DNR to Conduct Aerial Deer Herd Survey in CWD Zone

News Release Published: January 7, 2010 by the South Central Region

Contact(s): Robert Rolley, Population Ecologist, Madison: 608-221-6341 Don Bates, CWD Operations Supervisor, Dodgeville: 608-935-1947

FITCHBURG – Once again, Department of Natural Resources biologists will conduct an aerial deer count over parts of the chronic wasting disease Management Zone (CWD-MZ) of southwest Wisconsin during January, weather permitting.

Agency biologists will use a helicopter to determine the number of deer in Deer Management Unit 70A encompassing much of Iowa County and western Dane County, near Devil’s Lake State Park, and Hollandale.

Biologists estimate the survey will take at least 10 days but “everything is dependent on having at least three to four inches, preferably six to twelve inches, of snow on the ground to cover logs and stumps so deer are clearly visible on the landscape,” noted agency wildlife population ecologist Robert Rolley, Madison.

The blue and white colored helicopters will be manned by a pilot and two observers and “even in perfect weather we won’t be done until the third or fourth week of January,” added Don Bates, CWD operations supervisor, Dodgeville.

DNR frequently uses aircraft for wildlife population surveys, such as counting bald eagles and trumpeter swan nests, and tracking wolves. The helicopter deer survey flights are conducted about 100-150 feet above tree-top level at speeds of 35-40 miles per hour. If livestock are observed in the immediate area, the altitude is raised to avoid spooking the animals.

What Should the Wisconsin DNR do Next? Public Hearing, Thursday, December 17, 2009

In the last few weeks, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has taken fire from different groups and individuals.  Experts in the department spend countless hours in the field and in the office trying to desperately find ways to help manage the herd.  Whether we agree or disagree that the efforts they are putting forth are accurate and well executed, we still have to agree to come up with a solution.

To help come to the next "best" option for deer hunters and those that manage the deer herd, I ask that those who can make it, attend the public hearing on Thursday, December 17th, 2009 at our State Capitol.

Below you will see the official notice given of the public hearing so please attend or find a way to have someone voice your thoughts and opinions at this hearing, regardless of what side you are on.

Thank you

Assembly

PUBLIC HEARING

Committee on Fish and Wildlife

The committee will hold a public hearing on the following items at the time specified below:

Thursday, December 17, 2009

10:00 AM

411 South

State Capitol

This will be a joint hearing with the Senate Committee on Transportation, Tourism, Forestry, and Natural Resources

2009 Deer Season Review
    The Committee will be briefed by the Department of Natural Resources on the 2009 deer season and population management tools.

Clearinghouse Rule 09-053
    Relating to deer management unit population goals.

Lawmakers Call for Suspension of December Anterless Deer Hunt: Official Release

I came in contact with a copy of the official release submitted to the Wisconsin DNR to suspend this weeks Anterless deer hunt.  Whether we agree to suspend or not its a good time to debate how the deer herd should be managed. 

December 4, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Representative Scott Gunderson (608) 266-3363
              Representative Dean Kaufert (608) 266-5719

Lawmakers Call For Suspension of the December Antlerless Hunt

Action by Natural Resources Board Imperative to Protect Deer Herd

MADISON… In a letter to the Natural Resources Board, state lawmakers, today, requested that the Board take immediate action to suspend the 2009 December antlerless deer hunt. During the 9-day deer gun season, hunters registered the fewest deer in 27 years and 29 % fewer deer than just last year.

“In light of the historic declines in deer harvest over the past two seasons and the overwhelming sentiment by the hunters of Wisconsin, a suspension of the 2009 December antlerless season is crucial to safeguard our deer herd,” said Representative Scott Gunderson (R-Waterford). “It is absolutely imperative that the Board takes swift action to protect Wisconsin’s deer heard from further harm that may take generations to recover from.”

Representative Dean Kaufert (R-Neenah) continued, “We have heard from countless discouraged and frustrated hunters from all across Wisconsin who do not believe the Department’s deer herd estimate because they are not seeing deer out in the woods, especially antlerless deer. We need to listen to our hunters when they report fewer deer sightings; mild weather and areas of fog cannot explain the drastic reduction in the number of deer registered.”

While hunters across Wisconsin continuously report the lack of deer in the woods, there is significant evidence that their experiences in the woods are consistent with the actual number of deer. The number of deer carcasses removed by state contractors has plummeted for seven consecutive years, and is currently at the same levels as the late 1980’s. Predation by an underestimated bear population and an ever-growing wolf population has decimated the deer herd in vast areas of Wisconsin.

“The nine-day deer gun season is, not only steeped in tradition, but it also has an economic impact of over $1 billion for the state of Wisconsin,” stated Gunderson. “A 29% lower deer harvest this season is cause for concern, but on top of last season’s 26% total deer gun season harvest reduction; we have reached a critical crossroads for our deer herd in Wisconsin.”

“Because of deep tradition and the economic impact deer hunting has in Wisconsin, it is imperative that we act now before there are long-lasting and devastating effects on not only Wisconsin’s white-tail population, but also our economy,” concluded Kaufert.
# # #

Wisconsin Legislators Pushing for Suspending This Weeks Wisconsin Antlerless Deer Hunt

What a week it has been for the DNR. 

Just last week the DNR was under fire, no pun intended, from Senate Majority Leader Russ Decker.  Now a group a legislators are requesting that this weeks antlerless deer hunt be suspended.

According to a new release posted by the Associated Press, 22 legislators made their request in a letter to the Wisconsin Natural Resources Board. The letter dated last Wednesday was released to the media Friday, December 7th.
With a poor harvest in last months Wisconsin nine-day gun season, concerns are mounting and bringing out fire from Wisconsins top brass.  Figures from the DNR show that Wisconsin hunters harvested fewer than 200,000 deer in comparison to recent years where 320,000 to 350,000 deer were harvested.

