May days are here, so check the rulebook

Highs in the 60s to low 70s are predicted all next week, with plenty of sunshine. If that holds, look for catches to soar as water temperatures rise inland and on Green Bay and its tributaries.

Opening day of the general inland fishing season Saturday means plenty of rule changes, so be sure to pick up a printed copy of the latest hook and line and trout fishing regulations, or visit https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/fishing/regulations.

Panfish, pike, walleyes and stream trout will be among the inland targets this weekend, while many bay anglers will search for post-spawn walleyes or pre-spawn smallmouth bass. Bay seasons for yellow perch and muskies are still closed, as are some of the bass seasons in Lake Michigan’s northern river systems.

Meanwhile, lake and brown trout are being hooked, with browns still shallow on Lake Michigan and lakers active 1-3 miles out. A few salmon have already been hooked, and more rainbows will be caught as they return from the tributaries after spawning.

Wolf committee

Anyone interested in applying for a chance to be on the DNR’s Wolf Advisory Committee needs to do so by Sunday night. Go to https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/WildlifeHabitat/wolf and read the documents under the Advisory Committee tab before clicking to apply.

The committee is comprised of DNR staff, representatives from government agencies/entities, the Conservation Congress, Ojibwe tribes and up to 10 stakeholder seats featuring a broad spectrum of viewpoints. Those three-year-term seats will be filled via a competitive application process.

Two reps will be chosen from each of the five stakeholder groups: hunting and trapping; agricultural and ranching; environmental; conservation science and education; and at-large/unaffiliated. Members are expected to attend all meetings and come prepared to discuss relevant topics by reviewing supporting materials and the agenda prior. They are also expected to work collaboratively with those whose views differ from their own.

Preference will be given to those who demonstrate the ability to engage in constructive dialogue regarding wolf conservation and management, recognize the complexity of issues surrounding wolf conservation and management and work toward mutual understanding and durable management solutions.

It’s Fat Bird Week

Organizers of Wisconsin’s Fat Bird Week May 2-9 hope that people take a minute to learn about the importance of bird conservation, native plants and bird-friendly coffee while voting for their favorite bulbous birds.

The fun, bracket-style elimination tournament features daily voting hosted by the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin and SOS Save Our Songbirds. While people weigh-in with their votes, the organizations will be sharing fun facts about native birds and how to keep them fat and healthy.

Contestants waddling into this year’s bracket include “Neckless” Northern Cardinal, “Enormous” Eastern Bluebird, “Rotund” Ruby-throated Hummingbird and five others. To see them all and learn more, visit https://www.wisconservation.org/fat-bird-week/
State Parks anniversary

Wisconsin’s State Park System is celebrating its 125th anniversary.

Since 1900, 50 state parks, 44 state trails, 15 state forests, 9 state recreation areas and 8 river and resource areas have been established, providing scenic, accessible and affordable spaces for more than 20 million visitors each year.

New this year, state park and forest vehicle admission passes are valid for 12 months from the date of purchase. You can try before you buy, too, by checking out one of the free daily admission passes available at participating libraries. See the list and learn more at https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/outwigo/library. Meanwhile, keep an eye out for special 125th anniversary events by visiting https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/events.

Spring cleanup

More than 1,800 people signed up to be a part of one of the largest volunteer events in the state Saturday, the Fox-Wolf Watershed Cleanup, and walk-ins are welcome.

This hands-on effort to restore and protect the lakes, rivers and streams that connect communities in the Fox and Wolf River basins runs from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at more than 60 sites, and is followed by a celebration picnic from noon to 2 p.m. at Telulah Park in Appleton.

The nonprofit Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance works to educate and empower citizens. To learn more or get involved, visit https://fwwa.org/what-we-do/trash-free-waters/cleanup/.

Hearing results

As of late Monday, the 2025 Wisconsin DNR and Conservation Congress spring hearing results still hadn’t been posted. A year ago, they were released April 29, so it’s possible they’ll be out by the time you read this. Check https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/about/wcc/springhearing for county and state results.

Some in the media, and when it works to their benefit, various stakeholders, will jump on the totals, but votes are advisory only. Still, the annual process does provide a small sampling of public opinion that the DNR and legislature can lean on when drafting bills they like.