Wisconsin Mixed Bag: Elk application deadline is May 31 – Outdoor News

Madison — Wisconsin’s would-be elk hunters have until Saturday, May 31, to apply for a 2025 elk hunting license.

Wisconsin’s expanding elk population has seen an annual hunt in the Clam Lake Elk Range since 2018 and in the Black River Elk Range since 2024. Each elk range is comprised of approximately 70% public lands, across varying habitat types, offering excellent opportunities to pursue elk.

The Black River Elk Range will have a 2025 quota of four bulls and five cows. The Clam Lake Elk Range will have a quota of eight bulls split between tribal and state-licensed hunters. The elk hunting season opens Saturday, Oct. 18.

Applicants must select between the Black River Elk Range or Clam Lake Elk Range when applying. All applications will be for a bull authorization. The drawing is random, with all applicants having an equal chance of selection.

Cow “tags” will also be filled through a random draw after the bull drawing is complete. Selected applicants may accept or decline the cow tag since Wisconsin residents may only draw one elk license in their lifetime. Winners will be notified in early June.

For each $10 application fee, $7 goes to elk management, habitat work, monitoring and research.

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DNR Monitoring Monroe Co. Manure Spill that Killed Fish Southwest of Norwalk

Madison — The DNR responded to a manure spill in Monroe County after receiving notification of the spill on Saturday,
May 17, via a call to the DNR’s violation hotline. The DNR’s response began over that weekend and DNR staff continues to monitor the situation. An estimate of the amount of manure discharged was not available as of press time for this issue.

The spill resulted in degraded water quality in Spring Valley Creek, Moore Creek and the Kickapoo River, with fish kills observed in Spring Valley and Moore creeks. The number and species of fish killed has not yet been determined.

The spill originated southwest of Norwalk and continues moving down through the watershed. The DNR believes the spill was caused by rainfall washing manure off cropland where it had been applied earlier. The DNR is assessing opportunities for cleanup.

DATCP Accepting Applications for Specialty Crop Block Grants until June 9

Madison — The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) is accepting applications for 2025 Specialty Crop Block Grants until 10 a.m. on June 9. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently notified DATCP that the application window is now open.

Eligible projects include those that focus on enhancing the competitiveness of specialty crop industries through research, education, or market development. DATCP encourages non-profit groups, producer groups, government agencies and universities to apply. Applications may involve collaborations or partnerships between entities. Selected projects will be included in Wisconsin’s state plan, which is submitted to the USDA for approval.

Projects can receive grant funds between $10,000 and $100,000. Eligible project expenses include compensation for personnel, consultant services, materials, and supplies.

Application materials can be found here. For information, contact DATCP grants at [email protected].

Trappers  Convention/Outdoor Expo Returns to Escanaba, Mich., July 11-12

Escanaba Mich. — For the 63rd year the Upper Peninsula Trappers will host its annual convention and outdoor expo on
July 11-12 at the U.P. State Fairgrounds in Escanaba, Mich.

Hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days (all times EDT).  Admission is $10 for both days, kids under 12 are free.

Camping on the grounds is available, along with food, refreshments and the famous Friday night fish fry.  Call Julie Gartland for reservations (cost is $25). There will be lots to see and do including activities for the kids.

200-Foot Tank Creek Bridge on Great River State Trail Closed Due to Fire

Trempealeau, Wis. — The Tank Creek Bridge on the Great River State Trail is closed until further notice due to damage from a fire on Thursday evening, May 15. There were no injuries reported, but the bridge is a total loss. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

The bridge was built in 1957 as a railroad bridge for the now abandoned Chicago-Northwestern railroad line and is more than 200 feet long. The bridge sits about three miles east of Trempealeau.

Due to the location of the bridge, there is no current reroute in place. A timeline and budget for replacement has not yet been established. The DNR will be working to address the removal of any bridge debris as safely and quickly as possible. The public should not attempt to access this structure.

The Great River State Trail has 21 bridge structures with over 3,100 linear feet of bridges. Most of these former railroad bridges are more than 100 years old. The trail is 24 miles long and extends through the Upper Mississippi River Valley. The trail connects Trempealeau and Onalaska, and links to the La Crosse River Trail to the south. The trail has a crushed limestone surface

No other information is available and DNR staff are unable to accommodate interviews at this time.

Source: https://www.outdoornews.com/2025/05/23/wisconsin-mixed-bag-elk-application-deadline-is-may-31-2/