Wisconsin DNR sets hearings on permanent deer rules

MADISON, Wis. (AP) - Wisconsin wildlife officials are looking for the public's thoughts on permanent rules implementing changes Gov. Scott Walker's so-called deer czar recommended.

The Department of Natural Resources implemented most of Texas researcher James Kroll's suggestions this past year through an emergency rule. The changes included creating county-based deer advisory councils, cheaper antlerless tags for landowners looking to control deer on their property and redrawing hunting zone boundaries to follow county lines.

DNR officials want to pass a permanent rule package to put those changes into effect for 2015 and beyond. The agency has scheduled nine public hearings on the package from Jan. 21 to Jan. 27. Hearing locations include La Crosse, Fitchburg, Dodgeville, Eau Claire, Green Bay, Schofield, Waukesha, Spooner and Rhinelander.