As a result of the hearings held by Rep. Hraychuck and Senator Holperin, The letter attached was sent to DNR Secretary Matt Frank prior to the Natural Resources Board hearing today (Wednesday April 22 ).
I am pleased about the wording in this letter. It's clear that the testimony of those involved had an impact on legislators. While no one group is named specifically (short of the mention of organized sporting groups) it's clear that the hunting groups that took the time to show up and testify were well received and our message was loud and clear. A word of thanks to the Bear and Turkey hunter groups, the Hunter's Rights Coalition, Wisconsin Hunters United, Hunters Alliance for Regulatory Communications as well as other groups for standing together for deer hunters (both bow and gun). Most importantly, special thanks should be extended to both Rep. Hraychuck and Senator Holperin for conducting these hearings that addressed the concerns of deer hunters.
The wording in the letter below says it well. "EAB should be suspended indefinitely."
The process of correcting this situation has begun and hopefully the above mentioned groups will be asked to have a role in improvements that will hopefully be made to population estimates in whatever capacity we are able. Other states like Iowa use Bowhunter field observation surveys as a way of monitoring population trends. Due to the extended period of time bowhunters are in the woods, these groups would do well to implement a voluntary field observer program to assist the Dept. in monitoring local deer populations. These groups might also consider volunteering for the independent deer counts mentioned in the attached letter or making a donation to an independent group that performs such a task. Assisting the Dept. in obtaining accurate deer population estimates is something in which we should all have an interest.
Thanks to all that attended.
