As the deer population number debate goes on, its time to become educated on how numbers are derived when determining population counts. Obviously, the numbers arent going to be exact, but numbers should be close....or closer. Here is a good article from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel about the numbers game that is being played from hunters in Wisconsin, state officials and the Wisconsin DNR.
"DNR's numbers don't add up
Hunters are taking fewer deer, and that could be because there are fewer deer out there than the DNR says. That's a problem.
The state Department of Natural Resources says it is listening to deer hunters' complaints about the agency's management of the state's deer herd. If so, it needs to do a better job of convincing hunters because many of them aren't buying the explanation.
Hunters' complaints need to be more seriously addressed, especially on management issues and on how the agency estimates the size of the herd. A thorough review of both is in order.
The dissatisfaction has only increased in the wake of the last gun deer season, in which hunters registered 195,647 deer, the fewest in 27 years and 29% fewer than in 2008. Journal Sentinel business reporter Joe Taschler reported that the effect of the low numbers is being felt across a number of businesses, including body shops, butchers, farmers, taxidermists and auto insurance companies.
"If you've lost the hunters, you've lost the program," state Sen. Neal Kedzie (R-Elkhorn) said at a public hearing last month, waving a packet of 8,400 comments from hunters.
Kedzie's right. The DNR - and Wisconsin - can't afford to lose the hunters.
Ron Kulas, a representative of the Wisconsin Bowhunters Association, presented data at last month's public hearing showing car-deer collisions have fallen to the same level as 1983, when the DNR post-hunt population was 586,000 deer.
And Greg Kazmierski, representing the Wisconsin Hunters Rights Coalition, said the 2009 gun deer harvest of bucks was the lowest since 1980, when the DNR estimated 565,000 deer overwinter.
The current overwinter goal is 737,000 deer, but there is reason to question the DNR's numbers given the claims of hunters. The DNR cannot manage the herd or set reasonable population goals if its numbers are off. The state is slated to receive an estimated $14.4 million this year from a wildlife restoration fund. It should use that to improve herd estimates and to get a better handle on such factors as the effect of natural predators and the loss of some previous hunting areas to development and private purchases. The state also needs to look at its regulations on hunting antlerless deer.
Hunters aren't the only ones putting pressure on the DNR. In a unanimous vote, the Assembly Committee on Fish and Wildlife and the Senate Committee on Transportation, Tourism, Forestry and Natural Resources refused last week to approve the DNR's proposal for its deer population goals for this winter, sending the proposal back to the DNR for revision.
As Journal Sentinel outdoors writer Paul Smith has pointed out, deer management is a tough job. And it certainly gets tougher when state officials have to also deal with mitigating factors such as chronic wasting disease, a deadly and not fully understood wildlife disease that has the potential to devastate the deer's herd.
It's also true that, as DNR Secretary Matt Frank has argued, that the agency has to balance a number of complex factors when setting deer population goals, including hunting, forestry, agriculture, public safety and animal disease. And it's entirely possible that some hunters have become spoiled by the large size of deer herds in previous years.
But even with all that, something is still not right. State officials need to do a better job of responding to the concerns of hunters and legislators."
Source :http://www.jsonline.com/news/opinion/81039082.html
Date: Posted: Jan. 9, 2010
Showing posts with label whitetail. Show all posts
Showing posts with label whitetail. Show all posts
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Hunters register 195,647 deer in November hunt
MADISON – A survey of Wisconsin deer registration stations conducted by the state Department of Natural Resources has yielded a preliminary tally of 195,647 for the just-ended, nine-day November gun deer hunt. This includes a buck tally of 86,251 and an antlerless tally of 109,396.
This number is preliminary and is expected change before a final report is published in late winter. It does not include harvest information from the archery, October antlerless gun deer hunt, muzzleloader, December antlerless deer gun hunt or late archery seasons. The preliminary harvest count in 2008 was 276,895.
“Deer populations are variable throughout the state,” said Keith Warnke, DNR’s big game biologist, “and we believe people when they say they did not see deer in their hunting area. We have also received reports from successful camps. As always, local populations make all the difference.
“Wildlife management and especially deer management is a process of continual adjustment. In response to hunter input we adjusted seasons this year to reflect lower populations across the north and central forests and suspended EAB in many areas.”
DNR wildlife officials anticipated the total harvest would be down due to changes in season structure that significantly reduced the antlerless deer harvest, lower fawn production and tough weather conditions for deer and hunters alike. In some northeastern units it was not possible to shoot an antlerless deer and in other northern region units the small supply of bonus antlerless deer tags did not meet demand. Careful adjustment of antlerless tag numbers is an important tool in managing deer numbers.
“There are still days to hunt in 2009 in herd control units where deer are above goal and in CWD units. The muzzleloader hunt is underway and the December antlerless hunt is around the corner.”
In February, DNR biologists will compare unit-level harvest numbers against overwinter population estimates and will adjust the recommended season structure for 2010 to address any significant trends.
“A pillar of Wisconsin deer management is the accurate harvest figures provided by hunters,” said DNR wildlife biologist Jeff Pritzl. “Periods of stable deer populations have always been relatively short-lived in Wisconsin. Mandatory deer registration allows us to respond quickly to changing population levels. We have annually adapted our harvest strategies, and will continue to do so in consideration of what the 2009 harvest tells us about the deer population.”
“This year, in response to hunter input, we moved 29 units from earn-a-buck to herd control status and 38 units from herd control to regular unit status. The total number of regular units grew from 21 in 2008 to 59 this year.” said Warnke. “The result was inevitably less antlerless opportunity and lower antlerless harvest numbers.”
A table of county by county (pdf; 39kb) harvest broken down by DNR region, with a comparison to the 2008 preliminary harvest is available on the DNR Web site.
Young hunters prove themselves safe and responsible
“What is really exciting, is the 9,907 mentored hunting licenses purchased by 10- and 11-year olds,” said Diane Brookbank, chief of DNR’s licensing and customer service unit. “These are the future hunters and conservationists that will step into the woods in place of the hunting ‘retirees’ as our population ages.”
Wardens reported no firearm incidents among these young hunters.
Hunt fourth safest in history
DNR hunter education administrator and conservation warden Tim Lawhern said there were seven hunting incidents during the nine-day gun hunt. A possible eighth incident remains under investigation.
"Our hearts go out to the families whose loved ones suffered injury during the hunting season,” said Lawhern. “Our goal is to eliminate all injury and loss of life while hunting. Every incident is investigated to learn what happened so we can work to prevent such incidents in the future.”
Self-inflicted gunshot injuries accounted for 57 percent (4 of 7) of this season’s incidents. Deer drives contributed to 25 percent of all incidents. Both categories and all firearm related incidents can be attributed to failure to observe one of the basic rules of firearm safety according to Lawhern.
Still, noted Lawhern, hunting remains a safe sport and has gotten safer over time as more and more hunters are graduates of hunter safety education courses. This is especially true in Wisconsin where the incident rate for hunters is well below the national average. The incident rate for 2009 in Wisconsin was 1.11 incidents per 100,000 hunters – the national average is 3 per 100,000.
“This was the fourth safest season ever and the fourth time in history that we’ve had a gun deer season with less than 10 incidents,” said Lawhern, “Nonetheless, our goal is zero incidents.”
More than 638,000 gun deer licenses sold
DNR’s automated License Issuance System, known as ALIS, peaked at 200 transactions per minute at 5:30 p.m. on the Friday before gun season. The 638,040 gun licenses sold through the end of the season on Nov 29 represent a near identical number of hunters as in 2008 when 642,419 hunters hit the woods.
•Nearly one in five hunters age 15 and younger is female and women bought 8.6 percent of all gun licenses sold
•All 50 states are represented in license sales with the highest number of nonresident hunters coming from Minnesota, Illinois and Michigan.
•The most licenses were sold in Dane County.
•All ages participate with over 54,000 hunters age 65 and older buying licenses.
Source: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
http://dnr.wi.gov/news/BreakingNews_Lookup.asp?id=1511
News Release Published: December 1, 2009 by the Central Office
Contact(s): Keith Warnke (608) 264-6023
This number is preliminary and is expected change before a final report is published in late winter. It does not include harvest information from the archery, October antlerless gun deer hunt, muzzleloader, December antlerless deer gun hunt or late archery seasons. The preliminary harvest count in 2008 was 276,895.
“Deer populations are variable throughout the state,” said Keith Warnke, DNR’s big game biologist, “and we believe people when they say they did not see deer in their hunting area. We have also received reports from successful camps. As always, local populations make all the difference.
“Wildlife management and especially deer management is a process of continual adjustment. In response to hunter input we adjusted seasons this year to reflect lower populations across the north and central forests and suspended EAB in many areas.”
DNR wildlife officials anticipated the total harvest would be down due to changes in season structure that significantly reduced the antlerless deer harvest, lower fawn production and tough weather conditions for deer and hunters alike. In some northeastern units it was not possible to shoot an antlerless deer and in other northern region units the small supply of bonus antlerless deer tags did not meet demand. Careful adjustment of antlerless tag numbers is an important tool in managing deer numbers.
