Sportsmen's group shares thoughts on deer czar's report

On Tuesday, March 27, 2012, Dr. James Kroll, Wisconsin’s Deer Trustee appointed by Governor Scott Walker released his preliminary report. After reviewing the report Dr. Kroll and his team of experts were highly critical of deer management currently taking place in Wisconsin.

“Deer hunters have long held that the DNR was not accurate on deer population estimates and goal setting” said United Sportsmen of Wisconsin vice president Andy Pantzlaff, “This report vindicates our beliefs in Northeastern Wisconsin an area our family hunts.”

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The preliminary report stresses the three basic tools for deer management habitat, population and human dimension. The importance of landowner and hunter input was stated many times. “The solutions to our deer management fall squarely on the shoulders of sportsmen and landowners," said Dean Hamilton USW president. “It is important to attend the town hall meetings Dr. Kroll has scheduled in April.”

The preliminary report indicated a need to create a culture change within the DNR and the sporting and landowner community. Solutions will be determined in the upcoming report scheduled to be done in June. The Town hall meetings are posted on the DNR website www.dnr.wi.gov.