LA CROSSE (AP) — On Monday, April 14, residents in all 72 Wisconsin counties will get a chance to weigh in today on issues ranging from whether to allow the hunting of tundra swans to whether hunters should be allowed to venture onto private land to retrieve a hunting dog.
Attendees will be given a questionnaire seeking their opinions on a number of proposals and issues.
The Madison Audubon Society Board and other conservation groups worry that hunters will mistakenly shoot once-endangered trumpeter swans instead of tundra swans. They also say a hunt would disrupt the spring bird-watching season.
Marc Schultz, the chairman of WCC La Crosse County, didn’t offer an opinion except to say tundra swans might not be easy to hunt because they tend to congregate in areas closed to hunting.
‘‘They’re a very intelligent bird,’’ Schultz told the La Crosse Tribune.
Another proposal that could generate controversy is one that would allow hunters to retrieve hound dogs on private property without landowner permission. Opponents worry that hunters will be able to trample other people’s property rights.
The questionnaire will also gauge support for expanding trout-fishing season and removing protection on white and albino deer.
Attendees will also be asked for their thoughts on consolidating turkey, pheasant, duck, trout and salmon stamps into one stamp.