Updated at: 10/29/2009 9:44 AM
By: Katie Nordeen
KNordeen@wdio.com

WI Hunters Split On 16-Day Hunt

Quoting some hunters on Wednesday night; "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." That was the consensus at a public hearing in Spooner, Wisconsin, where people had a chance to weigh-in on changing the state's deer hunt from nine days--to 16.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has been holding public hearings all over the state for weeks, and says they have heard from thousands of people both for and against the changes. About 100 people showed up at Spooner's event.

The statewide 16-day gun hunt would mean the traditional deer season would start one week earlier-- two Saturday's before Thanksgiving. It's an alternative to the highly controversial "Earn a Buck" program, which requires hunters in heard control zones to harvest an antlerless deer before harvesting a buck.

Some testified during the hearing that the heard is already too small, and fear the changes will effect years of tradition.

"We enjoy seeing the deer and animals every year getting to be less and less of them," said David Johnson of Frederic. "The deer population is going the wrong direction."

"People make their plans, take vacations and things are just established pretty good," said Wally Trudeau of Amery. "I think we should stay there."

Meanwhile-- supporters say the extension provides more chance for good weather, spreads out hunting pressure, and creates an overall quality hunt.

Both Minnesota and Michigan already have 16 day hunts.

The DNR will collect feedback through Tuesday, November 3rd. You can send written comments to Keith Warneke, Bureau of Wildlife Management, P.O. Box 7921, Madison, WI 53707.

If the changes are approved at the legislative level-- they will go into effect in 2010.