DNR wants your input for the 2010, 2011 deer hunting seasons.

[DonBo]

The department will be hosting a series of 11 hearings throughout the state beginning October 14 to gather public input on a proposed deer season package for 2010 and 2011. The proposal came from a special advisory study committee made up of hunting groups and other deer stakeholders assigned by the Natural Resources Board (NRB) to find an alternative to the earn-a-buck program that attempts to balance herd control effectiveness with hunter and landowner acceptance. Public comments will be sought on the proposed season structure versus the current season structure with earn-a-buck requirements.

Complete hearing information and components to the deer season proposal can be found on the Wisconsin DNR HSOforum:

http://dnr.wi.gov/org/caer/ce/news/hearmeet.html#hearings

http://dnr.wi.gov/news/BreakingNews_Lookup.asp?id=1432

Those who are unable to attend a hearing can comment online. Official comments will not be considered until the dates in which the hearings will be held: October 14 through November 3, 2009. A button will be available beginning October 14 on the DNR's "Deer Hunting in Wisconsin" web page, in the "Current Focus" box, which will be linked to an online comment form. http://dnr.wi.gov/org/land/wildlife/hunt/deer/index.htm

The NRB Special Advisory Study Committee's report to the NRB can be found on their HSOforum: http://deerherd.editme.com/

[Cooter]

Hmmmmm.....finally took a peek at it - lots of info, a better summary section would have been nice.

Not sure a 16 day regular firearms season is the answer - or should I say part of the answer. If they do go that route I hope they don't move the open day a week earlier. Getting way too close the rut IMO and you end up killing more and smaller bucks and fewer does.

Need to spend some more time pondering over the info. Lots of tough questions to be answered. I'll be sending in an online comment.

[Bowfin]

Starting the Wisconsin season a week earlier would conflict with my Minnesota rifle season.

[Cooter]

Last day to post your comments online!!! Please take a look especially at the 1st item in the proposal - which changes the Nov firearms season to 16 days and moves the opener of it to 2 weekends before Thanksgiving. Bad idea IMO - great way to kill more bucks and fewer does, which is/was the purpose of EAB and now this alternative proposal.