5. Establish that the prohibition of hunting and firearm discharge on the day before the firearm deer season applies only to the traditional nine-day deer season.
6. Establish that velvet antlers may be possessed in a CWD zone and clarifies that antlers being transported out of a CWD zone must be free of brain tissue but hair or hide does not need to be removed.
7. Incorporate by reference the definitions for a section of federal regulations that are already incorporated into Wisconsin code related to baiting migratory game birds.
8. Eliminate an unnecessary cross reference.
9. Eliminate confusing and unnecessary language and clarifies that, where body-gripping type traps from 60 to 75 square inches in size are prohibited, larger traps are also prohibited.
10. Eliminate an unnecessary gear requirement; relaxing mechanical locks are not needed on snares.
11. Eliminate a limit on participation by disabled hunters during turkey seasons that is no longer needed with only seven turkey management zones.
12. Correct an omission in the name of a deer management unit.
13. Include trapping as an educational outdoor skills activity for which certain exemptions are available so that this rule language will be consistent with statute.
14. Clarify that volunteer wildlife rehabilitators may only serve in a limited capacity on wildlife rehabilitation activities.
15. Correct the number of a subdivision.
16. Update wildlife rehabilitation code language so that it is consistent with proposed changes to the list of threatened and endangered species.
Related statute or rule
There are no state rules or statutes currently under promulgation that directly relate to the provisions that are proposed in this administrative order.
Comparison with rules in adjacent states
These rule change proposals do not represent significant policy changes and do not differ significantly from surrounding states. All surrounding states have regulations and rules in place for the management and recreational use of wild game and furbearer species that are established based on needs that are unique to that state's resources and public desires.
Comparison with federal regulations
These state rules and statutes do not relieve individuals from the restrictions, requirements and conditions of federal statutes and regulations. Regulating the hunting and trapping of native species has been delegated to state fish and wildlife agencies. Additionally, none of the proposed rules exceed the authorities granted to states in
50 CFR part 10.
Summary of factual data and analytical methodologies
This rule order is necessary to correct inconsistencies created through the promulgation of other rules and statutes, update code language, correct previous drafting errors, and to clarify existing administrative code language. The rule changes included in this order do not deviate from current department policy on the management of wildlife and the regulation of hunting and trapping.
Small Business Impact
These rules are applicable to individual sportspersons and impose no compliance or reporting requirements for small businesses, and no design or operational standards are contained in the rule.
Pursuant to s.
227.114, Stats., it is not anticipated that the proposed rules will have a significant economic impact on small businesses.
Small business regulatory coordinator
Environmental Impact
The Department has made a preliminary determination that this action does not involve significant adverse environmental effects and does not need an environmental analysis under ch.
NR 150, Wis. Adm. Code. However, based on the comments received, the Department may prepare an environmental analysis before proceeding with the proposal. This environmental review document would summarize the Department's consideration of the impacts of the proposal and reasonable alternatives.
Fiscal Estimate
Summary
The intent of these rule changes is to correct drafting errors, provide clarification to existing rules, simplify regulations, and update administrative code language and references. The department anticipates no fiscal effect from these proposed rule changes.
State fiscal effect
None.
Local government fiscal effect
None.
Long-range fiscal implications
No long-range fiscal implications are anticipated.
Agency Contact Person
Scott Loomans
101 South Webster Street
PO Box 7921
Madison, WI 53707-7921
(608) 267-2452
scott.loomans @wisconsin.gov
