Wisconsin Mixed Bag: DNR seeking game warden recruits – Outdoor News
Madison — The Wisconsin DNR is accepting applications for the next class of conservation warden recruits from April 10 through May 6, with expectations to hire about 10 full-time wardens. Successful applicants will begin their training in January 2026 or April 2026, depending on experience level.
The DNR encourages applicants from various backgrounds. No prior involvement in hunting, trapping, and fishing, experience operating recreational vehicles, or law enforcement experience is required. The DNR offers in-house training to all new hires. Applicants must meet minimum requirements and possess some of the desired skills and abilities such as: Solid communication skills; a passion for protecting people and natural resources; and honesty, integrity, self-motivation, and self-confidence.
The DNR will host a webinar on April 22 from 5-6 p.m. to discuss the hiring process and training program. Wardens statewide will hold “office hours” sessions for applicants. Details can be found on the DNR’s website. Questions may be directed to DNR recruiting officer Mary Bisch at mary.bisch@wisconsin.gov or (920) 500-0332.
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Learn-to-Hunt Bear Mentees Sought
Madison — The DNR and conservation partners are encouraging novice hunters who want to learn about bear hunting to apply for the learn-to-hunt bear program that is intended to promote awareness of bear hunting in Wisconsin. The program includes multiple classroom and field sessions, culminating with a bear hunt. Participants will learn about bear biology, population management, habits, habitat, hunting techniques, regulations and safety.
Participants must be at least 10 years old. There is no maximum age. The number of programs offered varies annually and will influence the number of participants selected. Applicants will be notified of the status of their application by June 1. Interested participants should complete the online application by May 1.
Info can be found on the DNR’s learn-to-hunt bear web page.
Southeast Kids’ Fishing Clinics are April 12
Milwaukee — Kids ages 15 and younger will have nine fishing clinics to choose from in Milwaukee and Washington counties on Saturday, April 12. The sessions will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. under the guidance of local fishing club members who have been leading these clinics for generations. The first kids’ fishing clinic in southeast Wisconsin was held 40 years ago.
Clinics begin every hour at 9 a.m. In addition to free beginner fishing lessons, the DNR has partnered with local clubs to organize activities like fish printing, casting games, and prizes. Clinics will run rain or shine, so kids should dress for the weather. Fishing equipment is available, but participants may bring their own. Adults are also encouraged to inquire about joining a club to expand their knowledge and help with future clinics.
For more information, contact club leaders at KidsFishingClinics@gmail.com or Laura Schmidt, DNR fish biologist, at laura.schmidt@wisconsin.gov or (414) 416-0591.
In Milwaukee, the clinics will take place at Brown Deer Park, Dineen Park, Kosciuszko Park, and Mitchell Park. West Allis sessions will run at Greenfield Park and McCarty Park. Clinics also are scheduled for Sheridan Park in Cudahy, Scout Lake in Greendale, and Regner Park in West Bend.
Iowa Trout Stocking Starts March 31
Des Moines — About 320,000 catchable-sized rainbow trout and 30,000 fingerling brook trout will be stocked into hundreds of miles of northeast Iowa streams from the beginning of April through the end of October. Find a list of stocked trout streams on the DNR trout stream map or the DNR trout fishing web page at www.iowadnr.com.
Source: https://www.outdoornews.com/2025/03/28/wisconsin-mixed-bag-dnr-seeking-game-warden-recruits/
