Current Actions
Our organization remains at the front lines to defend our sport. Learn more about our state advocacy efforts (and what you can do to support WBHA).
Wisconsin Bear Hunters Association
Preserving Tomorrow's Heritage Today
For over 50 years, WBHA has been at the forefront of protecting the rights of sportsmen and sportswomen in Wisconsin as well promoting youth hunting, conservation, and sound wildlife management.
Bear hunting in Wisconsin is the ultimate family sport and the WBHA is nearly 3,000 members strong and is itself family-based. We invite you and your family to join us as we work together to protect Wisconsin’s great outdoor heritage.
Big News Out of Washington Today
September 4, 2027
President Trump signed an executive order directing the Department of the Interior to determine whether the gray wolf — and the Mexican wolf — meets the criteria for delisting or downlisting under the Endangered Species Act, and to begin that process.
The order also directs Interior and USDA to update how producers are compensated for livestock losses to predators and to ease the process for authorizing lethal removal when it’s warranted.
What this means for Wisconsin: wolves in our state have been federally listed since a California court vacated the 2020 delisting rule. Until that changes, the DNR’s hands are tied — no harvest season, and very limited tools when wolves kill hounds or livestock. Wisconsin’s wolf population sits at roughly 1,200 animals, well above the federal recovery goal set when the species was listed in 1978.
A few things to keep in mind: this is a first step, not a finish line. Interior still has to go through the rulemaking process, and any final delisting rule will almost certainly be challenged in court — the same way the 2020 rule was. But it’s the most significant movement on this issue in years.
We’ll keep members posted as Interior’s determination comes down.
Friendly Reminder: National Forest Trail Camera Rules
Members using trail cameras or traveling within the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest are reminded to review and follow all current U.S. Forest Service requirements. The trail-camera restrictions adopted in September 2025 have been in effect for approximately one year, and compliance is required. The text specific to trail cameras can be found at #13 via the link below.
Message from DNR re: Delayed Tooth Mailings
The DNR informed us that the packets mailed to all bear license awardees have been delayed. The packet contains information and materials to help comply with mandatory tooth submission requirements. The packets likely will be in the mail Aug 25 or 26. To read the full email sent to license awardees, click the button below.
To see the yellow plastic hunter checklist card sent to all hunters in an effort to increase compliance with registration and tooth submission, click the button below.
House Committee to Investigate Radical Environmental Groups
September 4, 2026 | The U.S. House Committee on Natural Resources has launched an investigation into 19 environmental organizations over concerns about taxpayer-funded litigation. Sportsmen’s Alliance examines how these legal battles affect hunting, trapping, and state-led wildlife management, including wolf management in Wisconsin.
SAF Continues Fight for State-Led Management in Ninth Circuit Wolf Appeal
September 1, 2026 | The Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation continues its fight to keep management of recovered Northern Rocky Mountain wolf populations in state hands, filing its final brief in a federal appeals case. The case is an important development for hunters following the broader debate over wolf management.
UPDATE: Wolf Delisting
Yesterday, Senator Ron Johnson attempted to bring Congressman Tiffany's Pet & Livestock Protection Act to the floor for a vote. Because it has not been voted out of the Senate committee and was not on the day's agenda, Senator Johnson had to request unanimous consent to bring the bill up. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) objected, which blocked the bill from coming forward.
We appreciate Senator Johnson's efforts and are disappointed by the objection. We also thank all the members who contacted Senator Baldwin and others to support this legislation. We will continue to work with Congressman Tiffany's office to assist in getting this bill passed.
While this recent effort was unsuccessful, we must stand ready to support our allies in Congress when the opportunity presents itself again. We will keep everyone informed as the situation evolves.
See the attached videos to view Senator Johnson's speech and Senator Booker's response.
View Senator Johnson's speech: HERE
View Senator Booker's response: HERE
Save Taxpayers Millions by Delisting Wolves, Allowing a Hunt
Wisconsin State Journal | Carl Schoettel
The debate over hunting wolves in Wisconsin used to be an issue that mostly impacted northern Wisconsin — those living in wolf territory north of Highway 29, which runs from the Twin Cities through Wausau to Green Bay.
Most of the day-to-day impact on the lives of Wisconsinites has occurred in that area. But with the introduction of Gov. Tony Evers’ budget, all Wisconsinites are now going to pay a price.
