State’s Deer Management Assistance Program continues to grow

Following a successful launch of Wisconsin’s Deer Management Assistance Program in 2014, Wisconsin landowners and land managers have continued to work closely with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources to manage their properties for healthy deer and habitat.

In DMAP’s first year, the department accepted 114 applications and worked with nearly 300 landowners. In 2015, 248 applications were received, and the department is currently working with over 700 landowners on nearly 88,000 acres of land.

“DMAP is a wonderful way to learn about the habitat needs of deer and other wildlife,” said Bill Horvath, a DMAP cooperator who enrolled his property as part of a group cooperative in Shawano County. “DMAP teaches you the science behind deer management on your own property and puts you in touch with foresters and biologists to apply the science.”

New additions to DMAP in 2015 include public land enrollment, four landowner workshops, additional communication with local landowners, and an opportunity to participate in a voluntary mentored hunting and trapping program. Workshops provide an excellent opportunity for DMAP cooperators to network and learn more about maximizing the value of their property for deer and other wildlife.

DMAP provides habitat and herd management assistance to private landowners and public land managers interested in improving habitat conditions for deer and other wildlife. Three enrollment levels are available, depending on the size of the property. All enrollees receive technical advice from wildlife professionals, access to habitat improvement resources and program updates and invitations to DMAP workshops.

Individual properties or a group of properties totaling more than 160 acres are eligible to receive a property management plan, a site visit with a DNR wildlife biologist and forester, and annual property-specific harvest reports and more. Enrollment in DMAP may also qualify a landowner or land manager for reduced-price antlerless tags.

DMAP coordinator Bob Nack is pleased by the response the program has received throughout Wisconsin. “We are continuing to see a steady level of interest in the north, and additional enrollments in southern Wisconsin,” Nack said. “Landowners are interested in learning more about improving the wildlife habitat on their properties.”

A department survey of nearly 300 enrollees in 2014 found that 93 percent were satisfied with the program, and 77 percent intended to implement most or all of the habitat improvement recommendations found in their management plan. Many current users have stated that they would recommend DMAP to other landowners, and enjoy the informational resources provided to them through their online MyDMAP account.

The department will be hosting an online chat at noon Sept. 22 for DMAP cooperators and individuals interested in learning more about the program. To participate, search the DNR website, dnr.wi.gov, for keyword “chat.”

Interested landowners or managers can submit a DMAP application at any time to begin receiving benefits. Landowners who enroll at level 2 or 3 should submit an application prior to March 1 to be considered for a site visit in summer 2016.