PHOTO: Courtesy of Wisconsin DNR
GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Wisconsin’s gun deer opener is Saturday, and hunters across the state are preparing for what many consider a holiday tradition.
Steve Burns, a wildlife biologist with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), said while many people think the forecast impacts deer movement, weather conditions are not a significant factor.
“Deer are going to move no matter what. They live in the forest or in the field year round,” Burns said.
But while steady rain and wind can affect deer activity, wind direction is more crucial.
“They interact with their environment primarily through their nose,” Burns explained, advising hunters to be mindful of their scent.
This year’s gun deer opener falls later than usual, and will likely have an affect on hunting conditions.
“We’re missing kind of the peak rut activity that you can catch with an earlier gun season,” Burns noted, which may reduce buck movement during hunting hours. Despite this, Wisconsin’s deer population remains high, with nearly 2 million deer statewide.
Non-hunters also benefit from the hunting season, as tax dollars from hunting contribute to conservation efforts.
“While you might not hunt, you directly benefit from the tax dollars that go into conservation,” Burns said.
The DNR reminds hunters to be aware of Deer Management Units (DMUs) changes in the Northwoods and to ensure they have the correct permits.
New hunters are encouraged to explore Learn to Hunt programs for additional guidance.
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