Law Enforcement Headlines

Hunter Education Promotion

For the first time, Wisconsin Conservation Wardens have the ability to broadcast streaming video from the DNR main website in Madison. "It's something we've been wanting to do for a while now", says Chief Warden Randy Stark. "As technology changes, so does how people choose to get their information. Our goal is to keep up with technology so we can provide the information people want, how they want to get it, when they want it. We're now able to share with you a 30-second television public service announcement we recently distributed to Wisconsin TV stations as part of a Hunter Education effort encouraging people to sign up for a hunter education class".

View the Hunter Education Website broadcast (VIDEO, Length: :35).

Hunter Education Administrator Tim Lawhern; also thinks streaming video is a great idea. He says, "taking a hunter education course is a part of the tradition of hunting in Wisconsin. Since 1967 hunters have been graduating from a course specifically designed towards educating hunters to be safe, knowledgeable and responsible. As hunting changes with the times so does our training; the video technology is a perfect example. If you took a course 20 or more years ago you might be surprised as to how much it has changed. So, no matter if you are a seasoned hunter or a new hunter needing to get certified, sign up for a course near you by looking at our upcoming course listings. Courses are offered throughout the year. The months with the most courses offered are March, April, June and then mid August, September, and October. Planning ahead is part of being a responsible hunter so planning months in advance of when you need a hunter education certificate is the responsible thing to do.

Locate a course near you: http://dnr.wi.gov/org/es/enforcement/safety/upcoming.htm

First Ever Youth Outdoor Expo

Dodge County Fairgrounds – Wisconsin conservation wardens participated in the first ever Youth Outdoor Expo that was held May 19-20 at the Dodge County Fairgrounds. A great time was had by all - children, wardens, volunteers and teachers.

Approximately 3500 children aged 9-12, some from as far away as Taylor County got a chance to shoot air rifles, shoot a bow and arrow, handle fish, cast a fly rod, tie a fly, handle furs, start a fire without matches, learn how a paddle a canoe, call a duck or a turkey, study invasive's (harmful bugs and weeds), learn how a carve a decoy, learn Native American traditions, pitch a tent, learn about ATV safety, study wildlife tracks, and yes, listen to a President Theodore Roosevelt imitator talk to them about the importance of hard work, conservation, and the responsibility that comes with citizenship. (read and see more about the expo)

Conservation wardens participated in the Expo by mentoring youth on the safe use of firearms. Participating children and adults were provided an orientation to safe handling, they were then ushered to another station for instruction on siting-in firearms and finally each child was paired up with a conservation warden to shoot a BB gun at a paper target.

"There was not a child on the property without a smile on their face; it was amazing to see and a very rewarding day for everyone" said Chief Warden Randy Stark. "If the smiles and comments were any measure, it was clear we successful in making memories and delivering a positive experience that will kindle a lifelong interest in the outdoors. Check with any of the wardens who participated; they'll tell you what a great experience it was to take a child who had never shot before and inside 10 minutes have them shooting bulls eyes, and leaving with their target and a big smile on their face, proud of what they'd just accomplished. It was very inspirational to see so many people come together on behalf of passing on the conservation ethic to future generations."

Chief Stark offered a special thanks to all several hundred volunteers, all the wardens involved, other DNR staff, the conservation organizations who made this go from an idea to a reality. "We've identified many improvements - and next year - we'll work to double the number of children who won't be left inside", Stark said.

About the Expo from The Watertown Daily Times

Photos courtesy of Dave Edwards - Wisconsin DNR