County Deer Advisory Councils to gather feedback on season recommendations

Antlerless quota, permit levels, and season structure; final meetings in April

MADISON -- County Deer Advisory Councils will release their preliminary antlerless deer quota, permit level, and season structure recommendations for the 2018 deer hunting season next week. An online public comment period will begin April 2 and run through April 12 to collect feedback on these preliminary recommendations.

To view your county's recommendations and provide feedback, visit dnr.wi.gov and search keyword "CDAC."

Antlerless quota recommendations and hunter success rates from previous hunts help determine the number of antlerless tags available for the 2018 deer hunting season, and help the Department of Natural Resources and councils work to reach deer population objectives within their county.

"The impact that CDACs are having on deer hunting in Wisconsin is impressive and growing," said Kevin Wallenfang, DNR big game ecologist. "The public has a real voice in local deer management, and the council members weigh their decisions heavily on public feedback. So, if you have an interest in helping to shape the deer season in your county, this is an important opportunity."

Wallenfang says that CDACs are considering a variety of factors like harvest data, population trends, and winter severity when they discuss harvest objectives and tag levels for 2018.

After the public comment period has ended, each council will reconvene during the week of April 16-19 to evaluate public feedback and determine final recommendations for the 2018 deer seasons which will be adopted by the Natural Resources Board in May. All meetings are open to the public and provide the opportunity for attendees to address the council. Meeting details for each county can be found at dnr.wi.gov and search keyword "CDAC."

Contact(s): Kevin Wallenfang, DNR big game ecologist, 608-261-7589
Source: https://dnr.wi.gov/News/Weekly/#art1