“There are still days to hunt in 2009 in herd control units where deer are above goal and in CWD units. The muzzleloader hunt is underway and the December antlerless hunt is around the corner.”
In February, DNR biologists will compare unit-level harvest numbers against overwinter population estimates and will adjust the recommended season structure for 2010 to address any significant trends.
“A pillar of Wisconsin deer management is the accurate harvest figures provided by hunters,” said DNR wildlife biologist Jeff Pritzl. “Periods of stable deer populations have always been relatively short-lived in Wisconsin. Mandatory deer registration allows us to respond quickly to changing population levels. We have annually adapted our harvest strategies, and will continue to do so in consideration of what the 2009 harvest tells us about the deer population.”
“This year, in response to hunter input, we moved 29 units from earn-a-buck to herd control status and 38 units from herd control to regular unit status. The total number of regular units grew from 21 in 2008 to 59 this year.” said Warnke. “The result was inevitably less antlerless opportunity and lower antlerless harvest numbers.”
A table of county by county (pdf; 39kb) harvest broken down by DNR region, with a comparison to the 2008 preliminary harvest is available on the DNR Web site.
Young hunters prove themselves safe and responsible
“What is really exciting, is the 9,907 mentored hunting licenses purchased by 10- and 11-year olds,” said Diane Brookbank, chief of DNR’s licensing and customer service unit. “These are the future hunters and conservationists that will step into the woods in place of the hunting ‘retirees’ as our population ages.”
Wardens reported no firearm incidents among these young hunters.
Hunt fourth safest in history
DNR hunter education administrator and conservation warden Tim Lawhern said there were seven hunting incidents during the nine-day gun hunt. A possible eighth incident remains under investigation.
"Our hearts go out to the families whose loved ones suffered injury during the hunting season,” said Lawhern. “Our goal is to eliminate all injury and loss of life while hunting. Every incident is investigated to learn what happened so we can work to prevent such incidents in the future.”
Self-inflicted gunshot injuries accounted for 57 percent (4 of 7) of this season’s incidents. Deer drives contributed to 25 percent of all incidents. Both categories and all firearm related incidents can be attributed to failure to observe one of the basic rules of firearm safety according to Lawhern.
Still, noted Lawhern, hunting remains a safe sport and has gotten safer over time as more and more hunters are graduates of hunter safety education courses. This is especially true in Wisconsin where the incident rate for hunters is well below the national average. The incident rate for 2009 in Wisconsin was 1.11 incidents per 100,000 hunters – the national average is 3 per 100,000.
“This was the fourth safest season ever and the fourth time in history that we’ve had a gun deer season with less than 10 incidents,” said Lawhern, “Nonetheless, our goal is zero incidents.”
More than 638,000 gun deer licenses sold
DNR’s automated License Issuance System, known as ALIS, peaked at 200 transactions per minute at 5:30 p.m. on the Friday before gun season. The 638,040 gun licenses sold through the end of the season on Nov 29 represent a near identical number of hunters as in 2008 when 642,419 hunters hit the woods.
•Nearly one in five hunters age 15 and younger is female and women bought 8.6 percent of all gun licenses sold
•All 50 states are represented in license sales with the highest number of nonresident hunters coming from Minnesota, Illinois and Michigan.
•The most licenses were sold in Dane County.
•All ages participate with over 54,000 hunters age 65 and older buying licenses.
Source: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
http://dnr.wi.gov/news/BreakingNews_Lookup.asp?id=1511
News Release Published: December 1, 2009 by the Central Office
Contact(s): Keith Warnke (608) 264-6023
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
DNR Board Sets December Agenda
December 8 & 9 , 2009 Natural Resources Board Agenda
For meeting at:
Room G09, State Natural Resources Building (GEF 2)
101 South Webster Street
Madison, Wisconsin
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Natural Resources Board will convene at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, December 8, 2009, in Room G09, State Natural Resources Building (GEF 2), Madison, Wisconsin. The Board will act on items 1-3 as listed on the Agenda.
Order of Business
1.Organizational Matters
A.Calling the roll
B.Approval of agenda for December 8 & 9, 2009
2.Information Items
A.Air, Waste and Water//Enforcement
None
B.Land Management, Recreation, and Fisheries/Wildlife
- Report and preliminary results of the 2009 firearm deer season (Tom Hauge, Keith Warnke, Randy Stark, and Diane Brookbank, 60 minutes)
3.Action Items
A.Air, Waste and Water//Enforcement
None
B.Land Management, Recreation, and Fisheries/Wildlife
- Request Adoption of Board Order WM-20-09, related to establishment of the deer hunting season frameworks (Keith Warnke, 60 minutes)
Order of Business
1.Organizational Matters
A.Calling the roll
B.Approval of minutes from October 21, 2009
C.Approval of minutes from November 13, 2009
2.Ratification of Acts of the Department Secretary
A.Real Estate Transactions
3.Action Items
A.Air, Waste and Water//Enforcement
- Request Authorization for Public Hearing on Board Order WT-15-09, Watershed Management’s Housekeeping Rule Revisions to chs. 102, 103, 105, 106, 108, 110, 114, 200, 203, 205, 210, 241, 299, 328, and 341 (Tom Mugan, 10 minutes)
- Request Adoption of Board Order FH-23-09, to revise Ch. NR 25 relating to the total allowable commercial harvest of whitefish in Lake Michigan (William Horns, 15 minutes
- Request Adoption of Board Order LF-08-09, to revise NR 52 relating to the Public Use of Lands Acquired under the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program (Pat Henderson and Doug Haag, 20 minutes)
- Land Acquisition - Statewide Natural Areas - Oneida & Vilas Counties (Richard Steffes, 5 minutes)
- Land Acquisition and Donation - Baraboo Hills Recreation Area - Sauk County (Richard Steffes, 5 minutes)
- Land Acquisition - White River Fishery Area - Waushara County (Richard Steffes, 5 minutes)
- Land Acquisition & Project Boundary Modification - Hartman Creek State Park - Portage County (Richard Steffes, 5 minutes)
Land Acquisition & Project Boundary Modification - Brunet Island State Park - Chippewa County (Richard Steffes, 5 minutes)Deleted- Land Acquisition - Wildcat Mountain State Park - Vernon County (Richard Steffes, 5 minutes)
- Land Donation - Statewide Wildlife Habitat Area - Pierce County (Richard Steffes, 5 minutes)
- Land Donation - Paul Olson Wildlife Area - Wood County (Richard Steffes, 5 minutes)
- Land Donation – Statewide Natural Area - Door County (Richard Steffes, 5 minutes)
- Land Donation - C.D. Besadny Fish & Wildlife Area - Kewaunee County (Richard Steffes, 5 minutes)
- Land Donation & Project Boundary Modification - Green Bay West Shores Wildlife Area - Oconto County (Richard Steffes, 5 minutes)
- Easement Donation - Statewide Natural Areas - Marquette County (Richard Steffes, 5 minutes)
4.Citizen Participation
A.Citizen Recognition
- Rebecca Wallace Award
None
A.Approval of 2010 Meeting Locations
6.Special Committee Reports
None
A.Retirement Resolutions
B.Donations
- The Friends of Kohler-Andrae State Park, Inc. will donate a Kubota Utility Vehicle at a value of $13,000 to Kohler-Andrae State Park
- Whitetails Unlimited Inc. will donate $5,615.17 to Upper Chippewa Area Wildlife Management for habitat work
A.Air, Waste, and Water/Enforcement
B.Land Management, Recreation, and Fisheries/Wildlife
None
Laurie Ross, Natural Resources Board Liaison
Phone: 608.267.7420
Email: Laurie.Ross@wisconsin.gov
Public Participation at Natural Resources Board Meetings
Source: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resource
See website for updates at: http://dnr.wi.gov/org/nrboard/2009/December/12-09-NRB-Agenda.htm
Thursday, September 3, 2009
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.
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.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Getting The Whitetail Itch: Looking for Trail Cam Pictures and Videos
Getting the Whitetail Itch
Ben Halverson
I put out the camera the last few weeks and have been seeing a lot of fawns and does. I decided, its time to start posting these videos and hope that if you have any videos of your trail cams to send them in with a little story of where the video was taken. I dont know about you, but even the small bucks are giving me the itch to get out there and start bowhunting.
This video isnt the greatest video, nor is it the biggest buck, but its a start. Enjoy
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Hunters: stay legal and ask to hunt private lands
Hunters: stay legal and ask to hunt private lands
Source: WI DNR
Got your eye on a prime hunting spot resting on choice Wisconsin private lands for your fall hunting expedition?
That’s a solid, smart first step to a successful hunt, says the Department of Natural Resources hunter education administrator. Forgetting the next step could cost you.
“‘Where am I going to go hunting?’ is one of the most important questions you need to be asking yourself now,” Conservation Warden and Administrator Tim Lawhern says. “If you want to hunt private land, you need to be seeking permission now if you haven’t already done so.”
