The start of the gun-deer season offers lots in terms of economic impact in Wisconsin. It's a one billion dollar industry. But with the change of how hunters can register their deer this year, going online instead of in person, some register stations are taking a hit. NBC26 was with hunters today and explains what it means for them.
You can still find some register stations like gas stations and bars where you can show up and register your deer in person. But let’s be honest, the convenience of doing it yourself from the woods has a certain appeal. An appeal that most hunters are taking advantage of.
At Rouer’s Grand Slam in Brussels deer registration used to bring in more than one kind of bucks.
"Right now the bar would be lined and there would be people standing around telling deer stories," says Rouer’s Grand Slam owner Brian Rouer.
"This is where we always would come and the road would be lined with cars and deer and people registering," adds Don Schreier a hunter who nabbed an 8-pointer on opening morning.
But this year hunters have the option of avoiding places like this and registering their bounty electronically.
"I thought it would take more time than that. All you do is type in your customer ID, date of birth and then the date harvested," says Alex Banboxel of Green Bay who has already registered a couple of deer.
On an average opener Rouer’s bar would register about 100 deer by days end. But today they had only registered six by 1pm.
Even the one hunter we ran into registering his deer in person says that he understands why it will be a popular option.
"It's so much easier. You don't have to make an extra trip and spend all the extra time. Just take out your phone and get it done you know. I could have done it from the woods," says Schreier.
Convenience aside, some things are lost through the new process though according to many.
"You gotta tell your stories somewhere," says Rouer.
Because sharing your sense of accomplishment or bragging rights if you will, is an experience you won’t find online.
"I always feel bad when I leave here cause I see what’s out there that I usually don’t see," explains Schreier describing the sight seeing spectacle that is usually on display here.
"We've seen a few big bucks come in because they want to show it off. But it's sad because there's not a lot of people to show it off to anymore," adds Rouer.
So as registration stations like this prepare for a potential evening rush, I think it's safe to say if the hunters don't come there's still some positives to come out of the new change.
"I prepared for it not to be slow because I didn't know what to expect. But now I expect to be deer hinting next year instead of registering deer," says Rouer an excited hunter himself.
There are more registration stations than you might expect to be waiting for your company. Check out the link below to find the one next to you.
http://prodoasext.dnr.wi.gov/inter1/pk_cwd_regpub$.startup
