WILDLIFE WEDNESDAY
February 5, 2026 · 6:00 PM CST
Video: https://meet.google.com/fpw-vegq-ppf
Dial-in: +1 475-441-4836 · PIN: 638 339 168#
Tonight’s agenda covers our CBS response, the WCC resolution deadline, wanton waste law, and a check-in on how everyone’s doing.
CBS Sunday Morning Response
On February 1, CBS aired a segment with Ted Koppel featuring Clay Newcomb that romanticized bear hunting while omitting critical context about baiting, hounding, the active bear parts trade, and peer-reviewed science on hunting’s actual impacts.
Our Letter Requests:
- Formal correction of demonstrably false claims
- Counter-segment featuring scientists and wildlife advocates
- Producer call to discuss documented evidence
🎙️ They’re Talking About Us
Bear Grease Podcast, Episode 418 — skip to 43:00
“There is a wildlife group in the country demanding a correction from CBS… an anti-hunting wildlife group has put their foot on the ground and said they’re demanding CBS apologize.”
He reads from our letter but won’t say our name—“don’t want to give them any publicity.”
WCC Resolution Process
The Wisconsin Conservation Congress is one of the few direct democratic mechanisms to influence wildlife policy. Resolutions are advisory but those passing in a majority of counties receive closer consideration.
Timeline:
| Step | When | What Happens |
|---|---|---|
| Submit | Jan 5 – Feb 9 | Up to 2 resolutions per person |
| Review | Feb – March | Delegates check criteria |
| Spring Hearings | April 13–15 | In-person + online voting |
| Committee | Fall 2026 | Passed resolutions reviewed |
| Statewide | Spring 2027 | All-county vote |
Criteria:
- Statewide impact • Practical and achievable • Within WCC mission
- You must live in the county where you submit
Wanton Waste Law (If Time)
Wisconsin Statute 23.095(1g) prohibits “damaging” natural resources, but the standard penalty is only $186. Compare to Idaho’s $400–$10,000 penalties with specific edible portions requirements.
| State | Requirement | Penalty |
|---|---|---|
| Montana | All edible parts | Varies |
| Idaho | Quarters, loin, tenderloin | $400–$10,000 |
| Wisconsin | Broad prohibition | $186 |
Resiliency Check-In
This work is hard. Before we dive in:
- How is everyone actually feeling?
- What’s weighing on you this week?
- What gave you hope recently?
- What do you need from this group?
We can’t pour from an empty cup.
Melissa Smith
Executive Director, Great Lakes Wildlife Alliance
speakforwildlife.org · wiwolvesandwildlife.org
Endless pressure, endlessly applied.
to kill wildlife like this is having no compassion. i will always hate humans like this and there needs to be a law in place to protect and preserve wildlife. how heartless are these killers are.