Wisconsin’s hunters are preparing for the 2024 season with an uncertain outlook. The Deer Advisory Councils from Vilas and Oneida counties have been meeting recently, and their game management tactics are not exactly the same. This could affect the number of doe tags available in these areas.
- 🦌 Vilas County increased antlerless deer quota despite hunter objections.
- 🦌 Oneida County responded to public input by lowering deer quota recommendations.
Proposed Legislation: A Potential Shift in Doe Harvest
A proposed regulation might significantly impact deer reduction in northern Wisconsin, adding to the conversation’s complexity. This rule aims to halt deer hunting in this region over the next four years. Even though the future of this draft legislation isn’t definite, it undoubtedly underscores the strong sentiments about deer preservation strategies in the area.
Vilas County Increases Antlerless Quota
Folks who hunt deer in Vilas County, aiming for antlerless for the 2024 season, might see some more chances than in 2023. The community’s CDAC in Vilas County decided to increase both the quota and the tags for antlerless. They did this even when hunters asked for fewer. This choice shows what the county thinks about deer living in the area. They think there are 19 deer in each square mile of space. Wildlife experts think this is too many.
Oneida County Reduces Antlerless Quota
Oneida County CDAC folks took an alternate route, they chose to value public opinion. So, for 2024, they’ve cut down antlerless quotas. The choice reflects possible shifts in deer numbers and strives for a balanced, robust population.
Bonus Antlerless Tags and Deer Hunting Season Dates:
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) starts selling bonus antlerless harvest authorizations in August. These extra tags give hunters the chance to hunt more antlerless than usual quota limits. The timeline to buy these bonus tags changes depending on the deer management zone.
Despite variations in doe tag availability, the WDNR anticipates a robust deer season in 2024. Their preliminary forecast predicts a buck harvest near 150,000 animals, contributing to a total harvest exceeding 300,000 deer statewide. The 2024-2025 season offers a variety of opportunities for hunters, with archery and crossbow hunts running from September 14th, 2024 to January 5th, 2025. A dedicated youth deer hunt occurs on October 5th-6th, followed by the gun hunt for hunters with disabilities from October 5th-13th. The regular gun deer hunt takes place from November 23rd to December 1st, with muzzleloader enthusiasts getting their chance from December 2nd-11th. A statewide antlerless-only hunt runs December 12th-15th, and select Farmland (Zone 2) counties can participate in an additional antlerless-only holiday hunt from December 24th, 2024 to January 1st, 2025.
Planning Your Wisconsin Doe Hunt
If you’re aiming for a 2024 Wisconsin doe hunt, these resources can help:
- WDNR Deer Hunting Page: . The WDNR Deer Hunting Page is important. It’s filled with deer hunting rules, DMUs, and bonus tags.
- Hunt Wild Wisconsin App: It’s a free app by the WDNR filled with handy tools like maps, rules, and CWD sample station locations. Wrapping up, remember to check doe tag availability. (https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/)
Conclusion
Available doe tags in Wisconsin depends on different things. It focuses on deer numbers in certain DMUs and maybe new laws. Hunters, you need to stay in the know. Just check the WDNR site and follow new laws that might change doe hunting chances.
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