MADISON, Wis. (WSAU-Wheeler News) — While parts of the state were buried under snow, that white cover was just what Wisconsin deer hunters wanted to see.
Initial reports from the Department of Natural Resources say deer tag sales were up by about 12,000 over last year on opening day.
At the same time, the new registration system is getting mixed reviews as the 164th gun deer season gets under way. For the first time, hunters who got their deer didn’t have to bring it to a registration station. They could accomplish that online or over-the-phone. One unnamed hunter said it took about 10 minutes. Others wondered about the economic impact on the registration locations. They also said they missed the camaraderie of seeing friends again and “seeing what they got.”