The 2013 nine-day deer
hunting season brings new technology and specific information.
DNR officials recently announced
the first free DNR mobile hunting app for both iPhone and Android. The app
allows hunters to find hunting locations, register, and access rules and
regulations. It also has a GPS safety mapping tool that lets users notify
designated contacts of their whereabouts.
“By bridging the tradition of hunting
with new technology, we aim to make it even easier for hunters to connect with
each other, with DNR, and help deliver information hunters are looking for to
have a safe and successful season,” says DNR Secretary Cathy Stepp.
The new DNR app will also have
other benefits for fishing and general outdoor recreational activities. “This
app will have something for everyone who has an interest in the outdoors of our
state,” notes Stepp.
A “Trophy Case” feature on the app
allows hunters to share stories and photos from their hunt.
Numbers of deer in farmland regions
were presumed to be high this year. However, hunters participating in the
recent bow hunt reported fewer sightings in northern parts of the state.
This year Minnesota reported
numbers of deer down by about 6% from the 2012 season.
One way hunters increase their chances of finding good
animals is to spend more time in the field. “Nearly ten percent of Wisconsin
residents will take to the field for the annual hunt,” says DNR ecologist Kevin
Wallenfang, “putting potentially hundreds of thousands of outdoorsmen in the
woods.”
Also this year DNR is encouraging
hunters to participate in wildlife surveys. Hunters are asked to track and
record their wildlife observations while on the hunt, and submit the
information to DNR. State officials are hoping to gather information to help
biologists track population changes and improve management decisions.
Information on the survey can be
found at dnr.wi.gov and information may be submitted online or through the mail.
“This is a great opportunity for
hunters to inform wildlife biologists what they are seeing,” stated DNR survey
manager Brian Dhuey.
Hunters can record and submit
information until January 2014.
Wet conditions could impact hunter
accessibility and deer activity according to Wallenfang. Not only is it tougher
for hunters to get around in boggy conditions, but the late start this year
could also mean reduced rutting activity.
The
deer season ended Sunday, December 1, at sundown.