The state of Wisconsin owns more than 450,000 acres, and leases about 17,000 more acres, of lands open to public hunting. State and federal forests provide 2 million acres, and county forests another 2 million acres open to hunting and fishing. In addition, property owners who participate in the damage and abatement and the Forest Tax Law programs must allow access to their lands, adding more public access.
Hunters who want to use private lands need to have landowner permission to avoid trespassing, and they need to behave courteously and considerately to be invited back the next year. “It all comes down to hunter etiquette,” Lawhern said.
When hunters contact the landowner to seek permission, Lawhern urges hunters introduce themselves by telling where they’re from, what they wish to hunt, and display your hunter education certificate.
“Regardless of the landowner’s answer, your response should simple be the same – thank you,” Lawhern said.
He also suggests hunters offer to help the landowner on his or her land before the hunting season, whether it’s with daily chores, haying, or some other need. “You might be surprised how far your willingness to shovel manure for a whole day will get you,” he said
After the hunt, Lawhern says, hunters should share their game with the landowner, and remember the landowner outside the hunting season. “Give them a Christmas card, a small gift, a thank you card,” he said. “Landowners always appreciate being remembered outside the hunting season.”
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Tim Lawhern (608) 266-1317 or Joanne Haas - (608) 267-0798
Source: WI DNR
Got your eye on a prime hunting spot resting on choice Wisconsin private lands for your fall hunting expedition?
That’s a solid, smart first step to a successful hunt, says the Department of Natural Resources hunter education administrator. Forgetting the next step could cost you.
“‘Where am I going to go hunting?’ is one of the most important questions you need to be asking yourself now,” Conservation Warden and Administrator Tim Lawhern says. “If you want to hunt private land, you need to be seeking permission now if you haven’t already done so.”
The state of Wisconsin owns more than 450,000 acres, and leases about 17,000 more acres, of lands open to public hunting. State and federal forests provide 2 million acres, and county forests another 2 million acres open to hunting and fishing. In addition, property owners who participate in the damage and abatement and the Forest Tax Law programs must allow access to their lands, adding more public access.
Hunters who want to use private lands need to have landowner permission to avoid trespassing, and they need to behave courteously and considerately to be invited back the next year. “It all comes down to hunter etiquette,” Lawhern said.
When hunters contact the landowner to seek permission, Lawhern urges hunters introduce themselves by telling where they’re from, what they wish to hunt, and display your hunter education certificate.
“Regardless of the landowner’s answer, your response should simple be the same – thank you,” Lawhern said.
He also suggests hunters offer to help the landowner on his or her land before the hunting season, whether it’s with daily chores, haying, or some other need. “You might be surprised how far your willingness to shovel manure for a whole day will get you,” he said
After the hunt, Lawhern says, hunters should share their game with the landowner, and remember the landowner outside the hunting season. “Give them a Christmas card, a small gift, a thank you card,” he said. “Landowners always appreciate being remembered outside the hunting season.”
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Tim Lawhern (608) 266-1317 or Joanne Haas - (608) 267-0798
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
July 1 marks start of summer deer observation period
July 1 marks start of summer deer observation period
Weekly News Article Published: July 7, 2009 by the Central Office
MADISON – July 1 marks the beginning of the three-month summer deer observation (pdf) period during which DNR biologists, foresters, property managers and staff, wardens and staff from the U.S. Departments of Agriculture and Forest Service record the deer they see as they go about their daily duties. The observations are one of many factors biologists use in developing deer population estimates and monitoring herd health.
Summer deer observations are one of many factors biologists use in developing deer population estimates.
Direct observations from the field are vital information for deer managers, especially in northern and central forest deer management units (DMU) where harsh winter weather can have a much greater impact on fawn production the following spring. In the northern and central forest regions observations are bunched into “population modeling” groups of 3 to 4 DMUs each and plugged into the department’s deer population estimating model. Each summer fresh observation data are put into the population estimation.
“Wildlife populations are estimated by blending science, hunter harvest, history and observation,” said Keith Warnke, DNR deer and bear ecologist. “Variations in local habitat and conditions, and nature’s whims make this challenging and it’s important to keep in mind that these are estimates. Deer movement and location are influenced by many factors beyond population numbers.”
In addition to DNR staff summer field observations, the department also mails a summer wildlife inquiry (pdf) to about 5,000 rural landowners across the state. The landowner survey is not incorporated directly into population models but is compared to previous years as a signal of broad population trends.
The summer wildlife survey asks respondents to report observations of nine species of wildlife including coyote, red fox, skunk, bobcat, wild turkey, gray partridge, ring-necked pheasant, ruffed grouse and deer.
Farmland Regions
To people living in and traveling around Wisconsin it is not a surprise that there are ecological and climate differences between the southern farmlands and the northern forests.
In most years, winter weather simply doesn’t have the impact on southern deer in the way it does in the north. So in farmland regions biologists don’t adjust the fawn-doe ratio yearly like in the north, but they do analyze summer deer observations for trends that suggest a change in reproductive success in the herd. Also the population groupings contain more DMUs compared to the northern and central forests.
“Summer deer observations are important to hunters because the number of fawns per doe are one factor that is included in the population model,” explained Warnke, “that is why we collect this information. They are also an important factor in overall population management as deer management units approach established population goals.”
Wildlife managers emphasize that deer populations vary across the state with some areas heavily populated and others less so. Local population swings are not always predictable in the space of a single season and can result in lowered viewing opportunity in a given hunting area. Having a flexible hunting plan can be an important factor in a successful hunt.
“In areas where deer are at healthy levels, fewer deer may be seen than in the past when populations were out of balance with their habitats,” says Warnke. “The traditional hunter’s skills and strategies of scouting, patience, knowledge of deer behavior and woodsmanship are worthy of practice and perfection.”
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Keith Warnke (608) 264-6023 or Bob Manwell - (608) 264-9248
View all articles in this issue or check our previous Weekly News Issues.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Hunting age from 12 to 10 in Wisconsin?
Below you will find the Wisconsin Senate bill that is on its way to assembly allowing for the hunting age to be lowered from 12 to 10 years old. Of course its more than just changing the age, there are some restrictions like hunting with a "mentor" within "arms reach" and that between the mentor and youth hunter they may jointly carry only one firearm.
I am having a tough time understanding the difference between ages 10 and 12 and why this is a benefit to our state or sport. I do understand that getting kids to hunt at an early age is a great way to get them outdoors and to teach them the sport. However, I am worried this may be an accident waiting to happen.
To read the full bill go to: http://www.legis.state.wi.us/2009/data/SB-167.pdf
2009 − 2010 LEGISLATURE
2009 SENATE BILL 167
2009 SENATE BILL 167
April 14, 2009 −
AN ACT to renumber and amend 29.304 (5); to amend 29.063 (5), 29.184 (6) (b) 1., 29.235 (1), 29.304 (1) (b), 29.304 (2) (a), 29.304 (2) (b) 1., 29.304 (3) (a) 1., 29.304 (3) (b) 1., 29.563 (2) (a) 4., 29.563 (2) (a) 5g., 29.563 (2) (a) 8m., 29.563 (2m), 29.563 (4) (a) 1m., 29.563 (4) (a) 2m., 29.563 (4) (b) 1m., 29.563 (4) (b) 2m., 29.593 (1) (a), 169.20 (1) (a), 169.20 (2) (a) and 169.33 (2) (d); and to create 29.304 (4m), 29.304 (5) (b) and 29.592 of the statutes; relating to: the minimum age for hunting and for possessing a firearm, restrictions on hunting and on possessing a firearm while hunting, establishing a hunting mentorship program, and granting rule−making authority.
Analysis by the Legislative Reference Bureau
This bill makes various changes to the laws relating to restrictions on hunting and firearm possession and establishes a hunting mentorship program.
Accompaniment by parent or guardian
Under current law, a person who is the minimum hunting age but under the age of 16 may hunt or have a firearm in his or her possession or control if the person is accompanied by a parent or guardian and if he or she meets certain other requirements. This bill specifies that such a person may also hunt or have a firearm
SENATE BILL 167
in his or her possession or control if the person is accompanied by an individual who is at least 18 years old and who has been designated by the person’s parent or guardian.
Mentorship program
Current law requires, with certain exceptions, that every person who obtains a hunting approval must have a certificate of accomplishment issued by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) indicating that he or she has successfully completed the hunter education program or bow hunter education program established by DNR. Current law also generally prohibits hunting and firearm possession by any person under the age of 12. For persons who are at least 12 years old, but under the age of 16, current law allows hunting and firearm possession but imposes certain restrictions that vary depending on the person’s age. This bill creates a new exception to the general requirement that a person obtain a certificate of accomplishment in order to obtain a hunting approval. The bill also lowers the minimum hunting age from 12 years of age to ten years of age for persons who hunt under the hunting mentorship program established in this bill. The bill authorizes a person who is at least ten years of age to hunt without obtaining a certificate of accomplishment and to possess or control a firearm while hunting if the person has a valid hunting approval and is hunting with a qualified mentor. Under the hunting mentorship program, to qualify as a mentor, a person must be 18 years of age or older and be the parent or guardian of the person for whom he or she is serving as a mentor or be authorized by the parent or guardian to serve as the mentor. The bill provides that at all times when serving as a mentor, the mentor must be within arm’s reach of the person for whom he or she is serving as a mentor, must have a current valid hunting approval, and must have obtained a certificate of accomplishment or be exempt from the requirement to obtain a certificate of accomplishment. The bill provides that a mentor may take only one person hunting at a time and specifies that a mentor and a person who is hunting with the mentor may jointly have only one firearm or crossbow while hunting.
