NR 10.111(2)
(2) Elk management units. The elk management zone boundaries are described in
s. NR 10.37. Unit boundaries shall be readily identifiable features of the landscape such as roads and rivers. When road boundaries are used, the department shall give priority to use of numbered and lettered highways.
NR 10.111(3)(a)(a) The overwinter elk population goal for elk management zones A and B as described in
s. NR 10.37 shall be expressed as the total number of elk per zone as follows:
-
See PDF for table 
NR 10.111(3)(b)
(b) The department shall manage the elk population in Zone X, as described in
s. NR 10.37, at a population level of zero elk. If the department determines that elk are causing agricultural damage, are a nuisance or are frequenting an area in Zone X, the department shall remove the elk in a manner determined by the department, in accordance with the procedures outlined
ss. NR 12.10 and
12.15 and may include trapping and relocating, hazing, hunting or shooting.
NR 10.111(3)(c)
(c) If the department determines that hunting is an appropriate removal method for elk subject to
par. (b), the department may designate Zone A or B elk tags as being valid on specified properties in Zone X, during the elk season.
NR 10.111(4)(a)(a)
Annual population estimate. The overwinter elk population goal shall be determined based on biological, ecological and sociological factors, including: reproductive success, winter severity, herd age and sex structure, non-hunting mortality, and agricultural damage.
NR 10.111(4)(b)
(b)
Quota objectives. Using the overwinter elk population estimate established under
par. (a), the department shall annually calculate an antlerless elk kill quota for each zone with the objective of maintaining the elk herd at the established elk population goal.
NR 10.111(4)(c)
(c)
Quota adjustment in ceded territory. For the elk management units in the ceded territory as defined in
s. NR 13.02 (1), expected tribal harvest shall be deducted from the elk kill quota established in
par. (b).
NR 10.111(5)(a)(a)
Purpose. The department may issue elk licenses in numbers to assure maintenance of elk populations for each zone indicated in
sub. (3).
NR 10.111(5)(b)
(b)
Bull elk tag formula. The department shall determine the number of bull elk tags which shall be issued by the formula:
Number of bull elk tags available = total elk population in Zones A and B x 5%
NR 10.111(5)(c)
(c)
Antlerless elk tag formula. The department shall determine the number of antlerless elk tags which shall be issued at a level that will maintain the elk population goal established for each elk management zone listed in
sub. (3).
NR 10.111(6)(a)(a)
License requirements. Elk hunting licenses may only be issued to those who have earned a certificate of accomplishment under s.
29.595, Stats., and have obtained authorization for either a bull tag or antlerless elk tag. Successful applicants will be limited to one elk license per lifetime as established in s.
29.182 (4m), Stats. The department may reissue an elk license if the license is returned or if the applicant fails to or cannot comply with s.
29.182, Stats. Selection shall be by random drawing.
NR 10.111(6)(b)
(b)
Success rate formula. Hunter success rates used to compute the number of elk licenses to be issued for each zone shall be those calculated by the department from annual elk season harvest reports except where no previous history of success rates exist. In establishing licenses for a zone without an adequate history of licenses, the department shall estimate an anticipated success rate. The license rate formula is:
-
See PDF for table NR 10.111(6)(c)
(c) The number of elk licenses to be issued to harvest the desired number of elk shall be based on the hunter success rates from previous seasons. The license number formula is:
-
See PDF for table NR 10.111(7)
(7) Application procedure. Applications for elk licenses shall be on forms provided by the department. Applications shall be postmarked no later than the deadline dates indicated on the form or received by a department service center location no later than those dates to be considered for selection.
NR 10.111 Note
Note: The department conducts extensive publicity on the application deadlines beginning several months prior to any deadline. Application deadline dates are published in news releases, the department web site at
www.dnr.wi.gov, license outlet handouts, and pertinent regulation pamphlets. Department service center office hours may vary by location.
NR 10.12
NR 10.12
Migratory game bird hunting. NR 10.12(1)
(1)
Prohibited methods. No person shall hunt any migratory game bird by any of the following methods:
NR 10.12(1)(a)
(a) Sinkbox. From or by means, aid or use of a sinkbox or any other type of low floating device, having a depression affording the hunter a means of concealment beneath the surface of the water.
