Sporting Heritage Council

The Sporting Heritage Council was created in 2011 via the passage of Wisconsin Act 168. The council advises the Governor, the Natural Resources Board and the state legislature on fishing, hunting and trapping issues.

The council consists of 12 appointees with three-year terms and focuses on the recruitment, retention and reactivation (R3) of anglers, hunters and trappers. It strives to increase access to resources and outdoor opportunities for all Wisconsin residents and visitors.

MISSION STATEMENT

ACT 168 states that the council shall find ways to:

1. Improve the recruitment and retention of hunters, trappers and anglers.
2. Improve the management and protection of the natural resources of Wisconsin for hunting, trapping, fishing, and other types of outdoor recreation activities.
3. Encourage youth to participate in outdoor recreation activities, including ways to implement outdoor recreation programs for youth.
4. Improve access to public and private land for hunting, trapping, fishing and other types of outdoor recreation activities.
5. Improve public access to lakes.
6. Increase the availability of public shooting ranges.

VISION

Our vision is to enhance recreational opportunities, sound conservation practices and purposeful inclusion of all people, resulting in greater recruitment, retention and reactivation of hunters, anglers, trappers, target shooters and other outdoor enthusiasts.

Get involved in your sporting heritage

Become a volunteer skills instructor.

Pass on your knowledge and passions for the outdoors by getting certified as an Angler R3 or Hunter R3 instructor or mentor. Sign up for train-the-trainer workshops when one is scheduled in your area. None scheduled in your area? Invite coordinators to schedule a workshop and then help recruit others to attend the training.

• Fishing
  • Angler Education Instructor Training
  • Angler Education Resources
  • Fishing for Dinner
  • Free Fishing Weekend
  • Tackle Loaner Program - adopt a loaner site!
• Hunting
  • Hunter Education Mentor Training
  • Learn to Hunt
  • Wingshooting
  • Shooting Ranges
• More Skills and Education
  • Archery in the Schools
  • Safety Classes
  • Parks Programs
  • Environmental Education - air, land and water

Interested in a specific species?

 

Contact the council chair or member whose focus is that species.

• Join a hunting or fishing club. You could be the catalyst to start a new conversation about conservation.
• Volunteer at a work party to restore a habitat or a trail.

Meeting information

Meetings are generally scheduled for the second Tuesday of even-numbered months. Time will typically be 6 – 8 p.m. The council will occasionally meet at other times to review specific field projects. Notice will be given in advance in those instances.

Next meeting:

• Check back here for the date of the next meeting. The council is currently determining the date of their next meeting.

COUNCIL NEWS AND INFORMATION

Agendas and Meeting Materials by Year

2022

August 23

• content to be added

June 7

• content to be added

2021

December 14

• Agenda of December 14, 2021

October 12

• Agenda of October 12, 2021

August 10

• Agenda and meeting minutes of August 10, 2021

June 8

• Agenda and meeting minutes of June 8, 2021

February 9

• Agenda and meeting minutes of February 9, 2021

2018

April 17

• Agenda and meeting minutes of April 17, 2020

2017

October 4

• Agenda and meeting minutes combined

2016

September 21

• Agenda and meeting minutes of September 21, 2016

February 15

• Agenda and meeting minutes of February 15, 2016

2015

September 30

• Agenda and meeting minutes of September 30, 2015

March 30

• Agenda and meeting minutes of March 30, 2015

2014

September 30

• Agenda and meeting minutes of September 30, 2014

April 29

• Agenda and meeting minutes of April 29, 2014

January 9

• Agenda and meeting minutes of January 9, 2014

2013

October 24

• Agenda and meeting minutes of October 24, 2013

August 27

• Agenda and meeting minutes of August 27, 2013
• Supporting Documents and Resources
  • Recruiting and Retaining Hunters and Anglers
  • America's Great Outdoors and the Next Generation of Conservation Professionals
  • Press release - August 19, 2013

July 12

• Agenda and meeting minutes of July 12, 2013

April 26

• Agenda and meeting minutes of April 26, 2013

Council Members

Voting Members

Except for the council chair, the Sporting Heritage Council members are appointed for 3-year terms, which may be renewed.

Email to council members: Please send emails intended for the entire council to the council chair, who will forward them to council members for their consideration. If you are interested in or concerned about a specific issue, contact the individual council member who focuses on that topic.

DNR Staff and Partners

 

Council Policies

• Sporting Heritage Council nomination form
• Open meetings policy for sub-committees of the SHC

Sporting Heritage Council FAQ

What is R3?

R3 refers to recruiting, retaining and reactivating hunters, anglers, trappers and shooting sports participants. Reacting to declines or impending declines in participation, Wisconsin DNR developed a strategic plan and is implementing actions that result in cultivating new hunters, anglers and trappers and keeping them in the fold.

R3 Grants

R3 Grants are available to help organizations be part of the solution to keep Wisconsin residents and visitors engaged in these outdoor pursuits: angling, hunting and shooting range development.

Learn More - History, Annual Reports, Research

• Announcement of creation of SHC
• 2011 Wisconsin ACT 168 - created the SHC
• Biennial Reports -
  • August 26, 2016
• Council Ideas
• Conservation of Lands of Wisconsin - Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program Map, 1990-2013