What Does Wisconsin Wildlife Federation Do For Me?

WWF is very active in representing the interests of hunters, anglers, trappers, and others who care about conservation, shooting sports, fish, wildlife, access, outdoor education, and passing along our outdoor heritage to future generations.

The Federation serves as an early warning system, a strong grassroots network, and respected advocate for hunting, fishing, and trapping, as well as clean air and water, and healthy habitats.

Our non-partisan work is at all levels. We work with decision-makers, influencers, elected leaders and appointed officials at the Wisconsin Legislature, the U.S. Congress, the Department of Natural Resources and other county, state and federal agencies.

Federation positions on rules, legislation and policies are voted on by the WWF Board of Directors representing more than 211 affiliated clubs and thousands of individual members throughout the state.

Here are some examples of accomplishments and our ongoing legislative and policy work:

  • Hunting, fishing, trapping rules simplification
  • Wolf hunting 2021-22 season
  • Now working hard to again remove wolves from Threatened & Endangered List
  • Introduction of Mississippi River Restoration & Resiliency Initiative
  • Gave grants to local clubs to advance our shared mission in their communities and legislative districts
  • Launched collaboration to increase outdoors access and inclusion as we work to place free loaner all-terrain wheelchairs in each county
  • Training future leaders through WWF Conservation Leadership Corps
  • Hosting national conference of young conservation leaders
  • Strongly supporting Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Fund
  • Opposed legislation from out-of-state interests that would have moved funding from priority fish and wildlife projects
  • Launched WI Coalition for Recovering America’s Wildlife Act aimed at bringing $18 million to Wisconsin
  • Advocated for expansion of DNR R3 efforts to recruit and retain hunters and anglers
  • Defeated efforts to remove hunter education safeguards
  • Supported boat launch and state parks fee waivers/discounts for veterans
  • Strongly supporting increased funding for DNR and restore critically needed staff
  • Launched collaboration for Midwest Outdoor Heritage Education Expo to introduce about 3,000 students, teachers and parents per year to shooting sports and outdoor skills programs
  • Supported legislation to clean up streams and lakes to improve fishing
  • Continued to advocate for railroad crossing law along Mississippi River and elsewhere
  • Established long-term endowments to help conservation and education efforts
  • Teamed up with Field EDventures to train teachers to increase place-based outdoor education in their classrooms all across Wisconsin
  • Supported CleanSweep legislation to help fire departments and local volunteers working with fire-fighting foam
  • Supported legislation allowing processed wood for bottom of bear baiting stumps
  • Launched Waterfowl Expo with partners for youth and families

Wisconsin Wildlife Federation keeps adding to the list, and we welcome your input on issues of interest to you and others in your neck of the woods. Please add your voice, insights and expertise.