WBHA: Wolf Depredation Victims Should Not Shoulder the Cost of State Funding Shortfalls
The debate over hunting wolves in Wisconsin used to be an issue that mostly impacted northern Wisconsin — those living in wolf territory north of Highway 29, which runs from the Twin Cities through Wausau to Green Bay.
Most of the day-to-day impact on the lives of Wisconsinites has occurred in that area. But with the introduction of Gov. Tony Evers’ budget, all Wisconsinites are now going to pay a price.
Annual Raffle Winners
Check the list to find out if you've won!
63rd WBHA Annual Convention
March 26-27, 2027
Doors open Friday at Noon, Saturday at 9am
Sportsmen's Alliance "Return Wolf Management to the States" Petition
WBHA Members,
Please consider signing the petition linked below from our friends at the Sportsmen's Alliance. The petition is asking the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services (FWS) to follow the legal pathway provided to them in last year's legal filing, in which WBHA joined as a plaintiff.
Signing the petition only takes a minute (just fill out your name, email, and physical address).
The petition's full text is as follows:
America’s wolf population needs a scientific management plan to ensure its stability.
We are counting on FWS to successfully manage wolves by:
- Recognizing and delisting Western Great Lakes wolves (Minnesota, Michigan, Wisconsin) as a distinct population segment.
- Recognizing and down-listing to threatened a West Coast wolf population for wolves in California and areas of Washington and Oregon to remain under federal control until delisting goals are met.
- Creating a non-distinct population segment designation for the remnant of Lower 48 wolves not already recognized as a distinct population segment and keeping existing ESA protections in place for these remnant wolves.
Hunter Harassment Cards
Consider keeping these on hand as reference in case of a discrepancy or to sway enforcement action when presented as proof of the law.
WBHA Does Not Support Changing 3-Year Expiration Term
The WBHA does not support changing the 3 year expiration terms regarding bear hunting due to the fact it would lead to longer wait times and reduce necessary funding that is critical for bear management. The WBHA has serious concerns that changes like this would benefit complacent hunters at the expense of hunters that are diligently applying for points every year.
We fully understand the simplistic desire to "keep" points but we are very aware of the long term effects to the entire system. It is important to remember that points used to expire if a hunter missed one application deadline. We were willing to compromise to extend that to the 3 years that is current law, but we do not support further attempts to allow for no expiration as we will then have people on the list that have either moved out of the state, have passed away, have abandoned their interest in hunting bear, or are just not serious about the sport we all love.
Join or Renew!
In a time of much uncertainty, please know that the Wisconsin Bear Hunters Association is still working and operating to continue protecting sportsmen. Without a strong membership, this can become more difficult. Please JOIN (as a new member, or past expired member), sign up a NEW member, or RENEW your membership at the link below.
With your WBHA membership you will receive a monthly "Bear Hunting" magazine, critical email alerts from the WBHA, access to the WBHA Facebook group (request to join), representation for pro-hunting legislation, free access to the annual convention, and a yearbook at the end of your membership year.
CNNF Motor Vehicle Use Maps
Members should consult the current Motor Vehicle Use Maps before traveling on National Forest roads and trails.
Current CNNF Projects
The current list of Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest (CNNF) proposed projects can be found at the following link.
Featured News
We need Senator Baldwin to hear from hunters directly, in large numbers, before this vote.
Contact your members of Congress and urge them to pass a clean farm bill.
Continue asking your legislators to protect lawful hunting practices and dog training.
Ask your legislators to protect lawful hunting practices and dog training.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced Monday it would no longer write a national wolf recovery plan because gray wolves no longer need endangered or threatened species protections under the Endangered Species Act.
WBHA’s donation helped make an impact on 4,265 students, parents, and teachers with free, hands-on, outdoor skills school field trips.
The Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation appealed a court judgment vacating the Fish and Wildlife Service’s (FWS) decision declining to relist gray wolves in the Northern Rocky Mountain region.
If you would like to be entered into this year’s Big Bear Contest and have your story and picture considered for the yearbook, please be sure to fill out the form soon!
The Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation (SAF) filed a notice of its intent to sue the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today, Nov. 10, for the agency’s failure to respond to SAF’s two gray wolf petitions. WBHA has joined as a plaintiff and has contributed to the effort.