Other provisions
Under current law, a person who is 12 years of age or older may possess or control a firearm and may hunt with a firearm or bow and arrow on that person’s land or on land owned by his or her family if no license is required and if the firing of firearms is permitted on that land. This bill allows such a person also to hunt with a crossbow on that land.
The bill also creates a new exception to the general restrictions that apply to firearm possession by persons who are under a specified age. The bill provides that those age restrictions do not apply to a person who uses a firearm in target practice if the person is accompanied by his or her parent or guardian or by a person who is at least 18 years of age who is designated by the parent or guardian. 2009 − 2010 Legislature − 3 −
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For further information see the state fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill.
The people of the state of Wisconsin, represented in senate and assembly, do enact as follows:
SECTION 1. 29.063 (5) of the statutes is amended to read:
29.063 (5) The department may exempt deer hunters from obtaining a license under this chapter for the hunting of deer in an area that the department has designated by rule as a chronic wasting disease control zone. Deer hunters that are exempted under this subsection shall be at least 12 10 years of age, except that aperson born on or after January 1, 1973, may not hunt deer under this subsection unless he or she complies with ss. 29.304 and 29.593. A deer hunter exempted under this subsection who is under 12 years of age is subject to the restrictions specified under s. 29.592. The department shall by rule establish eligibility criteria and application procedures for receipt of an exemption under this subsection, including
a method for obtaining a permit to hunt deer without a license under this subsection.
SECTION 2. 29.184 (6) (b) 1. of the statutes is amended to read:
29.184 (6) (b) 1. The applicant is at least 12 10 years old. If the applicant is under 12 years of age, the applicant is subject to the restrictions specified under s. 29.592.
SECTION 3. 29.235 (1) of the statutes is amended to read:
29.235 (1) ISSUANCE. A resident conservation patron license shall be issued subject to ss. 29.024 and 54.25 (2) (c) 1. d. by the department to any resident 12 10 years old or older who applies for the license. A nonresident conservation patron license shall be issued subject to s. 29.024 by the department to any person 12 10 years old or older who is not a resident, and who applies for the license. A 2009 − 2010 Legislature − 4 − LRB−1558/2 RNK:kjf:ph
SENATE BILL 167 SECTION 3
conservation patron license issued to a person who is under 12 years of age is subject to the restrictions specified under s. 29.592.
SECTION 4. 29.304 (1) (b) of the statutes is amended to read:
29.304 (1) (b) Restrictions on possession or control of a firearm. No person under 12 years of age may have in his or her possession or control any firearm unless he or she is enrolled in the course of instruction under the hunter education program and he or she is carrying the firearm in a case and unloaded to or from that class under the supervision of a his or her parent or guardian, or by a person at least 18 years of age who is designated by the parent or guardian, or is handling or operating the firearm during that class under the supervision of an instructor.
SECTION 5. 29.304 (2) (a) of the statutes is amended to read:
29.304 (2) (a) Restrictions on hunting. No person 12 years of age or older but under 14 years of age may hunt unless he or she is accompanied by a his or her parent or guardian, or by a person at least 18 years of age who is designated by the parent or guardian.
SECTION 6. 29.304 (2) (b) 1. of the statutes is amended to read:
29.304 (2) (b) 1. Is accompanied by a his or her parent or guardian or by a person at least 18 years of age who is designated by the parent or guardian; or
SECTION 7. 29.304 (3) (a) 1. of the statutes is amended to read:
29.304 (3) (a) 1. Is accompanied by a his or her parent or guardian or by a person at least 18 years of age who is designated by the parent or guardian;
SECTION 8. 29.304 (3) (b) 1. of the statutes is amended to read:
29.304 (3) (b) 1. Is accompanied by a his or her parent or guardian or by a person at least 18 years of age who is designated by the parent or guardian;
SECTION 9. 29.304 (4m) of the statutes is created to read:
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29.304 (4m) HUNTING MENTORSHIP PROGRAM. The prohibition specified in sub. (1) (a) and the restrictions specified in subs. (1) (b) to (d), (2), and (3) do not apply to a person who is hunting with a mentor and who complies with the requirements specified under s. 29.592.
SECTION 10. 29.304 (5) of the statutes is renumbered 29.304 (5) (a) and amended to read:
29.304 (5) (a) Notwithstanding subs. (1) to (3), a person 12 years of age or older may possess or control a firearm and may hunt with a firearm or, bow and arrow, or crossbow on land under the ownership of the person or the person’s family if no license is required and if the firing of firearms is permitted on that land.
SECTION 11. 29.304 (5) (b) of the statutes is created to read:
29.304 (5) (b) The restrictions on the possession and control of a firearm under sub. (1) do not apply to a person using a firearm in target practice if he or she is accompanied by his or her parent or guardian or by a person at least 18 years of age who is designated by the parent or guardian.
SECTION 12. 29.563 (2) (a) 4. of the statutes is amended to read:
29.563 (2) (a) 4. Small game issued to 12−year−olds to 17−year−olds persons who are under 18 years of age: $6.25.
SECTION 13. 29.563 (2) (a) 5g. of the statutes is amended to read:
29.563 (2) (a) 5g. Deer issued to 12−year−olds to 17−year−olds persons who are under 18 years of age: $17.25.
SECTION 14. 29.563 (2) (a) 8m. of the statutes is amended to read:
29.563 (2) (a) 8m. Archer issued to 12−year−olds to 17−year olds persons who are under 18 years of age: $17.25.
SECTION 15. 29.563 (2m) of the statutes is amended to read:
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29.563 (2m) HUNTING APPROVALS FOR CERTAIN NONRESIDENTS. The fees for hunting approvals for a 12 to 17 year−old person who is under 18 years of age, who is not a resident, and who exhibits proof that his or her parent is a resident shall be the same as the fees for hunting approvals for residents under sub. (2) (a) and (c).
SECTION 16. 29.563 (4) (a) 1m. of the statutes is amended to read:
29.563 (4) (a) 1m. Sports issued to 12−year−olds to 17−year−olds persons who are under 18 years of age: $32.25 or a greater amount at the applicant’s option.
SECTION 17. 29.563 (4) (a) 2m. of the statutes is amended to read:
29.563 (4) (a) 2m. Conservation patron issued to 12−year−olds to 17−year−olds persons who are under 18 years of age: $70.25 or a greater amount at the applicant’s option.
SECTION 18. 29.563 (4) (b) 1m. of the statutes is amended to read:
29.563 (4) (b) 1m. Sports issued to 12−year−olds to 17−year−olds persons who are under 18 years of age: $33.25 or a greater amount at the applicant’s option.
SECTION 19. 29.563 (4) (b) 2m. of the statutes is amended to read:
29.563 (4) (b) 2m. Conservation patron issued to 12−year−olds to 17−year−olds persons who under than 18 years of age: $72.25 or a greater amount at the applicant’s option.
SECTION 20. 29.592 of the statutes is created to read:
29.592 Hunting mentorship program. (1) A person who is at least 10 years of age may hunt in this state without obtaining a certificate of accomplishment under s. 29.591 and may, while hunting, possess or control a firearm if all of the following apply: (a) At all times when hunting, the person is within arm’s reach of a mentor who meets the qualifications under sub. (2).
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(b) The person holds a hunting approval.
(2) No person may serve as a qualified mentor for a hunter unless the person meets all of the following requirements: (a) The person is 18 years of age or older. (b) The person is the parent or guardian of the person for whom he or she is serving as a mentor or is authorized by the parent or guardian to serve as a mentor. This requirement does not apply to a person serving as a mentor for a person who is 18 years of age or older. (c) At all times when serving as a mentor, the person is within arm’s reach of the person for whom he or she is serving as a mentor. (d) The person has been issued a certificate of accomplishment under s. 29.591 or, if serving as a mentor for hunting elk, under s. 29.595 unless the person was born before January 1, 1973, and is not required to obtain a certificate of accomplishment. (e) The person holds a current valid hunting approval. (3) A person who is authorized to hunt with a mentor under this section and a mentor under this section with whom that person hunts may jointly have only one firearm, or if hunting with a crossbow is authorized under s. 29.171 (4) or 29.193 (2), only one crossbow in their possession or control while hunting. (4) A mentor under this section may take only one person hunting at a time for whom he or she is serving as a mentor. (5) The requirements under subs. (1) (b) and (2) (e) do not apply to a person who is authorized to hunt without a hunting approval under s. 29.337 (1), 95.55 (5), or 169.19 (5).
