Gun Deer Season Opens In Two Weeks
The 2011 gun deer season opens on Nov. 19, and, barring bad weather, wildlife officials say all the pieces are in place for successful season.
“I sincerely hope everyone who enjoys and cherishes the traditions and excitement of deer hunting can find time to spend sharing these special days with family and friends,” said Department of Natural Resources Secretary Cathy Stepp. “Wisconsin is a special place when it comes to deer and deer hunting and I want to wish everyone a safe, enjoyable and successful hunt.”
While portions of the state (96 deer management units) are included in Herd Control or CWD seasons that allow for addition harvest to curtail growth, 38 deer management units (DMUs) will have limited or no antlerless harvest to regulate or allow for herd growth, under the in the 2011 deer season structure.
This year, eight DMUs in the northern forest will have buck-only hunting during the archery and gun deer seasons. Some exceptions may apply to qualified members of the U.S. Armed Forces who are home on furlough or leave, Class A and C disabled permit hunters and youth ages 10 through 17 who have an unused any DMU antlerless tag (see 2011 Deer Hunting Regulations booklet for details. The Dec. 8 to Dec. 11 antlerless-only hunt will still be held statewide; however, in the eight units where zero antlerless tags are available, only hunters who qualify under the exceptions listed above will be eligible to hunt.
New in 2011, youth hunters ages 10 through 17 who purchase a firearm deer license will automatically be issued an antlerless permit that can be used with gun or bow in any DMU statewide.
The elimination of earn-a-buck outside of the CWD management zone in 2009 allowed hunters to take bucks and pass on antlerless deer.
Hunters are reminded that coyote hunting is closed in approximately the northern third of the state if any gun or muzzleloader deer hunt is in progress. See the 2011 Wisconsin Deer Hunting or Small Game Regulations for the southern boundary of the closed area. As with all hunting seasons, hunters are reminded to be absolutely sure of their target before they shoot.