Wear A Life Jacket This Holiday Weekend

Stay safe and enjoy the water this Labor Day weekend.

If you’re hitting the water this Labor Day weekend, be sure to make safety a top priority. Wearing a life jacket on the water can make all the difference between a fun-filled weekend and a tragedy.

Besides wearing the proper safety gear, the biggest thing you can do to protect yourself, your loved ones and others is to stay sober while driving a boat. Consuming alcohol or drugs while recreating can slow your reaction time, blur your judgement and reduce your abilities.

Follow these safety tips below and enjoy Wisconsin’s lakes and rivers with family and friends this weekend.

Top Safety Tips For All Boaters

Wear a life jacket. It’s the single most effective way to prevent drowning. Drownings can happen quickly and silently, even to strong swimmers. A life jacket buys precious time and can make all the difference.
Stay sober. Alcohol use is a leading factor in boating incidents. Always designate a sober operator.
Keep a safe speed. Slow down in congested areas, near shorelines and around smaller vessels to prevent capsizing or swamping.
Be visible. Test boat navigation lights before departure and carry extra batteries. Wear bright clothing and consider reflective gear or flags for low-profile craft.
Know your limits. Before heading out, be aware of weather conditions, water currents and your physical ability.
Remove distractions. Stay focused by minimizing mobile device use, loud music or other distractions that reduce awareness.
Communicate your plan. Let someone know your route and expected return time, especially if adventuring alone.
Respect others. Share the water courteously and give space to all types of vessels.

Good decision-making is just as important as good equipment. Whether it’s choosing not to boat under the influence, checking the weather forecast, removing distractions or avoiding overcrowded areas, responsible choices help prevent boating incidents and keep Wisconsin’s waters safe for everyone.

Learn more about watersport safety on the DNR’s Boat Safety webpage.

ATV/UTV Riders: Be Aware Of Increased Law Enforcement This Weekend

Attention ATV/UTV riders! Expect increased patrols this holiday weekend.

Law enforcement will be out on Wisconsin’s trails and routes from Aug. 29-31 as part of the statewide “Think Smart Before You Start” campaign.

DNR wardens and county deputies will focus on safety, watching for individuals driving while intoxicated, speeding and operating recklessly. Let’s do our part to ride responsibly and keep our trails safe for everyone.

When riding an ATV or UTV, always remember to plan ahead, stay sober, ride smart and wear your helmet (and seatbelt on a UTV!).

Learn more about riding safely in Wisconsin and sign up for a safety course.

Get Ready For Hunting Seasons Opening In September

It’s time to prepare for the opening of several hunting seasons in September!

There are six dates throughout the month when seasons open. Remember to double-check season dates and that you have acquired all necessary licenses and stamps before going out for a hunt.

Sept. 1

Common gallinule
Early Canada goose
Early teal
Mourning dove
Rail
Snipe

Sept. 3

Bear (Zones C, E and F with aid of bait, with all other legal methods not using dogs; Zones A, B and D with aid of dogs only)

Sept. 10

Bear (with aid of dogs, bait and all other legal methods)

Sept. 13

Cottontail rabbit (Northern Zone)
Deer (archery and crossbow)
Ruffed grouse (Zone A)
Squirrels (gray and fox)
Turkey

Sept. 16

Regular goose (Northern, Southern and Mississippi River zones)

Sept. 20

Youth waterfowl
Woodcock

Sept. 27

Duck (Northern Zone)

The DNR also reminds hunters of mobile-friendly online resources, including hunting regulations, season dates, hunting hours and more, available on the DNR’s Hunting webpage. Hunters can find information on species population levels and hunting opportunities on the DNR’s fall hunting forecasts.

A list of public lands open to hunting is available using the Public Access Lands webpage. This web resource lets hunters plan their next adventure from the comfort of their home.

The Fields and Forest Lands Interactive Game Bird Hunting Tool provides hunters information on managed dove fields, as well as habitat for hunting ruffed grouse and woodcock.

As Wisconsin’s most popular hunting seasons ramp up, it’s important for all hunters to do their part to keep Wisconsin a safe place to hunt by following these firearm safety rules:

T – Treat every firearm as if it is loaded.
A – Always point the muzzle in a safe direction.
B – Be certain of your target, what’s before it and what’s beyond it.
K – Keep your finger outside the trigger guard until you are ready to shoot.

Anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 1973, must have a hunter education certification to purchase a hunting license unless hunting under the Mentored Hunting Law.

Learn more about safe hunting in Wisconsin and register to take a hunter education course on the DNR’s Hunting Safety webpage.

Have a safe and successful hunting season!

^{Photo Credit: Eugene Hester/U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service}

Reduce Food Waste By Learning About Food Labels

Did you know that food “best by” date labels don’t matter as much as we sometimes think they do?

Date labels are not regulated by federal law and do not indicate food safety, except for infant formula. Manufacturers provide dates to help consumers and retailers decide when food is of peak quality.

Confusion around food date labels leads to an estimated 3 billion tons of food being discarded in homes.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture advises consumers to examine foods to determine if the quality is sufficient for use. Relying on your eyes and an old-fashioned sniff test can better indicate whether food is good to eat and help you avoid disposing of healthy and safe food.

Learn more about reducing food waste.

^{Photo Credit: iStock/fcafotodigital}

Wear A Life Jacket This Holiday Weekend