Governor Walker wants to put changes to the DNR’s deer management program on the fast track, and a Wisconsin-based hunting group says it’s withholding judgment for now.
Walker says his proposed budget will include many of the recommendations from deer expert James Kroll. They include offering mini-hunts, adding money for mapping technology, and boosting funding for chronic wasting disease surveillance. Kroll also wants to let landowners and hunting clubs run hunts on their property, with the blessing of DNR biologists.
Whitetails Unlimited president Jeff Schinkten says he’s cautiously optimistic. He says whatever happens, he hopes the DNR and hunters continue to work together, like they did last year.
Schinkten says he’ll have a stronger opinion about the governor’s proposals once he hears from more Whitetails members.