Weapon of choice rules give firearms deer hunters more chance to bag deer
By: Terry Kovarik
Updated: November 15, 2012
"Which means during the firearm deer season, you're able to use a firearm or a bow and arrow or a cross bow with your firearm deer license," said Jeff Pritzl, DNR Regional Program Manager.
That's designed to eliminate the confusion caused last year when the archery season stayed open during last year's gun season. That required two different permits. But those with only archery licenses won't have the same option.
"If they're archery hunting on their archery tag, they must use their bow and arrow. And they can only use a crossbow if they're legal to do so because they're 65 or older or they have a special permit through disability," said Pritzl.
Not surprisingly, firearms deer hunters like having a weapon of choice.
"Weapon of choice. You want to use it, use it. If you want to shoot gun, shoot gun. If you want to shoot bow, shoot bow. Doesn't make a difference to me," said Pat Harrington of Sun Prarie.
"I approve. Otherwise you always had to quit about a week before. It gives' everybody a fair chance of getting a deer, " said Robert Vollmer of Mayville
With the timber wolf now off the endangered species list this year, deer hunters in Wisconsin this season will find that it's distant cousin, the coyote, is fair game.
"In the northern part of the state, coyote hunting was closed during the gun deer season. And that was partly to protect the wolf population and partly to protect the hunters from making a mistake by accidentally shooting a wolf," said Pritzl.
Some hunters say expanding the coyote hunt to statewide has merit.
"There are a lot of predators in the woods. We have seen some damage because of the amount of predators. I think it's a good opportunity. And I know quite a few that would like to have a coyote in their den," said Chuck Rentmeester of New Franken.
Local 5's Terry Kovarik has the story.
