FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Feb. 14, 2024
Contact:?Laura Schmidt, DNR Fisheries Biologist
[email protected] or 414-416-0591

DNR To Co-Host Free Kids? Ice Fishing
Clinics In Milwaukee County

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MADISON, Wis. ? The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), in partnership with the Hunger Task Force, Wisconsin Council of Sport Fishing Organizations and Milwaukee County Parks, reminds families and organizations to bring their children to one of five Milwaukee County Parks on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024, to learn to ice fish.

Please note that the clinics may be more land-based than on ice due to abnormal weather. Local sources monitor ice conditions, and instructors assigned to the clinic are prepared to pivot course instruction based on ice conditions.

These waters are formally designated as urban waters, which, by state statute (s. 29.053 (2) (a), Stats, are reserved for kids ages 15 and younger and people with certain disabilities between March and April (March 9 ? April 26, 2024). Applicable disabilities are also defined by state statute, s. 29.193 (3), Stats.

Indoor instruction includes ice safety, fish identification, knot tying, proper equipment and other fishing techniques. Fishing equipment is available to borrow but bring your own if possible. Small children must be accompanied by an adult, and sponsors remind everyone to dress for winter.

Here are a few basic ice safety tips to remember while ice fishing:

• Carry a cell phone, and let people know where you are going and when you?ll return home.
• Wear proper clothing and equipment, including a life jacket or a float coat, to help you stay afloat and to help maintain body heat.
• Wear ice creepers attached to boots to prevent slipping on clear ice.
• If you fall in, remain as calm as possible.
• While attempting to get out of the water, call for help.
• Anyone who attempts to rescue you should use a rope or something similar to avoid falling through themselves.
• The DNR does not monitor ice conditions. Please check with local fishing clubs and outfitters for local conditions.

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EVENT DETAILS

When:

Saturday, Feb. 17, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Clinics will begin every hour starting at 9 a.m., with the last clinic starting at 2 p.m.

Where:

Milwaukee County Park locations and club sponsors:

• Scout Lake, 5902 W. Loomis Rd., Greendale - Walleyes Unlimited
• Greenfield, 2028 S. 124th St., West Allis - Milwaukee Great Lakes Sports Fishermen
• McCarty, 8214 W. Cleveland Ave., West Allis - Southside Sportsmen?s Club
• Dineen, 6901 W. Vienna Ave., Milwaukee - Inner City Sportsmen Club
• McGovern Park,?5400 N. 51^st Blvd., Milwaukee -?Midwest Crappie Hunters

Cost: Clinics are free, and no registration is required. However, advanced notice is appreciated if you plan to bring a group larger than 20.