DNR Highlights Safety, Donation Efforts, and Boundary Changes Ahead of Wisconsin’s Nine-Day Gun Deer Hunt

By David Ballerstein - Marshfield Now!
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As Wisconsin’s nine-day gun deer hunt approaches, hunters across the state are preparing for one of the busiest outdoor weekends of the year. With hundreds of thousands expected to take to the woods and fields, state officials are emphasizing safety, community support, and awareness of new deer management changes.

This week’s edition of Field to Fence Line explored these topics in depth, featuring an in-studio discussion and an extended interview with Jeff Pritzl, the Wisconsin DNR’s Deer Program Specialist.

Encouraging Deer Donations to Support Families in Need
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is urging hunters—especially those in farmland zones with multiple harvest authorizations—to consider donating an extra deer to the state's Deer Donation Program.

Field-dressed deer can be dropped off at cooperating processors, and hunters are encouraged to check processor availability before harvesting an additional animal. Meat from donated deer helps feed Wisconsin families facing food insecurity.

Tree Stand Safety Remains a Top Priority
According to the DNR, roughly one-quarter of hunters have experienced a fall or near-fall from elevated tree stands. With the excitement of early morning climbs and post-harvest movement, it can be easy to forget core safety steps. Officials again remind hunters to:

• Choose trees carefully
• Always use a fall-arrest system
• Unload firearms before climbing
• Use a haul line for gear and weapons

The DNR hopes to match or exceed last year’s strong safety record, which included only one non-fatal firearm-related injury.

CWD Testing and Carcass Disposal Efforts Continue
Hunters are reminded that chronic wasting disease (CWD) testing plays a key role in tracking and managing the spread of the disease. Although no confirmed human infections have been identified, health officials recommend avoiding meat from animals that appear sick or test positive.

A statewide network of CWD testing kiosks and carcass disposal dumpsters remains available. These dumpsters help prevent potentially infected carcasses from contaminating the landscape and spreading the disease further.

Early Season Harvest Mirrors Last Year’s Numbers
Pritzl shared that early archery harvest totals closely mirror last year’s data. Youth hunters harvested nearly 8,500 deer during the October youth firearm season—one of the highest totals recorded. Updated figures show that overall statewide harvest numbers are slightly ahead of last year at this time.

Trail cameras have been buzzing with activity, too. Mild winters have helped deer enter spring in excellent condition, contributing to strong antler development heading into the season.

A Push for Antlerless Harvest in Farmland Units
Pritzl emphasized that in farmland deer management units—where deer populations are consistently high—hunters are encouraged to take an additional antlerless deer if they have the opportunity.

He noted that many hunters feel less motivated to harvest a second deer once they have one for the freezer. But this year, he says, is an especially important time for hunters to demonstrate how they contribute to the wider community through responsible herd management and food donations.

“This is a great year to really consider taking an additional deer,” Pritzl said, highlighting benefits to food pantries, road safety, and long-term herd balance.

Major Boundary Changes in Northern and Central Forest Units
Significant deer management changes are also in effect this season:
Northern Forest Units

• After extensive public engagement, the DNR shifted back toward habitat-based deer management units.
• These new units use a three-digit numbering system.
• This approach allows antlerless permits to better reflect variations in habitat and deer density across the region.

Central Forest Units

• Boundary changes occurred on the eastern and southeastern sides of the zone.
• Adams County shifted entirely to a farmland designation.
• Wood, Monroe, and Juneau counties also saw adjustments to more accurately reflect deer populations.
• Central forest units were renamed using numbers in the 200 series to reduce confusion with nearby farmland units.

Digital maps and interactive tools—including the Public Access Lands System—have already been updated to reflect these changes, and many popular mapping apps have incorporated the new unit boundaries.

Clarifying Feeding and Baiting Restrictions
The long-standing debate over baiting and feeding returned during the interview. Pritzl reiterated that these restrictions exist nationwide in states facing CWD, not just in Wisconsin.

The difference between a bait pile and a food plot, he explained, comes down to replenishment. A continuously refreshed bait site concentrates deer behavior and increases the potential for disease spread. Food plots and natural food sources disperse deer activity over larger areas.

He also stressed that baiting and feeding laws exist in state statute, not DNR administrative code—meaning only lawmakers can change them.

Balancing Diverse Opinions Among 600,000 Hunters
With about 600,000 deer hunters in Wisconsin, Pritzl acknowledged the challenges in balancing such a wide range of expectations and experiences. Public engagement can be dominated by those who are unhappy, he explained, which means the department must rely on a combination of public input, harvest data, and license-purchasing patterns to guide decisions.

A Local Perspective
Pritzl also shared his personal story. A Marshfield native, he grew up hunting public lands across Central Wisconsin, from Mead and McMillan wildlife areas to Jackson County in its 1980s prime. His own hunting journey has included multiple shifts in location as deer populations and habitat conditions have changed.
He hopes hunters will approach the season with appreciation—not frustration—recognizing that deer populations and hunting conditions are always evolving.

Looking Ahead
As Wisconsin prepares for the opening weekend of the nine-day season, Pritzl wishes all hunters a safe outing and good luck. The show will follow up after the season to recap results, trends, and lessons learned.

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