Wis. gov announces deer plans in upcoming budget

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Gov. Scott Walker says his executive budget will implement a number of deer hunting changes, including new mini-hunts, money for mapping technology and new funding for chronic wasting disease surveillance.

The plans stem from Texas researcher James Kroll’s recommendations on how to improve Wisconsin deer management.

Walker issued a statement Friday saying his budget will authorize the Department of Natural Resources to start a deer management assistance program, which allows landowners and hunting clubs to run hunts on their property after consulting with DNR biologists.

The spending plan also will provide investments for new satellite imagery technology and implement fees for antlerless tags in CWD counties to help fund disease surveillance.

The statement didn’t include any other details. A Walker spokesman had no immediate comment.