NR 10.12(1)(b)
(b) Boats. From any boat or craft other than those propelled by paddle, oar or pole. When motors or sails are attached to the boat, the motor shall be completely shut off and the sail furled, and the boat's progress stopped before a firearm may be loaded.
NR 10.12(1)(c)
(c) Structures. From any pier, dam, dock or similar structure, except disabled persons under the authority of a class A permit issued by the department.
NR 10.12(1)(d)
(d) Rallying. By the use or aid of any water, air or motor-driven land conveyance used for the purpose of or resulting in stirring up, driving or rallying.
NR 10.12(1)(e)
(e) Bird calls. By the use or aid of recorded or electrically amplified bird calls or sounds or imitations thereof, or while in possession of any type of device that produces recorded or electronic amplifications of bird calls or sounds.
NR 10.12(1)(f)
(f) Live decoys. By using directly or indirectly any live tame or captive ducks or geese for decoy purposes regardless of the distance intervening between any such live decoys and the position of the hunter. All live tame or captive ducks and geese shall be removed for a period of 10 consecutive days prior to hunting, and confined within an enclosure which substantially reduces the audibility of their calls and totally conceals these live birds from the sight of migratory waterfowl.
NR 10.12(1)(g)
(g) Decoy use. By the use or aid of decoys which are or have been:
NR 10.12(1)(g)1.
1. Placed beyond 200 feet from the blind or cover in which the hunter is located.
NR 10.12(1)(g)2.
2. Placed in the water more than one hour before the open hunting time.
NR 10.12(1)(g)3.
3. Left in the water more than 20 minutes after the close of hunting time.
NR 10.12(2)
(2) Possession. No person shall possess any live or crippled migratory game bird reduced to possession by means of hunting. Such bird shall be immediately killed and become a part of the daily bag limit.
NR 10.12(3)
(3) Open water restrictions. No person may hunt waterfowl in open water from or with the aid of any blind which may include any boat, canoe, raft, contrivance or similar device except:
NR 10.12(3)(a)
(a) Mississippi river. Blinds in any of the waters of the Mississippi river and adjoining counties provided the blinds are securely anchored and located not more than 100 feet from any shoreline including islands. Blinds in open water in Grant county and the Lake Pepin portions of the Mississippi river are permitted regardless of the distance from shore provided the blinds are securely anchored.
NR 10.12(3)(b)
(b) Great Lakes and Big Green lake. Blinds in open waters of Big Green lake, Lake Superior, Lake Michigan and Green Bay beyond 500 feet of any lake or bay shoreline. Blinds do not have to be anchored in these areas.
NR 10.12(3)(c)
(c) Lake Winnebago and Petenwell flowage. Blinds in open waters of Lake Winnebago and Petenwell flowage (north of state highway 21 and south of state highway 73) if more than 1,000 feet from any shoreline including islands provided blinds are securely anchored.
NR 10.12(3)(d)
(d) Blind removal. All open water blinds shall be removed at the close of hunting hours each day.
NR 10.12(4)
(4) Special blind restrictions. The department may restrict hunters to certain blind locations within the Collins, Eldorado, Grand River, Pine Island and Theresa state wildlife areas by posted notice. If posted, maps shall be provided by the department indicating where blind sites are located. Downed game birds may be retrieved outside blinds with the aid of guns and dogs or by hand.
NR 10.12(5)
(5) Taking methods. No person shall hunt any migratory bird:
NR 10.12(5)(a)
(a) Guns and devices. With a trap, snare, cable restraint, net, rifle, pistol, crossbow other than as authorized in ss.
29.171 and
29.193 (2) (cr) 2. and
3., Stats., swivel gun, punt gun, battery gun, machine gun, fishhook, poison, drug, explosive, stupefying substance, shotgun chambered for a shell that is larger than a no. 10 gauge, or while in possession of a shell that is larger than no. 10 gauge.
NR 10.12 Note
Note: The ss.
29.171and
29.193 (2) (cr) 2. and
3., Stats., references authorize disabled persons under department permit and resident senior citizens to hunt any migratory bird on which an open season is established in s.
NR 10.01 (1) with crossbows meeting s.
29.171, Stats., standards.
