For the first time in history, Wisconsin’s trout harvest season for inland streams, springs and spring ponds opens the first Saturday in April, a month earlier than usual.

The season change was strongly supported during last year’s Department of Natural Resources and Wisconsin Conservation Congress spring hearings.

This earlier harvest season — you can still practice catch & release if you’d like — does not apply to inland lakes and ponds. For those waters, the traditional first Saturday in May opener applies (May 2 this year).

This season’s fishing licenses and stamps expire March 31, so be sure to purchase any ones prior to fishing next week.

Another major change is the northern Wisconsin muskie season opener, traditionally Memorial Day weekend. This year, the date has been moved up to May 2. Once again, it was widespread support at the annual spring hearings that moved what started as a citizen resolution in 2019 to a rule change.

Some veteran guides and other avid muskie anglers aren’t fans, saying they believe it’ll increase pressure on fish at spawning sites. But DNR fisheries biologists say fish focused on spawning aren’t as likely to chase lures. In addition, a half-century ago tens of thousands of muskies were harvested annually while today, the DNR believes that only hundreds are due to the popularity of catch-and-release fishing.

Happy Little 5K

There’s still time to sign up for what’s being called Run for the Trees: Happy Little (Virtual) 5K! Eighteen states, including Wisconsin, are participating, and some state parks, forests, recreation areas and trails are promoting running on their properties.

Proceeds support tree planting and forest management efforts. Registration closes April 1 to ensure timely shipping of T-shirts, bibs and finisher medals.

This event does not have any specific location and can be done on your own or with friends anywhere and anytime between April 18 and 26 to encompass Earth Day (April 22) and Arbor Day (April 24). For more, visit https://runsignup.com/Race/MI/Lansing/RunForTheTreesHappyLittle5K.

Wisconsin trappers

If you’re a private landowner experiencing crop damage, beaver flooding or nuisance wildlife, the Wisconsin Trappers Association (WTA) may be able to help.

WTA is a long-standing organization dedicated to ethical trapping, conservation and education. It maintains a nuisance wildlife removal referral list that connects land managers with experienced professionals. WTA also offers trapper education, public outreach resources and scholarships, making it a valuable partner in responsible wildlife management.

Learn more or request assistance via the website at https://wistrap.org/, or by calling 888-601-8727.

Hunt instructors

The DNR is looking for volunteers who are passionate about safe, responsible and ethical hunting practices to serve as hunter education instructors.

Since the program’s creation in 1967, more than 22,000 volunteer instructors have trained and certified more than one million hunters across Wisconsin. The agency says their commitment has made hunting safer.

Anyone interested can learn more by contacting Renee Thok, DNR Hunter Education Administrator, at (262) 900-7860, or Ashley Van Egtern, administrative assistant, at (608) 513-9625.

‘Froggers’ wanted

Wisconsin’s Frog and Toad Survey, the longest-running amphibian project in North America, is seeking volunteers to contribute observations to a newly added state phenology survey.

Wisconsin’s Frog and Toad Survey is the longest-running amphibian project in North America. Started in 1981, it became a statewide program in 1983. A salamander survey is currently being developed.

To learn more about getting involved, visit https://wiatri.net/inventory/frogtoadsurvey/volunteer/phenology.cfm. For more on the long-term data, check out https://wiatri.net/inventory/frogtoadsurvey/.

Tax checkoff

Wisconsin has an endangered resources tax checkoff which allows the state to get donations to fund conservation work for rare and non-game wildlife. Donations are matched and go directly to conserve rare plants, animals and state natural areas.

Are you an early-bird who already finished your taxes? Give online, any time, at https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/EndangeredResources/endangeredresourcesfund.

Tree planting

The DNR’s reforestation program still has plenty of seedlings available to create or enhance wildlife habitat, stabilize soil, block winter wind and snow and provide a future shady spot. Learn more at https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/TreePlanting.

State tournament

The state National Archery in Schools Program tournament is this weekend in Wisconsin Dells. More than 1,600 students from more than 100 schools are expected to compete on the bullseye range and the 3D target range.