Science & Outdoors
DNR proposes new changes for 2010 deer season
The Pointer
jtowl695@uwsp.edu
Properly tagging and registering deer in the past allows hunters to participate in a current decision-making process that may drastically affect upcoming seasons. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is proposing a new framework for the 2010 gun season. The changes will depend on public feedback, and will result in various different attitudes going into next year’s season.
Public hearings, which began on Oct. 14, seek input on the proposed changes. The DNR will hold a total of 11 hearings until Nov. 3. According to the DNR Web site, “the proposed season framework includes:
1. November firearm season: Statewide 16-day beginning two Saturdays prior to the Thanksgiving holiday. Chronic Wasting Disease zone would use the same dates. Season would be the normal bucks plus variable quota system.
2. Archery seasons: Open statewide on the Saturday closest to Sept. 15 and continues through the Thursday immediately prior to November firearm season. Statewide season reopens on first day of the November gun season and continuing through the second Sunday in January. In herd-control units, the archery season would continue through January 31. Bonus buck incentive (see below) for all hunters beginning Dec. 26 through Jan. 31 in herd control units. CWD zone would use the same dates.
3. Youth season: Statewide 5-day either-sex season beginning the second Saturday in October. Saturday through Wednesday. Dates will be the same as #4 and #5.
4. Early muzzleloader season: Statewide 5-day, antlerless-only by permit beginning the second Saturday in October. Saturday through Wednesday. Dates will be the same as #3 and #5.
5. October herd control firearm seasons: Herd control units only. Five-day, antlerless-only season beginning the second Saturday in October. CWD October season would use same dates. Saturday through Wednesday. Dates will be the same as #3 and #4.
6. October herd control firearm seasons in the Kettle Moraine State Forest: When October herd control seasons are held on lands that are part of the Kettle Moraine State Forest, the five-day season on Kettle Moraine State Forest property will begin on the Thursday nearest Oct. 27.
7. Late muzzleloader season: Statewide seven-day season beginning the Monday immediately following the November firearm season (Bucks plus quota). CWD zone would use the same dates.
8. December firearm season: Central Forest and Farmland zones. Four-day, antlerless-only season beginning the Thursday immediately following the late muzzleloader season. Appropriate antlerless permit required. CWD zone would use the same dates.
9. Holiday herd control firearm season: Central Forest and Farmland zones. Herd control units only, 10-day antlerless season with a bonus buck incentive beginning Dec. 26th.
10. CWD zone: same dates as outlined above.
11. Bonus Buck Incentive: Hunters harvesting an antlerless deer in herd control units after Dec. 25 will receive a bonus buck tag valid through the end of all deer seasons.
12. Public land tags: Herd control units only. Herd control tags will be specific to public or private lands. Public land tags will be limited based on the proportion of deer range under state, county or federal ownership within herd control units.”
When reaching a decision, the DNR will take public comments at these hearings into consideration. Legislature will review the subjected proposal this winter. The changes to deer season may have a drastic impact on the success of future seasons.
The final hearing will be held in Stevens Point on Nov. 3 at 6:30 p.m. in Conference Room 1 of the Portage County Courthouse Annex located at 1462 Strongs Avenue. If you feel strongly about the issues presented, but are unable to attend the local hearing, you can comment on the proposal or learn more by visiting the DNR Web site at http://dnr.wi.gov.