The antlerless-deer is scheduled for this week, Dec. 10-13.

Proposal for Wisconsin 16-day Deer Hunt in 2010 on Hold

How long will the season be for the 2010 Wisconsin gun deer season?  It wont be 16 days long, yet.  The DNR's proposal for the 16-day Wisconsin gun deer season has taken a back for the moment.  Wisconsin DNR experts first want to take a moment to "analyze" this years deer hunt before making any more proposals.

According to the Associated Press, DNR secretary Matt Frank, released in a letter, "The department first wants to analyze data from the recently completed nine-day hunt, which produced the lowest kill number in years."

"Frank says a 16-day season remains an option for population control in the future. But he says it's more important now to review this season's numbers so the DNR can make better decisions in the future."

This is a step in the right direction for the moment. 

Whitetails Unlimited Opposes Wisconsins 2010 16-day Deer Season Proposal

Wisconsin --(AmmoLand.com)- Whitetails Unlimited sent a letter today to members of Wisconsin’s Natural Resources Board, opposing an expanded 16-day gun deer hunt in Wisconsin in 2010.

“There is always tension between hunters and DNR regulators, and we understand that,” said Whitetails Unlimited President Jeff Schinkten. “But the results of the 2009 gun deer season show that hunter numbers were down in Wisconsin, and the number of bucks killed was at a 25-year low for the second straight year. Until we can get a handle on the true deer population in Wisconsin, we need to hold off on the 16-day gun season.”

Schinkten also pointed out that car-deer accidents have had a dramatic and steady decline for the last five years, and a survey of WTU members showed a large gap between opinions of Wisconsin hunters and the opinions of DNR policymakers.

"Whitetails Unlimited has been a strong partner with DNR agencies across the country, working on programs in support of regulated hunting,” said Schinkten. “That will not change. In fact, there is an agenda item for the next NRB meeting that is a donation from our Flambeau Chapter for habitat work in the Upper Chippewa Wildlife Management Area. However, we don’t want to see the number of hunters drop, and when those numbers drop in Wisconsin, where deer hunting is a passion, we get concerned. DNR policy can have a huge effect on hunter satisfaction, and we just want a common-sense approach to wildlife management.”


The text of the letter to the NRB is as follows:

To: Members, Wisconsin Natural Resources Board
From: Whitetails Unlimited

Date: December 3, 2009

The Wisconsin DNR has a tremendous responsibility in managing the natural resources of the state, and it comes as no surprise that deer hunters in the state are very passionate about their sport. While there may always be tension between hunters and policymakers, the divergence of opinion in recent years has led to a level of tension that is actually damaging the sport.

After seeing the preliminary numbers of license sales and deer kills for the 2009 season, it is obvious that the hunting public is increasingly dissatisfied. This problem will get worse if the DNR continues under the existing philosophy, methods and goals.

Whitetails Unlimited is very concerned about the future of deer hunting in the state, and urges the DNR to fully evaluate all data, and to listen to deer hunters in establishing future hunting seasons and regulations.

The fact that Wisconsin has had two consecutive years of buck kills at 25-year lows, and a reduction of the total number of deer hunters this year, are troubling indications that Wisconsin hunters are joining in the decline in hunting popularity. While there can be many reasons for the decline in hunters, it is undeniable that DNR policies can be a major factor in hunter satisfaction, and that the DNR needs to be responsive to those who provide a major funding source for their operations.

Whitetails Unlimited is the nation’s largest organization of deer hunters, and we take our mission of “Preserving an American tradition” very seriously. Our national headquarters is located in Wisconsin, and Wisconsin is the state with our largest number of members. When we conducted a survey of our Wisconsin members this year, their opinion was overwhelming that they believe there are fewer deer than DNR estimates, and they oppose many DNR policies. Anecdotal opinions of WTU staff, friends, and family members, hunting all over the state, agree with our members. We are very concerned that the DNR is damaging their credibility by continuing with policies that are not believed or supported, and even actively opposed, by hunters in the state.

I am not a biologist, but it seems like a common-sense approach is needed, rather than the drastic changes in season length that have been proposed. This is based on back-to-back seasons of buck kills at 25-year lows, a steady and dramatic reduction in car/deer accidents over the last five years, and hunters refusing to go deer hunting.

We understand the difficulty of trying to estimate and manage a population of wild animals, months and months in the future, but the solid numbers of this past deer season need to be incorporated into the evaluation, and are significant enough to warrant the DNR to revisit decisions made earlier this year.

Whitetails Unlimited has a long history in working with the DNR, in Wisconsin and many other states, in projects and programs that advance regulated hunting, and this will not change. However, we cannot stand silently when we feel that actions by the DNR will result in fewer deer hunters enjoying an American tradition.

For the record, Whitetails Unlimited is opposed to lengthening the traditional nine-day gun season, based on the information detailed above. We urge the DNR to get a firm handle on the deer population numbers before making drastic changes to deer hunting regulations.

Sincerely,

Jeffrey Schinkten

President, Whitetails Unlimited

About:

Founded in 1982, Whitetails Unlimited is a national nonprofit conservation organization. Our mission is to raise funds in support of education, habitat enhancement and acquisition, and the preservation of the hunting tradition for the benefit of the white-tailed deer and other wildlife. When it comes to the whitetail and its environment, WTU’s degree of professionalism and dedication has earned us the reputation of being the nation’s premier whitetail organization.

Article Source: LuckyGunner.com
Original Article Sitehttp://www.ammoland.com/2009/12/03/whitetails-unlimited-opposes-16-day-deer-season-in-2010/

16-day deer hunt starting Saturday before Thanksgiving proposed for 2010

MADISON – A 16-day gun deer hunt starting the Saturday before the Thanksgiving holiday will be the basis of a proposed 2010 deer season framework presented to the Natural Resources Board for consideration at its December 8 meeting in Madison.