NR 10.12(5)(b)
(b) Shotgun capabilities. With any automatic-loading or hand-operated repeating shotgun capable of holding more than 3 shells the magazine of which has not been cut off or plugged with a one-piece filler incapable of removal without disassembling the gun so as to reduce the capacity of said gun to not more than 3 shells at one time in the magazine and chamber combined.
NR 10.12(5)(c)
(c) Legal means. By any means other than a shotgun fired from the shoulder or a bow and arrow, or by falconry.
NR 10.12(5)(d)
(d) Non-toxic shot requirements. While hunting waterfowl, snipe, rails, moorhens and coot within any areas of the state, or mourning doves on lands which are under the management, supervision and control of the department, no person may:
NR 10.12(5)(d)1.
1. Take, catch, kill or pursue waterfowl, mourning doves, snipe, rails, moorhens and coot with any shot, either in shotshells or as loose shot for muzzle-loading, other than non-toxic shot.
NR 10.12(5)(d)2.
2. Possess any shotshell or muzzle-loading firearm loaded with any material other than non-toxic shot.
NR 10.12(6)
(6) Tagging. No person may give, put or leave migratory game birds at any place, other than at that person's permanent abode, or in the custody of another person unless the birds are tagged individually or collectively with tags bearing the following information:
NR 10.12 Note
Note: Tagging is required if the birds are being transported by another person for the hunter, or if the birds have been left for cleaning, storage (including temporary storage), shipment, or taxidermy services.
NR 10.12(7)
(7) Dressing. No person may completely dress any migratory game bird while in the field or during transportation from the field. The head or one fully feathered wing shall remain attached to all migratory game birds while in the field or during transportation from the field to the person's permanent abode or a preservation facility.
NR 10.12(8)
(8) Shipment. No person may ship migratory game birds unless the package is marked on the outside with:
NR 10.12(8)(a)
(a) The name and address of the person sending the birds,
NR 10.12(8)(b)
(b) The name and address of the person to whom the birds are being sent, and
NR 10.12(8)(c)
(c) The number of birds, by species, contained in the package.
NR 10.12(9)(a)(a) One fully-feathered wing shall remain attached to all migratory game birds being transported between the port of entry and the possessor's permanent abode or to a preservation facility.
NR 10.12(9)(b)
(b) No person may import migratory game birds belonging to another person.
NR 10.12(10)
(10) Waterfowl stamp. No person 16 years of age and older may hunt for waterfowl without a valid state waterfowl stamp approval unless the person is carrying a valid conservation patron license, senior citizen recreation card, free military small game license or first-year hunter education certificate.
NR 10.12 Note
Note: Violation of state migratory game bird regulations is also a violation of federal regulations. Importation restrictions do not prohibit the importation of legally taken, fully feathered migratory game birds for mounting purposes by a taxidermist holding a valid federal permit and licensed by the U.S. department of agriculture to decontaminate birds.
NR 10.12(11)
(11) Harvest information program. Before hunting any migratory game birds each year, hunters shall register with the department by supplying their names, addresses, date of birth and other necessary information requested by the department in a manner prescribed by the department. No individual may hunt any species of migratory game bird until registered with the department and all hunters must have in their possession proof of registration while hunting migratory game birds.
NR 10.12(12)
(12) Waterfowl blind identification. No person may maintain, occupy or use a blind situated on state-owned property for hunting waterfowl unless the owner's name, address and customer identification number, in the English language and in lettering one-inch square or larger, is affixed permanently to the blind. The name and address shall be readily visible on the blind and shall be kept legible at all times.
