Wisconsin DNR reminds boaters and ATV/UTV riders of safety guidelines

After an uptick in recreational accidents this summer, including on land and on the water, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources last week issued a safety reminder.

The agency's message: always ride sober and always wear a helmet or a life jacket.

The DNR reported nine boating fatalities in 2023, including five in July and one in August.

Five of the nine victims were confirmed as not wearing a life jacket while the other four investigations are pending.

The most recent fatal boating accident occurred Aug. 1 on Lower Nemahbin Lake in Waukesha County. The 50-year-old male fell out of a kayak and never resurfaced; he was not wearing a PFD.

In addition, there have been 17 fatal ATV/UTV crashes this year. Ten of the fatal accidents have taken place since May, with the most recent July 30 in Marinette County when a UTV rolled over on a trail and down a steep ditch. The 54-year-old male operator, who was not wearing a helmet, was killed.

In light of these accidents the DNR passed along tips to "enjoy their recreational vehicles safely and sober at all times."

Smith:Wake surfing drawing more scrutiny, calls for restrictions in Wisconsin

When on the water, the DNR advises:

Always wear a properly fitted life jacket with a snug fit and fastened when you're on or near the water. Life jackets will keep you on top of the water if you walk off an unexpected drop-off, if a wave or current overpowers you or if you fall out of a boat.

Be alert for unseen dangers along river shorelines and near sandbars. Higher, fast-moving water can tax an individual's boating, paddling and swimming skills.

Keep an eye on the weather and let someone know where you are going.

When riding an ATV or UTV, the DNR recommends:

Always wear a helmet, seatbelt and protective clothing.

Stop at every stop sign.

Look ahead for curves and trail hazards.

Stay to the right and use caution around curves.

The DNR has more boating safety tips and ATV/UTV guidelines and rules on its website.

Bonus antlerless harvest authorizations, commonly called tags, for the 2023 Wisconsin gun deer season will be available for purchase starting Aug. 14.

The authorization will be available for purchase online through the Go Wild license portal and at license sales locations around the state.

Bonus authorizations are sold at a rate of one per person per day until sold out or until the 2023 deer hunting season ends. Bonus authorizations are $12 each for Wisconsin residents, $20 each for non-residents and $5 each for youth ages 11 and under.

The first three days of bonus sales are zone-specific and the fourth day is open to all zones. Sales open at 10 a.m. each day.

The schedule by zone is:

Aug. 14 Northern and Central Forest Zones.

Aug. 15 Central Farmland Zone.

Aug. 16 Southern Farmland Zone.

Aug. 17 all zones will be open for sale.

The number of antlerless harvest opportunities varies by deer management unit in accordance with local deer population levels. Bonus antlerless harvest authorizations are available for purchase for the 2023 season in all deer management units except Iron County.

A listing of bonus antlerless harvest authorizations available for purchase in each management unit can be found on the DNR’s Antlerless Deer Harvest Authorization webpage.

As a reminder, a minimum of one Farmland (Zone 2) antlerless harvest authorization is included with each deer hunting license purchase in all Farmland Zone units. Some units will offer more than one antlerless deer harvest authorization with each deer license.

More:Updated Wisconsin wolf draft plan steers clear of population goal but 800 to 1,200 likely