“The special committee formed by the Natural Resources Board to develop effective alternatives to earn-a-buck discussed dozens of ideas and season structures,” said DNR Secretary Matt Frank. “They ended up recommending a 16-day gun hunt with either an early or a traditional start date. At public hearings we heard sentiment overwhelmingly against an early start date so we are recommending a traditional opening date to the board at this time.

“This was one of the most heavily attended public hearing schedules in recent history. On behalf of the department, I want to thank all the organizations and individuals that participated in the public review process over the past few months. Public involvement in this decision process is invaluable.”

The complete proposal is available on the Natural Resources Board meeting adenda for December page of the DNR Web site. The special committee’s report [PDF] is also available on the Natural Resources Board Web pages.

If approved, the 16-day season would be an alternative to the use of earn-a-buck in areas outside the chronic wasting disease management zone beginning with the 2010 season. The season would open on the Saturday before the Thanksgiving holiday. Numerous Wisconsin hunting and conservation organizations have registered preference for the Saturday before Thanksgiving opener.

Other key features of the proposal include: extending the archery season through all gun seasons and extending archery season until the end of January in herd control units; addition of a four-day October antlerless only statewide muzzleloader hunt; a four-day October antlerless only gun hunt in herd control units; a four-day youth hunt that coincides with the October antlerless hunt; a seven-day statewide December muzzleloader hunt; a four-day December antlerless only gun hunt and a 10-day buck plus quota holiday hunt in farmland and central forest deer management units.

“An understandable reaction to creating additional hunting seasons is a concern that deer herds will be over harvested,” said Keith Warnke, DNR big game ecologist. “The safeguard against this is the existing quota system. Under this system the harvest of female deer is limited by permit to maintain populations at healthy, sustainable levels.”

The proposal calls for a unit by unit review of the effectiveness of any new season structure. In units that are more than 20 percent over goal and the expected harvest under a third year of any new season structure is unlikely to bring the herd to within 20 percent of goal, additional harvest measures will be considered.

More than 1,600 people attended the series of 11 public hearings held across the state in October and November. An additional 6,500 people used the web-based comment form or submitted email or mailed comments. Department social researchers also mailed a randomized survey to 1,000 hunters to gauge opinion. The response rate to the survey was a very respectable 71 percent.

Legislative review of any NRB action should be completed by March 2010 with any changes taking effect in time for deer season setting in April 2010

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Keith Warnke - (608) 264-6023 or Bob Manwell - (608) 264-9248

Treestand Safety Tips For This Years Deer Hunt

It never fails that when you listen to the news after the first weekend of the Wisconsin Whitetail Gun Deer Season you about experienced deer hunters falling out of their tree stand. For something as easy as slipping on a harness, we sure do take for granted our ability to be safe when hunting for that trophy buck. This year, let’s all be safe and prevent all unnecessary falls and deaths when getting in and out of our tree stands. Next season is just as important as this whitetail season.

Here are some tips and helpful notes to staying safe this year in the deer stand.

• Use a well-designed and built, sturdy treestand. Treestands manufactured by the
• Treestand Manufacturers Association [TMA] that have been built since 2006, are commercially designed and tested to meet recognized industry standards.
• Read and understand the manufacturer’s instructions on the use of your treestand before using it. You should practice using the treestand in the morning and evening hours. As the saying goes; practice makes perfect.
• Carefully inspect your treestand for wear, rust, metal fatigue and cracks, loose or missing nuts or bolts, and rot and deterioration before and after each use. Tighten loose nuts and bolts and replace rusty or worn hardware. Check straps or chains or other attachment devices for wear, and replace if they are unsafe.
• Check with the Consumer Product Safety Commission at www.cpsc.gov to see if your stand has been recalled due to safety defects. In the search field type in the word “treestand”, then click on the link for your stand. Contact the manufacturer if it has been recalled.
• Let other hunters in your party know where your stand is located. Leave a map on the dashboard and also the time you will return.
• Put a whistle, horn, strobe, 2-way radio or a cell phone in your pack. Make sure it is properly charged or have fresh batteries.
• Don’t move seriously injured victims; treat for shock, stop the bleeding, and go for help.
• Wear a full-body safety harness and maintain three points of contact at all times.
• PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE using your treestand and harness.
• Inspect for damage to a stand before the season begins and before and after each use.
• Securely attach stand to a healthy tree.
• Read the instructions that came with the stand.
• Always use a haul line for gear.
• Tie a haul line to the belt or stand when climbing to keep hands free.
• Unload gun or bow before climbing or descending stand.
• Be especially careful using tree stands during rain, snow and ice conditions.
• Don’t use treestands if you’re tired, sick or on medications.
• And as always wear blaze orange in the stand when the season requires it.

Source: dgif.virginia.gov

Wisconsin Deer Baiting and Wildlife Feeding Regulations

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resource WM-456-2008

I have been in some serious discussions with hunters in the past two - three years about what is the rule, what is right, and what is wrong with baiting whitetail deer. I have almost done a 360 about ten times and even though I have opinions on what is wrong, it only matters that I follow the restrictions that the Wisconsin DNR provided me. I have included it below to help my fellow hunters get the information they are debating over. Until the rules change, these are what we should and are supposed to follow.


Counties where baiting and feeding IS prohibited (shaded counties):
Remainder of the state – where baiting and feeding deer is NOT prohibited (non-shaded counties):

Baiting Wild Animals - For hunting purposes is prohibited.
No person may place, use or hunt over bait or feed material for the purpose of hunting any wild animals (except deer as provided below and for bear, see Wisconsin Bear Hunting Regulations) unless authorized by a special permit or license issued by the department.

Scents: Scent may be used for hunting deer or other wild animals, but the scent may not be placed or deposited in a manner that it is accessible for consumption by deer, and scents shall be removed daily at the end of hunting hours established for deer. However, two ounces or less of scent may be placed, used or deposited in any manner for hunting game and does not need to be removed daily at the end of hunting hours.

