DNR Seeks Deer Council Members, Funds Habitat Projects
Wisconsin's Department of Natural Resources is accepting applications for Citizen Deer Advisory Council seats and funding five habitat projects through a conservation partnership.
Updated on Nov. 10, 2026 in Hunting
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Should residents have a bigger voice in local deer management decisions?
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is accepting applications for Citizen Deer Advisory Council seats across the state, with applications for each deer management unit open until November 30. Separately, the Cherish Wisconsin Outdoors Fund will support five habitat conservation projects totaling more than $129,000 this year.
Why it matters
Council members review deer management data, gather public input and make recommendations to the DNR and the Natural Resources Board, giving hunters and residents a direct role in deer policy. The habitat projects target invasive species, prairie restoration and wildlife habitat on state lands.
The Cherish Wisconsin Outdoors Fund will back five habitat projects totaling more than $129,000 in Dane, Green, Oneida, Ozaukee, Vilas, Washington and Walworth counties. The source does not break down how the funding is allocated among the individual projects.
The players
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
The state agency responsible for managing Wisconsin's natural resources, including deer populations, hunting regulations and state lands.
Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin
The nonprofit partner that co-manages the Cherish Wisconsin Outdoors Fund alongside the state DNR to support conservation projects.
The details
Applications for Citizen Deer Advisory Council seats are accepted for each deer management unit until November 30. The Cherish Wisconsin Outdoors Fund is a partnership between the Wisconsin DNR and the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin.
Timeline
November 30: Citizen Deer Advisory Council application period closes for each deer management unit.
This year: Cherish Wisconsin Outdoors Fund supports five habitat conservation projects.
Season Trajectory
The council recommendations flow to the Wisconsin Natural Resources Board, which sets deer management policy for the state. The habitat projects add conservation work on state lands alongside those regulatory channels.
Hunters and residents interested in shaping deer policy must submit applications by November 30 for their deer management unit. Council service involves reviewing deer management data and gathering public input before making recommendations.
The takeaway
Residents who care about deer management can apply for a council seat before November 30 and take part in shaping recommendations to state officials.
What happens next
Applications for Citizen Deer Advisory Council seats close November 30 for each deer management unit.
Further reading
For more on seasons and rules, see Wisconsin Hunting.
Live Poll
Should residents have a bigger voice in local deer management decisions?
