6.
This rule would require that on Lake Koshkonong, boats and blinds may be used to hunt waterfowl only if they are within 3 feet of naturally occurring emergent vegetation that provides at least 50% concealment.7.
This rule may make additional updates such as correcting cross-reference citations, updating road names on maps, changes needed in order to update application forms, or revisions which are necessary for consistency with recently enacted legislation. 8.
The department may include other, minor, non-controversial rule proposals including ones which have passed at the annual Spring Fish & Wildlife Hearings as advisory questions by the Conservation Congress. 3. Description of the existing policies relevant to the rule, new policies proposed to be included in the rule, and an analysis of policy alternatives:
All of the policies in this rule are consistent with past board policies of regulating fish and game harvest for conservation purposes. The changes proposed in this rule will have a minimal impact on the activities of hunters or trappers and are proposed primarily to maintain consistency with recently revised statutes or to update cross-references.
4. Detailed explanation of statutory authority for the rule (including the statutory citation and language):
The chapter on wild animals and plants, in s. 29.014, “rule making for this chapter”, establishes that the department shall maintain open and closed seasons for fish and game and any limits, rest days, and conditions for taking fish and game. This grant of rule-making authority allows the department to make changes related to trapping and hunting regulations. In s. Ch. 29.053 Stats. the department is authorized to take a variety of actions in order to provide additional hunting opportunities for persons who are physically disabled. This includes establishing that antlerless deer hunting permits, which are normally valid only on public or on private lands, are valid on both public and on private land types for persons holding a hunting permit for disabled persons.
5. Estimate of amount of time that state employees will spend developing the rule and of other resources necessary to develop the rule:
Approximately 40 hours will be needed by the department prior to and following the hearings.
6. List with description of all entities that may be affected by the proposed rule:
Hunters and trappers are the primary people who will be affected by this rulemaking. Any impacts will be very minor.
7. Summary and preliminary comparison with any existing or proposed federal regulation that is intended to address the activities to be regulated by the proposed rule:
Federal regulations allow states to manage the wildlife resources located within their boundaries provided they do not conflict with regulations established in the Federal Register. None of these rule changes violate or conflict with the provisions established in the Federal Code of Regulations.
8. Anticipated economic impact of implementing the rule (note if the rule is likely to have an economic impact on small businesses):
These rules, and the legislation which grants the department rulemaking authority, will have no effect on the private sector or small businesses. These rules are applicable to individual sportspersons and impose no compliance or reporting requirements for small business.
These proposed rule changes are not expected to impact the activities of hunters, trappers, or other outdoor enthusiasts and will not have an impact on their related spending activities. Correspondingly, no economic impacts are anticipated.
9. Anticipated number, month and locations of public hearings:
The Department anticipates holding one public hearing in the month of December 2017. Hearing cities will be: Madison.
The Department will hold these hearings in these locations to offer a public input opportunity for these minor rule changes.
Contact Person: Meredith Penthorn, 608-267-2948
Kurt Thiede, Interim Secretary
Date Submitted
