Audit of Fish and Wildlife Accounts to Force Transparency at WI DNR
More transparency behind funds for state conservation programs

[Madison, Wis.] – The Wisconsin Legislative Audit Bureau (LAB) is set to move forward with a plan to audit the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Fish and Wildlife accounts today. LAB will vote this morning to advance an audit following calls from Sen. Rob Stafsholt and other lawmakers for a comprehensive audit. International Order of T. Roosevelt and T. Roosevelt Action Executive Director, Luke Hilgemann released the following statement praising the Legislature for their work: 

“Wisconsin hunters and anglers pay the fees that fund state conservation efforts. This audit will make clear exactly how that money is being spent. If we are going to ask more from Wisconsin sportsmen, we need absolute transparency on where that money is going. The DNR accounts must be audited. 

“Let’s be clear: the fee increases that some in the DNR are discussing will make hunting less accessible for hard-working Wisconsinites. As a proud Wisconsin hunter and angler, I want to protect these traditions for the next generation and support our Legislature taking every possible step to avoid unnecessary cost increases during a time of inflation and uncertainty in our economy. We need to cherish our hunting heritage and make sure that everyone in Wisconsin can afford the opportunity to take part in our sport.” 

Wisconsin’s most recent state budget saw an increase in some non-resident license fees, directly benefiting the state’s Fish and Wildlife Fund. Hunting has a $2.5 billion economic impact in Wisconsin annually, which helps fund conservation efforts for  the state’s wildlands, growing herds and flocks, and preserving access for future generations.