Natural Vegetation and Plantings: You may hunt with the aid of material deposited by natural vegetation or material found solely as a result of normal agricultural or gardening practices, or with the aid of crops planted and left standing as wildlife food plots.

Feeding Wild Animals - For Non-Hunting Purposes is Prohibited.
No person may place, deposit or allow the placement of any material to feed or attract wild animals for non-hunting purposes including recreational and supplemental feeding, except as allowed below for birds and small mammals.

Feeding Birds and Small Mammals: Material may be placed solely for the purpose of attracting and feeding wild birds and small mammals if:

• Placed in bird feeding devices and structures at a sufficient height or design to prevent access by deer, and
• The structures and devices are within 50 yards of a dwelling devoted to human occupancy.
• When deer, bear or elk are found to be utilizing bird feeding devices or structures, the devices or structures shall be enclosed or elevated higher to prevent access by deer.
Note: The placement of plain water for drinking or for birdbaths is allowed.

Feeding Animals by Hand: Feeding of wild animals, other than deer, elk or bear, by hand is not encouraged, but is allowed if:
• Feed is placed not more than 30 feet away from the person feeding.
• The person feeding cleans up the unconsumed feed before moving a distance greater than 30 feet from the deposited feed.

Natural Vegetation and Plantings: Feed that is deposited by natural vegetation or found solely as a result of normal agricultural or gardening practices, as well as standing crops planted and left standing as wildlife food plots that may be used by wild animals, is not considered feeding for the purposes of these regulations and is allowed statewide.

Baiting Wild Animals - For hunting purposes is prohibited. No person may place, use or hunt over bait or feed material for the purpose of hunting any wild animals (except deer as provided below and for bear, see Wisconsin Bear Hunting Regulations) unless authorized by a special permit or license issued by the department.

Scents: Scent may be used for hunting deer or other wild animals, but the scent may not be placed or deposited in a manner that it is accessible for consumption by deer, and scents shall be removed daily at the end of hunting hours established for deer. However, two ounces or less of scent may be placed, used or deposited in any manner for hunting game and does not need to be removed daily at the end of hunting hours.

Natural Vegetation and Plantings: You may hunt with the aid of material deposited by natural vegetation or material found solely as a result of normal agricultural or gardening practices, or with the aid of crops planted and left standing as wildlife food plots.

Deer Baiting – What is Allowed For Deer Hunting Purposes

Amount: No person may place, use or hunt over more than 2 gallons of bait or feed at any feeding site.

Placement: No person may place, use or hunt over:
• More than 2 gallons of bait on each contiguous area of land under the same ownership that is less than 40 acres in size, or for each full 40 acres that make up a contiguous area of land under the same ownership. (Note: Parcels of land that do not touch but are separated only by a town, county or state highway are considered contiguous.) Note: Feed at feeding sites may be spread out or divided into more than one pile as long as the total amount of feed material is not more than 2 gallons per forty acres.
• Any feeding site that is located within 100 yards of any other feeding site located on the same contiguous area of land under the same ownership.
• Any feeding site if the person doing the hunting is within 100 yards of more than 2 gallons of bait or feed located on the same parcel of land.
• Any feeding site that is located within 50 yards of any trail, road, or campsite used by the public, or within 100 yards from a roadway, having a posted speed limit of 45 miles per hour or more.

Timing: No person may:
• Place, use or hunt over bait or feed during the closed season for hunting deer, but may start to place bait for deer hunting 24 hours prior to the deer archery and the deer gun seasons. (Note: The 24-hour period is the period from 12:00 am to 11:59 pm on the day immediately before the season.)
• Hunt over bait or a feeding site that is in violation of these regulations, unless the area is completely free of bait or feed material for at least 10 consecutive days prior to hunting, pursuing animals or dog training.

Content: No person may place use or hunt over any bait or feed material that:
• Contains any animal part or animal by-product.
• Is contained in or deposited by a feeder that is designed to deposit or replenish feed automatically, mechanically, or by gravity.
• Contains or is contained within, metal, paper, plastic, glass, wood or other similar processed materials. This does not apply to bait or feed placed in hollow logs
or stumps (see Wisconsin Bear Hunting Regulations) or to scent materials.
License: No person may use or hunt over bait or feed material placed for deer without possessing an appropriate valid archery or gun deer license and unused carcass tag.

Feeding Wild Animals – Allowed for Certain Species for Non-Hunting Purposes with the Following Restrictions:

FEEDING DEER:
Amount: No person may place or allow the placement of more than 2 gallons of feed material at any feeding site.

Placement: No person may place or allow the placement of:
• More than 2 gallons of feed for each owner-occupied residence or business, regardless of property size.
• A deer feeding site more than 50 yards from an owner occupied residence or business.
• A deer feeding site within 100 yards from a roadway having a posted speed limit of 45 miles per hour or more.
• A deer feeding site without the approval of the owner of the owner-occupied residence or business.
• Feed at a deer feeding site that the person knows is being used by bear and elk. If the owner of the residence or business is notified by the department or otherwise
becomes aware that bear or elk have been using a deer feeding site, the owner must discontinue feeding for a period of not less than 30 days.

No person may place any bait or feed material for deer that:
• Contains any animal part or animal by-product.
• Is contained in or deposited by a feeder that is designed to deposit or replenish feed automatically, mechanically, or by gravity.

FEEDING OTHER WILD ANIMALS: No person may place, deposit or allow the placement of any material to feed or attract other wild animals for nonhunting purposes including recreational and supplemental feeding, except as allowed below for feeding birds and small mammals.

