AWSC and 2006 Proposed Deer Hunting Regulations
In an effort to clarify misconceptions and disparaging allegations over the Association of Wisconsin Snowmobile Clubs’ (AWSC) position with regard to proposed 2006 deer hunting changes, we simply state the following:
From the introduction of proposed deer hunting changes brought forth in the fall of 2005 to the present day, the AWSC has NOT opposed this new hunting structure. Repeatedly, we have asked the DNR, the Legislature and "stakeholder" (hunting interests) groups to amend their proposals in order to grant areas north of Highway 8 an exemption from these changes.
In short, the lower three-quarters of the state would be open to Zone-T hunting during the second week of December. The upper one-quarter of Wisconsin would remain as it is now, free of a T-Zone hunt the second week of December.
By conservative estimates, 90% of snowmobilers are also hunters. It is inherently in the AWSC’s best interest to promote rather than "threaten" the livelihood of hunting in our great state. We understand the passion for outdoor sports in Wisconsin, and we at the AWSC consistently seek programs and season schedules which allow the greatest number of outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy their respective activities.
Proposing to move the current, successful statewide October Zone-T hunt to the second week of December is controversial. Under this experiment, should a December Zone-T hunt fail to control the deer herd (as many are projecting), an October Zone-T hunt would be added in the future. The proposed December T-Zone hunt would remain in place.
Opportunities to hunt in Wisconsin are available essentially throughout the year. Conversely, snowmobiling is limited to those few months when adequate snow is on the ground. Due to safety and liability concerns, landowners often decline access to snowmobile trails as long as hunting is taking place on their property – very reasonable concerns. Exempting the northern quarter of our state (which traditionally sees the greatest amount of snowfall) from the proposed December T-Zone hunt, in the opinion of the AWSC is a reasonable compromise. Simultaneously, hunters would have a majority of the state available to hunt for deer, while snowmobilers would also have a place to operate their sleds.
Finally and for the record, such a compromise would simply maintain the status quo above Highway 8 with regard to deer hunting. In short, the AWSC would not be "taking away" something deer hunters have ever had: A December T-Zone hunt north of Highway 8.
(This position statement is from Morris Nelson, the Legislative Chairman for the AWSC.)
