Participate in the Wisconsin Conservation Congress in 2022!

Help submit citizen resolutions banning coyote killing contests and promoting coexistence with wildlife by Friday, March 11th

The Wisconsin Conservation Congress (WCC) is a state-funded organization that works with the Natural Resource Board and Department of Natural Resources to create policies and regulations that are often referenced by Wisconsin lawmakers and adopted by the DNR. Some policies being considered this year include banning coyote killing contests, hounding and baiting. Learn more by watching WCC’s video here and checking out this webinar by Waukesha County wildlife advocate Amy Mueller, where she provides an overview of the WCC process, including writing and submitting resolutions strategically across the state.

By getting involved, you will add a fresh perspective, such as respect and appreciation for carnivores. 

There are several ways to get involved with the WCC, some that take only 5 minutes and others that are more involved, depending on your interest and availability. Moreover, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, annual public Spring Hearings are being held virtually and resolutions can be submitted through an online input form, which allows for broader and more convenient participation.

Here are two ways you can get involved today:

1. Submit citizen resolutions promoting coexistence with wildlife and democratic, transparent participation. The WCC is currently accepting resolutions for inclusion in their online questionnaire for the 2022 “Spring Hearing” until Friday, March 11th at midnight. Accepted resolutions will be open to public voting during the Spring Hearing on Monday, April 11th for 72 hours. We are coordinating with Amy Mueller and other Wisconsin wildlife advocates to strategically submit resolutions in counties across the state. Although some of these regulations do not go as far as we would like, they are an important step in the direction of more ethical wildlife policies. Please let Amy know (info below) if you are interested in submitting any of the following pre-written resolutions in your county (Amy will share the text upon request).

• • Adjust the Time Period Bear Baiting is Allowed
  • All WCC Meetings Have a Virtual Option
  • Ban Coyote Killing Contests
  • Ban the Use of Hounds When Hunting Wolves
  • Black Bear Bait Regulation
  • Eliminate Compensation for Hound Owners
  • Eliminate Nighttime Hunting of Wolf and Coyote on Public Land
  • Funding for WI Farmers for Non-Lethal Predator Prevention Programs
  • Hound Training Using Live Captive Animals in Wisconsin
  • Oppose Sandhill Crane Hunting
  • Term Limits for WCC Advisory Committee Members

2. Apply to become a WCC delegate. There are various WCC delegate vacancies that will be filled this year, following an online application process. We need your voice in the WCC to ensure wildlife interests are considered. If you’re interested in becoming a delegate, the online application can be found here.

If you are interested in submitting one of the above resolutions in your county (especially important if you live outside Dane County) or becoming a delegate, you can contact Amy Mueller at amy.mueller@yahoo.com (please include your name, county and desired resolution) or by phone at 414-852-3977. 

Stay tuned for updates and voting resources as the WCC Spring Hearing on Monday, April 11 draws near!

Thank you for taking action for wildlife!

Michelle Lute, PhD
National Carnivore Conservation Manager