For Antigo Times

MADISON, Wis. – Starting this spring, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is launching a campaign that encourages people to “Go Wild” by heading outdoors and enjoying the numerous recreational opportunities made possible by the sound management of the state’s natural resources.

On Wednesday, January 27, the Wisconsin Natural Resources Board received an informational briefing on the project from Mark Rappe, of DNR’s bureau of customer and outreach services. The Go Wild brand will be highly visible as part of a new customer licensing system coming in March that will make it easier than ever for DNR customers to purchase licenses, register boats and recreational vehicles and get information on hunter education and safety classes.

“Wisconsin’s outdoor recreational opportunities are second to none and we’re excited to be launching a campaign that celebrates our natural resources,” said DNR Secretary Cathy Stepp. “From hunting and fishing to boating and snowmobiling, there are hundreds of ways to Go Wild in Wisconsin. With the new Go Wild system, we’re putting improved technology to work on behalf of our customers so they can get the information and licenses they need whenever they’re ready to head out.”

The Go Wild system will be available at more than 1,000 vendors statewide while also offering improved access through mobile devices. The system will store customer information online and make it accessible on an optional conservation card, eliminating the need to carry the old thermal paper licenses. No fee increases are planned as part of the upgrade.

Also starting in March, the GoWild.Wi.Gov website will serve as a portal to help plan adventures and make the most of Wisconsin’s great outdoors. License options will include hunting licenses, fishing licenses, conservation patron licenses and boat, ATV and UTV registrations. During a transition period from Feb. 16 to 29, customers wishing to purchase products such as fishing licenses or a snowmobile trail pass must place their purchases at a DNR service center or call our customer service line and purchase their products over the phone at 1-888-WDNRINFo (1-888-936-7463).

To learn more, visit DNR.Wi.Gov and search “Go Wild.”