Department of Natural Resources (DNR) officials received input from more than 700 people at a series of deer hunter forums held around the state this spring and through more than 13,000 responses to an online survey on deer management issues.

The collected public feedback was used in developing the 2013 deer hunting seasons that will be recommended to the Natural Resources Board today, Wednesday, May 22, in Madison.

“We’ve put a high priority on hearing the public’s perspective on deer management issues. Thanks go out to all who participated in one of the 34 meetings held statewide or online,” said Kevin Wallenfang, DNR big game ecologist.

Results of both the local forums and online survey indicate strong public

Boulder Junction Shooting Range will hold a trap or combination shoot Sunday, May 26, beginning with registration at 9:30 a.m.

The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and will feature 50 targets in a 16-yard trap shoot, or 25 skeet targets and 25 five-stand in a combination shoot.

The competition also will feature cash prizes, according to event organizers.

To reach the shooting

The World Muskie Tournament (WMT) series will host two Vilas County qualifying events this Memorial Day weekend Saturday, May 25, on Lac Vieux Desert in Land O’ Lakes and Monday, May 27, on North and South Twin lakes in Phelps.

Each event is a Muskie Country Tournament Circuit qualifier where the top 50 teams will earn their way to the WMT Series Invitational Championship.

The championship has set records for the last three years with the highest cash payouts for a muskie tournament circuit championship with last year’s top prize of $50,000 and a purse of more than $70,000.

This year could see that record falling for the fourth straight year