Wildlife management plans
What are management plans?
Management plans outline background information on a particular species and provide long-term recommendations on various aspects of species management, including population management, habitat management, education and outreach efforts, damage management and harvest framework, among others. In short, they describe how the DNR plans to manage a given species across time.
These plans are developed by DNR staff and advisory committees, comprised of citizens representing groups with an interest in the management of a particular species. All plans go through an extensive public review process, are approved by the Natural Resources Board and are revisited periodically to incorporate the most recent data concerning species management.
The DNR is always working to develop and update management plans. Currently, the DNR is working on management plans for both beaver and wild turkey.
Current Wildlife Management Plans
| Species: | Management Plan Link: |
|---|---|
| Black Bear | Wisconsin Black Bear Management Plan, 2019 – 2029 |
| Greater Prairie-Chicken | Wisconsin Greater Prairie-Chicken Management Plan, 2022-2032 |
| Ruffed Grouse | Wisconsin Ruffed Grouse Management Plan, 2020-2030 |
| Sharp-tailed Grouse | Wisconsin Sharp-tailed Grouse Management Plan, 2024 |
| Waterfowl | Wisconsin Waterfowl Management Plan, 2020-2030 |
| Gray Wolves | Wisconsin Wolf Management Plan, 2023 |
| Elk | Wisconsin Elk Management Plan, 2024-2034 |
Historic Wildlife Management Plans (Expired/No Longer Active):
The following wildlife management plans are no longer in use, but they are preserved here for awareness and historic value.