Rifles now legal for deer hunting in all of Dunn and portions of Shawano County

[Woody]

Gun deer hunters in 2009 may now use rifles to hunt in all of Dunn County, and a small portion of southwest Shawano County located south of Hwy. 29 and west of County Hwy. J.  This rule change occurred after the 2009 Wisconsin Deer Hunting Regulations were approved for printing, so hunters will not find these updates in the hard-copy regulation booklets.  The new rifle/shotgun areas map has been updated in the regulations located on the DNR website (page 18)

Rifles have been allowed for deer hunting in the portion of Dunn County north of Hwy 170, and the portion of Shawano County north of Hwy. 29 for several years.  However, rifle hunting for deer is still prohibited in the area of Shawano County which is east of County Hwy. J and south of Hwy 29.

For the second year, the rifle expansion area will be in effect throughout the CWD Management Zone in southern Wisconsin.  However, rifles are not allowed for deer hunting in unit 76M (Madison metro area), certain state parks, and in certain townships in the CWD Management Zone.  Hunters are encouraged to check with local officials for any additional firearm restrictions. 

Hunters are also encouraged to review pages 16 and 17 of the 2009 Wisconsin Deer Hunting Regulations to make sure their rifle, shotgun, handgun, or muzzleloader meets legal specifications including the ammunition being used.