Wisconsin Administrative Code
Department of Natural Resources
NR 1-99 - Fish, Game and Enforcement, Forestry and Recreation
Chapter NR 1 - Natural Resources Board Policies
Section NR 1.13 - Small game mammals
Universal Citation: WI Admin Code ยง NR 1.13
Current through August 26, 2024
Small game mammals include rabbits, hares and squirrels. To effectively implement the small game mammal program, the following needs and actions are necessary.
(1) HABITAT MANAGEMENT.
(a) The most efficient method of
management is the maintenance of existing habitat.
(b) Habitat improvement measures, however,
are currently needed, primarily in rural areas near population centers. Most
habitat management opportunities are associated with woodlots, forests,
wetlands, and odd areas that are neither plowed nor grazed. Wherever possible,
squirrel and rabbit habitat needs are to be incorporated into woodland
management recommendations.
(c) The
capacity to produce small game mammals on state wildlife areas must be
increased through more intensive management of suitable habitat. The need for
den or nut bearing trees for squirrels, brush or grassy openings for cottontail
rabbits and interspersion of important timber types and age classes for
snowshoe hares must be considered in the course of making forest and woodlot
management recommendations for all public lands.
(d) The majority of small game mammals depend
upon habitat occurring on private lands. This is especially true of jackrabbits
where open agricultural land is the main component of habitat. Effective
management information must be provided to private landowners who request it
and incentives to manage small game mammals should be provided in areas where
there is high demonstrated need.
(2) HARVEST. In most areas of the state, harvest levels of small game mammals do not approach the surplus that could safely be removed. Therefore, with the exception of jackrabbits, which are not abundant, harvest regulations for these species should provide maximum opportunities for sport hunting without sacrificing the quality of the hunting experience. Improved hunter/landowner relations are important to effectively meet any increasing demands for rabbit and squirrel hunting.
Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. Wisconsin may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
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