Public Hearings to be held on Proposed Deer Season Package for 2010

[Woody]

The department will be hosting a series of 11 hearings throughout the state beginning October 14 to gather public input on a proposed deer season package for 2010 and 2011.  The proposal came from a special advisory study committee made up of hunting groups and other deer stakeholders assigned by the Natural Resources Board (NRB) to find an alternative to the earn-a-buck program that attempts to balance herd control effectiveness with hunter and landowner acceptance.  Public comments will be sought on the proposed season structure versus the current season structure with earn-a-buck requirements. 
Complete hearing information and components to the deer season proposal can be found on the Wisconsin DNR website:
http://dnr.wi.gov/org/caer/ce/news/hearmeet.html#hearings
http://dnr.wi.gov/news/BreakingNews_Lookup.asp?id=1432
Those who are unable to attend a hearing can comment online.  Official comments will not be considered until the dates in which the hearings will be held: October 14 through November 3, 2009.  A button will be available beginning October 14 on the DNR's "Deer Hunting in Wisconsin" web page, in the "Current Focus" box, which will be linked to an online comment form.  http://dnr.wi.gov/org/land/wildlife/hunt/deer/index.htm   
The NRB Special Advisory Study Committee's report to the NRB can be found on their website: http://deerherd.editme.com/