SAK Audit

The SAK Stakeholder Steering Committee received this draft report reviewing Wisconsin DNR's use of the Sex-Age-Kill (SAK) deer population model. The report is from a SAK Model Review Panel consisting of biologists and statisticians selected by the SAK Stakeholder Steering Committee. The Steering Committee and interested individuals and groups will be reviewing this document over the next couple weeks and seeking clarification if necessary. The final SAK Report will be delivered along with a report of the Steering Committee to the NRB at their January 2007 meeting.

Audit Report [PDF 950KB]

Dr. Mark Boyce delivered the review panel’s draft report to the NRB on Dec 5, 2006 and repeated his presentation for this recording.

View the presentation.

Deer Hunting in Wisconsin

Wisconsin is recognized as one of the premier deer hunting states in the nation as Wisconsin is home to a thriving deer herd. Wildlife habitat changes during the past century due to farming, logging, and urban expansion have led to the evolution of new method for managing our deer populations in an attempt to control their numbers under a wide array of habitats and social conditions.

Wildlife biologists in Wisconsin have developed population models for deer. The model depends on information gathered primarily from the hunters themselves. Such information includes the actual number of deer harvested annually, and the sex and age of each animal. When applied to a specific geographical "unit," it is possible for biologists to accurately estimate the number of deer living in that unit. They can then estimate the numbers that may be harvested to keep populations at healthy levels that are socially acceptable to both hunters and nonhunters alike. For more information, please feel free to read "Wisconsin's Deer Management Program: (PDF, 1.72MB), The Issues Involved in the Decision-Making."