FEEDING BIRDS AND SMALL MAMMALS:
Material may be placed solely for the purpose of attracting and feeding wild birds and small mammals if:
• Placed in bird feeding devices and structures at a sufficient height or design to prevent access by deer, and
• The structures and devices are no further than 50 yards from a dwelling devoted to human occupancy.
• If deer, bear or elk are utilizing bird feeding devices or structures, the devices or structures shall be enclosed or elevated higher to prevent access by the deer, bear or elk.
Note: The placement of plain water for drinking or for birdbaths is allowed.

Feeding Animals by Hand: Feeding of wild animals, other than deer, elk or bear, by hand is not encouraged, but is allowed if:
• Feed is placed not more than 30 feet away from the person feeding.
• The person feeding cleans up the unconsumed feed before moving a distance greater than 30 feet from the deposited feed.

Natural Vegetation and Plantings: Feed that is deposited by natural vegetation or found solely as a result of normal agricultural or gardening practices, as well asstanding crops planted and left standing as wildlife food plots that may be used by wild animals, is not considered feeding for the purposes of these regulations and is allowed statewide.

Definitions:
Animal part or animal by-product means honey, bones, fish, meat, solid animal fat, animal carcass or parts of animal carcasses, but does not include liquid scents.
Bait means any material placed or used to attract wild animals, including liquid scent (includes salt and mineral blocks); does not include plain drinking water.
Bird feeding devices and structures means any device or structure that has the primary purpose of attracting or feeding birds or small mammals.
Business means a building used primarily to carry out commercial activities at which regular scheduled business hours are maintained for employees and the public such as restaurants and retail stores, but does not include associated lands, warehouses, outbuildings or other buildings that are not normally open to the public.
Feed means any material that may attract or be consumed by wild animals that is placed for any non-hunting purposes including recreational and supplemental feeding, but does not include plain drinking water.
Feeding site means any location or area in which bait or feed is placed or deposited or that contains bait or feed material used to attract wild animals for recreational
and supplemental feeding or for hunting purposes.
Hunt over means hunting within 100 yards of any feeding site where a person knows or reasonably should know that the area contains a feeding site.
Owner-occupied residence means a dwelling or building devoted to human occupancy when used while feeding deer as a residence by the owner, members of the owners immediate family, or when used as a residence by individuals as a rental property while feeding deer.
Roadway means that portion of a highway between the regularly established curb lines or that portion which is improved, designed or ordinarily used for vehicular travel, excluding the berm or shoulder.
Scent means any material, except animal parts or animal by-products, used to attract wild animals solely by its odor.
Small mammal means all mammals other than bear, deer and elk.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources provides equal opportunity in its employment, programs, services and functions under an Affirmative Action Plan. If you have any questions, please write to Equal Opportunity Office, Department of the Interior, Washington, D.C. 20240.
This publication is available in Braille, audio cassette, large print or computer format upon request. To order, call 608-266-8204.

NOTE: Additional Counties may be included in the ban if: 1) A CWD Management zone is established in the county or a portion of the county, or; 2) A new CWD
or bovine tuberculosis positive captive or free-roaming, domestic or wild animal is confirmed in the county, or; 3) The county or portion of the county is within a 10 mile radius of a new captive or free-roaming, domestic or wild animal that has been tested and confirmed to be positive for CWD or bovine tuberculosis.

St. Croix County Buck Shot in Somerset, WI

Shot Wed. afternoon near Somerset in St. Croix County. This guy has killed some tremendous bucks the last couple years. He shot a gross 180"archery buck near New Richmond last year, and a gross 175" gun buck on thefarm this one was shot at. This is probably a top 5 typical for thestate of WI!!!!Dan Bernarde St. Croix County September 17th 210lbs.Gross 192"Net 184"24" inside spread

Antlerless Deer (Bonus) Carcass Tags Availability for 2009

Antlerless Deer (Bonus) Carcass Tags Availability for 2009
WI DNR Website

The 2009 Antlerless Deer Permits and State Park Access Permits will go on sale in August.

Tags can be purchased at the rate of one permit per person per day until the unit is sold out or the hunting season ends.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 22nd AT NOON – Even numbered regular units and even-numbered State Park units will go on sale until midnight. Any remaining permits will go on sale again on Monday, August 24 until sold out or the hunting season ends.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 23rd AT NOON – Odd numbered regular units and odd numbered State Park units will go on sale and will remain on sale until sold out or the hunting season ends.

Contact your local license agent for days and hours of operation. Click click here to find a license agent.MONDAY,

AUGUST 24th – All remaining permits will be on sale until sold out or until the hunting season ends.

These permit levels are preliminary and are subject to change.

Go to the following DNR link to view permits available by unit : http://dnr.wi.gov/org/caer/cs/bonusavailability.htm

Youth Deer Hunt October 10th & 11th, 2009

Youth Deer Hunt
This year's hunt: October 10 & 11, 2009

The youth deer hunt was made possible through the Deer 2000 and Beyond Project. The hunt is designed to give youth hunters ages 10-15 an opportunity to hunt deer and gain valuable hunting experience at a time when other hunters are not authorized to hunt deer with a firearm. Starting in 2009, hunters 10-15 years of age, with or without hunter education certification, are eligible to participate in the youth gun deer hunt with a mentor (see below for details).

On the first morning of the 2008 Youth Hunt, 12 year old Nelson Kreciak of Butternut, WI, shot this 7 point buck on his family's property in rural Price County. His step-father, John Kelto, commented: "the deer dropped where it stood with one shot of his .308 at 70 yards. I'm not sure which one of us was more excited! With a great first experience like this, I'm sure that Nelson will be a hooked on deer hunting for a long time." Congratulations Nelson!

Youth Hunt Rules and Regulations:

• Youth hunters may hunt deer with a gun on October 10 & 11, 2009 in all deer management units, except state park units and deer management unit 48.
  
• The bag limit is one buck with their Gun Buck Deer Carcass Tag plus additional antlerless deer per Antlerless Deer Carcass Tag valid for the DMU the youth is hunting.
  
