NRB to Vote on Elk, Bird Hunting, Fish Limits | The Locally Times
Hunters face altered elk access and new bird season frameworks, while anglers could see changes to fish limits. The Natural Resources Board votes April 15; public input closes April 8.
Wisconsin hunters and anglers could see significant shifts in upcoming seasons as the state Natural Resources Board (NRB) prepares to vote on new rules for elk hunting licenses, migratory bird seasons, and fish limits. The board's April 15 meeting will consider these statewide wildlife management proposals, with residents having until April 8, 2026, to submit comments or register for testimony, according to a Wisconsin DNR news release (Wisconsin DNR — News, 2026-04-01). ## Hunting Season Overhauls on the Agenda Hunters across Wisconsin face potential significant shifts in upcoming seasons. The NRB agenda includes proposed rules impacting chapter NR 10, which governs elk hunting license drawings, specifically considering Emergency Board Order WM-16-25 (E). Additionally, the board will review Emergency Board Order WM-13-25 (E) to establish the 2026-2030 migratory bird season framework and regulations. These proposals, detailed in a Wisconsin DNR news release, could redefine access to elk hunting and set the parameters for bird seasons for years to come (Wisconsin DNR — News, 2026-04-01). The deadline for public input on these and other agenda items is 11 a.m. on April 8, 2026, with options for remote (Zoom) or in-person testimony for those wishing to address the board. ## Fish Limits and Conservation Efforts Beyond hunting, the NRB will also tackle proposed rules affecting chapters NR 20 and 40, which could alter bag and possession limits for species like the invasive round goby on Lake Winnebago system waters and other detrimental species statewide. The board is set to consider approving the Statement of Scope for FH-21-25(E) and FH-22-25, and conditionally approve the public hearing notice for these proposed rules. These aquatic management changes, along with potential approval of the North Central Forest Regional Master Plan and a land acquisition request for the Fish Lake Wildlife Area in Burnett County, underscore ongoing land stewardship and conservation efforts across Wisconsin, as detailed in the DNR's April 1 news release (Wisconsin DNR — News, 2026-04-01). ## Meeting Details and Broader Discussions The NRB meeting is scheduled to begin at 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, in public meeting room G09 at the State Natural Resources Building (GEF 2), 101 South Webster Street, Madison. For those unable to attend in person, proceedings will be streamed live on the Wisconsin DNR’s YouTube channel. Beyond the regulatory proposals, the board will also receive presentations on forest management on DNR lands and an overview of the Wisconsin Initiative on Climate Change Impacts (WICCI) 2026 Assessment Report. Other agenda items include considering department recommendations for the FY27 Laboratory Accreditation Program Fee Adjustment and presenting the Laboratory of the Year and Rebecca Wallace awards, as outlined in the DNR's April 1 news release (Wisconsin DNR — News, 2026-04-01). ## Key Questions **How can I provide input on the proposed changes?** Residents can register for public testimony or submit written comments by 11 a.m. on April 8, 2026, through the DNR website. **When and where will the NRB meeting take place?** The meeting is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. on April 15, 2026, in public meeting room G09 at the State Natural Resources Building, 101 South Webster Street, Madison. **What specific hunting changes are being considered?** The board will consider proposed rules related to the elk hunting license drawing and the 2026-2030 migratory bird season framework and regulations.