The DNR and Citizen Deer Advisory Councils (CDACs) are seeking public feedback on Wisconsin’s deer management ahead of the 2026 deer season, including harvest quotas, season structure and more.
Help shape local deer herd management preferences by providing input during the online input period from April 4-12. This feedback will be discussed by the CDACs as they develop local recommendations for the DNR. Feedback can be submitted through the online CDAC survey.
You can also participate in-person by attending the CDAC meetings (April 20-30). Join the discussion about local deer management and provide input on deer season details. Meetings include a review and discussion of current unit data on harvest trends, herd health, the deer hunter experience and deer/human conflict issues like crop and property damage. Check out the CDAC meeting schedule [PDF] for details on the time and place of each meeting.
Any questions about the Citizen Deer Advisory Council process may be submitted to .
Each Deer Management Unit (DMU) in Wisconsin has a Citizen Deer Advisory Council (CDAC) to provide input and recommendations to the department on deer management within their unit. Councils work with local department staff to schedule meetings, provide community outreach and an opportunity for public input, review population data and deer impacts on forests and agriculture, develop three-year recommendations on unit population objectives and create annual antlerless harvest quotas.