Hunting And Outdoor Sports
A first buck with a crossbow and more in the latest Manitowoc outdoors report
A first buck with a crossbow and more in the latest Manitowoc outdoors report
📅
✍️By ZRIntel Editorial Team📍Oneida County, Wisconsin
In a recent report from Oneida County, Wisconsin, hunter Curt Biely made headlines as he successfully harvested his first crossbow buck during the ongoing deer hunting season. Biely ventured into the woods in search of a white-tailed deer and set up his stand around 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, October 28. After an hour of waiting patiently, a doe appeared, followed closely by a buck, giving Biely a prime opportunity. Using a PSE Fang crossbow with a 150-pound draw weight, he aimed and released the arrow. Initial signs indicated a successful shot, as Biely quickly recovered the arrow. With the help of friends, they followed the blood trail and discovered that the buck had traveled only about 50 yards before collapsing. The buck, a modest six-point with a basket rack, marked a significant milestone for Curt, as this was his first deer taken with a crossbow. The excitement of hunting brings with it the responsibility of understanding wildlife management, especially regarding Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) regulations. CWD has been a growing concern in many parts of Wisconsin, prompting the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to implement baiting and feeding bans in counties with confirmed cases. This law aims to mitigate the spread of this fatal disease among deer populations. In counties where the presence of CWD is confirmed, strict feeding bans are in place. Should a wild deer test positive for CWD in a county, that county will face a three-year ban on baiting and feeding. Additionally, if a positive result is found within 10 miles of a county line, the neighboring county will also face a two-year ban. The implications of these restrictions are far-reaching, impacting hunting practices, the movement of deer, and the overall management of wildlife resources. Despite the dire aspects of CWD, the report emphasizes hunting regulations aimed at protecting both the animals and the hunters. For example, the DNR has developed testing protocols for harvested deer, especially in priority areas where CWD is prevalent. Hunters are encouraged to submit their deer for testing to help biologists track disease prevalence. In cases of positive results, replacements are issued for certain harvest authorizations, ensuring hunters can still participate in the season. As the hunting season progresses, there are additional events that foster community engagement within Manitowoc. Local organizations like the Viking Bow & Gun Club will host sight-in days on November 8-9, providing hunters the opportunity to ensure their firearms are ready for the hunt. This year, the Manitowoc Rifle & Pistol Club is also offering sight-in services on multiple dates to accommodate the community's needs. Moreover, local businesses, such as BRW Processing in Valders, are contributing to the Deer Donation Program, which channels harvested deer meat to food pantries, showcasing a community spirit that extends beyond individual hunts. The Manitowoc Unit of Fish & Game will host a meeting on November 12, inviting members and the public to discuss topics vital to conservation and hunting practices. With excitement in the air as the season continues, now is a prime time for hunters to prepare and engage with their local communities while remaining vigilant regarding CWD. As hunting culture persists in shaping outdoor traditions across Wisconsin, cooperation between hunters and wildlife management remains critical to the sustainability of the state's deer populations. This discourse reflects a broader narrative of responsible hunting intertwined with community and conservation efforts.