The Nature Conservancy will open 11,800 acres of land in Wisconsin to turkey hunting, a result of recent negotiations with the Wisconsin Wildlife Federation.
The federation had appealed a DNR decision to limit public hunting and trapping on the lands purchased under the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program.
The Nature Conservancy owns 25,700 acres in Wisconsin and 96% is open to some form of hunting, said Chris Anderson, senior media relations manager with the organization. Anderson said hunting is an important management tool for TNC, citing the need to control the number of deer on certain properties to protect plant communities from over-browsing.
The areas newly-opened to turkey hunting include TNC lands in the Baraboo Hills State Natural Area in Sauk and Columbia counties, in the Quincy Bluff State Natural Area in Adams County, in the Spring Green State Natural Area in Iowa County, in the Page Creek State Natural Area in Marquette County and the Summertom Bog State Natural Area in Marquette County.
In addition, all TNC-owned lands in Door County will be open to fall turkey hunting after Nov. 1 each year.
The appeals were filed on the behalf of the Wisconsin Wildlife Federation, the Wisconsin Trappers Association and five individual hunters and trappers.
The appeals challenged the prohibition of certain hunting and trapping practices; lands purchased with stewardship funds are, with few exceptions, to be open for hunting, fishing, trapping, cross county skiing and hiking.
The Nature Conservancy has a list of hunting opportunities in Wisconsin on its website.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Chris Anderson | 612-331-0700
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