AWSC and 2006 Proposed Deer Hunting Regulations

POSITION STATEMENT

In an effort to clarify misconceptions and disparaging allegations over the Association of Wisconsin Snowmobile Clubs’ (AWSC) position with regard to proposed 2006 deer hunting changes, we simply state the following:

From the introduction of proposed deer hunting changes brought forth in the fall of 2005 to the present day, the AWSC has NOT opposed this new hunting structure. Repeatedly, we have asked the DNR, the Legislature and "stakeholder" (hunting interests) groups to amend their proposals in order to grant areas north of Highway 8 an exemption from these changes.

In short, the lower three-quarters of the state would be open to Zone-T hunting during the second week of December. The upper one-quarter of Wisconsin would remain as it is now, free of a T-Zone hunt the second week of December.

By conservative estimates, 90% of snowmobilers are also hunters. It is inherently in the AWSC’s best interest to promote rather than "threaten" the livelihood of hunting in our great state. We understand the passion for outdoor sports in Wisconsin, and we at the AWSC consistently seek programs and season schedules which allow the greatest number of outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy their respective activities.

Proposing to move the current, successful statewide October Zone-T hunt to the second week of December is controversial. Under this experiment, should a December Zone-T hunt fail to control the deer herd (as many are projecting), an October Zone-T hunt would be added in the future. The proposed December T-Zone hunt would remain in place.

Opportunities to hunt in Wisconsin are available essentially throughout the year. Conversely, snowmobiling is limited to those few months when adequate snow is on the ground. Due to safety and liability concerns, landowners often decline access to snowmobile trails as long as hunting is taking place on their property – very reasonable concerns. Exempting the northern quarter of our state (which traditionally sees the greatest amount of snowfall) from the proposed December T-Zone hunt, in the opinion of the AWSC is a reasonable compromise. Simultaneously, hunters would have a majority of the state available to hunt for deer, while snowmobilers would also have a place to operate their sleds.

Finally and for the record, such a compromise would simply maintain the status quo above Highway 8 with regard to deer hunting. In short, the AWSC would not be "taking away" something deer hunters have ever had: A December T-Zone hunt north of Highway 8.

(This position statement is from Morris Nelson, the Legislative Chairman for the AWSC.)

Now's the time to hit the trails!!

This is the time we've been waiting for all season folks.

A couple weeks back we had warm weather and rain followed by very cold weather which left a thick layer of ice on the trails. (And everything else, unfortunately.)

Following the cold, we've been having 3, 4, 5 inches of snow every few days.

The groomers have been out and the trails are in great shape.

So pull out those sleds and hit the trails. Don't want to hear complaints next summer of "poor trails". No excuses. Now is the time to come up and visit us and our business sponsors and enjoy the vast Northwestern Wisconsin wilderness on our trails.

Incidentally, we're in the process of selling our winter money raffle tickets whose proceeds go to grooming and the groomer fund. Tickets can be purchased at out sponsor businesses and from our members.


Hope to see you soon.....
And remember to RIDE SAFELY.....

AWSC Environmental Committee Monitoring Issues

The following are snippets from an article in the September 2004 issue of the Wisconsin Snowmobile News magazine written by Dave Nelson. It highlights some of the issues being monitored by the committee.
Thanks to the Association of Wisconsin Snowmobile Clubs for this information.

"As usual, snowmobiling in Yellowstone National Park was in the news. As the debate continues in two different courts whether snowmobiles should be allowed in the park, Congress again defeated an attempt by Russ Holt (D-NJ) to pass an amendment that would have banned snowmobiles in Yellowstone. Meanwhile, the Park Service is in the process of writing a new winter use plan that will allow snowmobiling in the park this winter."

"On July 7^th, the United States Forest Service (USFS) released a new policy for managing motorized off-highway vehicle (OHV) use in the National Forests. Under the proposed rule, OHV's would be confined to designated roads, trails, and other areas. Use of other routes by OHV's would be prohibited. At the recommendation of the American Council of Snowmobile Associations (ACSA) when we met with USFS Chief Dale Bosworth and his staff during the ACSA Washington, D.C. Fly-in, snowmobile use would continue to be managed as it is currently and would not be affected by the new rule. The agency is accepting written comments. Comments can be emailed to tryman@fs.fed.us. The entire text of the proposed rule can be viewed at the USFS website."