AN ACT to renumber and amend 29.304 (5); to amend 29.063 (5), 29.184 (6) (b) 1., 29.235 (1), 29.304 (1) (b), 29.304 (2) (a), 29.304 (2) (b) 1., 29.304 (3) (a) 1., 29.304 (3) (b) 1., 29.563 (2) (a) 4., 29.563 (2) (a) 5g., 29.563 (2) (a) 8m., 29.563 (2m), 29.563 (4) (a) 1m., 29.563 (4) (a) 2m., 29.563 (4) (b) 1m., 29.563 (4) (b) 2m., 29.593 (1) (a), 169.20 (1) (a), 169.20 (2) (a) and 169.33 (2) (d); and to create 29.304 (4m), 29.304 (5) (b) and 29.592 of the statutes; relating to: the minimum age for hunting and for possessing a firearm, restrictions on hunting and on possessing a firearm while hunting, establishing a hunting mentorship program, and granting rule−making authority.
Analysis by the Legislative Reference Bureau
This bill makes various changes to the laws relating to restrictions on hunting and firearm possession and establishes a hunting mentorship program.
Accompaniment by parent or guardian
Under current law, a person who is the minimum hunting age but under the age of 16 may hunt or have a firearm in his or her possession or control if the person is accompanied by a parent or guardian and if he or she meets certain other requirements. This bill specifies that such a person may also hunt or have a firearm
SENATE BILL 167
in his or her possession or control if the person is accompanied by an individual who is at least 18 years old and who has been designated by the person’s parent or guardian.
Mentorship program
Current law requires, with certain exceptions, that every person who obtains a hunting approval must have a certificate of accomplishment issued by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) indicating that he or she has successfully completed the hunter education program or bow hunter education program established by DNR. Current law also generally prohibits hunting and firearm possession by any person under the age of 12. For persons who are at least 12 years old, but under the age of 16, current law allows hunting and firearm possession but imposes certain restrictions that vary depending on the person’s age. This bill creates a new exception to the general requirement that a person obtain a certificate of accomplishment in order to obtain a hunting approval. The bill also lowers the minimum hunting age from 12 years of age to ten years of age for persons who hunt under the hunting mentorship program established in this bill. The bill authorizes a person who is at least ten years of age to hunt without obtaining a certificate of accomplishment and to possess or control a firearm while hunting if the person has a valid hunting approval and is hunting with a qualified mentor. Under the hunting mentorship program, to qualify as a mentor, a person must be 18 years of age or older and be the parent or guardian of the person for whom he or she is serving as a mentor or be authorized by the parent or guardian to serve as the mentor. The bill provides that at all times when serving as a mentor, the mentor must be within arm’s reach of the person for whom he or she is serving as a mentor, must have a current valid hunting approval, and must have obtained a certificate of accomplishment or be exempt from the requirement to obtain a certificate of accomplishment. The bill provides that a mentor may take only one person hunting at a time and specifies that a mentor and a person who is hunting with the mentor may jointly have only one firearm or crossbow while hunting.
Other provisions
Under current law, a person who is 12 years of age or older may possess or control a firearm and may hunt with a firearm or bow and arrow on that person’s land or on land owned by his or her family if no license is required and if the firing of firearms is permitted on that land. This bill allows such a person also to hunt with a crossbow on that land.
The bill also creates a new exception to the general restrictions that apply to firearm possession by persons who are under a specified age. The bill provides that those age restrictions do not apply to a person who uses a firearm in target practice if the person is accompanied by his or her parent or guardian or by a person who is at least 18 years of age who is designated by the parent or guardian. 2009 − 2010 Legislature − 3 −
SENATE BILL 167
For further information see the state fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill.
The people of the state of Wisconsin, represented in senate and assembly, do enact as follows:
SECTION 1. 29.063 (5) of the statutes is amended to read:
29.063 (5) The department may exempt deer hunters from obtaining a license under this chapter for the hunting of deer in an area that the department has designated by rule as a chronic wasting disease control zone. Deer hunters that are exempted under this subsection shall be at least 12 10 years of age, except that aperson born on or after January 1, 1973, may not hunt deer under this subsection unless he or she complies with ss. 29.304 and 29.593. A deer hunter exempted under this subsection who is under 12 years of age is subject to the restrictions specified under s. 29.592. The department shall by rule establish eligibility criteria and application procedures for receipt of an exemption under this subsection, including
a method for obtaining a permit to hunt deer without a license under this subsection.
SECTION 2. 29.184 (6) (b) 1. of the statutes is amended to read:
29.184 (6) (b) 1. The applicant is at least 12 10 years old. If the applicant is under 12 years of age, the applicant is subject to the restrictions specified under s. 29.592.
SECTION 3. 29.235 (1) of the statutes is amended to read:
29.235 (1) ISSUANCE. A resident conservation patron license shall be issued subject to ss. 29.024 and 54.25 (2) (c) 1. d. by the department to any resident 12 10 years old or older who applies for the license. A nonresident conservation patron license shall be issued subject to s. 29.024 by the department to any person 12 10 years old or older who is not a resident, and who applies for the license. A 2009 − 2010 Legislature − 4 − LRB−1558/2 RNK:kjf:ph
SENATE BILL 167 SECTION 3
conservation patron license issued to a person who is under 12 years of age is subject to the restrictions specified under s. 29.592.
SECTION 4. 29.304 (1) (b) of the statutes is amended to read:
29.304 (1) (b) Restrictions on possession or control of a firearm. No person under 12 years of age may have in his or her possession or control any firearm unless he or she is enrolled in the course of instruction under the hunter education program and he or she is carrying the firearm in a case and unloaded to or from that class under the supervision of a his or her parent or guardian, or by a person at least 18 years of age who is designated by the parent or guardian, or is handling or operating the firearm during that class under the supervision of an instructor.
SECTION 5. 29.304 (2) (a) of the statutes is amended to read:
29.304 (2) (a) Restrictions on hunting. No person 12 years of age or older but under 14 years of age may hunt unless he or she is accompanied by a his or her parent or guardian, or by a person at least 18 years of age who is designated by the parent or guardian.
SECTION 6. 29.304 (2) (b) 1. of the statutes is amended to read:
29.304 (2) (b) 1. Is accompanied by a his or her parent or guardian or by a person at least 18 years of age who is designated by the parent or guardian; or
SECTION 7. 29.304 (3) (a) 1. of the statutes is amended to read:
29.304 (3) (a) 1. Is accompanied by a his or her parent or guardian or by a person at least 18 years of age who is designated by the parent or guardian;
SECTION 8. 29.304 (3) (b) 1. of the statutes is amended to read:
29.304 (3) (b) 1. Is accompanied by a his or her parent or guardian or by a person at least 18 years of age who is designated by the parent or guardian;
SECTION 9. 29.304 (4m) of the statutes is created to read:
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SENATE BILL 167 SECTION 9
29.304 (4m) HUNTING MENTORSHIP PROGRAM. The prohibition specified in sub. (1) (a) and the restrictions specified in subs. (1) (b) to (d), (2), and (3) do not apply to a person who is hunting with a mentor and who complies with the requirements specified under s. 29.592.
SECTION 10. 29.304 (5) of the statutes is renumbered 29.304 (5) (a) and amended to read:
29.304 (5) (a) Notwithstanding subs. (1) to (3), a person 12 years of age or older may possess or control a firearm and may hunt with a firearm or, bow and arrow, or crossbow on land under the ownership of the person or the person’s family if no license is required and if the firing of firearms is permitted on that land.
SECTION 11. 29.304 (5) (b) of the statutes is created to read:
29.304 (5) (b) The restrictions on the possession and control of a firearm under sub. (1) do not apply to a person using a firearm in target practice if he or she is accompanied by his or her parent or guardian or by a person at least 18 years of age who is designated by the parent or guardian.
SECTION 12. 29.563 (2) (a) 4. of the statutes is amended to read:
29.563 (2) (a) 4. Small game issued to 12−year−olds to 17−year−olds persons who are under 18 years of age: $6.25.
SECTION 13. 29.563 (2) (a) 5g. of the statutes is amended to read:
29.563 (2) (a) 5g. Deer issued to 12−year−olds to 17−year−olds persons who are under 18 years of age: $17.25.
SECTION 14. 29.563 (2) (a) 8m. of the statutes is amended to read:
29.563 (2) (a) 8m. Archer issued to 12−year−olds to 17−year olds persons who are under 18 years of age: $17.25.
SECTION 15. 29.563 (2m) of the statutes is amended to read:
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29.563 (2m) HUNTING APPROVALS FOR CERTAIN NONRESIDENTS. The fees for hunting approvals for a 12 to 17 year−old person who is under 18 years of age, who is not a resident, and who exhibits proof that his or her parent is a resident shall be the same as the fees for hunting approvals for residents under sub. (2) (a) and (c).
SECTION 16. 29.563 (4) (a) 1m. of the statutes is amended to read:
29.563 (4) (a) 1m. Sports issued to 12−year−olds to 17−year−olds persons who are under 18 years of age: $32.25 or a greater amount at the applicant’s option.