• In Deer Management Units (DMU's) designated as CWD, youth hunters are exempt from the earn-a-buck requirements, but are only allowed to tag one buck and must use their one "Gun Buck Deer Carcass Tag" during the October 10 & 11, 2009 youth gun deer hunt if a buck is tagged. This exemption only applies to the two day youth gun deer hunt. During all other deer hunting seasons, youth hunters are required to follow earn-a-buck requirements in DMUs designated as CWD.
  
• Allowable types of guns are those authorized on the first day of the regular 9-day, November gun deer season.
  
• One adult may not accompany more than 2 youth hunters. If one youth is under the “mentored hunter” rules, the adult may “accompany” no more than one other youth at the same time and only if the 2nd youth is at least 12-15 years of age and has completed hunter education (see rules below for details).
  
• All other hunting regulations apply. See the 2009 Wisconsin Deer Hunting Regulations for more information.
  

For youth hunters 12 - 15 years of age (resident and non-resident) who possess a hunter education certificate of accomplishment and a gun deer hunting license:

• Hunters must be accompanied by an adult 18 years of age or older. To “accompany” means the adult is within both visual and voice contact of the youth. The adult does not have to be a licensed hunter or a hunter education graduate to accompany 1 or 2 youth who are at least 12 years of age and have completed a hunter education course.
  
• Adults accompanying youth hunters may not “gun hunt” for deer during the youth hunt, but may possess a bow or gun and hunt for a game species that is open for them to hunt at that time.
  An adult may not accompany more than two youth hunters during the youth gun deer hunt at any given time.
  

For all youth hunters 10-11 years of age, or youth hunters 12-15 years of age who do not possess a hunter education certificate, but possess a gun deer hunting license:

• Hunters must be “mentored” by an adult who is within arm’s reach at all times during the hunt.
  
• Qualified adult mentors must be at least 18 years of age and have the youth’s parent or guardian’s permission to mentor the youth hunter.
  
• Mentors must possess a valid hunting license for the current year (any type of game).
  
• If the mentor was born on or after 01/01/73, they must be a graduate of a hunter education course or have completed basic training with the U.S. Armed Forces.
  
• Qualified adult mentors may only mentor one youth hunter who is age 10 or 11, or who has not completed hunter education at any given time.
  
• Only one firearm may be possessed between the mentor and youth who is age 10 or 11, or who has not completed hunter education, if participating in the youth gun deer hunt.
  

Mentors are encouraged to go over the four basic rules of firearm safety with the youth prior to hunting:

• Treat every gun as if it were loaded;
  
• Always point the muzzle in a safe direction;
  
• Be sure of your target and beyond; and
  
• Keep your finger out of the trigger guard until you are ready to shoot.
  
• Both resident and non-resident youth hunters are eligible to participate with a mentor.
  

Additional information on Wisconsin’s Mentored Hunting Program web page.
Article: http://www.dnr.wi.gov/org/land/wildlife/hunt/deer/youthhunt.htm

Researchers to evaluate additional deer population estimation methods

Researchers to evaluate additional deer population estimation methods
By Chris Jacques, DNR Research Scientist
Wisconsin DNR 2009 Fall Hunting Forecast


The Department of Natural Resources currently uses two main methods of estimating deer populations; the Sex- Age-Kill (SAK) model and an accounting-style model.

Mathematical models used to estimate game populations rely on certain assumptions. In the case of the department’s SAK population model, one of the key assumptions is that buck harvest rates are relatively stable over time. Because buck harvest rates are impacted by season structure – such as earn-a-buck, and hunter practices – such as Quality Deer Management (QDM), accounting style models are used in large areas of eastern and western farmland management regions.

Accounting style models are sensitive to and assume that the starting number or the “balance” in the checkbook analogy can be estimated with reasonable accuracy. Researchers at DNR’s Bureau of Science Services want to evaluate techniques to use in “calibrating” the accounting model to assure the greatest possible accuracy in that starting number over time. During the 2010-2012 timeframe researchers will evaluate the usefulness in Wisconsin of a method of aerial population sampling known as “aerial distance sampling.” They’ll do this using still other population estimating techniques for calibrating the important starting point for the accounting model of population estimation.

“It’s a little like sighting in a rifle,” says Jacques. “You bring home a new gun and sight it in at say, 200 yards. That first year it drives a tack at 200 and still kills deer for a couple more seasons. But then one day you sight on a deer’s vitals at 200, squeeze the trigger and in the scope see hair clipped at the top of the back…a pure miss. The gun’s accuracy has drifted over time.

The visual you witnessed in the scope was evidence of needing to resight or in the case of our model, using additional information or data to recalibrate deer population estimates for increased accuracy.”

For more information on this research effort contact Chris Jacques (608) 221-6358.

Natural Resources Board to hear deer season proposal based on public panel’s recommendations

Natural Resources Board to hear deer season proposal based on public panel’s recommendations
WI DNR

MADISON – The state Natural Resources Board will review proposed changes to deer hunting seasons based on recommendations of a public panel and consider a request by the Department of Natural Resources to hold public hearings on the proposed changes in October.

The earliest any proposed changes would take effect would be the 2010 hunting season. The proposal is based on recommendations of a public panel charged by the Natural Resources Board with developing effective and hunter-supported alternatives to the earn-a-buck program.

“My thanks go out to the members of the public panel who accomplished a great amount of work on a very tight timeline,” said DNR Secretary Matt Frank. “The next step is Board approval for public hearings, an important step to continue the public’s role in shaping deer management. Participation in shaping natural resource management decisions is the right of every Wisconsin citizen and a cornerstone of our conservation legacy.”

The proposal is available on the September 2009 Natural Resources Board agenda page of the DNR Web site later Tuesday, Sept. 8. In addition to hearings around the state, citizens will be able to submit comments online. DNR staff will outline the season structure proposal to the NRB and present proposed hearing locations for board approval. After a round of public hearings, the proposal will come back to the board, likely in December. Citizens may also testify before the board on the proposal at that time.

