Navigation

2016 Deer Hunt Begins Nov. 19

Outdoor enthusiasts should take note that the nine-day gun deer season opens Nov. 19. That means many county and state parks, as well as nature preserves operated by The Nature Conservancy and the Door County Land Trust, are open to hunting, with some exceptions.

For example, Peninsula State Park allows only muzzleloading hunting during the gun deer season. Deer hunting is permitted in certain county parks, but a permission slip is required and can be obtained from the Parks Department at 920.746.9959.

The Door County Land Trust asks that hunters either contact the land trust before hunting, either by completing a hunter information form on its website (doorcountylandtrust.org) or send an email with name, address, telephone number and when you intend to hunt to [email protected].

The following properties are not open for any hunting seasons: Bay Shore Blufflands – Ram’s Head Unit and Goetz Tract; Boo’s Bluff Natural Area; Covalt Natural Area; Dammon-Welcker Natural Area; Erskine Woods Natural Area; Griffin Woods Natural Area; Haswell Natural Area; Indian Point Natural Area; Lily Bay Natural Area; Washington Harbor Scenic Overlook.

State wildlife officials are enthusiastic about the prospects for the 2016 season.

“As expected, the early archery and crossbow harvests are ahead of last year harvest-wise,” said Kevin Wallenfang, big game ecologist for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. “We are hearing many hunters report increased deer numbers in many areas of Wisconsin. With good hunting conditions throughout the season, I would expect that many hunters will see a few more deer than recent years and experience a good gun deer hunt.”

Wallenfang also noted that hunters need to become familiar with a few new rules that go into effect this year, ranging from tagging requirements and baiting restrictions to new buck-only units.

This year marks the second year of electronic deer registration through GameReg. Many hunters who used it in 2015 enjoyed the added convenience. Hunters who did not harvest a deer in 2015 or are new to hunting are encouraged to use a number of resources available to learn more about GameReg.

For complete 2016 deer hunting regulation information, visit dnr.wi.gov/files/PDF/pubs/wm/WM0431.pdf.

Article Comments