Final 2011 deer harvest numbers available

Harvest and population goals discussed at ongoing deer hunter forums

MADISON – Final 2011 deer harvest numbers and statewide deer population estimates are now available in Wisconsin, and the Department of Natural Resources is asking hunters and other interested citizens to attend one of many deer forums in the state to provide comments as the department begins developing recommendations for 2012.

Hunters registered a total of 347,711 white-tailed deer in all combined deer hunting seasons in 2011, including 257,511 harvested in all gun seasons, and 90,200 harvested in the archery season.

The recently finalized harvest numbers are being shared with the public at the deer hunter forums, which continue through the end of March.

“Last year’s harvest numbers are just one piece of information that hunters provide every fall when they register a deer, and the information is used to help estimate the size of the deer population on a unit by unit basis. This information, along with the input provided by the public all help to shape the season framework proposal, and quotas, that we’ll propose to the Natural Resources Board in late April,” said Kevin Wallenfang, DNR Big Game Ecologist.
In addition to department staff being on hand to answer questions and provide information on the deer herd, the focus of these forums is to seek input from hunters and those interested in deer.
"All comments will be taken into consideration when we make decisions about the upcoming season. It is important for deer hunters to understand that population estimates are just one of the factors that go into the annual decision making process for establishing the upcoming season. Another important factor is input from the public. You can provide your observations and input at one of our remaining Deer Hunter Forums," added Wallenfang.

The harvest totals for 2011 are available on the Department of Natural Resources website and can be found by searching the keyword “deer harvest.” Harvest figures are broken down by buck or antlerless deer in each of 136 deer management units and county by deer season type.

Anyone who missed a forum in their area, still has an opportunity to participate by using the new on-line survey. Go to the DNR website and type in keywords "deer hunter forum." In its first week of use, more than 2,000 people reviewed information about their favorite deer management unit, filled out the survey, and provided written comments.

“We’ve been getting a lot of positive feedback on the survey option and the efforts we’ve undertaken to get the word out on the forums and the survey,” stated Wallenfang. “I want to encourage everyone interested in deer to attend a deer hunter forum to give their perspective on the 2011 season, or please fill out the survey. Our goal is to make the fall seasons enjoyable for hunters while at the same time addressing all the other factors that make deer management so challenging in Wisconsin.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Kevin Wallenfang 608-261-7589 or Bill Cosh 608-264-2773

Source WI DNR - http://dnr.wi.gov/news/DNRNews_article_Lookup.asp?id=2077

Wisconsin Deer Trustee

James Kroll, also known as Dr. Deer - deer management review

Wisconsin Department of Administration has retained an expert to study Wisconsin's deer herd management practices. Learn more [PDF exit DNR]

Interim report of findings by Wisconsin white-tailed deer trustee and review committee. Review report [PDF]. Disclaimer: This is a report by an independent contractor. It does not represent the official position of the department.

Wisconsin's deer trustee to hold six town hall meetings around Wisconsin from April 16-21. Learn more

Contact James Kroll, also known as Dr. Deer
Whitetail deer trustee
PO Box 6109
SFA Station
Nacogdoches TX 75962


Source: WI  DNR - http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/wildlifeHabitat/trustee.html

Be an active participant in Wisconsin's deer management program!

Two ways to participate.

• Attend local deer forum. March 7-29, 2012.
• Participate in the deer forums from your home by reviewing DMU information and providing input through our online survey. March 7-April 3, 2012.

Source: WI DNR - http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/hunt/deer.html

New firearm rules take effect on opening day of gun deer hunt

MADISON -- New legislation signed Friday by Gov. Scott Walker modifies state law concerning the manner in which long-barreled firearms, bows and crossbows can be transported in motor vehicles or placed in or on stationary vehicles.

The new law will be published in time to take effect Nov. 19, opening day of the traditional, nine-day, 2011 gun deer season.

In its essence, the new law can be boiled down to a single statement, said Tim Lawhern, DNR division of enforcement and science administrator.

“Unless otherwise prohibited, you can carry a long gun, uncased and unloaded, in or on a motor vehicle in Wisconsin at any time,” Lawhern said. The DNR has prepared a frequently asked questions on Wis. Act 51 page that available on the law enforcement pages of the DNR website.

While the law has changed, Lawhern said, there will still be many people who will continue to use a carrying case to transport unloaded firearms in motor vehicles, as hunters have been and will continue to be advised in hunter education courses.

“It’s a great way to protect your investment in your firearms,” Lawhern said.

As is always the case with a new law, Lawhern said, the first year is an educational opportunity.

DNR chief warden Randy Stark has already provided the state’s warden force with detailed instructions on the new law and its enforcement. Wardens will use a mix of enforcement, communication and education to help hunters understand and comply with the new law, Lawhern said.

“We are always ready to help people in the field, to answer their questions and to provide advice,” Lawhern said.

Here are a few things hunters might need to know about the new law:

• A caveat to the uncased long gun rule – the new legislation does not change Wisconsin law regulating the practice of shining (illuminating) wild animals at night with artificial light. It will still be illegal to possess a firearm of any kind, loaded or unloaded, while shining wild animals.
• The new law allows individuals to hunt from a stationary non-motorized vehicle, such as a hay wagon, so long as it is not attached to a motor vehicle. Previously, hunting from any vehicle was prohibited, without the distinction of whether the vehicle was motorized or stationary. This change previously had been sought by warden administrators. “People used to have to take one or more wheels off the hay wagon to comply with the letter of the law,” Lawhern said.
• It will be legal to possess and transport uncased bows and crossbows in a vehicle. However, bows may not have an arrow nocked. A crossbow may not be cocked unless it is unloaded (meaning the bolt or arrow is removed) and cased.
• When in or on a vehicle which is stationary, long guns can be both uncased and loaded. A stationary vehicle can have the motor running. “Stationary” means not moving, regardless of whether the motor is running. This allows a hunter, at a stationary vehicle, to place a loaded gun on a clean, dry surface.

Wisconsin hunters, as a group, are among the best trained and safest hunters in the world, said Lawhern. This is thanks in large part to the legions of volunteer hunter safety instructors who donate their time each year to educate new hunters.

“Our hunters have established an enviable safety record,” Lawhern said. “We fully expect the vast majority of hunters in Wisconsin will continue to use common sense and safe practices when handling firearms. For most of us, these practices have become second nature.”

Here are the four basic rules of gun safety, as taught in hunter education:

• Treat every firearm as if it is loaded.
• Always point the muzzle in a safe direction.
• Be certain of your target and what’s beyond.
• Keep your finger outside the trigger guard until ready to shoot.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Tim Lawhern, DNR enforcement and science division administrator, (608) 264-6133

Source: Wisconsin DNR(http://dnr.wi.gov/news/DNRNews_Lookup.asp?id=300#art2)