MADISON — Opening weekend of the gun deer season, a special time of year for hunters throughout Wisconsin, is Saturday. This year, hunters will see some important rule changes implemented as a result of Deer Trustee Report recommendations and extensive input from the hunting public. While many of your favorite hunting traditions will endure, hunters are encouraged to take some time this week to make sure they are ready for any rule changes that will affect their hunt. “Many of the most common questions that we have received about these rules involve tagging deer and what tag they can use,” said Kevin Wallenfang, big game ecologist for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. “To answer their questions, we first tell them to focus only on the area where they hunt. If they know their county and other basic information, they will have no problem learning this season’s new rules.” The department has provided a number of useful resources to help hunters learn the new rules. All hunters are encouraged to review the 2014 deer hunting regulations [PDF] and FAQs, available at dnr.wi.gov, keyword “deer.” The deer page also features regulations brochures, tag information and availability, and maps showing new management units and zones. To ask specific questions before or during the hunt, hunters can also contact the DNR Call Center toll-free at 1-888-WDNRINFo (1-888-936-7463). Call center staff are on hand seven days per week from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
