This year’s Wisconsin nine-day gun deer hunt kicks off another season of traditions, memories and excitement
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
101 S. Webster St, P.O. Box 7921, Madison, WI 53707
Phone: 608-267-2773 TDD: 711
dnr.wi.gov www.wisconsin.gov
DATE: November 22, 2014
CONTACT: Kevin Wallenfang, DNR big game ecologist, 608-575-2294; Sawyer Briel, DNR communications, 608-261-0751
SUBJECT: This year’s Wisconsin nine-day gun deer hunt kicks off another season of traditions, memories and excitement
MADISON - With fall nearly finished, the annual nine-day Wisconsin deer hunt ushers in the creation of new memories and excitement as hunters throughout the state take part in this time honored tradition.
This year's nine-day hunt has been a very safe one thus far, and hunters throughout Wisconsin have done an excellent job of learning new rules and regulations, according to Kevin Wallenfang, big game ecologist for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Weather conditions have been highly variable across the state from fog to rain to freezing rain, with a great deal of hunters experiencing ideal hunting conditions, he said.
In much of the state, hunters experienced wet conditions and fog, but Wallenfang said that did not stop many hunters as the rush and excitement of heading into the woods on opening day took hold.
In 2014, deer hunters will travel to Wisconsin from all 50 states and 19 foreign countries.
In his first year deer hunting, 11-year old Shane Olson participated in a mentored hunt in Waukesha County and had a great time in the field.
[Olson with his deer]<http://dnr.wi.gov/images/news/20141122_shanehigh.jpg>
Olson with his deer
WDNR Photo
Twin sisters Faith and Hope Munson have been hunting since they were 12, and while Faith has had more success so far - both can agree that they would not miss a chance to pursue white-tailed deer on opening day. "I love the rush of the hunt," said Faith.
[Twin sisters Faith, right, and Hope, 19, both registered opening day deer, while their father, Curt Munson stayed out in pursuit of a buck]<http://dnr.wi.gov/images/news/20141122_twins_high.jpg>
Twin sisters Faith, right, and Hope, 19, both registered opening day deer, while their father, Curt Munson stayed out in pursuit of a buck
WDNR Photo
Ross Barkholtz of Hortonville experienced success in the field late Saturday morning. Ross noted that his 12 year old daughter Amanda's efforts were crucial in making sure his buck made it out of the woods and to the registration station. "She helped me pull it out of there," Ross said.
[Ross Barkholtz, Hortonville, poses with his opening day buck - a thickly beamed 8-point, 3-year-old buck]<http://dnr.wi.gov/images/news/20141122_kurt_high.jpg>
Ross Barkholtz, Hortonville, poses with his opening day buck - a thickly beamed 8-point, 3-year-old buck
WDNR Photo
Ali Stingle, 16, of Neenah was hunting with her father, Tim, in northern Outagamie County when she shot this yearling buck at 50 yards. Earlier in the morning, Tim and Ali saw a beautiful albino buck.
"She's a great hunter," said Tim. "She is fun to be with in the field."
[Ali Stingle with her opening day buck]<http://dnr.wi.gov/images/news/20141122_ali_high.jpg>
Ali Stingle with her opening day buck
WDNR Photo
Kurt Spahn registered his deer in Barneveld, and described his hunt. "I watched two other, smaller, deer when this big guy walked in quietly from the opposite direction," Spahn said.
[Spahn with his opening day buck]<http://dnr.wi.gov/images/news/20141122_ross_high.jpg>
Spahn with his opening day buck
WDNR Photo
Despite challenging weather conditions in some areas, Wisconsin has seen another strong effort from youth hunters, as mentors and others continue to pass on a wealth of traditions and knowledge.
Total gun deer license sales as well as other information regarding deer hunting in Wisconsin can be found at dnr.wi.gov, keyword "deer<http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/hunt/deer.html>."