Wisconsin service members deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan during Wisconsin’s 2009 deer hunting season could have an opportunity to participate in the state’s deer hunting tradition under a new Department of Natural Resources effort to match vets wanting to catch up on deer hunting with Wisconsin farmers who have agricultural deer damage shooting permits.
“Last year, Wisconsin had the largest operational deployment of our National Guard since World War II. More than 4,000 Wisconsin soldiers and airmen performed dangerous missions in service to our country,” Gov. Jim Doyle said. “These newest combat veterans missed what is a lifelong tradition for many -- the fall deer hunt. With the help of state farmers, that's a problem we can fix.”
“Farmers are in a unique position to offer a hunting opportunity to returning soldiers,” said DNR Secretary Matt Frank. “We've invited farmers who hold deer damage tags to share some of those tags with soldiers and we're working with the National Guard to get the word out to returning soldiers.”
“What a great gesture by the Wisconsin DNR,” said Command Sgt. Major George Stopper. “A lot of our veterans are outdoor enthusiasts. Had they not been deployed, many of them would have been out enjoying the hunt. By linking the soldiers up with farmers that already hold permits, I feel you've definitely provided a great opportunity to all concerned."
An invitation has been sent to several hundred farmers across the state enrolled in the deer damage program asking them to consider sharing deer damage tags with returning soldiers. The program is completely voluntary. So far, 95 soldiers have expressed interest in hunting; nine farmers have volunteered a total of 50 tags for the program, and DNR has been able to match 22 of them up.
Deer damage tag holders can contact the DNR call center toll-free at 888-936-7463 or contact Laurie Fike at laurie.fike@wisconsin.gov with their name, county, deer shooting permit number and the number of tags they would like to share. The call center is open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week. It is hoped that the first hunts can be scheduled early in February.
Interested soldiers should also contact the call center. Call center customer service staff will take their information and the soldier will be called back with the name and contact information of a participating damage tag holder. It is then up to individual soldiers and farmers to arrange the details of their hunts to suit both their needs.
The Governor thanked Senator Kathleen Vinehout and Representative Chris Danou who worked with the Department to develop the hunt for returning vets.
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