STAR JOURNAL REPORT

Bow hunters interested in applying to hunt deer within the city limits have until 4:30 p.m., Friday, Sept. 14 to do so at City Hall.  City landowners who wish to have their property hunted will also find applications at the clerk’s office.

A valid Wisconsin bow license and carcass tag are required at the time of application. Hunters and hunting properties that were authorized in past years are not automatically re-registered. There is a short waiting period while the Rhinelander Police Department performs a criminal background check.

The city will issue antlerless deer permits one at a time to hunters who have been admitted to the program. Hunters must notify city hall within 48 hours of harvesting a deer so the city can maintain up-to-date harvest counts, by calling 715-365-8600 and speaking with Val Foley or Mary Stoll. Hunters will need to register their deer online at gamereg.wi.gov, by phone 844-426-3734 or by calling the WIDNR at 888-936-7463.

Once hunters have filled the permits, they may be issued another permit to obtain another deer.

The bow season will open on Sept. 15 and run until Nov. 16.  It will be closed during the regular gun season, Nov. 17-25 and muzzleloader season, Nov. 26-Dec. 5. and will re-open Dec. 6 through Jan. 6, 2019. The hunt will be suspended on Halloween, Oct. 31.  The mayor and police chief has the ability to suspend the hunt in emergency situations; in which case hunters will be notified by phone.

Wild Instincts at 4621 Apperson Drive will take any unwanted harvested deer. Call 715-490-2727.