You can now enjoy one of Wisconsin’s favorite past times with a bow. Saturday marked the beginning of the archery and crossbow deer hunting seasons running until January 9th. In 2020, over 110,000 deer were harvested by archery and crossbow hunters, including 64,000 bucks. That was an increase from 2019, due in part to the uptick in outdoor recreation the state saw as a result of the pandemic. DNR Conservation Warden for Door County Chris Kratcha expects the high interest in bowhunting to continue, especially amidst delta variant concerns. 

DNR Deer Program Specialist Jeff Pritzl, says after last year’s mild winter, Wisconsin hunters can look forward to increased harvest opportunities this season. The DNR urges you to keep weapon and treestand safety in the front of your mind when you go out.