AI was utilized in the writing of this article.
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Jimmy Dean
January 30, 2024
Wisconsin’s Northern Forest deer management zone has witnessed a significant decline in deer harvests, prompting legislators to propose a four-year ban on antlerless deer tags in 20 northern counties. While the intention is to rejuvenate the deer population, this initiative may not address the deeper issues affecting Northwoods deer hunting.
Understanding the Decline
- Harvest Data: The Northern Forest’s 2023 deer harvest was down 30 percent from the previous season, significantly lower than the Southern Farmland Zone.
- Regional Disparities: The Northern Forest, rich in public land, accounted for only 16 percent of the state’s total deer harvest in 2023.
- Historical Perspective: Veteran Northwoods hunters recall more abundant deer populations in the early 2000s, contrasting sharply with recent experiences.