The 2009 gun deer season is quickly approaching, and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources would like to help you prepare for the season.Remember to review the deer hunting regulations before you hit the field. Deer regulation booklets are available at DNR licensing locations, and can be found online:
http://dnr.wi.gov/org/land/wildlife/regs/. DNR Customer Service staff would be happy to assist you if you have questions regarding the hunting regulations. You may contact the DNR Call Center, toll free at 1-888-WDNRINFo (1-888-936-7463). The Call Center is open 7 days a week from 7am - 10pm.
Many deer management units (DMU) have changed unit designations and tagging regulations since 2008. Please review the season structure map and tagging regulations in your unit:
http://dnr.wi.gov/org/land/wildlife/HUNT/DEER/dmu.htm * There are more "Regular" units this year (appears as solid white units on map). In these units, gun hunters who wish to tag an antlerless deer must have a unit-specific antlerless tag. These limited quantity tags must be purchased in addition to your normal hunting license. These tags are sold on a first-come, first-serve basis. Some Regular units will not have any antlerless tags available this year, and others have already sold out. Check the tag availability online and act quickly if tags are running low for your unit:
http://dnr.wi.gov/org/caer/cs/BonusAvailability.htm. The free antlerless tag that automatically comes with your license is not valid in Regular units.
* Herd Control Units (appears as shaded units on map) - Many of these units were formerly Earn-a-Buck (EAB) units in 2008. Hunters are no longer required to pre-qualify for a buck by harvesting an antlerless deer first in these units. A free "Antlerless Deer Carcass Tag" comes with your license, which is valid in these units. Unlimited, additional "Antlerless Herd Control Carcass Tags" can be purchased any time after you purchase a 2009 deer hunting license.
* CWD Management Units (appears as white cross-hatched units on the map) - The same season dates and tagging requirements will apply this year as 2008. Earn-a-Buck regulations are still in effect for CWD units. Hunters that have saved a yellow "2008-2009" Buck Authorization Sticker from last year are eligible to tag a buck in these units this year. Or, hunters can earn-a-buck by tagging an antlerless deer in 2009. Hunters must request an orange "2009-2010" Buck Authorization Sticker at the deer registration station for each antlerless deer they tag and register. Stickers will not be mailed out to hunters.
Hunters who suspect violations are occurring in the field can contact the DNR TIP line at 1-800-TIP-WDNR (1-800-847-9367). Best wishes for a safe and enjoyable hunt!
