MADISON – The Department of Natural Resources is seeking nominations through May 22 for individuals with experience and interest to fill two positions — the angling and deer positions — on the Sporting Heritage Council. The council, established by 2011 Wis. Act 168, advises Gov. Scott Walker, the Natural Resources Board, and the state legislature on fishing, hunting and trapping issues. The group mainly focuses on recruitment, retention and increasing access to resources and outdoor opportunities.

The council consists of 12 appointees in total, including the Department of Natural Resources secretary or a designee, one member appointed by the governor, two members of the Assembly, two members of the Senate, one member appointed by the Wisconsin Conservation Congress executive committee and the five members recently appointed by the Natural Resources Board.

The currently vacant positions are two of the five appointed by the Natural Resources Board. Each of the five appointments represent distinct interests, including deer hunting, bear hunting, bird hunting, angling, and furbearer hunting or trapping. The vacant positions will represent angling and deer hunting interests.

The selected appointees terms will end July 1, 2018.

Individuals must represent angling or deer hunting interests and must be nominated by a sporting organization. The nomination form and more information can be found at dnr.wi.gov, and search “sporting heritage.”