NR 10.12 History
History: 1-2-56; am. (2) (c), (3) (a), (4), (5) (c),
Register, August, 1956, No. 8, eff. 9-1-56; am. (1) (e) and (2) (c) and r. (5) (b),
Register, August, 1958, No. 32, eff. 9-1-58; am. (1) (b); r. and recr. (1) (d); cr. (1) (f) and (g); am. (5) (a),
Register, September, 1960, No. 57, eff. 10-1-60; r. and recr. (1) (f),
Register, August, 1961, No. 68. eff. 9-1-61; r. and recr. (1) (f),
Register, September, 1963, No. 93, eff. 10-1-63; r. (5) (c)
Register, August, 1965, No. 116, eff. 9-1-65; am. (5) (a),
Register, September, 1965, No. 117, eff. 10-1-65; am. (1) (f),
Register, September, 1966, No. 129, eff. 10-1-66; am. (2) (b); cr. (2) (d), (e) and (f),
Register, August, 1967, No. 140, eff. 9-1-67; emerg. am. (1) (f), eff. 9-1-67; am. (2) (b) and (e),
Register, August, 1968, No. 152, eff. 9-1-68; emerg. am. (1) (f), eff. 9-30-68; emerg. am. (2) (c), eff. 10-11-68, emerg. am. (1) (f) and (2) (c), eff. 8-30-69; am. (1) (f) and (2) (c),
Register, November, 1969, No. 167, eff. 12-1-69; renum. to be NR 10.12,
Register, June, 1970, No. 174, eff. 7-1-70; am. (2) (d) and (e), and r. (f),
Register September 1970, No. 177, eff. 10-1-70; am. (2) (b),
Register, September, 1971, No. 189, eff. 10-1-71; emerg. am. (1) (f) eff. 10-10-72; emerg. am. (2) (a), eff. 9-24-75; am. (2) (a),
Register, June, 1976, No. 246, eff. 7-1-76; am. (2),
Register, January, 1977, No. 253, eff. 2-1-77; am. (5),
Register, December, 1977, No. 264, eff. 1-1-78; r. (2) (a), r. and recr. (2) (c), and cr. (5) (b),
Register, February, 1978, No. 266, eff. 3-1-78; r. and recr. (1) to (4) and (5) (a), cr. (5) (intro.), renum. (5) (b) to be (5) (d),
Register, May, 1978, No. 269, eff. 6-1-78; r. and recr. (3) (d) and (5) (d) 2.,
Register, December, 1978, No. 276, eff. 1-1-79; r. and recr. (1) (g),
Register, August, 1979, No. 284, eff. 9-1-79; r. and recr. (3) (b),
Register, April, 1980, No. 292, eff. 5-1-80; am. (3) (d) 1. and 2.,
Register, June, 1981, No. 306, eff. 7-1-81; emerg. r. and recr. (5) (d), eff. 9-12-81; r. and recr. (5) (d),
Register, March, 1982, No. 315, eff. 4-1-82; am. (3) (d) (intro.),
Register, April, 1982, No. 316, eff. 5-1-82; am. (5) (d) 2. b.,
Register, June, 1984, No. 342, eff. 7-1-84; am. (3) (b), cr. (3) (e) and r. and recr. (4) (a) 1.,
Register, April, 1985, No. 352, eff. 5-1-85; am. (1) (b), (f) and (h) 1., (5) (d) 2. c. and d., r. and recr. (5) (a), cr. (6) to (9),
Register, September, 1985, No. 357, eff. 10-1-85; renum. (2) (d) 2. d. to be 2. e. and cr. (2) (d) 2. d.,
Register, January, 1986, No. 361, eff. 3-1-86; emerg. r. and recr. (5) (a) 2. d., eff. 9-12-86; r. and recr. (5) (d),
Register, January, 1987, No. 373, eff. 2-1-87; r. and recr. (3),
Register, December, 1987, No. 384, eff. 1-1-88; r. and recr. (4),
Register, July, 1988, No. 391, eff. 8-1-88; emerg. am. (1) (c) and (4) (a), r. and recr. (1) (h), eff. 9-15-89; am. (1) (c) and (4) (a), r. and recr. (1) (h),
Register, March, 1990, No. 411, eff. 4-1-90; emerg. am. (4) (a), eff. 9-15-90; am. (4) (a),
Register, March, 1991, No. 423, eff. 4-1-91; emerg. am. (3) (b), eff. 9-16-91; cr. (10),
Register, October, 1991, No. 430, eff. 11-1-91; am. (3) (b),
Register, April, 1992, No. 436, eff. 5-1-92; am. (4) (intro.),
Register, August, 1992, No. 440, eff. 9-1-92; emerg. am. (10), eff. 9-1-93; am. (10),
Register, January, 1994, No. 457, eff. 2-1-94; r. and recr. (1) (g), am. (4) (a),
Register, August, 1994, No. 464, eff. 9-1-94; am. (4) (a),
Register, October, 1997, No. 502, eff. 3-1-98; cr. (11),
Register, December, 1997, No. 504, eff. 1-1-98; emerg. am. (1) (h) (intro.), eff. 9-10-99; am. (1) (h) (intro.),
Register, December, 1999, No. 528, eff. 1-1-00; cr. (12),
Register, September, 2000, No. 537 eff. 3-1-01; r. and recr. (1) (h) and am. (5) (d),
Register, December, 2000, No. 540, eff. 1-1-01;
