Tough hunting gets tougher
Wisconsin
Contributors to this thread:
I've been hunting public land in Trempealeau Co, for nearly 15 yrs. These areas are very hilly, and where there is no hill, it is tall grass, and swampy. It's good habitat for deer and all wildlife. The DNR has always cut trails through the areas to give hunters access to deeper parts of the area. Without it, hunters wouldn't venture too deep. It's just tough country to hunt. You can get in there, but recovering a deer means a whole lot of work to get it out. These trails allow you to use deer carts, and , or dragging one a reasonable option. I noticed they cut the parking areas, but nothing else. I got worried and sensed that that was the extent of it. I called the wildlife biologist for Tremp. Co on Thursday. He returned my call a couple hours later. He stated that Kris Johansen, District Wildlife Manager for West Central Wisconsin in Eau Claire had against their wishes decided not to cut this year. I don't know how many counties have been affected, or number of trails, areas ect. I am in my mid 50s, and I don't have the gusto of a 30 year old anymore. I don't have a bunch of hunting buddies anymore, but I love the stick and string, and I love my venison. I am limited to where I can hunt now. I can't venture back in there. Your thoughts Please. Mark Rasmussen and Gary Wolf would like you to call Kris at 715-839-3736, and voice your concerns. Kris is currently out west hunting, but will receive your message when he arrives back home on the 25th of Sept. Thank you; and good luck this season.
well I can not help you out with your county problem, but I wish I was in my mid 50 again, now soon to be 68...... always when I am solo, I make getting a deer out very little work,,,,,, back then you had to tag a deer, now you do not, but when I get one down,,,,,, I field dress it, remove legs at joints, and cut it in half,,,,,,, If it is a nice buck, the front comes out,, on plastic and slides easily,,, the back half is hung up in trees, with parachute cord,,,, may take a second trip, but going slow and easy its not big deal......
I am in wolf country, and never had problems,,,,,, no way am I dragging out a deer,,,,, I have not done so, since I was 45,,,,,,, not always legal, during those days, it was better than having a heart attack,,,,, a warden stopped me once, gave me a written warning, and understood, I did what I have to do.......
I have a cart also, but try this method,,,,,, a lot easier on your back and so,,,,, sure you might not get out in time for supper but who cares,,,,,
Don't you still have to tag it ASAP? Or maybe it's different rules because the deer is already processed when you're removing it?
Mr. Bones,
I'd say just take some extra time to get back into the rough stuff. Now you'll be all by yourself and the guys who won't go in will push the deer to you.
Good luck with Mr. Johansen. He used to work out of the Black River State Forest. Definitely a tough nut to crack - plan on walking uncut trails! Sorry, but I would be amazed if you got him to cut trails as "we have no money for that" will most likely be the response you receive. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news.
This can actually work to your advantage. It should keep a lot of the weekend warriors out and make for much better hunting. Plus it'll make you much more picky on what you shoot.
Tweed you no longer tag deer, just cut the bottom section off, have it with you while in possession at all times, and call in by 5pm the next day,,,,,,,, The rule book describes how you can cut up a deer, its pretty clear,,,,,, I just like to cut them in half, so I can easily handle them,,,,,,,, most time you can easily pick up both sections and lash them to a cart,,,,,,,,,
I can not struggle with a complete whole deer, my lower back tells me not too,,,, ha ha
Have you considered mowing that trail yourself. If it isn't too rough of a trail it should mow fairly easy, maybe renting a riding mower if that is an option, that way you wouldn't beat up your own.
Groundhunter, you are indeed required to tag deer. It is all explained in the regulations. You have to validate the tag right away after the kill by tearing off the lower portion of the tag, but you don't have to attach the tag to the deer at that time as long as you are with the deer. You can field dress it and drag it out without having to attach the tag to the deer. You do have to tag the deer before you leave the deer, for example if you drag it out to the edge of the woods, and then walk a ways to get your truck, you will need to put your tag on the deer before getting your truck. The intention is to help keep the paper tag from getting all torn up and illegible due to abuse during field handling of the deer.
I agree and the Wis system is archaic compared to MI,,,,, I do not leave my deer,,, I asked my area warden in Florence Co last year, so I am right on the money... the paper tags wis has is just like going back in time,,,,, I mean come on,,,, I hunt several states and know the rules, but your post is good advice
Sorry but I would never drag a deer,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, stay well and have a great season