CONTACT: Caitlin Henning, DNR Wildlife Management communications specialist, 608-228-6518, Caitlin.Henning@wisconsin.gov
MADISON, Wis. – The world of hunting is changing, and Department of Natural Resources staff are hard at work to make sure Wisconsin’s hunters have the resources they need for a safe and successful deer season. Whether you’re in the stand sitting for deer or on foot after small game, Wisconsin’s fall hunting seasons have plenty to offer. Today, Wild Wisconsin is back for a third season with new insights, resources and recipes to make the hunting season a success.
Whether you prefer to watch all segments at once or catch one or two before your hunt, Wild Wisconsin has it all. Topics range from public land hunting tips to chronic wasting disease and what it means for Wisconsin’s deer herd.
Wild Wisconsin main series segments – these segments provide a quick overview of helpful hunting-related topics:
Wisconsin has an estimated 1.8 million deer, making it a great place to get outside and go hunting. Take a friend, family member or get out into the great outdoors for some solitude. No matter where you head out, there are plenty of places to hunt, plenty of deer on the landscape, and plenty of hunting seasons to get out in the field. There are no buck-only units in 2019, and many counties still have additional bonus antlerless harvest authorizations available online.
Ep. 2 – Find Your Next Hunting Spot on a Wildlife Area
If you’re looking for somewhere to get away, you’re in luck. There are more than 175 state wildlife areas in Wisconsin where you can hunt, hike, bird watch, pick wild berries, and roam around. You don’t need any special pass to get in, and they’re open 24/7. These little gems that the DNR maintains are completely free to access.
Ep. 3 – Cooking Field to Table with Luke Zahm
Venison steaks and venison stew are staples to hunters, but if you’re looking for something truly original, look no further. Luke Zahm, the host of Wisconsin Foodie, joined us to cook up Venison Osso Buco. In Italian, that means “bone with a hole,” but in this video, we’ll be using boneless venison shanks. This recipe is sweet, savory, and so tasty.
Ep. 4 – Tips for Hunting Public Land
If you’re not having luck on your property, want to try out a new habitat type, or are just looking for adventure, try a new hunting ground! Wisconsin has millions of acres of public land. Find your new hunting ground online, scout it in person, and then get in the field this season!
Chronic Wasting Disease is taken seriously in Wisconsin, where we’re working hard to ensure a healthy deer population for generations to come. We need your help to keep our herd healthy and stop the spread. Getting your deer tested for CWD is one step you can take to help. We have many locations throughout the state to drop off your sample for testing-and it’s free!
Ep. 6 – Know the Regs – Be Ready for the Hunt
Did you know that not registering your deer is one of the most common violations that wardens cite during hunting season? Not only is registering your deer good for population estimates, but it’s the law. It’s also never been easier. You can do it in person at several sites, online, or by phone!
Wild Wisconsin bonus segments:
The Hunting Public crew has a passion for public land. Here at the Wisconsin DNR, we do too. Much of Wisconsin’s public lands are paid for with hunter’s dollars and are available to you year-round. Whether you’re hunting for deer, birds, or small game or just looking to hike or watch wildlife, public land is a great resource for you.
Deer Donation Program – 20 Years Strong
Wisconsin deer hunters have been providing venison to community members in need for 20 years through our deer donation program. In that time, 92,000 deer and 3.7 million pounds of venison have been donated to make a difference in your local communities.
We all like to see lots of big, healthy deer while we’re hunting. Often, nutrition is the key to the growth of healthy bucks. Nutrition is reflective of quality habitat, which is impacted by herd size, food availability, and more.
There’s lots of public land available in Wisconsin, but much of the land in the state is still privately owned. That doesn’t mean none of it is available for public use, however. Programs like the Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program help provide public access on private lands.
All web series segments and podcasts, along with wild game recipes and much more, can be found at dnr.wi.gov, keywords “Wild Wisconsin.” Be sure to follow DNR’s Facebook, YouTube and Instagram pages for more Wild Wisconsin throughout the fall hunting season.
