Turn Your Property Into a Deer Destination

Landowners may join DMAP year-round, but the deadline to be eligible for a site visit in 2022 is March 1. Photo credit: iStock/Charlie Dobbs.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is hosting an open house to share information about its Deer Management Assistance Program (DMAP) via Zoom on Feb. 16, 6 pm.

DMAP is a cooperative effort among the DNR, landowners and hunters to provide habitat and deer-herd-management assistance to those who are interested in managing their property for wildlife. DNR wildlife and forestry staff members assist landowners with management practices that consider the ecological and social impacts that white-tailed deer have on the landscape, and in return, DMAP participants can choose to share habitat information, collect biological data and participate in workshops.

Landowners with properties of any size may enroll in DMAP at any time. Those who enroll 160 acres or more in DMAP by March 1 will be eligible for a site visit from a DNR wildlife biologist and forester, as well as a customized management plan. Those with fewer than 160 acres may combine acreage with neighboring landowners to reach the 160-acre requirement and enroll as a DMAP cooperative.

Visit dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/WildlifeHabitat/DMAP.html to find out more and apply. Register in advance to reserve a spot for the virtual open house.