With some major rule changes coming for this year’s deer hunting season, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has created a number of resources to help make sure hunters are ready for another great deer season. New in 2014, a crossbow deer hunting license is available for any qualified hunter to purchase. Previously, only disabled hunters could use a crossbow under the authority of an archer license.The crossbow deer hunting season will run concurrent with the regular archer season. During open firearm seasons, a gun deer license will authorize bow and crossbow use. Crossbow licenses include one statewide buck tag and one Farmland Zone antlerless tag. It is important to note that persons purchasing a traditional bow and a crossbow license will receive only one set of tags. To help transition into this new season, the department is hosting an online crossbow chat at noon on Thursday, July 24. DNR regulations experts will be on hand to answer all crossbow-related questions. 
     The crossbow chat will kick off a series of chats that will help make sure hunters are aware of rule changes associated with this year’s deer season.
The next chat, which will cover bonus antlerless tags, will take place at noon Aug. 12. Additional chats aimed at answering general regulations questions are scheduled for Sept. 2 and Sept. 9 at noon. For more information, search the DNR website dnr.wi.gov for keyword “chat.” Hunters are also encouraged to check out the frequently asked questions page for more information regarding rule changes. The FAQ feature provides brief responses to a wide variety of deer hunting questions, ranging from deer management unit boundaries to antlerless permits. To view the FAQ page, visit dnr.wi.gov and search keyword “deer.”
     Those interested in receiving email updates on crossbow deer hunting can sign up to receive occasional email reminders about season dates, regulations reminders and other important information. Visit dnr.wi.gov and click on the email icon near the bottom of the page for “subscribe for updates for DNR topics,” then follow the prompts and select the “Crossbow Deer Hunting” distribution list.
For more information, contact:  Bob Nack, DNR big game management section chief, 608-264-6137