Photo by WDNR Warden Pete McCormick

Tradition Lives On

Warden Pete McCormick was on morning patrol as the second weekend of the 9-day, gun-deer started when this sight caught his eye and forced his foot on the truck’s brake. There, in the middle of a cemetery in Columbia County, the area he serves, was a tombstone wrapped in what appears to be the deceased person’s blaze orange jacket and cap. The 9-day Wisconsin tradition is one of stories and memories of families and friends — kept alive every November by those who take to the woods recalling those times together.

Photo by WDNR Warden Cody Adams

A story to be told… and told… and told

Warden Cody Adams ran into this father and son  who had been hunting on state land in Crawford County. The pair harvested a doe at the bottom of a huge valley — and were looking at one of those long weight-training kind of hikes. So, the dad tapped his creative side and rigged this snazzy and efficient hauling device. Pretty nifty!

Photo by WDNR Warden Jon Scharbarth

Deer drive a five-family event!

Wardens Jon Scharbarth and Vong Xiong were on hand the final gun-deer day, Sunday, where this group of hunters from five families finished a deer drive on state land in Waupaca County.

Photo by WDNR Warden Alyssa Neff-Miller

Buddy help!

While patrolling the Killsnake Wildlife Area in Manitowoc County on the last day of the 9-day gun-deer season, Warden Alyssa Neff-Miller saw a hunt for the storybooks. Warden Neff-Miller had parked her patrol vehicle in a parking lot overlooking part of the marsh. She saw two, soon to be, lucky hunters in the lot over getting ready for their final hunt. Out of the corner of her eye Warden Neff-Miller saw a buck moving toward the hunters. The hunters soon saw the buck and after moving into the marsh grass, two shots rang out. Brandon, the harvester, told Warden Neff-Miller that his buddy looked over his shoulder and saw the deer. Brandon thought his buddy was joking, and looked up to see the buck moving toward them. Brandon said all he could think was he had to get at least 50 feet from the road and take a safe shot. Well done, Brandon!

WDNR Warden Phil Brown

Birthday on the Beat!

Warden Phil Brown spent his November 25th birthday with the hunters on the outdoor beat. Warden Phil serves the area around the beautiful Brule River. Happy Birthday, Warden Phil. Photo by Warden Amie Egstad.

Photo by WDNR Warden Ben Mott

No ice is safe ice!

Warden Ben Mott’sweather picture from Waushara County reminds all that early winter ice fluctuates in thickness just like the early season temperatures go up and down. Check your local fishing and bait shops for local conditions season-long.

Sunset on a season!

Photo by WDNR Warden Steven Sanidas

Warden Steven Sanidasgot this sunset view while he was on state land in the Mukwonago River Unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest.

Here is hoping your 9-day season was an enjoyable one. Stay safe out there!

Anyone with information regarding natural resource violations may confidentially report by calling or texting: VIOLATION HOTLINE: 1-800-TIP-WDNR or 1-800-847-9367. The hotline is in operation 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Trained staff relay report information to conservation wardens.