Desperate Times for Desperate Deer Issues

by Joe Sawyer

The graphic from Dr. Kroll's review, shows the most prominent deer management  issues

 

Debacle, a complete collapse or failure, would be the word’s complete definition, but this word undoubtedly describes the relationship between the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) and Wisconsin deer hunters. Over the last decade the two sides have had a falling out over the whitetail deer dilemma here in Wisconsin. We as hunters have a laundry list of issues with the WDNR; some of the issues are thought to be the root of the communication problem between the two sides. The relationship between hunters and WDNR became so distant that deer and deer hunting was a topic of debate for potential governor candidates from the last election. Scott Walker as our current governor, went outside of state lines to hire Dr. James Kroll, or as more commonly referred to as Dr. Deer from Texas, to review the WDNR’s handling of deer management throughout the state. Dr. Kroll came out with his report, which took over a year to compile, and consisted of his recommendations for managing the states deer herd. Dr. Kroll conducted many meetings and public forums to understand the public’s current issues and attitudes with the WDNR and its deer management. The most resounding issues between hunters and the WDNR are inaccurate population estimates. Many believe the current population estimation tool the Sex – Age – Kill Method (SAK) is not a useful way of managing our deer herds, because it is conducted throughout the whole state instead of breaking the state into parcels, which would allow for a more detailed estimate. Hunters also believe now that predators are putting immense pressure on the deer herd, due to the rise in populations of the black bear and wolves throughout the state. The age old question of whether not we as hunters should be allowed to bait or not, is another current issue not only between hunters and the WDNR, but between hunters themselves. “The WDNR does not listen to us!” This is a statement that was echoed throughout the state this past year by many hunters who did not think their voice was being heard by WDNR. Hunters and I alike feel as if the WDNR has turned its cheek the other way, and has been doing so for years. I feel there has been a major breakdown of communication on both sides and blame can go both ways. Having hunted for over a decade now I understand there are two attitudes or ways of thinking about deer hunting that hunters have. There is Grandpa Jack’s way which is the way that was carved into stone and is allegedly tried and true. And the second attitude is those who are willing to change even at great costs of their deer hunting for the greater good of the heard, even if it takes several seasons for results. I find myself in the middle of these two categories, having strong thoughts about both sides but ultimately, I am ready to adjust my hunting style if need be to allow for outstanding stewardship of the land and for the animals. I feel it is at the upmost importance for these two attitudes of hunters to join together and COMMUNICATE with one another for the greater good of deer hunting. If we as hunters can communicate better with each other, we then can be more effective with our relationship with the WDNR. Which then would allow for us to eliminate so many of these issues we are dealing with now, that are only prohibiting us from  participating in our age old tradition, of deer hunting here in Wisconsin.