(WNFL) – With the gun deer season just days away, the rut is in full swing. Hunters, here’s a look around the area.
In Shawano County, rut activity is peaking in northern Waupaca and western Shawano County. Many impressive deer have been harvested and bucks have been viewed throughout the day. Now is the time to get in the woods and spend some quality time hunting.
In Brown County the leaves have almost completely dropped and the rut is in full swing. Bucks have been seen chasing does, and car-deer collision have significantly increased. At this time of the year, drivers need to watch for deer at all hours of the day. Although the number of duck hunters were up over the weekend, the success of the hunt was not. Most duck hunters are hoping for some cooler weather to get the ducks moving. Lastly, several questions have come in regarding the legality of transporting crossbows. When transporting a crossbow in or on a motorized vehicle (trucks and ATVs, etc.) crossbows need to be uncocked unless they are in a case. Accidently dry firing a crossbow could cause some major damage, and is the reason behind this law.
In Waupaca County, tut seems to be slowing down, deer now out feeding in evenings without chasing each other around. Tons of geese around, feeding in freshly picked corn fields. – Karl Kramer, wildlife technician, Wautoma
In Waushara, the rut is on here in Waushara County, multiple large bucks have been taken over the last five days. WARNING – Motorist need to be on the lookout as deer vs car collisions have been on the rise as well and will likely continue to increase over the coming weeks. Deer are running all times of the day, but dawn and dusk are still the most dangerous for us and them on the roadways so take your time and be on the lookout. Waterfowl hunting may be starting to pick up as some more divers have been seen migrating, but hunting is still tough as birds really have not been pushed from the north. With the unbelievable weather we have been having though you will not beat any activity that you choose to do outdoors from hiking the Ice Age Trail, grouse hunting, bow hunting, waterfowl hunting, or fishing in Waushara County. Get out and do something before the snow starts to fly! – Ben Mott, conservation warden, Wautoma
