I just finally found the number I've been wanting to know: the desired herd size according to the DNR: 730,000 or 733,000. If my memory serves me, they recently estimated the herd size at 1.2 million so they're looking for about a 40% herd size reduction.
As I was searching the DNR site, I also stumbled upon this chart that shows how the DNR views the population by hunting unit. Though the categories are very broad, it gives you a more specific idea how the DNR views your hunting unit than just "herd control" or "regular."
I was reading tonight about harvest numbers in the Northern end, some counties were down as much as 40 - 49% in buck harvest. Add that to last years and thats a heck of a drop in the buck deer harvest.
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"Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, a total wreck, screaming Yahoo, with a big smile on your face."
The state of Wi. is under such pressure from the insurance co. because of car-deer acciedents, that the DNR is only concerned about cutting the deer herd. The big ( chronic wasting scare ) didn't work to achieve what they wanted. What can we do as hunters, attend the Conservation Congress Hearings in your area and make your voice heard.
The goals are listed in the links I have at the beginning: 733,000 deer total, statewide. That number is reached by aiming for a herd that is 60-65% of the land's carrying capacity in the forested areas. They aim for a significantly lower (but unspecified) percentage of the land's carrying capacity in agricultural and urbanized areas because those areas can carry more deer and the interaction between deer and people becomes too aggravating to the people if the percentage is that high.
The chart of hunting areas doesn't tell us squat about how many deer are in each area. It only tells us how many relative to the number the DNR would like there to be (according to DNR herd estimates).
You can, however, guess some things. It does imply some things though: for example, if you are convinced that the herd size in your unit is lower than you desire, and the chart shows you above goal or way above goal--that's bad news.
The state of Wi. is under such pressure from the insurance co. because of car-deer acciedents, that the DNR is only concerned about cutting the deer herd. The big ( chronic wasting scare ) didn't work to achieve what they wanted. What can we do as hunters, attend the Conservation Congress Hearings in your area and make your voice heard.
Can I get an AMEN my brother???? However the whole CWD craze is pretty much what started the ball rolling. I have seen a few bigger bucks over the past years because of the DNR's management practices but how long can you sustain a deer heard when you wipe out the ones that cause it to grow (does). Not to mention all the buck fawns that get taken to Earn-A-Buck. Add all that up over the last ten years, no wonder the press is having a field day with this and about Time I might add...
__________________ The Second Amendment, "Our Original Homeland Security" wisconsin-hunting.com
__________________
"Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, a total wreck, screaming Yahoo, with a big smile on your face."
WI Whitetail Population