CR 02-018: am. (10)
Register September 2002 No. 561, eff. 10-1-02;
CR 03-018: am. (5) (a)
Register November 2003 No. 575, eff. 1-1-04;
CR 04-046: am. (3) (intro.), (5) (a) and (7)
Register September 2004 No. 585, eff. 10-1-04; emerg. am. (4) eff. 8-31-06;
CR 06-074: am. (4)
Register December 2006 No. 612, eff. 1-1-07;
CR 06-012: am. (1) (e)
Register December 2006 No. 612, eff. 2-1-07; emerg. am. (5) (d), eff. 8-30-07;
CR 07-055: am. (5) (d)
Register January 2008 No. 625, eff. 2-1-08;
CR 09-024: am. (1) (h)
Register May 2010 No. 653, eff. 6-1-10;
CR 11-030: am. (5) (a)
Register February 2012 No. 674, eff. 3-1-12;
CR 11-032: am. (4)
Register August 2012 No. 680, eff. 9-1-12.
NR 10.125(1)(a)(a) Permit possession required. No person may hunt Canada geese in any area of the state without having on his or her person a valid Canada goose hunting permit.
NR 10.125(1)(b)
(b) Maximum allowable harvest. The total number of Canada goose permits and carcass tags issued by the department annually under this section and under
s. NR 19.84 shall be based upon the maximum allowable harvest assigned by the U.S. fish and wildlife service. The assigned harvest shall be distributed within established zones and by time periods based upon historical data on the distribution of geese within the state and hunter success rates.
NR 10.125(1)(c)
(c) Validity. All permits are valid only in the zones and for the time periods specified on the permit during the open season established for Canada geese. The department shall use the following procedure when specifying the permit zones:
NR 10.125(1)(c)1.
1. If the maximum allowable harvest is 160,000 birds or less, all permits shall be restricted to one zone.
NR 10.125(1)(c)2.
2. If the maximum allowable harvest is between 160,000 and 210,000 birds, the department may:
NR 10.125(1)(c)2.a.
a. Issue Horicon zone permits that are also valid for the exterior zone during a time period specified by the department.
NR 10.125(1)(c)2.b.
b. Issue exterior zone permits that are also valid for the Horicon zone during a time period specified by the department.
NR 10.125(1)(c)2.c.
c. Establish a permit processing deadline for exterior zone permits receiving the 2 zone authorization described under
subd. 2. b.
NR 10.125(1)(c)3.
3. If the maximum allowable harvest exceeds 210,000 birds, all permits shall be valid in any zone.
NR 10.125(1)(d)
(d) Permit validation procedures. When a Canada goose is killed and before it is carried by hand or transported in any manner, the hunter shall validate the permit by slitting, tearing or punching holes in the permit in the manner indicated by the department. Failure to follow the validation procedure invalidates the permit and renders any goose in the person's possession illegal.
NR 10.125(2)(a)(a) Forms. Applications shall be on forms supplied by the department.
NR 10.125(2)(b)1.1. All applications for the Horicon and Exterior zones shall be postmarked no later than the deadline dates indicated on the forms or received by a department service center location on that date to be considered for selection. The annual application deadlines may not be sooner than July 1.
NR 10.125 Note
Note: The department conducts extensive publicity on the application deadlines beginning several months prior to any deadline. Application deadline dates are published in news releases, the department web site at
www.dnr.wi.gov, license outlet handouts, and pertinent regulation pamphlets. Department service center hours may vary by location.
NR 10.125(2)(b)2.
2. Exterior zone and early goose hunt subzone permits may be obtained at a license vendor or department service center location throughout the open season.
NR 10.125 Note
Note: Department service center office hours may vary by location.
