DATE:
CONTACT:
Dave Walz, Conservation Warden, Watertown: 920-262-9508
Greg Matthews, Regional Public Affairs Mgr., Fitchburg: 608-275-3317
SUBJECT: At Fort Atkinson
DNR PROBING MALLARD DEATHS ON ROCK RIVER
SNOWMOBILE ALLIANCE OFFERING $2000 AWARD FORT ATKINSON – The Department of Natural Resources is investigating the apparent killing of over 60 ducks by snowmobiles in two separate incidents this past weekend on the Rock River here.
The Fort Atkinson Fire Department recovered 62 mallards this morning from the frozen Rock River near the Main St. (State Highway 89) bridge in downtown Fort Atkinson. Three injured ducks were also rescued and taken to a wildlife rehabilitator.
Jefferson County DNR conservation warden Dave Walz, Watertown, said at least 29 ducks were killed Friday night (Jan. 23) and at least 33 more mallards Sunday evening (Jan. 25). Another half-dozen birds were frozen in the ice and couldn’t be recovered.
“These unfortunate incidents reflect badly on the vast majority of snowmobilers who ride responsibly. Hopefully, someone will step forward with information to help us catch whoever was behind this,” said Warden Walz.
The Jefferson County Snowmobile Alliance is offering a $2000 reward for information leading to the arrest of those responsible for the latest waterfowl killings by snowmobiles “skipping” over open waters on frozen waterways. A similar episode took place two weeks ago on Lake Winnebago in Fond du Lac County.
Persons with information can contact Warden Walz at 920-262-9508 or the DNR Hotline at 1-800-TIP-WDNR (1-800-847-9367), #367 by cellular. The hotline number operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week and anyone who calls it or provides information can remain anonymous.

This is terrible! The same thing happened up on Lake Winnebago recently, the same way. This is like the snowmobilers running over the deer. Are people sick? Catch these bums who give everyone who loves the outdoors a bad name!!!!!!!!