A couple of what are likely to be hot button issues are on the agenda of the state Conservation Congress tonight. Conservation Congress sessions will be held in all 72 counties, and unlike last year, there a couple of advisory questions that ought to bring out strong opinions. Attendees will be asked to vote on the issue of deer baiting and feeding. Kurt Thiede is the DNR's liaison to the Conservation Congress. "Anytime you put the question relating deer baiting and feeding out for public comment, you're definitely going to generate some interest," says Thiede. The DNR contends that baiting and feeding spreads disease in the deer hard, but the legislature has rejected efforts at a ban.
Also for consideration tonight, a plan to establish the framework of a wolf hunt in Wisconsin, now that the wolf is no longer on the endangered list. In addition to the numerous advisory questions, those attending the meetings also get a chance to vote on a number of proposed DNR rule changes regulating hunting, trapping and fishing in Wisconsin. The sessions begin at 7:00 in all counties and are open to anyone interested in the state's natural resources.