It’s not hard spot deer while driving around the Northwoods.
And while most drivers are doing their best to avoid them, the DNR is hoping you’ll take a moment to record what you see.
Right now, the DNR is conducting what it calls “Operation Deer Watch.”
The DNR is looking for the fawn to doe ratio in the state.
The information helps determine the reproductive status of the herds in Wisconsin.
“The reason we start in August is because the fawns are bigger, spending more time with their moms and they’re easily seen. Plus, most of the mortality events associated with the early parts of their childhood or their growing up are over with, so they’re more likely to survive to the fall,” said Brian Dhuey, DNR Harvest Assessment and Survey Specialist for Wildlife Management.
The DNR asks that you keep a tally of any doe, fawn, or buck sightings.
Just note how many, what county you’re in, if you’re in forest or farmland, and the date.
Then youupload the data to the DNR’s website. You can print out a survey sheet.
The information is used to help shape deer management in the state.
“Helps us figure out how much deer were produced for the year. It helps us estimate the number of deer that are available and what we do is use that information and provide it to the county deer advisory councils which then make recommendations for the deer season,” said Dhuey.
Operation Deer Watch is going on now through the end of September.
