are cougars showing up in Wisconsin now? How do we know whether or not they're breeding here? And what should you do if you spot a cougar in your area? Scott Walter, DNR's large carnivo…

Free Fun Weekend is around the corner (June 1 and 2), and for a lot of Wisconsinites, that means time on the water. But what if you never learned to fish? Or you want to get your kids into fishing? In this episode, we talk with angler education specialist and R3 coordinator Theresa Stabo about how to get started with fishing - for free - through cl…

What started as a crazy idea in a Wisconsin State Parks meeting to tap into the fitness tracker craze in 2017, has evolved into an initiative to help folks get outdoors. In this episode, hear from Parks' Jane Simpkins and Missy Vanlanduyt about the program's first year, how it nearly didn't happen and how OutWiGo is bolstering our state's physical,…

With spring comes warmer weather, those first hikes where you leave the sweater at home and, of course, adorable baby animals. Join wildlife biologists and Keep Wildlife Wild co-coordinators Mandy Kamps and Dianne Robinson for a look at how to handle those unexpected wildlife interactions as well as tips and tricks to help keep wildlife safe and, m…

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

New technology has changed the way we hunt, but nothing beats good old woodsmanship! Getting familiar with how deer move and behave year-round can make all the difference, whether you're a hunter or a wildlife photographer looking for that perfect shot. Join Eric Canania and Anna Brose as they discuss what a year looks like in the life of a white-t…

The hunting world is changing – why not take advantage of new technology to improve your time in the woods? DNR's new FREE hunting app, Hunt Wild Wisconsin, gives your everything from mobile mapping to regulations and shooting hours – all in the palm of your hand. Join Scott Karel and Jeff Walters as they discuss what the app can do for you, whethe…

What do you need to know before you head into the woods for another Wisconsin deer season? How are these rules and regulations made? If you've ever asked yourself either of those questions, we've got you covered. Join Scott Karel from the Wildlife Management Bureau and Matt O'Brien from DNR Law Enforcement as they cover some new rules and get you u…

Communicating with hunters and outdoorsmen and women in 2018 is no easy task – with new technology, comes new opportunities (and challenges). So, how do we connect the dots? We're joined by Mark Boardman, Jim Hamilton and Erik Barber from Vortex Optics and Jeff Guerard, the Chairman of Wisconsin Backcountry Hunters and Anglers to discuss what we're…

Panfishing is a perfect way to get someone new interested in fishing (and also happens to be the driving force behind everyone's favorite fish fry) – but where do you start? We're joined by DNR fisheries staff Zach Woiak, Travis Motl and Patrick Short, along with Wisconsin Conservation Congress delegate Tom Schwefel, to cover some tips and tricks t…

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

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

Public land hunting can be intimidating, but is there more to the story? In this episode, we're joined by the guys from The Hunting Public, along with DNR wildlife management staff Jeff Pritzl and Bill Hogseth, to share their thoughts on how YOU can plan a successful public land hunt this fall from start to finish. We'll also cover how DNR staff ma…

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