SS 044-19 Notice of Preliminary Hearing

Notice of Hearing

The Department of Natural Resources announces that it will hold a public hearing on the Statement of Scope for Board Order WM-05-19, to revise chs. NR 8, 10, 11, 12, 16, 17, 19 and 45, Wis. Admin. Code, relating to the 2019 Bureau of Wildlife Management housekeeping rule, at the time and place shown below.

Hearing Information

Date:   May 31, 2019

Time:   1:00 p.m.

Location:   Room G27 of the Natural Resources State Office Building, 101 S. Webster St., Madison, WI 53703

Proposed Scope of Rule-Making: This statement of scope proposes rule-making to update administrative code language regarding hunting and trapping regulations, found in Ch’s. NR 8, 10, 12, 11, 16, 17, 19 and 45 Wis. Admin. Code, to correct inconsistencies, update outdated language, and provide clarification when appropriate.

Within this scope, the Department may propose rules which:

1.

Clarify that landowners and agents of a landowner are allowed to use bait/lures outside of a trapping season for nuisance wildlife control.

2.

Remove references in code to Class A or B bear licenses which are no longer issued by the department.

3.

Update code to reflect the fact that deer carcass removal can be contracted with state agencies other than the Department of Natural Resources.

4.

Replace the term “carcass tags” with “harvest authorizations”, the more appropriate term for describing the hunting privilege that is required to hunt deer and turkey and adds the term “harvest authorization” to the list of products that may be reprinted in the manner provided when authorized.

5.

Clarify that shooting hour restrictions don’t apply to the dispatch of lawfully trapped animals.

6.

Specify that the firearm deer season established by the Menominee Indian Tribe for their members does not apply to non-tribal lands in Menominee County. The statewide deer season would apply to non-tribal lands in Menominee County.

7.

Provide consistency between the experience required to add migratory bird species to a rehab license authority with the requirements of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

8.

Simplify weapon caliber restrictions.

9.

Clarify terminology used regarding permits to shoot or trap wild animals causing damage.

10.

Provide consistency and clarity in administrative rules on hunting on state properties including state trails.

11.

Remove a restriction that prevents successful spring turkey applicants from receiving a Ft. McCoy military reservation turkey hunting license.

12.

Amend the definition of Enclosed Trigger Trap to allow a push and/or pull trigger

13.

Remove tagging requirements for otters harvested at a wild fur farm and replace it with a bag limit which would be consistent with the harvest of wild otter.

14.

Update metropolitan deer management unit boundaries.

15.

Adjust refuge boundaries to reflect recently acquired property.

Additional rule changes may be pursued which are reasonably related to those discussed here.

This rule may make additional updates such as correcting cross-reference citations, updating road names on maps, changes needed to update application forms, or revisions which are necessary for consistency with recently enacted legislation.

Accessibility (Choose either version)

1.

Hearing impaired persons may request an interpreter for this hearing. Please make reservations for a hearing interpreter at least 10 days before the date of the scheduled hearing, by writing to e-mail [e-mail]

2.

Alternatively, you may contact the Department of Natural Resources TDD at [phone]. The hearing facility is accessible to disabled users.

3.

Pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, reasonable accommodations, including the provision of information material in an alternative format, will be provided for qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. Please call with specific information on your request at least 10 days before the date of the scheduled hearing.

4.

Handicap access is available at the hearing location

Appearances at the Hearing and Submittal of Written Comments

The public has the opportunity to testify at the hearing. Registration will take place at the hearing by completing a Hearing Appearance form, which will be provided. Comments on the proposed rule must be received on or before May 31, 2019. The Hearing Appearance form also can be used for submitting a written comment at the hearing. Written comments may be submitted by U.S. mail, fax, E-mail, or through the internet and will have the same weight and effect as oral statements presented at the public hearing. Written comments and any questions on the proposed rules should be submitted to:

 

Department of Natural Resources

Attn: Scott Karel

P.O. Box 7921

101 S. Webster Street,

Madison, WI 53707-7921

The rule may be viewed at: https://dnr.wi.gov/news/input/ProposedPermanent.html

Comments can be made at: [e-mail]

Initial Regulatory Flexibility Analysis: These rules, and the legislation which grants the department rulemaking authority, will have no effect on the private sector or small businesses. These rules are applicable to individual sportspersons and impose no compliance or reporting requirements for small business.

These proposed rule changes are not expected to impact the activities of hunters, trappers, or other outdoor enthusiasts and will not have an impact on their related spending activities. Correspondingly, no economic impacts are anticipated.

Agency Small Business Regulatory Coordinator:

Daniela Branco [phone]

[e-mail]

Dated at Madison, Wisconsin _____________________________________

            STATE OF WISCONSIN