"On July 12^th, the Bush Administration announced a new Roadless policy to replace the existing federal Roadless policy imposed during the closing months of the Clinton Administration. The Clinton rule, which has been tied up in endless litagation, would have locked away 58.5 million acres (including 69,000 acres in Wisconsin). The new rule allows the governor of any state to petition the USFS to develop a site-specific roadless rule for forest land in that state. This procedure would ensure ample community input in terms of what areas in their state should be declared roadless, thought the final decision would remain with the USFS. Comments can be emailed to statepetitionroadless@fs.fed.us. The entire text of the proposed rule can be viewed at the USFS website."

"The long awaited Forest Plan for the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest was released on April 30^th. The final plan adds 46,000 acres of proposed wilderness and non-motorized areas. These new areas will affect 53.7 miles of existing snowmobile trails and calls for the closure of 710 miles of roads. We still have concerns with some of the details in the plan and are working with the Lakes States Resource Alliance in filing an appeal."

Assorted new Wisconsin laws now in effect for Snowmobilers and ATVers

The following are new changes in Wisconsin laws that regulate the operation of snowmobiles and ATVs. The numbers below refer to the actual bill (AB=Assembly Bill, SB=Senate Bill) wherein the changes were made. Thanks to the Association of Wisconsin Snowmobile Clubs for this information.

AB 530 - Bridge Crossing Allowances

1. Allows bridge crossings by Snowmobiles or ATVs along the Nicolet State Trail where the trail crosses an existing RXR trestle over the Pine River or Popple River and in Florence County along the CHY N where the trail crosses the Pine River.
   

SB 434 - Mandatory Snowmobile Education Change

1. Requires all students at least age 11, but under 16 to attend classroom training.
   
2. Riders 16 and older can still be certified using the department's CD ROM course.
   
3. This bill did not change the certification requirement certified for all riders if they are at least age 12 and born on or after 1-1-85 .
   

AB 630 - Snowmobile Cleanup

1. Requires all riders when approaching other riders to stay to the right and proceed with caution.


2. Prohibits odometer or hour meter tampering on Snowmobiles, ATVs, or Boats and provides instructions if a meter needs service or replacement.


3. Changed the snowmobile registration count from the last day of February to the last day of March.


4. Requires snowmobilers to follow the posted speed limit when and if they are allowed to operate on a roadway.


5. Allows officers to use red or blue lights when conducting law enforement on highway.


6. Requires the owner who sells a snowmobile to transfer ALL certificates/registrations to the new owner.


7. Exempts racers competing in sanctioned races from reporting requirements.
   

AB 458 - Drugs

1. Prohibits a person from having trace elements of drugs in their system while Snowmobiling, ATVing or Boating.

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Non-Resident Snowmobile Trail Pass

• In May of 1998, Wisconsin implemented a non-resident trail pass program. The user fee is $18. You can access information on the trail pass by contacting the DNR at 1-608-266-2621 to order via credit card (there is a $3.00 processing fee)



• The trail pass is valid from July 1st through June 30th. It is required on all snowmobiles not currently registered in Wisconsin. The snowmobile must have a valid registration from another state, and display that state's registration sticker.



• Trail passes can also be obtained at all DNR offices and most places where hunting and fishing licenses are sold.

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Snowmobiles, Boats, and ATV Online Registration Renewal Available

• A new online service now allows resident owners of snowmobiles, boats and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) to renew their existing registration 24 hours a day, seven days a week with the Department of Natural Resources via the Internet through state of Wisconsin Web site.



• While at this point the service is for renewals only, the ultimate goal is to eventually be able to register new vehicles online.



• Registration pages can be accessed through any of the
  following Internet addresses:
  


• Snowmobiles


• ATVs


• Boats


• Recreational Vehicles



Remember:

UNITED WE TRAIL...DIVIDED WE FAIL
SNOWMOBILING IS NOT A RIGHT, IT'S A PRIVILEGE!

Welcome to the 4 Seasons Recreational Club Blog!!

We're in the "off-season" now for snowmobiling, but there are lots of ATVs using the trails that are open for them. As time goes on, we just would like to invite you to join us in beautiful northwestern Wisconsin. Enjoy our lakes and businesses and trails.

Our main annual fundraiser is quickly coming up. The Wascott Food and Fund Day is held on the Saturday of Labor Day weekend (September 4, 2004). There are games for the kids, games for the adults, lots of good food and plenty of community interaction. It also, unfortunately, brings an end to an already too short summer. So come and join us.

For more information on our club, please visit our web site . Select the "Events" page.

More later......