Wisconsin deer harvesting hits record high as hunters claim nearly 190,000
- During Wisconsin's recent gun hunting season, hunters harvested nearly 190,000 deer, marking a 5.2% increase from the previous year.
- The number of deer hunting licenses sold has risen to 791,023, indicating increased participation.
- The successful harvest demonstrates the significance of hunting in Wisconsin’s culture and economy.
In Wisconsin, the recent gun hunting season for deer, which took place from November 23 to December 1, 2024, saw hunters successfully harvesting nearly 190,000 deer. This total marked an increase of 5.2% from the previous year, demonstrating a positive trend in deer hunting activity within the state. The season experienced a total of 89,737 antlered deer and 99,835 antlerless deer being harvested, contributing to an overall season total of 289,361 deer. This figure represents an impressive 8.7% hike over the cumulative harvest from the same period last year. Such growth reflects increased participation in deer hunting and potentially healthier deer populations in the region. Additionally, the number of deer hunting licenses sold has also seen an increase. As of the current hunting season, sales reached 791,023, compared to last year's figures of 788,697. Among these sales, 553,652 were specifically for gun hunting, slightly up from 553,479 during the same timeframe last year, indicating sustained interest in this recreational activity. The growth in license sales not only suggests a rise in hunter engagement but also aligns with Wisconsin's tradition of deer hunting as an integral part of the state's culture and economy. The hunting season also saw one reported incident, which involved a 14-year-old boy who was accidentally shot in both feet while participating in the hunt with his father. The incident occurred in Vernon County when the victim felt pain in his feet after hearing a distant gunshot. He was promptly transported to the hospital for medical care, highlighting the need for safety measures during hunting seasons. Investigations are currently underway to ascertain the specifics of this unfortunate event. Overall, the numbers and reports from this year's hunting season in Wisconsin illustrate vibrant participation from the hunting community, indicative of a successful year in both deer population management and community engagement in outdoor recreational activities.