DNR to host four open houses on proposed changes to deer management units

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will host four open houses in mid-November to share information about proposed changes to the state’s deer management units (DMUs).

Three of these open houses will be in-person, with a fourth being entirely virtual.

The DNR reviews deer management unit boundaries every few years. This year’s review is focused on the management units in the Northern Forest Zone, the Metropolitan subunits and the boundary lines between the Central Forest and Farmland Zones. The Farmland Zone units are not being reviewed at this time.

DNR staff members will be present to talk with the public about the DMU review process and the specific proposals being considered. Come learn more about the history of the DMUs in Wisconsin, the key metrics that go into the decision-making process and the proposed boundary changes being considered.

The DNR initially founded the habitat-based units — such as Unit 35 in the snow belt area of northern Vilas County or Unit 36 in the more residential areas of St. Germain — in order to more effectively manage the herd, including distribution of antlerless deer tags, in a system where harvest limits would reflect population density.

It’s been more than a decade since the DNR dropped its habitat-based deer management units and moved to county borders, despite significant criticism from biologists and hunters.

Today’s system uses county borders.

These open houses are a great opportunity to learn more about the DMU review process and talk directly with staff. Additional details about these upcoming open houses can be found on the DNR’s Meetings and Hearings calendars at https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/calendar.

Event details

What: DMU Open House (Woodruff, WI)

When: Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024, 5-7 p.m.

Where: Woodruff Town Hall

1418 1st Avenue

Woodruff, WI 54568

What: DMU Open House (Virtual)

When: Monday, Nov. 18, 2024, 5-7 p.m.

Where: Virtual; register for this meeting via Zoom

What: DMU Open House (Cable, WI)

When: Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024, 5-7 p.m.

Where: Norvado Building

43705 US Hwy 63

Cable, WI 54821

What: DMU Open House (Adams, WI)

When: Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024, 5-7 p.m.

Where: Adams County Community Center

569 N Cedar Street

Adams, WI 53910