The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is asking the public to participate in Operation Deer Watch, an annual citizen-science survey that collects information on Wisconsin's white-tailed deer and gives residents an opportunity to assist with deer herd management efforts.
Participants can report deer sightings through an easy-to-use online form. The data collected provide insights into the reproductive status of Wisconsin's deer herd and help shape deer management for the state. Now through Sept. 30, participants are asked to record all bucks, does and fawns seen during the day.
A printable tally sheet is available to help citizen-scientists record sightings and enter their results online at a later time. For safety, participants should not record sightings while driving a vehicle. Instead, people should wait until the vehicle is stopped to take note of sightings.
Any deer sightings can be counted, whether people spot deer while in the woods, on a drive or while out for an evening walk.
Data from the survey is also used by County Deer Advisory Councils to develop deer season framework, harvest quotas and permit level recommendations.
