For the Antigo Times

MADISON, Wis. – A new procedure to validate carcass tags for deer and other species is set to take effect following spring turkey season thanks to action by the Wisconsin Natural Resources Board this past week.

The action comes before 2017 hunting, fishing, trapping and other license sales begin March 8 through the Go Wild system, a one-stop portal for information on all of the recreational opportunities made possible by the sound management of Wisconsin’s natural resources. With the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources’ Go Wild system, customers can print tags at home or receive them through a DNR service center or vendor.

The system enables customers to manage accounts more easily and provide proof of purchase through a personal conservation card, an authenticated Wisconsin driver’s license, a plain paper copy or a pdf display on a mobile device such as a smartphone. The updated carcass tag procedure, which now goes to Gov. Scott Walker and the Legislature for consideration, allows hunters and trappers to validate the tag by removing the bottom portion rather than writing on it.

“We listened carefully to our customers following the first year of experience with the paper carcass tags and we believe it will be easier to simply slice off the bottom portion of the tag to validate it rather than write on it, especially in cold, wet weather,” said Kimberly Currie, DNR customer service director. “The change takes effect following spring turkey season and allows hunters and anglers to use equipment they would normally carry into the field to complete validation.”

Other validation requirements will remain the same. Hunters must possess their carcass tags while hunting or fishing for tag species and must validate tags immediately upon harvesting. Hunters must attach the tag to the carcass before leaving it: “If you leave it, tag it.” Harvest registration also must occur as indicated for the species through DNR’s electronic GameReg system, online at gamereg.wi.gov (fastest and easiest method) or by phone at 1-844-426-3734.

Harvest registration is required for specific species and is critical in helping DNR biologists evaluate populations and permit levels the following year.

In addition to the improved tag validation procedure, the Go Wild System includes other updates that will benefit users when sales for the 2017 license year begin March 8. Other system upgrades include:

• A streamlined conservation patron purchase process with fewer screens to navigate and better organization of products;
• The ability for conservation patrons to redeem park and forest admission privileges at DNR properties;
• Improved validation on the family fishing licenses; and
• The addition of agricultural damage and nuisance tags and harvest reporting have been added.

To learn more, visit GoWild.Wi.Gov or visit DNR.Wi.Gov and search “Go Wild.” Informational resources include fact sheets, descriptions of how and when certain forms of proof apply as well as tagging information for a variety of game.