DNR seeking public comments on proposed deer management unit rule

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) on Monday announced the start of a public comment period for a draft rule that would rework portions of the state’s deer management unit boundaries. The public comment period runs through Jan. 10.

This draft rule would allow the DNR to carry out the deer management unit boundary changes being proposed as part of this year’s deer management unit review process. Generally, the draft rule proposes a return to habitat-based deer management units in the Northern Forest Zone and adjusts a portion of the Central Forest Deer Management Zone boundary and select Metropolitan Sub-unit boundaries.

The DNR is also hosting a virtual public hearing on Jan. 8 at 5 p.m. in order to give the public another opportunity to provide a formal comment on the draft rule.

Locally, the proposal would bring significant changes to deer management in Taylor County.

Areas south of Hwy 64 would be moved to the DNR’s Central Farmland Zone. The area of central Taylor County that used to known as deer management unit 26 would be reestablished under what would be known as unit 113. Much of the county’s northern border, which used to be in unit 25, would be in a new unit 114. The northeast corner of Taylor County that used to be in unit 32 would be in a new unit 118 and the northwest corner of Taylor County that used to be in unit 24 would enter a new unit 110.

Taylor County has been managed as one single deer management unit since 2014 in response to a recommendation in the Deer Trustee Report of 2012. County deer advisory councils also were established in 2014. Councils in Wisconsin’s Northern Forest Zone and unit boundary reviews as well as input gathered in connection with the current review process have indicated a strong interest in returning to habitat-based units in the north.

In a recent online survey to gauge support from the public, 50% of respondents shared strong support (10 on a scale of 1 to 10) and 75% of respondents shared some level of support (6-10 on the scale) to go back to habitatbased units. Ninety percent were neutral to supportive (5-10).

The public is encouraged to visit the DNR’s proposed permanent administrative rules webpage, https://dnr. wisconsin.gov/news/input/ProposedPermanent, (under the Wildlife Management section) for a link to the draft rule and details on the public hearing.

The public may submit comments by Jan. 10, 2025 to: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, C/O Scott Karel, DNR Policy and Regulations Specialist, P.O. Box 7921, 101 S. Webster St. Madison, WI 53707 or email DNRAdministrativeRulesComments@wisconsin.gov.

Visit the DNR’s deer management webpage (https:// dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/WildlifeHabitat/ deermanagement) to learn more about the deer management unit review process and view recording of the recent virtual open house on the topic. The recording includes an explanation of the proposed changes and ensuing question and answer session with the public.