BHA declares September “Public Lands Month”
As elected officials press to sell more state and federal public lands in the United States, a conservation organization has declared September “Public Lands Month.”
Backcountry Hunters & Anglers on Friday kicked off a monthlong celebration of what it calls “iconic American lands and waters.”
The group said it hopes to send an uncompromising message from sportsmen and women about the importance of the country’s public lands hunting and fishing traditions.
“As hunting seasons begin across the country, American hunters and anglers everywhere are taking a moment to appreciate our public lands and the irreplaceable outdoor experiences they give us,” said BHA President and CEO Land Tawney in a statement.
Tawny said Public Lands Month was a way to honor those experiences and support what sportsmen and women believe in.
“Get involved, and speak up for the places that make our outdoors traditions possible,” Tawney said. “Send a message to those who would steal our lands and waters and deny us our outdoor heritage. I know what I believe in: Our public lands and waters.”
Backcountry Hunters & Anglers was formed in 2004 and is based in Missoula, Mont. It has 23 chapters in states and provinces across North America, including Wisconsin.
The group has been a strong advocate for “keeping public land in public hands” and for maintaining opportunities for citizens to access and enjoy public lands.
It has been quick to point out politicians and groups that seek to seize, transfer or otherwise weaken the management of public lands and waters.
Ben O’Brien, a BHA national board member who also works as hunting marketing manager with YETI, said the September declaration was a call to action.
“I hope that every public land owner can celebrate this month by getting outside and exploring not only wild places but their relationship with the land and water
we all share,” said O’Brien. “Go hunting, fishing, biking, hiking, climbing or camping and share your journeys with everyone you can. It’s a simple message of appreciation for what forms our national identity.”
The organization also is planning events for Public Lands Month. The Wisconsin chapter will hold a “Pint Night” from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Sept. 14 at Wisconsin Brewing Company, 1079 American Way, Verona.
More information is available on the BHA website at www.backcountryhunters.org.
Baiting and feeding updates: The Department of Natural Resources urges people to check Wisconsin regulations before placing feed or baiting during the fall hunting seasons.
State statutes 29.336 (2) (b) and 29.336 (2) (c) were amended this year to remove deer baiting and feeding prohibitions for counties in which 36 months have passed since a confirmed positive test for chronic wasting disease or bovine tuberculosis was found in the county.
This amendment also removes deer baiting and feeding prohibitions in adjacent counties that are within a 10-mile radius of counties in which 24 months have passed since any confirmed positive test for chronic wasting disease or bovine tuberculosis.
As a result, regulated baiting and feeding is now allowed in 15 counties where it had been prohibited last year. The counties where baiting and feeding is now legal are: Barron, Burnett, Calumet, Clark, Dodge, Jackson, Kenosha, Manitowoc, Milwaukee, Polk, Racine, Sheboygan, Washburn, Washington and Waushara.
Baiting and feeding restrictions remain in place for 28 CWD affected areas/counties, of which none will be lifted in 2017, according to the DNR.
The agency has a list and map of baiting and feeding regulations on its website at dnr.wi.gov.
CALENDAR
Sept. 15 Early Canada goose hunting season ends. Sept. 16 Bow deer, wild turkey and squirrel hunting seasons open. Sept. 16-17 Youth waterfowl hunt. Nov. 18-26 Gun deer hunting season.