Safe deer hunt urged

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources reminds hunters to ride safely when using all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and utility-terrain vehicles (UTVs) during their hunt this year.

Since January, 33 people have died in ATV and UTV-related crashes in 2020. Most of the incidents involved people not wearing a helmet or seat belt. There were 22 fatal crashes in 2019, according to a release from the DNR on its website.

Hunters often use ATVs or UTVs to retrieve harvests or travel off-road to their hunting location. They should remember to wear helmets and buckle up.

“ATVs and UTVs are powerful and potentially dangerous vehicles. Oftentimes, accidents happen by simply going too fast for conditions, not judging the curve correctly or not knowing the terrain,” DNR Conservation

Warden Lt. Jon King said.

The DNR provided several tips for a safe ride:
• Don’t drink and ride.
• Slow down.
• Some terrain is too steep for ATV/UTVs. Be careful while traversing hills.
• Complete an ATV safety course. ATV riders at least 12 years old and born after Jan. 1, 1988 must complete a course before operating an ATV. UTV operators must be at least age 16.
• Display registration ID number on a rear plate for all ATVs and UTVs registered for public use.
• Always wear a Department of Transportation (DOT)-approved helmet.
• Long guns and bows/crossbows must be fully unloaded before transporting them in or on an ATV or UTV.
• Do not operate in or around waterways or wetlands, where machine use is illegal.
• Review ATV/UTV laws at dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/atv.

Be sure not to shoot other animals

The DNR reminds hunters to take an extra second to be sure of their targets before shooting this season.

Elk have returned to the state after they were eliminated in the 1880s.

“A few young bulls have stretched their legs in search of cows during the mating season which may place them in areas that surprise hunters,” Bob Nack, DNR Big Game Section Chief, said. “In general, elk are larger than deer, have tall, sweeping antlers, darker necks and lack the characteristic tail colors and appearance observed on white-tails.”

Nearly 400 elk roam the state after reintroduction efforts in Ashland, Bayfield, Price, Rusk and Sawyer counties, and an area surrounding Jackson County.

Although the state hasn’t reintroduced moose, several verified sightings across the state are reported each year.

To see the difference between deer and elk, visit dnr.wisconsin.gov/sites/default/files/topic/images/elkvsdeerposter.png.