Current through August 26, 2024
Migratory game birds are those species listed in s.
29.001(39),
Stats., which in the course of their seasonal movements will almost always
leave the land or water on which they fledged and will often cross state or
international boundaries. These species are regulated under federal law and
international treaties. To implement an adequate program for migratory game
birds, the following needs and actions are essential:
(1) HABITAT MANAGEMENT. Wetlands are the
primary habitat component for most migratory game bird species. Upland nesting
cover and woodlands are also necessary for certain species. Legislation and
programs that will protect and enhance migratory game bird habitat must be
strengthened. Such a program has to include:
(a) Acquisition in fee title to protect
critical lands and waters and to permit developments necessary for
enhancement;
(b) Easement
acquisition to protect other important lands and waters from excessive
degradation by human activities;
(c) Vigorous enforcement of the state's role
in the use of its regulatory powers to protect wetland resources associated
with navigable waters;
(d) Strong
cooperation and support to other units of government in planning and zoning
programs which protect wetlands;
(e) Support for state, federal and local
government programs which manage suitable public waters as production, resting
and feeding areas for migratory birds, with special emphasis on the provision
of nesting and brood rearing habitat for ducks;
(f) Support for the U.S. department of
agriculture's soil conservation service and U.S. department of transportation
in implementing, on a continuing basis, their 1975 wetland maintenance
policies;
(g) Opposition to
programs and activities funded by government agencies which result in loss or
degradation of wetlands of wooded migratory game bird habitat; and
(h) Maintenance and development of incentive
programs, including the U.S. department of agriculture's water bank program,
which encourage private landowners to manage land and water for the benefit of
migratory birds.
(2)
HARVEST.
(a) Migratory game bird regulations
must be adopted within constraints that put the future of the resource foremost
in consideration. The department shall be represented on, and take part in the
activities of, the Mississippi flyway council. This council makes
recommendations to the U.S. fish and wildlife service including those affecting
migratory game birds using the Mississippi flyway.
(b) Some Wisconsin hunting regulations may
have to be more restrictive than the federal framework to assure that local
breeding populations will be maintained at optimum levels.
(c) A balance between local production and
harvest is essential, and regulations must be designed to achieve this
end.
(d) To provide the opportunity
for a quality hunting experience on major waterfowl projects, excessive hunter
densities must be reduced by every available means.
(3) DAMAGE CONTROL AND DISEASE. Migratory
game birds, especially waterfowl, often concentrate during migration, thereby
increasing the potential for agricultural crop depredations and the development
of disease epidemics within the flock.
(a) As
a first order of priority, management of refuges and closed areas must be
directed at keeping concentrations of migratory game birds at levels that are
in accord with available food supplies in the vicinity and/or at levels that
will minimize the probability of disease outbreaks.
(b) Disease surveillance programs for major
waterfowl concentration areas, licensed game farms with waterfowl, and urban
areas with semi-domestic waterfowl, must be developed. Contingency plans to
deal with disease outbreaks in wild populations must also be
developed.
(c) When abnormal
weather delays crop harvest on private lands near refuges or closed areas,
damage abatement programs will be employed to assist landowners in protecting
vulnerable crops. When unavoidable losses occur, damage payments authorized by
legislation can be used to compensate for the loss of crops.
(4) RESEARCH AND SURVEYS. Research
and surveys on local breeding populations, production, movements, harvest and
habitat are essential to provide adequate information for developing
regulations and programs to protect and manage these birds. Since migratory
game birds utilize continental habitats, the international significance of
cooperative surveys and research required to establish sound flyway management
programs is recognized. Therefore, cooperation with other flyway states,
federal agencies, Canadian agencies and the Mexican government shall be
exercised as needed.
