Wisconsin Named New Deer and Elk Specialist
The Department of Natural Resources selected Steve Burns to oversee deer and elk management programs across the state.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Hunting
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The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has appointed 42-year-old Steve Burns as the state's new deer and elk specialist. Burns began his tenure in the consolidated leadership role on October 5.
Why it matters
The specialist position is critical for managing a program that generates $1 billion in annual economic impact and oversees wildlife health for roughly 750,000 licensed hunters.
The Wisconsin deer population reached 1.89 million following the 2025 season, supported by annual sales of 750,000 hunting licenses. Meanwhile, at least 2,300 deer deaths have been linked to epizootic hemorrhagic disease across eight counties.
The players
Steve Burns
He is the newly appointed deer and elk specialist for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources who previously served as a biologist.
Department of Natural Resources
This is the state agency responsible for overseeing wildlife management, hunting programs, and environmental protection in Wisconsin.
Jeff Pritzl
He served as the previous deer specialist for the state before retiring from the position in December 2025.
The details
Steve Burns, who previously served five years as a DNR wildlife biologist, was hired from within the agency to lead the newly combined deer and elk management portfolio. The position had been vacant since the December 2025 retirement of Jeff Pritzl, during which time responsibilities were managed through internal staff shifts.
Timeline
Steve Burns joined the DNR in 2021.
The state deer population reached 1.89 million in 2025.
Jeff Pritzl retired from the deer specialist role in December 2025.
Steve Burns started as the new deer and elk specialist on October 5, 2026.
Culture Shift
The transition to a combined deer and elk management role reflects a growing administrative shift toward integrated wildlife oversight within state agencies. This consolidation mirrors broader efforts to modernize conservation strategies in response to changing wildlife health landscapes and economic pressures.
The appointment signals continuity for the 750,000 residents who purchase deer hunting licenses annually in Wisconsin. Hunters should monitor future DNR updates regarding population data collection methods in the eight counties currently affected by epizootic hemorrhagic disease.
The takeaway
Management of deer populations requires balancing recreational hunting opportunities with the mitigation of emerging wildlife diseases. Residents can stay informed on local hunting conditions by regularly reviewing bulletins from the Department of Natural Resources.
Further reading
For more on state management initiatives, visit Wisconsin Hunting.
Live Poll
Should the state prioritize local control over wildlife management decisions in your area?
