Wisconsin Launches $2m Deer Study

Federal stimulus package money is not behind Wisconsin’s $2m new study “Investing in Wisconsin’s White-tails.” The Badger State’s study “to improve the long-term management of a sustainable and healthy deer herd” will receive Pittman Robertson money (the 11 percent federal surcharge on firearms, bows, related accessories and/or supplies). Yes, well, thanks to the Pierce County Herald, I know what stimulated the study: “After last year’s big drop in the gun deer harvest, Senate Majority Leader Russ Decker called for the firings of every DNR [Department of Natural Resources] employee who’s involved in deer management. Secretary Matt Frank says they’ve gotten the message – and they’ve taken major action to ensure the best system possible.” According to the DNR spokesman Bob Manwell, no one has been decked Decker’s edict. “We’re determined to create data that can help us fine tune our deer population estimates, to devise the best possible seasonal structure,” Manwell told The Truth About Guns. “No one has been fired because of last year’s season.” OK, so, how many DNR employees are involved in deer hunting? “I honestly don’t know,” Manwell said. “I’ll have to find out.”  [full press release here]