Increase in hunters, but a decrease in deer this year

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is reporting a slight increase in the number of hunters out this gun deer season as compared to last year, and a slight decrease in deer registered during opening weekend. The agency noted in a briefing on Tuesday that hunters registered more than 89,000 deer during opening weekend, which is around 1,600 fewer deer than were registered in the same period last year. This is also about 4.7% below the five-year average, according to the DNR. The number of antlered deer is down by 4.3% compared to last year, with 49,038 registered. The number of antlerless deer harvested was up by 1.5% compared to last year, with 40,165 reported as harvested. The DNR previously said the late opening date could cause potential less deer activity. With snow falling Monday in some places and a drop in temperatures expected, the DNR said the second half of gun deer season may make conditions better for hunters.