Wisconsin DNR needs help counting deer

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — State wildlife officials want people to report every deer they see over the next two months.

The Department of Natural Resources' Operation Deer Watch will run from Aug. 1 through Sept. 30. The agency will use the observations to help determine population estimates going into the fall hunting seasons.

The agency took heavy criticism last winter from hunters who say the DNR has grossly overestimated the deer herd for years. They say the agency's draconian management methods that have so thinned the population their sport is in jeopardy.

Summer deer observations have always been part of the DNR's population estimate process but has included only state and federal biologists, foresters and other government workers. Last year the DNR asked hunters to record their observations online and on their deer registration forms.

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