Deer hunters asked to send field observations

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MADISON – Wisconsin deer hunters can assist state wildlife officials in monitoring a variety of game and non-game mammals and birds in Wisconsin by submitting their field observations through a Web page survey.

“Since deer hunters often spend many hours in quiet observation both hunting and scouting, they’re an excellent source of information for species that can be difficult to observe,” said Brian Dhuey a DNR research scientist who monitors wildlife abundance and distribution across Wisconsin.

“Of equal importance and interest to wildlife managers is knowing if hunters spend time in the woods and don’t see deer or other wildlife. It’s important that all hunting efforts be recorded, even if nothing is seen, because they are an important measure of wildlife abundance in an area.”

Deer hunters interested in participating in this survey can find survey instructions and record their sightings online on the Wisconsin Deer Hunter Wildlife Survey Web page: http://dnr.wi.gov/org/land/wildlife/harvest/survey.htm.

The survey period runs from Sept. 12 through January.

DNR researchers are interested in reports from all deer hunters (archery, gun, and muzzleloader) on the number and type of animals observed while they are out hunting or scouting. Deer, raccoon, skunk, porcupine, red and gray fox, turkey, ruffed grouse, coyote, bear, otter, fisher, bobcat, house cat, badger, wolf, opossum, or other wildlife not normally seen in the area are the focus of this survey.

Wildlife managers use abundance and distribution observations with historical data to get a picture of the landscape.

Hunters will be asked to report the date hunted, number of hours, where they are hunting (county and deer management unit), weather condition, types and number of deer seen, and numbers of other wildlife seen.

“There’s also a handy tally sheet that can be printed to take into the field,” adds Dhuey, “so you can record things as you see them and log them in to the online survey at a later date.”

In a separate survey effort some hunters and landowners may also receive a mailed survey asking about hunters and techniques used.

Wildlife biologists also are interested in photographs of rare or endangered species to help document their existence and location within the state. Any picture of an animal not normally seen in the area or an unidentified animal is welcome. Pictures can be emailed along with the approximate date, county and civil township to DNR wildlife management. DNR wildlife staff will try to positively identify all photographs submitted.

For more information, call Brian Dhuey at (608) 221-6342.

Tags: northland, outdoors, hunting