WDNR, Who's Sleeping With Who?

From the Green Bay Press. Strange bed partners.

"Sportsmen rip DNR for ad with Humane Society
Radio campaign warns people not to take in wild pets

By TODD RICHMOND • The Associated Press • May 14, 2010

MADISON — A group of sportsmen and legislators criticized the state Department of Natural Resources for joining the Humane Society on a radio campaign, saying Thursday that the partnership destroys the agency's credibility.

The DNR and the Humane Society of the United States are collaborating on radio announcements warning people not to take young wild animals as pets.

Wisconsin Wildlife Federation President Jack Nissen said he doesn't have a problem with warning people to leave animals alone, but the DNR shouldn't have aligned with the Humane Society to produce the campaign.

Nissen said the Humane Society opposes hunting, trapping and animal agriculture, in direct opposition to the DNR's wildlife management and farm regulatory duties. He said he feared the partnership could lead to the Humane Society pressuring the DNR to tighten hunting regulations.

State Sen. Neal Kedzie, R-Elkhorn, wrote to DNR Secretary Matt Frank and said he was "appalled" at the DNR's relationship with the Humane Society, especially when hunters are already upset with the agency after a weak November deer hunt.

DNR Chief Warden Randy Stark, who is in charge of the radio campaign, insisted the DNR still considers its partnerships with hunters, anglers and trappers critical. He said the agency decided to approach the Humane Society because of its anti-poaching stance and contributions to rewards in animal thrill-kill investigations.

The Humane Society agreed to match the DNR's $6,000 investment in the ads, enabling the purchase of more air time, Stark said.

Senate Majority Leader Russ Decker, D-Weston, said in a statement that he can't believe the state is spending $6,000 so Stark can "play advertising executive with out-of-state groups.""
Sportsmen rip DNR for ad with Humane Society | greenbaypressgazette.com | Green Bay Press Gazette

The sooner Walker takes back Madison, the better. This is getting out of hand.