This from the Wisconsin DNR site:
An update to Wisconsin’s open water hunting rule on concealment requirements that apply to waterfowl hunters who use boats or blinds on waters of the state, went into effect Oct. 1, 2009. The old rule required that hunters remain within natural emergent vegetation rooted to the bottom that provided whole or partial concealment of the hunter, boat and blind. While conservation wardens have long subscribed to a rule-of-thumb that partial meant at least 50 percent, the new rule [PDF 492KB] formally establishes that 50 percent concealment is required. The new rule also clarifies that the hunter, boat and blind only need to be concealed when viewed horizontally from at least one direction.
Kudos to the DNR for finally establishing a rule here instead of going by the "rule-of-thumb" method. Nothing like leaving things up to each individual warden to foul things up. So this sounds like a good idea. But if you look closer the law continues to adhere to the "natural emergent vegetation rooted to the bottom". Therefore, and this is confirmed later in the manual, using an overhanging tree as cover while in a boat is not permissable. Does anyone have any justification for this?
I understand the rules against open water hunting are meant to give the birds some sanctuary on lakes but I don't undertand why using a tree as a blind is any different than using vegetation. Thoughts?
-CL