The proposal includes the public panel’s recommendation for a 16-day gun deer season starting two Saturdays before the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. The proposal also includes concurrent 5-day youth, early muzzleloader and herd control hunts beginning the second Saturday in October.

“Deer viewing and deer hunting represent a long standing tradition in Wisconsin,” said Frank. “Wise management is necessary to keep the herd and its habitat healthy, ensuring the future of the tradition. The public’s opinions are important and we want to continue hearing from them.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Bob Manwell (608) 264-9248; Keith Warnke (608) 264-6023

Rifle use for deer hunting expanded in two areas

Rifle use for deer hunting expanded in two areas
WI DNR
Weekly News Article Published: September 1, 2009 by the Central Office

MADISON - Areas in which rifles are allowed for deer hunting have been expanded this year to include all of Dunn County and that portion of Shawano County south of State Hwy. 29 and west of County Hwy. J, state wildlife officials said.

The change was approved by the Natural Resources Board and now has passed legislative review. The extended areas do not appear in the printed hunting regulations because they were approved after publication deadlines. There is a note near the map, however, that indicates the possibility.

The change was initially proposed to begin with the 2010 season so map adjustments could be included in the regulations pamphlet. Implementation was pushed forward after hunters petitioned the state Department of Natural Resources to make the change in time for this year’s deer season.

Rifles are allowed for deer hunting throughout much of Wisconsin. In all or part of 25 of more populous counties, deer hunters are restricted to shotguns, which have a shorter range. New research into ballistics has shown that rifles – which are more accurate and fire a smaller projectile that is less likely to ricochet – are as safe as shotguns in hunting situations.

The change will take effect Oct. 1 and will be in place for October antlerless gun deer hunts.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Tom Van Haren - (608) 266-3244

View all articles in this issue or check our previous Weekly News Issues.

Carcass Movement Restrictions

Carcass Movement Restrictions
The most significant CWD-related change for 2009 is that, beginning September 1:

• Importation of whole cervid carcasses (deer,elk, and moose) and certain parts of those
carcasses into Wisconsin from areas within states or provinces where CWD has been
found will be restricted.

• Movement of whole deer carcasses and certain parts of those carcasses from the CWD
Management Zone (CWD-MZ) to elsewhere in the state will also be restricted.

• Hunters will be allowed to move the whole, registered carcasses of deer harvested within
the CWD-MZ into deer management units adjacent to the CWD-MZ.

The purpose of these restrictions on carcass movement is to prevent the importation and movement of the tissues that are most likely to contain CWD into areas of the state where CWD does not yet occur and potentially introducing the disease into those areas. There is more information on these restrictions in the 2009 Wisconsin Deer Hunting Regulations pamphlet including a map of the areas of Wisconsin affected by these restrictions, a list of the restricted parts, and a list of the permitted portions of deer carcasses that can be freely moved into and across the state.

Hunters within the CWD-MZ are encouraged to dispose of deer bones and other carcass waste in ways that will reduce the potential for disease transmission from these potentially infectious parts. Research has shown that engineered landfills are a safe and economical way to dispose of this waste and this is generally the method most readily available to those hunting within the CWD-MZ. However, not all landfills accept this kind of waste and this option may not be available in some situations or areas. To address this, recommendations are being developed for other safe and practical ways to dispose of carcass waste.

Restrictions on the use of rifles that were lifted during the 2008 season continue to apply in 2009. Rifles may be used throughout the CWD-MZ without restriction except in unit 76M, the metro area surrounding Madison. Baiting and feeding deer remain prohibited in all counties that are completely or partially within the CWD-MZ, out of concerns for disease transmission. For more information on deer baiting and feeding restrictions in Wisconsin, see the Deer Baiting section of the Deer Season Forecast.

Wisconsin fall hunting seasons forecast available

Wisconsin fall hunting seasons forecast available
WI DNR

MADISON – Flocking blackbirds, browning grasses, shorter days and cooler nights all are signs of fall’s arrival and so is the publishing of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources’ Fall Seasons Forecast. Published for the first time in an electronic magazine format, the department hopes the new presentation will be useful to hunters and wildlife watchers searching for the latest information from DNR biologists, foresters, conservation wardens and scientists on what to expect in the fields and forests this fall.

The new all-electronic version includes clickable links to greater in-depth background and information on dozens of topics as well as tips for hunting upland game and waterfowl.
In addition to statewide and regional outlooks for such popular game as deer, black bear, and waterfowl, the forecast also offers analysis and recommendations for a variety of upland game and furbearers. Season dates, bag limits and new regulations are also highlighted.

A newer feature to the Fall Seasons Forecast will give readers a look at some examples of the research wildlife and social scientists with the department’s Bureau of Science Services are conducting to better understand both the biology and the human dimensions of hunting and land management.

Reminders familiar to past readers include hunter safety, the importance of preseason scouting, and renewing your hunting access contacts with landowners.

Deer hunters urged to check deer management units for antlerless permit status.

Deer hunters viewing the deer season structure maps will notice many more deer management units identified as “regular” units in 2009, especially in the northern third of the state and in the central forest deer management region. Regular units are either close to deer population goals or in some cases below goals. In both cases, antlerless deer tags are limited by a quota and numbers of bonus tags may be low or unavailable for some units. Hunters should check their unit’s status early since it may have changed after several years of herd control status.
And no Fall Seasons Forecast would be complete without a reminder to take someone new out hunting. With the recent signing of Wisconsin’s new Mentored Hunting Law, any licensed hunter can take anyone age 10 and older out hunting under certain conditions without the new hunter having to fulfill hunter safety education requirements. The new law applies to any hunting season and is a great way to do for someone else what someone once took time to do for you.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Robert Manwell (608) 264-9248

Deer hunters asked to send in wildlife observations from field

Deer hunters asked to send in wildlife observations from field
Source: Wisconsin DNR

Wisconsin deer hunters can assist state wildlife officials in monitoring a variety of game and non-game mammals and birds in Wisconsin by submitting their field observations through a Wisconsin Deer Hunter Wildlife Survey Web page.

