WAUSAU, WI (WSAU) -- The deer gun hunting season begins this weekend and there is some information hunters need to be aware of this year.
The traditional deer gun hunting season begins on November 17th and lasts until November 25th. DNR Wildlife Biologist Brandon Stefanski says the area is on track to harvest a similar amount of deer as in 2017, around 60,000 during arrow and crossbow season. The DNR expects similar numbers during the gun season based on these trends from November 6th.
The gun hunting season begins early this year, meaning it's time to get a license. Licenses are needed for the hunting season and Stefanski says there are multiple places where you can buy a license. "You can come to any of our DNR service centers. Or many other businesses sell deer licenses. You just need to know which county you're hunting in and let them know where you're hunting at. Then they'll help you with what licenses you need."
Those who purchase a license are also able to get a buck tag. Stefanski explained to WSAU News a little bit more about the buck tags this year. "Everybody that buys a license can get a buck tag. If you're in the farmland zone, your probably eligible for antlerless tags. If you're in one of the forest zones you may have to get bonus tags if they're still available. But it really is dependant on where your hunting."
Many other questions hunters have for the season can be found with the DNR's new app. Stefanski says, "Our new Hunt Wild Wisconsin app has a lot of items on there. It has shooting hours from where you're hunting at. It also has public land boundaries. It has regulations for what species you're harvesting. So if you want to check out, it's called the Hunt Wild Wisconsin app. I would definitely recommend that hunters check that out."
Stefanski also recommends if you harvest your deer to get them tested for Chronic Wasting Disease, especially in the western central counties. Kiosks and corroborators can help with testing across the state for free. Hunting hours for deer gun season start 30 minutes before sunrise and end 20 minutes after sunset.
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