County Deer Advisory Council meetings provide great opportunity to get involved in deer management

Madison -- Beginning March 13, County Deer Advisory Councils will review deer population data and other key information in order to develop preliminary antlerless quota and permit level recommendations on public and private lands within their counties.

Council meetings will also determine if any additional deer hunting opportunities beyond the normal seasons may be offered in 2017. Each CDAC meeting is open to the public - a meeting schedule is available by searching the Department of Natural Resources website, dnr.wi.gov, for keyword "CDAC."

"There is never a shortage of opinions on deer management, and interest in local deer councils has continued to grow as people learn more about the process and opportunity to provide important feedback," said Kevin Wallenfang, DNR deer and elk ecologist. "CDAC meetings will help shape the 2017 deer seasons."

March CDAC meetings will develop preliminary recommendations, and a public feedback period in early April will include an online survey -- councils will reconvene in mid-April to determine final deer season recommendations in each county. Final permit levels and deer season structure will be determined at the May 2017 Natural Resources Board meeting.

Councils will accept public comments prior to forming both preliminary and final recommendations. The public may attend and provide feedback at any CDAC meeting or send comments to CDAC members - a contact list for each council and other helpful information is available at dnr.wi.gov, keyword "CDAC."

For additional information, contact DNRCDACWebMail@Wisconsin.gov.