Hunting And Outdoor Sports
Fort McCoy’s 2025 deer season Meet and Greet event helped achieve successful season
Fort McCoy’s 2025 deer season Meet and Greet event helped achieve successful season
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✍️By ZRIntel Editorial Team📍Fort McCoy, Wisconsin
Fort McCoy, Wisconsin, held its 2025 Deer Hunter Meet and Greet event on November 21, 2025, at Whitetail Ridge Ski Area, bringing together dozens of hunters preparing for the impending nine-day gun-deer season at the military post. The initiative, organized through a collaboration of the Fort McCoy Directorate of Public Works (DPW) Environmental Division Natural Resources Branch (NRB), Directorate of Emergency Services, and the Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation, focuses on equipping hunters with essential information for a successful hunting experience.
The 2025 gun-deer season took place from November 22-30, during which hunters successfully harvested a total of 313 deer. Wildlife Biologist Kevin Luepke of the NRB elaborated on the purpose of the event in an earlier press release. "The event is designed to help hunters come in the night before the gun-deer opener to ask questions and gather information regarding the deer herd health, population assessments, and concerns about chronic wasting disease (CWD)," Luepke noted.
This year's event featured various professionals who engaged with attendees, including conservation law enforcement officers who clarified questions about hunting regulations and firearm registration prerequisites. Julie Steinhoff, representing Colorado State University and assisting the Fort McCoy Permit Sales Office, guided hunters navigating the Fort McCoy iSportsman website and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) GoWild System.
Among the welcoming participants were members of the U.S. Army Garrison-Fort McCoy command team, who emphasized the significance of safety and responsible hunting practices. Fort McCoy Garrison Commander Col. Sheyla Baez Ramirez greeted attendees warmly, noting, "Deer hunting has become a cherished tradition here at Fort McCoy. We have been doing this for 48 years. While I wish everyone the best in their hunts, I emphasize the importance of safety and understanding any regulatory changes."
Command Sgt. Maj. James Riddle also addressed the gathering, appreciating the attendees and highlighting the dual purpose of deer hunting at Fort McCoy. "Not only does this event provide food for your families, but it also aids in herd management to reduce vehicle-deer accidents and control diseases that can compromise herd health."
A garrison chaplain, Maj. Walter McCoy, invoked a hunter's prayer, asking for wisdom and safety for all hunters during the event's key activities. Communication during the Meet and Greet was vital, as biologists conveyed the results of surveys and conditions of the deer herd ahead of the hunting season. Luepke mentioned that although lower fawn numbers were observed this summer, the acorn production was notably higher than in 2024, despite not reaching bumper crop levels. This information is crucial for hunters aiming to understand the hunting landscape better.
The data collection point for the 2025 gun-deer hunt was fully operational, situated on South Post off Highway 21, where hunters were required to bring harvested deer for biological sampling and CWD testing. Collecting valuable data assists in evaluating herd health and population calculations, both paramount to maintaining sustainable wildlife management practices.
As Fort McCoy gears up for future deer hunting seasons, community feedback suggests that events like this Meet and Greet are invaluable. They not only enhance the hunters' preparedness but also foster a sense of community within the hunting fraternity.
Fort McCoy aims to continue hosting the Meet and Greet as part of its commitment to improving hunter experiences during the 2026 gun-deer season.
In summary, hunting at Fort McCoy showcases a long-standing tradition built on community engagement, wildlife management, and hunter safety. The ongoing commitment to providing resources and ensuring a safe, successful season is evident through these collaborative events that align military and civilian interests in wildlife conservation.
Events such as Fort McCoy's Meet and Greet highlight the intersection of military life and hunting culture, creating a sense of community focused on sustainable practices. As harvests remain a critical part of population management, the insights gained during these outreach initiatives will shape future policies and practices, making hunter engagement essential. Understanding emerging herd conditions and regulation clarifications will continue to be pivotal as the landscape of deer hunting evolves in Wisconsin and beyond.