MADISON, WI (AP)-- The state Department of Natural Resources' board has approved county advisory councils' local deer population goals.
Governor Scott Walker's so-called "deer czar" Dr. James Kroll recommended the DNR form the councils as a way of improving deer management in Wisconsin. The DNR complied and asked the councils to recommend whether to increase, maintain or decrease their local herds over the next three years.
Most councils recommended increasing or maintaining. Councils in nine counties threatened by chronic wasting disease recommended growing or maintaining their herds despite scientists' advice that thinning the herd is the best way to slow the disease's spread.
The board adopted the recommendations without making any changes Wednesday.
The councils will start reconvening in March to develop antlerless permit quotas to help move the local herds toward goal.