The Natural Resources Board has called a special meeting to revisit its controversial decision last month to override recommendations from 11 County Deer Advisory Councils.
The meeting will be held online at 7 a.m. Thursday.
The board will first vote on a request to reconsider its June 24 decision. If a majority of the seven members approve, the body will then open a process to reassess its previous action.
This time, it would include an opportunity for public testimony and input on the changes.
The board raised the ire of many CDAC members, at least three former NRB members and many others when, led by NRB member Greg Kazmierski of Pewaukee, it altered 11 final recommendations of the local advisory councils.
As first reported June 25 by the Journal Sentinel, the board reduced by 50% the number of antlerless permits in eight counties (Burnett, Douglas, Florence, Langlade, Lincoln, Oneida, Sawyer and Vilas), reduced them to zero in portions of two counties (Marinette and Oconto) and rearranged the balance of public/private tags in one (Bayfield).
Overall, the board cut 5,650 public land antlerless permits and 500 private land antlerless permits in the counties.
The vote was 5-2, with Kazmierski, Julie Anderson, Bill Bruins, Terry Hilgenberg and board chairman Fred Prehn in favor and Bill Smith and Marcy West opposed.
The CDACs are part of a process established in 2014 to allow local residents a more prominent and well-defined role in deer management. The groups are made up of volunteers representing a range of stakeholder groups, including hunting, agriculture, forestry and tourism.
They meet twice each year in late winter or early spring to review deer harvest and other data presented by the Department of Natural Resources. The volunteers then make preliminary recommendations for deer hunting season formats, kill quotas and antlerless permit levels.
After a public review period, the CDACs reconvene to consider comments and formulate final recommendations. The DNR then reviews the CDAC suggestions and presents a rule package to the board.
Only rarely has the DNR or NRB overruled a CDAC final recommendation. The 11 changes by the board at its last meeting were by far the most. In so doing, the five board members overruled a majority of CDAC members in the 11 counties.
Although some people supported the move to reduce antlerless tags, comments critical of the action far outnumbered those who approved of it, according to board member Smith.
"Fair to say I've received more feedback against this recent vote than any in my time on the board," said Smith, who has served since March 2019.
Most concerning to many was the process used to make the changes. Kazmierski's amendment was voted on before the public could review or comment on the proposed modifications.
The June 24 action spurred three former NRB members – Fred Clark, Dave Clausen and John Welter – to write a letter to the board requesting it to reconsider.
“The public appearance of this action is counter to the spirit and intent of the Open Meetings Law, and it is counter to the tradition of openness that we as former members expect from the NRB," the men wrote in the letter dated July 15. "We urge you strongly to formally reconsider this action via a special meeting that includes opportunity for public comment and testimony.”
Reaction to news of the special meeting was generally favorable among CDAC members in the affected counties.
"We take a lot of time to consider the data and get the recommendations together," Justice said. "If you're going to overrule us, why have us? I’m not going to hold my breath, but I’m glad to at least see them reconvene."
The public may provide remote testimony (no in-person appearances) during Thursday's meeting. Written comments may also be submitted. The deadline is 10 a.m. Wednesday to request a remote appearance and for written comments. Requests and comments should be submitted to laurie.ross@wisconsin.gov.
Confirmed speakers will receive meeting logistics via email. Each speaker will have 3 minutes, or as designated by board chair, to give their testimony. The meeting will be broadcast live via dnr.wi.gov.
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