SECTION 17. 29.563 (4) (a) 2m. of the statutes is amended to read:
29.563 (4) (a) 2m. Conservation patron issued to 12−year−olds to 17−year−olds persons who are under 18 years of age: $70.25 or a greater amount at the applicant’s option.
SECTION 18. 29.563 (4) (b) 1m. of the statutes is amended to read:
29.563 (4) (b) 1m. Sports issued to 12−year−olds to 17−year−olds persons who are under 18 years of age: $33.25 or a greater amount at the applicant’s option.
SECTION 19. 29.563 (4) (b) 2m. of the statutes is amended to read:
29.563 (4) (b) 2m. Conservation patron issued to 12−year−olds to 17−year−olds persons who under than 18 years of age: $72.25 or a greater amount at the applicant’s option.
SECTION 20. 29.592 of the statutes is created to read:
29.592 Hunting mentorship program. (1) A person who is at least 10 years of age may hunt in this state without obtaining a certificate of accomplishment under s. 29.591 and may, while hunting, possess or control a firearm if all of the following apply: (a) At all times when hunting, the person is within arm’s reach of a mentor who meets the qualifications under sub. (2).
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(b) The person holds a hunting approval.
(2) No person may serve as a qualified mentor for a hunter unless the person meets all of the following requirements: (a) The person is 18 years of age or older. (b) The person is the parent or guardian of the person for whom he or she is serving as a mentor or is authorized by the parent or guardian to serve as a mentor. This requirement does not apply to a person serving as a mentor for a person who is 18 years of age or older. (c) At all times when serving as a mentor, the person is within arm’s reach of the person for whom he or she is serving as a mentor. (d) The person has been issued a certificate of accomplishment under s. 29.591 or, if serving as a mentor for hunting elk, under s. 29.595 unless the person was born before January 1, 1973, and is not required to obtain a certificate of accomplishment. (e) The person holds a current valid hunting approval. (3) A person who is authorized to hunt with a mentor under this section and a mentor under this section with whom that person hunts may jointly have only one firearm, or if hunting with a crossbow is authorized under s. 29.171 (4) or 29.193 (2), only one crossbow in their possession or control while hunting. (4) A mentor under this section may take only one person hunting at a time for whom he or she is serving as a mentor. (5) The requirements under subs. (1) (b) and (2) (e) do not apply to a person who is authorized to hunt without a hunting approval under s. 29.337 (1), 95.55 (5), or 169.19 (5).
SECTION 21. 29.593 (1) (a) of the statutes is amended to read:
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29.593 (1) (a) Except as provided under subs. (2), (2m) and (3), and s. 29.592 (1), no person born on or after January 1, 1973, may obtain any approval authorizing hunting unless the person is issued a certificate of accomplishment under s. 29.591.
SECTION 22. 169.20 (1) (a) of the statutes is amended to read:
169.20 (1) (a) The department shall issue a bird dog training license to any individual who is at least 12 10 years of age who files a proper application and who pays the applicable fee. If the department issues a bird dog training license to an individual who is under 12 years of age, the individual is subject to the restrictions specified under s. 29.592.
SECTION 23. 169.20 (2) (a) of the statutes is amended to read:
169.20 (2) (a) The department shall issue a hound dog training license to any individual who is at least 12 10 years of age who files a proper application and who pays the applicable fee. If the department issues a hound dog training license to an individual who is under 12 years of age, the individual is subject to the restrictions specified under s. 29.592.
SECTION 24. 169.33 (2) (d) of the statutes is amended to read:
169.33 (2) (d) An individual who applies for a bird dog training license or a hound dog training license shall be at least 12 10 years of age. If the applicant is under 12 years of age, the applicant is subject to the restrictions specified under s.29.592.
(END)
Monday, June 8, 2009
2008 Gun Hunting Season: Who Were the Hunters?
2008 Gun Hunting Season: Who Were the Hunters?
Source: WI DNR
Of the 642,419 hunters this gun deer season: 94.3% were Wisconsin residents, 73,400 or 11.4% were youth (under the age of 18); 53,617 or 8.4% were Senior Citizens (65 years of age and older).
The number of female hunters continues to increase, representing 8.2% of the total number of deer hunters. A total of 52,497 females purchased a patron, sports or gun deer license (number includes residents and nonresidents) which is up from the 51,287 in 2007. Over 48% of the female hunters are under the age of 30 years.
Monday, May 25, 2009
2008 Gun Hunting Related Shooting Incidents
2008 Hunting Related Shooting Incidents
On the statewide historical scale, the 2008 Nine-Day Gun Deer Season was the third safest on
record. Our hearts go out to the families who suffered tragic loss of a family member or suffered
injury during the season. Our goal is to eliminate all injury and loss of life while hunting. We
conduct thorough investigations to learn what happened in these incidents so we can work to
prevent such incidents in the future.
There were a total of nine incidents, of which one was fatal (Outagamie County). Shooting at moving deer during deer drives contributed to 56% (5) of all of the incidents during the season, including the fatality. Self inflicted injuries were involved in 44% (4) this season. This was the third time in history that we’ve had a gun deer season with less than 10 incidents. The first season was in 2004 with only 5 incidents reported. Below is a graph depicting the incidents for the gun deer season since 1984, which clearly shows hunting is safe and getting safer.
Source: Wisconsin DNR 2008 Deer Hunting Season Report
View Entire Report at http://dnr.wi.gov/org/land/wildlife/hunt/deer/summary.pdf
On the statewide historical scale, the 2008 Nine-Day Gun Deer Season was the third safest on
record. Our hearts go out to the families who suffered tragic loss of a family member or suffered
injury during the season. Our goal is to eliminate all injury and loss of life while hunting. We
conduct thorough investigations to learn what happened in these incidents so we can work to
prevent such incidents in the future.
There were a total of nine incidents, of which one was fatal (Outagamie County). Shooting at moving deer during deer drives contributed to 56% (5) of all of the incidents during the season, including the fatality. Self inflicted injuries were involved in 44% (4) this season. This was the third time in history that we’ve had a gun deer season with less than 10 incidents. The first season was in 2004 with only 5 incidents reported. Below is a graph depicting the incidents for the gun deer season since 1984, which clearly shows hunting is safe and getting safer.
Source: Wisconsin DNR 2008 Deer Hunting Season Report
View Entire Report at http://dnr.wi.gov/org/land/wildlife/hunt/deer/summary.pdf
Friday, May 15, 2009
Chronic Wasting Disease in Wisconsin
Chronic Wasting Disease in Wisconsin
WI DNR Site
View the reference maps for a look at the distribution of CWD in Wisconsin.
Beginning September 1st, 2009, Wisconsin will restrict the movement of whole deer carcass from within the CWD-Management Zone into the rest of the state as well as into Wisconsin from other states and provinces. Please visit the CWD zone hunting regulations page for details.
View the test results page to look at summaries of the deer tested and results from this deer season.
Contact Information
For answers to questions relating to CWD in Wisconsin, email Wildlife Health.
Questions for Wildlife Management
WI DNR Site
View the reference maps for a look at the distribution of CWD in Wisconsin.
Beginning September 1st, 2009, Wisconsin will restrict the movement of whole deer carcass from within the CWD-Management Zone into the rest of the state as well as into Wisconsin from other states and provinces. Please visit the CWD zone hunting regulations page for details.
View the test results page to look at summaries of the deer tested and results from this deer season.
Contact Information
For answers to questions relating to CWD in Wisconsin, email Wildlife Health.
Questions for Wildlife Management
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Sponsor sign-up period open for Disabled Deer Hunts
Sponsor sign-up period open for Disabled Deer Hunts
Hunt set for Oct. 3-11, 2009
MADISON – The sign up period for landowners interested in sponsoring a deer hunt open only to hunters with disabilities is open through June 1. In 2009, the disabled hunt will take place Oct. 3-11.
Sponsor applications are available online and must be submitted to your local wildlife manager by June 1. A list of approved sponsors will be posted on the Department of Natural Resources Web site. Hunters with disabilities interested in participating in one of these hunts should contact sponsors directly to make arrangements. Sponsors are required to submit a list of participating hunters to DNR by Sept. 1.
To be eligible to participate in the Disabled Deer Hunt, hunters must possess a valid Class A Permit, a long-term Class B Permit issued for more than one year and that authorizes shooting from a vehicle, or a Class C Disabled Hunting Permit.
The gun deer hunt for hunters with disabilities was started in 1990 in Wisconsin to give disabled hunters an opportunity to hunt deer at a time of year when temperatures are generally milder and mobility is less of a problem. The hunts are sponsored by private individuals or organizations and almost entirely take place on privately owned lands.
Interest in the program continues to grow. In 2008, there were more than 100 participating sponsors enrolled and more than 62,000 acres available for the hunt.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Linda Olver - (608) 261-7588
Hunt set for Oct. 3-11, 2009
MADISON – The sign up period for landowners interested in sponsoring a deer hunt open only to hunters with disabilities is open through June 1. In 2009, the disabled hunt will take place Oct. 3-11.
