Nope here in WI too we have to register the entire deer. Makes it a pain sometimes and why the regulation reads like ti does, haha, I don't know. Why the legs? WCL
Deer must be kept intact, except for field dressing and skinning, prior to registration.
The lower legs, up to the tarsus joint (“ankle or hock”) on the hind legs and up to the
carpus joint (“wrist or knee”) on the front legs, may also be removed. If the skin or
legs are removed prior to registration, they must be kept with the carcass until after
the deer is registered.
Exemption:
Deer may be skinned and quartered by persons holding a Class A or B
Disabled Permit. All parts must be presented at the time of registration.
In addition to the tagging requirements, all deer must be registered at a DNR Deer
Registration Station. Registration forms are available at deer registration stations.