With the brisk November air of a Wisconsin autumn, camouflage and blaze orange become not only permissible, but encouraged for hunting season.
Nov. 19 at dawn is considered akin to Christmas morning for avid deer hunters. Men, women and children pack up the car and head north for a relaxing weekend with family, friends and the high hope of shooting the elusive “30-point buck.”
People from all around the state are itching to get to their deer stand, including Gov. Scott Walker. In an audio file on the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources website, Walker says he plans to spend the inaugural hunting weekend out in the woods.
“I’m hoping that all hunters from one end of the state to the other, have a both safe and successful hunt,” he said.
John Kinnett, long time deer hunter and small business owner from Edgerton, Wis., is one among many of the dedicated hunters headed out for opening weekend.
He travels to the “middle of nowhere” with no electricity and no running water, to a hunter’s heaven called Deer Camp, a tradition carried with the season.
“It’s a family tradition. It started with the great-great-grandparents and goes through every generation. It’s a good time to bond,” he said.
Trevor Kinnett, John Kinnett’s son, said he also has fond memories of spending time up north with his dad, saying it provides time to get rid of all the distractions of life.
UW junior Josh Eastman said he enjoys the relaxation the outdoors bring. Eastman said he likes to hunt because his father taught him the sport from a young age.
“It is more than just hunting, it’s actually a time to socialize and bond with your family,” he said. “It is one of my favorite times of the year.”
Brody VanDeventer, a student at UW-Whitewater, heads up to his cabin in Drummound, Wis., with his family every year for opening weekend. He said being outdoors and seeing the deer in their natural environment is a thrill in itself, regardless of whether or not he gets a deer.
VanDeventer said there seems to be an increase in hunters every year that are out to get their buck on the first morning, but the atmosphere among hunters remains one of respect and kindness.
DNR Secretary Cathy Stepp said in a statement that she wishes hunters a safe, enjoyable and successful endeavor as they take to the woods.
“I sincerely hope everyone who enjoys and cherishes the traditions and excitement of deer hunting can find time to spend sharing these special days with family and friends,” she said in the statement.
According to the DNR website, the October antlerless-only gun season and Earn-A-Buck program have been suspended this year. The elimination of this policy will allow hunters to take aim at a buck first, without first shooting an anterless deer.
The regular gun deer season date extends from November 19-27, the website said.
