A young deer wanders through a woodlot with invasive plants. / Photo Credit: Central Pennsylvania Forestry blog

By Bob Nack, DNR R3 Supervisor, Madison;
Robert.Nack@wisconsin.gov or 608-617-3492

A joint state-landowner program proven successful in Wisconsin areas is under consideration for expansion into more counties to combat the slow, but steady decline in active deer hunters, prompting concerns in both environmental and economic realms.

The program, also tested successfully in other states, requires participants to complete hunter education safety and online deer hunting 101 courses. Participants also are required to practice at the shooting range and join in live virtual meetings. Experienced mentors are ready to provide guidance and support to participants.

Adams County landowner Matt Dettlaff endorsed the program. “Our landowner cooperative recognized this program as another valuable new tool in our herd management toolbox,” he said.

Forest landowners, including Dettlaff, see the browsing impact high deer densities can have on tree regeneration and wildlife-habitat quality. One strategy of this program is to tap new adult hunters to harvest antlerless deer for specific property goals. Landowner participants would determine the antlerless harvest goals and control the hunting plans for their properties.

“We typically cannot harvest enough antlerless deer ourselves to meet our goals to keep the herd in balance with quality habitat,” Dettlaff said. “Helping introduce new folks to the deer hunting tradition we are passionate about is just an added feel-good bonus.” Check out this video from the 2025 late-season firearm hunt in Adams County.

Landowners passionate about forest management and the future of deer hunting are encouraged to participate in any of these ways:

Organized late-season firearm hunt for antlerless only: An organized firearm antlerless deer hunt in early December. Program includes an evening social and a deer-processing demonstration. Ideally, a landowner or group of area landowners provide hunting opportunities for at least 10 adult hunters. Landowners identify antlerless deer harvest goals for their property.
Archery hunting: The DNR contracts with Raised at Full Draw (RAFD) to provide archery educational programs. RAFD is piloting a Field to Fork bow hunting program for adults. Participants commit to attend weekly archery practices from June through August. Participants  are also expected to complete weekly homework online to review at in-person meetings. Before hunting, an archery shooting proficiency test will be administered by instructors to ensure participants have mastered their equipment to hunt ethically. RAFD is looking for landowners with property within an hour of Madison.

Interested? Contact Bob Nack, DNR R3 Supervisor, at Robert.Nack@wisconsin.gov or 608-617-3492.