Deer Management Unit Boundary and Goal Review Process

The goals and boundaries of our 133 DMUs serve as the foundation for managing the deer herd and determining deer hunting seasons in Wisconsin.

The department conducts a DMU review approximately every three years. The most recent review was completed in January 2005. These reviews consider current biological, social and economic impacts of deer as well as public opinion.

A diverse stakeholder panel was established in January 2009 to collaborate in the review process. The Stakeholder Advisory Panel was asked to:

• collaborate with the Department on the 2008 DMU review
• consider available information presented from specialists regarding ecological and socio-economic factors
• consider alternatives for unit consolidations resulting from sex-age-kill model audit recommendations
• gather constituent input to share with other panel members
• consider public input collected at local public meetings held around the state
• develop recommendations for the Department Deer Committee on DMU goal and boundary changes

The Stakeholder Advisory Group provided recommendations to the Department Deer Committee. The Department Deer Committee then developed recommendations to the Secretary of the Department that gave due consideration to panel advice. Advisory Panel recommendations were provided as a report to the Secretary and the Natural Resources Board. Read Stakeholder Report to the Secretary at the Stakeholder Project Panel Site [exit DNR].

The Department;s proposed changes to DMU boundary and overwinter goals are included in Natural Resources Board Order WM-16-09.

• Natural Resources Board Order WM-16-09 [PDF 347KB]
• Summary of Department recommendations included in WM-16-09 [PDF 87KB]

Questions for Wildlife Management