“Since deer hunters often spend many hours in quiet observation both hunting and scouting, they’re an excellent source of information for species that can be difficult to observe,” said Brian Dhuey a Department of Natural Resources research scientist who monitors wildlife abundance and distribution across Wisconsin.

“Of equal importance and interest to wildlife managers is knowing if hunters spend time in the woods and don’t see deer or other wildlife. It’s important that all hunting efforts be recorded, even if nothing is seen, because they are an important measure of wildlife abundance in an area.”
Deer hunters interested in participating in this survey can find survey instructions and record their sightings online on the Wisconsin Deer Hunter Wildlife Survey Web pag. The survey period begins September 12 and runs through January 2010.

DNR researchers are interested in reports from all deer hunters (archery, gun, and muzzleloader) on the number and type of animals observed while they are out hunting or scouting. Deer, raccoon, skunk, porcupine, red and gray fox, turkey, ruffed grouse, coyote, bear, otter, fisher, bobcat, house cat, badger, wolf, opossum, or other wildlife not normally seen in the area are the focus of this survey.

Wildlife managers use abundance and distribution observations with historical data to get a picture of the landscape.

“Other states including Iowa, Missouri and Ohio, have similar programs for gathering information from deer hunters and find it is a very effective way to take advantage of thousands of extra pairs of eyes in the woods,” according to Dhuey.

Hunters will be asked to report the date hunted, number of hours, where they are hunting (county and deer management unit), weather condition, types and number of deer seen, and numbers of other wildlife seen.

“There’s also a handy tally sheet that can be printed to take into the field,” adds Dhuey, “so you can record things as you see them and log them in to the online survey at a later date. Hunters can also sign-up for periodic reminders to send in their observations and to get updates of the survey results during the season.”

In a separate survey effort some hunters and landowners may also receive a mailed survey asking about hunter efforts put in during the hunting season and techniques used. Dhuey says the primary focus of the online survey is to gather observations on the range of animal species listed.

Hunters can also send in photos

Got a trail camera? Or do you carry a camera with you in the field? Wildlife biologists also are interested in photographs of rare or endangered species to help document their existence and location within the state. Pictures of moose, Canada lynx, cougar, American marten, stone marten, wolverine, Franklin’s ground squirrel, and badger are most sought after. Any picture of an animal not normally seen in the area or an unidentified animal is welcomed. Pictures can be emailed along with the approximate date, county and civil township of the photo to DNR wildlife management. DNR wildlife staff will try to positively identify all photographs submitted.
If you have any questions about the deer hunter wildlife survey, accessing the tally sheet, reporting your observation, sending in trail camera pictures of rare wildlife, or the results of the survey, please contact Brian Dhuey at (608) 221-6342.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Brian Dhuey at (608) 221-6342

Public invited to comment on deer population goals

Public invited to comment on deer population goals
WI DNR

MADISON – Citizens following the deer management unit (DMU) population goal setting process can review and comment on recommendations expected to go to the Natural Resources Board for consideration at the board’s Sept. 22-23 meeting in Sturgeon Bay. Comments can also be made online beginning Aug. 15 through the Deer Management Unit Boundary and Goal Review page of the Department of Natural Resources Web site or at a series of public hearings beginning Aug. 13.

“Participation in shaping natural resource management decisions is the right of every Wisconsin citizen and a cornerstone of our conservation legacy,” said DNR Secretary Matt Frank. “Public opinion is important to the DNR and these hearings and online comment opportunities are the public’s chance to be heard. By working together can we ensure the long term health of the deer herd and pass Wisconsin’s rich traditions on to future generations.”

View a video invitation outlining the hearings [Video 3:20]

Deer population goals and the boundaries of Wisconsin’s 133 DMUs are run through a public review process every three years. The last review was completed in 2005. For this round of reviews the Department of Natural Resources invited various hunting, forestry, landowner, and scientific communities to participate in a stakeholder review panel to evaluate DMU population goals and gather input from the public before drafting population goal proposals for the DNR and the Natural Resrouces Board.

“Deer populations need to be in ecological balance with their habitat if we are going to maintain our deer hunting and viewing opportunities,” according to Jason Fleener, DNR assistant big game ecologist. “Too many deer will degrade their habitat to a point where it can’t support the numbers hunters and wildlife viewers hope to see. Population goals attempt to balance a sustainable deer herd with social tolerance for high deer numbers.”

Deer management unit goals represent the desired number of deer per square mile of deer range (suitable deer habitat) at the end of all deer hunting seasons in each DMU across the state. Deer left on the landscape following the hunting seasons are the foundation of the following fall’s pre-hunt deer population. Population goals drive the number of harvest permits issued and season frameworks.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Jason Fleener - (608) 2617589 or Bob Manwell - (608) 264-9248

Natural Resources Board - Special Advisory Committe Requests Your Input on WI Deer Season Alternatives

Natural Resources Board - Special Advisory Committe Requests Your Input on WI Deer Season Alternatives
WI DNR News

A committee appointed by the Natural Resources Board to develop acceptable effective alternatives to earn-a-buck has developed several packages of possible deer hunting season structure changes. Citizens can offer input to the proposals through an online survey beginning July 25 at noon. After this round of surveys, a final report will be delivered to the Natural Resources Board for consideration.

Who should respond...anyone who has an interest in the Wisconsin deer herd! Send the following link below to anyone you know who may want to respond: www.wiherdcontrol.org.

This survey will begin this Saturday, July 25 at noon and continue through noon on Tuesday, July 28.