Deer Hunting Opening on Plum Island by Permit

Plum Island. Photo by Dan Eggert.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is partnering with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources to implement a Nuisance Deer Control Program on Plum Island in the Green Bay National Wildlife Refuge. There is an overabundance of deer, which are impacting sensitive plant communities. Controlling the deer on Plum Island will have a positive impact on forest regeneration and the rare plant community of this alvar ecosystem.

A maximum of 30 deer are able to be harvested to meet the conservation objectives of the nuisance deer program. There is not a limit to the number of tags each group may fill. When all 30 of the nuisance tags have been filled, all subsequent groups will be notified, and the nuisance control program will end for the year.  There will be thirteen six-day time periods between October 3 to December 31 for which applicants may apply to harvest deer.

A random drawing will be used to determine which period applicants will be able to hunt. Applicants will be allowed to take up to eight people with them to hunt.

The drawing will be held on Washington Island in the Rutledge Room, at 1pm on September 10. It is not mandatory to be present the day of the drawing.

For application instructions and Special Use Permit Application forms, visit the Green Bay National Wildlife Refuge website. Hover over the “Visit” link near the top of the page, and click on the “Permits” link.  https://www.fws.gov/refuge/Green_Bay/.

Questions should be directed to Dustan Hoffman at 920.948.5037.

Completed applications should be e-mailed to [email protected] or mailed to

Horicon NWR Complex, W4279 Headquarters Road, Mayville, WI  53050

Completed Special Use Permit Applications must be received by mail or e-mail by 4pm on September 6. Applications will also be accepted on site the day of the drawing.