DNR outlines proposed habitat-based deer-management unit changes after public outreach

Jeff Bridal, the DNR’s deer program specialist, briefed the board on the department’s multi-step public outreach and technical work to consider returning to habitat-based deer-management units in northern and central-forest zones. Bridal said the proposal was developed after outreach to county deer advisory councils (CDACs), the Wisconsin Conservation Congress and tribal partners, four public open houses, an online survey and a public comment window (Dec. 9–Jan. 10). Initial maps proposed 25 habitat-based units in the northern forest and adjustments in central-forest and metro subunits.

Why it matters: the unit structure determines how antlerless permits are allocated, which affects hunter opportunity and the ability to tailor permits to lower- or higher-production landscapes. Bridal said a shift to habitat units can allow more prescriptive antlerless allocations tailored to landscape productivity but will require education and possible reconfiguration of advisory-council processes.

Board discussion and timing: members discussed whether county-based CDACs would remain central, how the Conservation Congress’s role would function if unit boundaries no longer aligned with county lines, and whether additional time was needed to sort administration and outreach logistics. Bridal said the department proposes a wording change from "county deer advisory council" to "citizen deer advisory council" to allow flexibility and that the Congress has not taken a formal position to change its county-based role. He said a February decision is on the department’s timeline to allow implementation for 2025 license sales; postponement would likely delay implementation until 2026. The board did not take final action and solicited further input.