Wisconsin governor signs repeal of earn-a-buck

MADISON, Wis. — Gov. Scott Walker has signed into law a measure repealing a requirement that hunters in certain areas kill an antlerless deer before they bag a buck.

The bill signed Friday also generally prohibits any gun seasons ahead of the traditional November hunt, with some exceptions.

Hunters have long complained about early gun-hunting seasons and earn-a-buck, which they say forces them to pass up trophy kills. Frustration boiled over in 2009 after two years of anemic November hunts.

The new rule will be in effect when the state’s deer-hunting season begins later this month.

The bill passed the legislature despite objections from some Democrats, foresters and conservation groups who said earn-a-buck is needed to help to control the herd and protect trees and other wildlife.