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Public commenters press DNR on lead in venison, chocolate bear bait and wake‑boat invasives
Summary
During open forum, public speakers urged firmer DNR action on several public‑health and wildlife issues: calls to update venison‑lead advisories and consider banning lead ammunition; objections to chocolate bear bait due to poisoning risks to cubs and non‑target species; and repeated appeals for a home‑lake rule or local ordinances to stop wake‑boat ballast transfers of invasive species.
The meeting’s open forum brought multiple public concerns to the board.
Dr. Susan Davidson (Wisconsin Environmental Health Network) asked DNR to revise ambiguous website language on lead in venison, expand active outreach (for example at license renewal), require labeling for donated venison and strongly consider restrictions on lead ammunition. She cited federal sampling that flagged visible lead fragments in a share of donated packages and urged clearer guidance for pregnant women and children.
Jean Boss urged prohibition of chocolate as bear bait, saying small amounts can be toxic to bear cubs and that uncontrolled bulk sales risk irresponsible use and wildlife poisonings. Boss asked the board to consider a codified prohibition similar to existing bans on poisons used in other hunting seasons.
Multiple witnesses urged faster and more decisive action on wake‑boat ballast and a proposed 'home lake' rule to stop ballast water transfers of quagga and zebra mussels and other aquatic invaders. Jim Olson described thermal decontamination for ballast systems as feasible and urged regulation and dealer responsibility; Last Wilderness Alliance and other groups said local ordinances already protect certain lakes but called on the DNR and the board to adopt statewide or emergency measures where possible.
Deputy Secretary Steven Little said DNR is collaborating with the Department of Health Services to update venison consumption advisory language before the upcoming nine‑day gun deer season and is coordinating outreach to processors and food pantries. On wake boats and invasive species, public speakers and some board members urged further technical review and possible regulatory action; DNR staff acknowledged petitions and said staff are reviewing proposals and technical evidence.
