DNR aims to improve deer herd count

GREEN BAY - The DNR hopes a $2 million study will improve deer management.

Many hunters didn't get what they expected out of the deer hunting season.

"It was really poor, it was down," said hunter Kim Lamberies.

Harvest numbers were down 29% from 2008. Some hunters are ready for a change, and looking to the DNR.

"As far as the way they count deer, I've got questions as to it doesn't seem like the deer herds as high as what they say it is," said hunter Thomas VanBeek.

The DNR is addressing those concerns with a $2 million deer study.

Regional Wildlife Biologist Jeff Pritzl said the DNR is working to improve herd management for hunters.

"There's always a healthy degree of skepticism with the numbers that the department generates and one question is, will we improve confidence?" said Pritzl.

The DNR is hoping several studies will improve hunter confidence.
They include researching buck and fawn deaths, collecting deer-vehicle collision information, and forming a data base from hunter's field observations.

"That information will bring us closer together in terms of appreciating and understanding what influences our deer populations," said Pritzl.

Pritzl said the study will take four or five years to have an impact.

Hunters we spoke with say if it improves accuracy, it will be worth waiting for. But some question if it's worth the cost.

"It seems like a lot of money to spend but it’d be interesting to see what the study finds out," said VanBeek.

The $2 million for research came from federal funds. Pritzl said the DNR got the money because of an increase in fire arm sales.