• Wisconsin DNR is accepting warden applications from April 10 to May 6, aiming to hire approximately 10 new wardens.
• Applicants don’t need prior experience in hunting, fishing or law enforcement; necessary training is provided.
• A virtual webinar about the hiring process will be held on April 22, with additional information available on the DNR website.
• Various community events are also highlighted, including an Easter egg hunt, trap shooting tournament, hunter safety courses, and a nature program.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources will accept applications for the next class of conservation wardens from April 10 through May 6.

The DNR expects to hire about 10 full-time wardens for the upcoming 2026 class. Successful applicants will begin their law enforcement officer training in January 2026 or April 2026, depending on experience level.

DNR conservation wardens serve in urban and rural stations statewide. They enforce laws protecting fish and wildlife, the environment, state parks and forests, and outdoor recreation enthusiasts.

Wardens also serve as ambassadors and educators, teaching the public about natural resources, outdoor safety and environmental conservation.

The DNR encourages applicants from various backgrounds. No prior involvement in hunting and fishing activities, experience operating recreational vehicles, or law enforcement experience is required.

The DNR offers in-house training. Applicants must meet minimum requirements and possess some of the desired skills and abilities, including the following:

• Solid communication skills and a willingness to serve and communicate with a diverse public.
• A strong passion for and interest in protecting people and natural resources.
• Honesty, integrity, self-motivation, self-confidence, determination, curiosity and professionalism.
• The ability to self-direct daily work activities in an efficient and accountable manner without close supervision.
• Negotiation, listening and problem-solving skills.
• An eagerness to learn.

The DNR will host a virtual webinar from 5 to 6 p.m. April 22 to discuss the hiring process and training program. Conservation wardens statewide will hold open “office hours” sessions for prospective applicants. Webinar registration and “office hours” information can be found on the DNR’s website. The public can watch a brief video about the conservation warden career on the DNR’s YouTube channel. Questions and inquiries can be directed to Wisconsin DNR Recruiting Officer Mary Bisch at Mary.Bisch@wisconsin.gov or 920-500-0332.

Larrabee club to hold Easter Egg Hunt

Larrabee Sportsmans Club, 16306 Harpt Lake Road, Mishicot, will hold its Easter Egg Hunt April 19. Kids 5 and younger will go out at 11 a.m. and kids 6 to 12 years old will go out at 11:30 a.m.

Included will be face painting and an appearance by “Mr. Whiskers,” the Easter Bunny. Kids can also have pictures taken with “Mr. Whiskers” during the free event.

Reedsville club to hold Luck of the Draw trap tournament

Reedsville Sportsman Club will hold its Luck of the Draw trap tournament April 19. Sign up will be at noon and the shooting will start at 1 p.m. Contact Gerald Fischer at 920-901-3907 for any further information. Reedsville Sportsman Club is 2 miles north of Reedsville on Pleasantview Road.

Maribel club still has openings for hunter safety course

Maribel Sportsman’s Club has the first of two hunter safety courses filled, but still has plenty of openings in its second course, which runs 6-9 p.m. April 24 and May 1 and 8 a.m.-4 p.m. May 3.

In addition, the club is offering a bow hunter safety course from 6 to 9 p.m. May 6, 13 and 15.

Pre-registration is required for any of these courses by calling me, Bob Schuh, at 920-682-3106.

‘Everything Under an Inch’ set at Woodland Dunes

“Dunes’ Digest: Everything Under an Inch” is slated for noon to 1 p.m. April 23 at Woodland Dunes Nature Center and Preserve in Two Rivers. Cost is a sliding scale of $1-$10 per person.

Join Naturalist Matt Welter as he shows photos of things you might have missed because of their size. From Yellow Fuzz Cone Slime to Fairy Wasps, this program will open your eyes to some of the most amazing and miniscule things you might see at Woodland Dunes and other natural areas.

Take your own lunch — coffee, water, tea and a sweet treat will be provided. To register, email Jess at jessicaj@woodlanddunes.org or call 920-793-4007.

Pinecrest spring cleanup is April 22-23

Spring cleanup at the Manitowoc County Historical Society’s Pinecrest Historical Village will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 22 and 23.

Volunteers will help rake leaves, dust and clean the village’s historic structures.

Cleaning supplies are available, but people are asked to take their own if they are able. Snacks will be provided.

Register by calling the museum at 920-684-4445 or emailing GuestServices@ManitowocCountyHistory.org. Volunteers should check in at the McAllister House Welcome Center for cleaning assignments. Advanced registration is required.

Manitowoc native publishes book with fishing memories

Ted Rulseh grew up in Manitowoc and has lived here as recently as 2013. He now resides in Harshaw, but has fond memories of Manitowoc County that he has put into his latest book, “You Shoulda Been Here Last Week.”

The book is a collection of stories related to fishing, and several are set among the waters of Manitowoc County.

Topics include smallmouth fishing in the rivers, angling as a young boy for plump river carp, sucker fishing from bridges in spring, dip netting for smelt on the Two Rivers pier, and angling on Lake Michigan and its tributaries for trout and salmon.

The stories share experiences with which I imagine many local lake residents would identify.

Rulseh will be on The Breakfast Club on WCUB April 18 and will be at LaDeDa Books in Manitowoc for a reading and signing April 26.

People may remember Ted as a guest speaker at a meeting of the Manitowoc County Lakes Association.

Still time to donate antlers for Leader Dogs for the Blind

Readers of this column responded in a big way again this year when I put out a notice that I was again collecting deer and elk antlers for Leader Dogs for the Blind.

In a few weeks, I will be taking a final count and then turning them in to be used for chew toys for the puppies that, it is hoped, will someday help the blind.

If you have any antlers you would like to donate, give me, Bob Schuh, a call at 920-682-3106.

That’s it for this week, so have fun in the great outdoors.