Sponsor applications are available online and must be submitted to your local wildlife manager by June 1. A list of approved sponsors will be posted on the Department of Natural Resources Web site. Hunters with disabilities interested in participating in one of these hunts should contact sponsors directly to make arrangements. Sponsors are required to submit a list of participating hunters to DNR by Sept. 1.
To be eligible to participate in the Disabled Deer Hunt, hunters must possess a valid Class A Permit, a long-term Class B Permit issued for more than one year and that authorizes shooting from a vehicle, or a Class C Disabled Hunting Permit.
The gun deer hunt for hunters with disabilities was started in 1990 in Wisconsin to give disabled hunters an opportunity to hunt deer at a time of year when temperatures are generally milder and mobility is less of a problem. The hunts are sponsored by private individuals or organizations and almost entirely take place on privately owned lands.
Interest in the program continues to grow. In 2008, there were more than 100 participating sponsors enrolled and more than 62,000 acres available for the hunt.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Linda Olver - (608) 261-7588
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Creating a Food Plot Start to Finish: Prepping Your Plot
Creating a Food Plot Start to Finish: Prepping Your Plot
...continued from two previous posts.
You know have sampled your soil, got the soil results back and have the nutrients ready to be applied to your soil. Now what?
Here is the fun part....depending on the size of your plot, you can do this with an ATV and some equipment that can be rented. If you have a larger plot, you will need most likely need a tractor, again you can rent most of this equipment so don't break the bank on a new John Deer, at least not until you realize this is something you plan to do a lot of. I am a frugal person so this is a minor soapbox.
Start by marking your boundaries, either with lathe sticks or posts. This is simply to stay organized and to make sure you measure again and cover your plot with enough nutrients and plot mixture.
If using an ATV or tractor the next tool you will want to use is a cultivator. You can often rent a cultivator at an equipment rental store or even your local implement dealer. I have found it to be very easy to start from the outside boundary and work your way in. This makes it easier to stay within your set boundaries. Another tip I have is, if you have the ability to lower or raise the discs, start the plot by breaking about 3 - 6 inches first to see how many rocks are at the surface. This will allow for you to save the cultivator a few chips and saves you from a little whiplash. Again, if you are using a tractor most of these issues are alleviated so plow away.
Once you have cultivated the area in depth of about 4 - 6 inches, you will want to take another pass over the top of the soil by raising the cultivator. This will take what has been dug up and loosen the soil for easy dragging.
If you haven't guessed, now is the time for dragging the plot. This create a smooth plot and even planting. Most cultivators will come with a drag, if they don't, again you can rent one of these.
Your plot should now be ready for nutrients...give your nutrient time to soak in so you are going to have to water and soak your nutrients or wait for rain. April and May is a great time to lay nutrients, it will give you June and July to lay your seed.
You are very close, next post I will talk about different seeding and crop options.
...continued from two previous posts.
You know have sampled your soil, got the soil results back and have the nutrients ready to be applied to your soil. Now what?
Here is the fun part....depending on the size of your plot, you can do this with an ATV and some equipment that can be rented. If you have a larger plot, you will need most likely need a tractor, again you can rent most of this equipment so don't break the bank on a new John Deer, at least not until you realize this is something you plan to do a lot of. I am a frugal person so this is a minor soapbox.
Start by marking your boundaries, either with lathe sticks or posts. This is simply to stay organized and to make sure you measure again and cover your plot with enough nutrients and plot mixture.
If using an ATV or tractor the next tool you will want to use is a cultivator. You can often rent a cultivator at an equipment rental store or even your local implement dealer. I have found it to be very easy to start from the outside boundary and work your way in. This makes it easier to stay within your set boundaries. Another tip I have is, if you have the ability to lower or raise the discs, start the plot by breaking about 3 - 6 inches first to see how many rocks are at the surface. This will allow for you to save the cultivator a few chips and saves you from a little whiplash. Again, if you are using a tractor most of these issues are alleviated so plow away.
Once you have cultivated the area in depth of about 4 - 6 inches, you will want to take another pass over the top of the soil by raising the cultivator. This will take what has been dug up and loosen the soil for easy dragging.
If you haven't guessed, now is the time for dragging the plot. This create a smooth plot and even planting. Most cultivators will come with a drag, if they don't, again you can rent one of these.
Your plot should now be ready for nutrients...give your nutrient time to soak in so you are going to have to water and soak your nutrients or wait for rain. April and May is a great time to lay nutrients, it will give you June and July to lay your seed.
You are very close, next post I will talk about different seeding and crop options.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
DNR Official Resoponse to Earn-A-Buck
After all the talk, all the meetings, and all the voting, the DNR has released its official reponse to all the noise surrounding the earn-a-buck rule.
Below is the official release which can be found on the Wisconsin DNR website.
DNR Indefinitely Suspends Earn-a-Buck: Will work with hunters, farmers, foresters to develop alternative
News Release Published: April 23, 2009 by the Central Office
Contact(s): Adam Collins (608) 358-3629
MADISON – The Wisconsin Natural Resources Board (the Board) today adopted the Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) recommended fall season structure for the 2009 deer hunt, which includes no Earn-a-Buck units outside of the CWD management zone and 40 fewer deer management units with the October antlerless hunt. Overall, the number of units set to have a regular deer season has increased by 180 percent from 2008. Earn-a-Buck will continue within the CWD management zone during the 2009 season.
The Board also passed a resolution indefinitely suspending Earn-a-Buck and directing the DNR to begin a new process to develop effective, hunter supported alternatives to the program. Units within the CWD zone, where disease management efforts are ongoing, will continue to have Earn-a-Buck until those herds are at goal or effective alternative management strategies are developed. The Board also reaffirmed the importance of achieving a good balance to support Wisconsin’s strong deer hunting tradition and a quality hunt while maintaining a healthy, sustainable deer herd and protecting agriculture, forestry and ecosystems.
DNR Secretary Matt Frank issued the following statement about the action of the Natural Resources Board:
“DNR and the Natural Resources Board hear hunter concerns regarding the 2008 fall deer hunt, DNR deer population estimates, state deer population goals, and Earn-a-Buck regulations. We are not only listening, we are taking action by indefinitely suspending Earn-a-Buck. Concerns have been raised in extensive hearings conducted by the DNR and the legislature throughout the state, as well as by the Conservation Congress and numerous conservation organizations. While we should not underestimate the challenge we face in developing effective alternatives to Earn-a-Buck that will control the deer population where it is over goal, the DNR is strongly committed to working with hunters, landowners and the public to do just that.”
“Beyond finding an alternative to Earn-A-Buck, we will be taking important additional action over the next year. We will review and revise the state’s deer population goals covering the next three years. Strong public input will be critical to that process. We will also review and make necessary improvements to our system for estimating the deer population, including how we measure the impact of winter severity, natural predators, and other factors.”
“We look forward to working with the Natural Resources Board, the Legislature, the Conservation Congress, hunters, landowners, conservation organizations on these important issues.”
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Earn-A-Buck Gone for Good?
The very unpopular program called "earn-a-buck" has gone one step further toward being eliminated completely.
On Wednesday wildlife officials in Wisconsin decided to indefinitely suspended the state's earn-a-buck program outside chronic wasting disease areas.
According to the Northland Newscenter "The Natural Resources Board initially approved a one-year moratorium Wednesday, but then board member Jane Wiley introduced a resolution to go further.
She says hunters are so upset over the program it would be onlya matter of time until state lawmakers stepped in and began managing deer hunting with legislation.
She says the board needs to send the Legislature a strong message that it is serious about halting the program."
On Wednesday wildlife officials in Wisconsin decided to indefinitely suspended the state's earn-a-buck program outside chronic wasting disease areas.
According to the Northland Newscenter "The Natural Resources Board initially approved a one-year moratorium Wednesday, but then board member Jane Wiley introduced a resolution to go further.
She says hunters are so upset over the program it would be onlya matter of time until state lawmakers stepped in and began managing deer hunting with legislation.
She says the board needs to send the Legislature a strong message that it is serious about halting the program."
Monday, April 20, 2009
Alternatives to the Earn-A-Buck Rule?
Alternatives to the Earn-A-Buck Rule?
Ben Halverson
I decided to do more than just voice my opinion and get other hunters from other states opinions on what they feel about having the earn-a-buck rule be a part of their whitetail hunting season. I posted some questions on hunting forums and other blogs, with the hopes of getting some great feedback. I was pleasantly surprised to see so much discussion, constructive no less, about their feelings with the earn-a-buck rule.
I share with you below the comments and discussions I have become a part of.
My question to other hunters:
I recently attended the Spring DNR Hearings here in Wisconsin and was against a controversial rule called earn-a-buck, basically the rule that says in a designated earn-a-buck zone, you must shoot an "anterless" deer before you can harvest a buck.
I wanted to know if there are any other states that do this, and if not, what does your state use for herd control methods. If so, what are your thoughts to earn-a-buck hunting? I plan to place your thoughts on my blog, again at www.WisconsinWhitetail.blogspot.com and let you have the credit if you want me to use your name otherwise it will be "anonymous."
