RHINELANDER, WI (WSAU-WXPR) — The Wisconsin DNR is issuing what it calls “surveillance permits” for deer in Oneida and Lincoln counties as a means of getting more information on how widespread Chronic Wasting Disease is in those areas.
DNR Natural Resources Area Supervisor Chuck McCullough tells WXPR Radio in Rhinelander that the permits will be issued on a first come, first serve basis with two catches. “Tags are free and they are property specific. For example, they might be valid only for the Lincoln County forest, but not some other property.” He adds that any deer harvested with a special surveillance permit is also required to be tested for CWD.
McCullough says they are specifically targeting areas of Harrison Township in Lincoln County and the Three Lakes area of Oneida County. The DNR’s goal is to test 450 deer inside each Surveillance Area to determine range and infection rate for CWD.
Permits will be valid through the end of all deer hunting season in early January. Hunters must harvest the deer with the weapon that’s currently in season, such as a bow during archery season or muzzleloader during that season.
The permits are free of charge but must be picked up in person with a customer ID at either the Rhinelander DNR Service Center and Merrill DNR Ranger Station counters between 8:30 AM and 4:00 PM offices beginning November 8.
Additionally, landowner permits are available for anyone that owns land in the testing areas and will be issued exclusively through the Rhinelander and Merrill offices. For Rhinelander, contact Jeremy Holtz at 715-401-2871. For Merrill, contact Carissa Freeh at 608-220-1817 or via email at carissa.freeh@Wisconsin.gov.
