Plum Island Nuisance Deer Control Program

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 of the Green Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Controlling the deer on Plum Island will have a positive impact on forest regeneration and the rare plant community of this alvar ecosystem. Currently, there is an overabundance of deer, which are impacting sensitive plant communities.

A maximum of 20 deer can 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, up to a total of 20 tags. When all the tags have been filled, all subsequent groups will be notified, and the nuisance control program will end for the year.

The seven following six-day time periods are when applicants can apply to harvest deer: Nov. 15-20; Nov. 22-27; Nov. 29-Dec. 4; Dec. 6-11; Dec. 13-18; Dec. 20-25; Dec. 27-31. A random drawing will be used to designate time periods for groups, up to seven groups.

Group sizes must range from two to eight participants, and a designated Group Leader must complete the application process. Completed Special Use Permit Applications must be received by mail or email by 4 pm on Nov. 10.

Questions should be directed to Dustan Hoffman at 920.948.5037. Completed applications should be emailed to [email protected] or mailed to Horicon NWR Complex, W4279 Headquarters Road, Mayville, WI 53050. For application information visit fws.gov/refuge/Green_Bay/visit/permits.html.