Please help, what are some other methods used by your county or state for herd control methods of whitetail deer?
Replies:
Duckbuster
Posted: Sunday, April 19, 2009 8:47 PM
I think everyone will agree with me on this. Earn-A-Buck stinks!!! Who wants to be told what you have to shoot? If someone want to harvest an antlerless deer, then let them. But, don't FORCE someone to shoot an antlerless deer if they don't want to. Let people make their own minds up. The DNR is a crock of crap. They don't give a darn about the Wisconsin hunters and what they want. Now, for the 2009 deer season at least, we're not having Earn-A-Buck. The CWD units are, but the other units are not. Maybe the DNR got it through their pea-sized brains that hunters are fed up with this bologna AND that there is hardly any deer because of this. It's about time the DNR wakes up!!!
If you are going to post this on your blog or whatever your going to do, just call me by my forum name--Duckbuster."A duck call, like a shotgun, is only as good as the man behind it."
-Phil Robertson, Duck Commander
marks65
Posted: Monday, April 20, 2009 5:51 AM
I don't see a problem with shooting a doe before being able to take a buck, providing for the circumstances. It should be used as a management tool to keep a population in check. From what I've seen here in MI, allowing hunters to decide what they want has caused a decline in bucks and an overabundance in does. To the extent that they held a special week long doe season last year. Now when the population is balance, then let the hunters hunt what they want, but when it's out of balance, then impose the rule. Consider what would happen to the population if all or most of the bucks were taken and all that was left were does. How long would the population be around? May GOD bless your hunting days,
the Thumb MI
Duckbuster
Posted: Monday, April 20, 2009 11:23 AM
Marks65, trust me, you would not want to have earn a buck. The DNR took deer management to a whole new level with this. Now, there's hardly any deer across the state due to earn a buck for the past 4 or 5 years. I guess you would have to have in order to understand it. it sucks!!"A duck call, like a shotgun, is only as good as the man behind it."
-Phil Robertson, Duck Commander
marks65
Posted: Monday, April 20, 2009 11:46 AM
And if you hunted here, you would better understand my view point. Until recently, you were only able to get buck tags over the counter, doe permits had to be applied for and not everyone would be approved. So you're sitting in the woods waiting for a buck, any buck to come along and all you're seeing are does. As I stated, it should only be used as a management tool to keep the population in balance and I'm not referring to 1 buck for each doe, but would a normal herd would have. When that becomes unbalanced, then impose the rule to bring the herd back into balance. Everything in moderation.May GOD bless your hunting days,
the Thumb MI
Duckbuster
Posted: Monday, April 20, 2009 6:11 PM
I don't know, all I know is that this earn a buck got totally out of hand here in WI. No one likes it at all. It imposes on hunters rights. And that's not right at all. The DNR does not run like a democracy should. Yes, you need laws and other rules. But their is a fine line between laws/rules and the DNR CONTROLLING you. I'm not saying the DNR is completely bad, but they do need to clean up their act a little bit over here. They should be here to improve our hunting and fishing heritage, not to hurt and diminish it. "A duck call, like a shotgun, is only as good as the man behind it."
-Phil Robertson, Duck Commander
brews4995
Posted: Monday, April 20, 2009 6:42 PM
The population problem didn't begin until the dnr started handing out more than one tag for a particular season. They should give you one tag for any deer that you wish to shoot, buck or doe. This wouldn't affect the bucks because the hunters that want an older buck will still let the smaller ones go. No more over the counter extra tags for antlerless deer. Is it true the auto insurance companies give the dnr money for every tag they sell so they don't have to pay on insurance claims?
Duckbuster
Posted: Monday, April 20, 2009 8:07 PM
I'll agree with that brew. I do think each person should get one doe and one buck tag however. That wouldn't be a big deal. For bow and gun. 2 tags for each season. I don't know much about the auto insurance. But i would be willing to bet that what you said is true. I know that auto insurance companies have a hard time with auto accidents involving deer though. "A duck call, like a shotgun, is only as good as the man behind it."
-Phil Robertson, Duck Commander
Keep the comments coming, this is leading to great discussion....I will continue to post as I get more of your comments.
Ben Halverson
I decided to do more than just voice my opinion and get other hunters from other states opinions on what they feel about having the earn-a-buck rule be a part of their whitetail hunting season. I posted some questions on hunting forums and other blogs, with the hopes of getting some great feedback. I was pleasantly surprised to see so much discussion, constructive no less, about their feelings with the earn-a-buck rule.
I share with you below the comments and discussions I have become a part of.
My question to other hunters:
I recently attended the Spring DNR Hearings here in Wisconsin and was against a controversial rule called earn-a-buck, basically the rule that says in a designated earn-a-buck zone, you must shoot an "anterless" deer before you can harvest a buck.
I wanted to know if there are any other states that do this, and if not, what does your state use for herd control methods. If so, what are your thoughts to earn-a-buck hunting? I plan to place your thoughts on my blog, again at www.WisconsinWhitetail.blogspot.com and let you have the credit if you want me to use your name otherwise it will be "anonymous."
Please help, what are some other methods used by your county or state for herd control methods of whitetail deer?
Replies:
Duckbuster
Posted: Sunday, April 19, 2009 8:47 PM
I think everyone will agree with me on this. Earn-A-Buck stinks!!! Who wants to be told what you have to shoot? If someone want to harvest an antlerless deer, then let them. But, don't FORCE someone to shoot an antlerless deer if they don't want to. Let people make their own minds up. The DNR is a crock of crap. They don't give a darn about the Wisconsin hunters and what they want. Now, for the 2009 deer season at least, we're not having Earn-A-Buck. The CWD units are, but the other units are not. Maybe the DNR got it through their pea-sized brains that hunters are fed up with this bologna AND that there is hardly any deer because of this. It's about time the DNR wakes up!!!
If you are going to post this on your blog or whatever your going to do, just call me by my forum name--Duckbuster."A duck call, like a shotgun, is only as good as the man behind it."
-Phil Robertson, Duck Commander
marks65
Posted: Monday, April 20, 2009 5:51 AM
I don't see a problem with shooting a doe before being able to take a buck, providing for the circumstances. It should be used as a management tool to keep a population in check. From what I've seen here in MI, allowing hunters to decide what they want has caused a decline in bucks and an overabundance in does. To the extent that they held a special week long doe season last year. Now when the population is balance, then let the hunters hunt what they want, but when it's out of balance, then impose the rule. Consider what would happen to the population if all or most of the bucks were taken and all that was left were does. How long would the population be around? May GOD bless your hunting days,
the Thumb MI
Duckbuster
Posted: Monday, April 20, 2009 11:23 AM
Marks65, trust me, you would not want to have earn a buck. The DNR took deer management to a whole new level with this. Now, there's hardly any deer across the state due to earn a buck for the past 4 or 5 years. I guess you would have to have in order to understand it. it sucks!!"A duck call, like a shotgun, is only as good as the man behind it."
-Phil Robertson, Duck Commander
marks65
Posted: Monday, April 20, 2009 11:46 AM
And if you hunted here, you would better understand my view point. Until recently, you were only able to get buck tags over the counter, doe permits had to be applied for and not everyone would be approved. So you're sitting in the woods waiting for a buck, any buck to come along and all you're seeing are does. As I stated, it should only be used as a management tool to keep the population in balance and I'm not referring to 1 buck for each doe, but would a normal herd would have. When that becomes unbalanced, then impose the rule to bring the herd back into balance. Everything in moderation.May GOD bless your hunting days,
the Thumb MI
Duckbuster
Posted: Monday, April 20, 2009 6:11 PM
I don't know, all I know is that this earn a buck got totally out of hand here in WI. No one likes it at all. It imposes on hunters rights. And that's not right at all. The DNR does not run like a democracy should. Yes, you need laws and other rules. But their is a fine line between laws/rules and the DNR CONTROLLING you. I'm not saying the DNR is completely bad, but they do need to clean up their act a little bit over here. They should be here to improve our hunting and fishing heritage, not to hurt and diminish it. "A duck call, like a shotgun, is only as good as the man behind it."
-Phil Robertson, Duck Commander
brews4995
Posted: Monday, April 20, 2009 6:42 PM
The population problem didn't begin until the dnr started handing out more than one tag for a particular season. They should give you one tag for any deer that you wish to shoot, buck or doe. This wouldn't affect the bucks because the hunters that want an older buck will still let the smaller ones go. No more over the counter extra tags for antlerless deer. Is it true the auto insurance companies give the dnr money for every tag they sell so they don't have to pay on insurance claims?
Duckbuster
Posted: Monday, April 20, 2009 8:07 PM
I'll agree with that brew. I do think each person should get one doe and one buck tag however. That wouldn't be a big deal. For bow and gun. 2 tags for each season. I don't know much about the auto insurance. But i would be willing to bet that what you said is true. I know that auto insurance companies have a hard time with auto accidents involving deer though. "A duck call, like a shotgun, is only as good as the man behind it."
-Phil Robertson, Duck Commander
Keep the comments coming, this is leading to great discussion....I will continue to post as I get more of your comments.
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