Just got the latest issue of the Wisconsin Outdoor News, and it looks like Kazmerski the new NRB board chair is still pursuing changes to crossbow usage and seasons. Any of the NRB board members have the right to include questions on the April Conservation Congress hearings in April. He is submitting a question that asks " Would you support the NRB request from the DNR another review of the impacts of the crossbow season on Wisconsin's gun deer season?
Keep in mind, that in October of 2019, the DNR published a 140 page report on crossbows' in hunting. It was the most in depth research ever done in the entire united states. It covered many sources and included information and findings from other states. It concluded that the effects of crossbow were of no real concern in hunting and deer management. It also concluded that the issues with crossbows was of a social nature and not a biological issue. Actually the Wisconsin DNR supports crossbows in deer hunting.
Kaz and his counterparts are still on the premise that the crossbow deer harvest is spiraling out of control and all the bucks are being harvested before the gun hunters have a chance at them in the nine day gun season. The main goal is to alter/change/shorten the crossbow season Ultimately restricting its use during the prime time rut period.
Strangely, in my recent past research on that particular subject, I could find no evidence of such concern by gun hunters. I talked with two local game wardens and also a regional warden supervisor with control of a 15 county area and numerous wardens in central Wisconsin. I asked them if they heard of any comments from upset gun hunters regarding crossbow harvest rates,, They all said they have not heard any such complaints. I also have talked with a representative from Whitetails unlimited with their home office in Sturgeon Bay, Wi. They also said they have not heard of any such comments. I have also talked with numerous hunters, and again, no such comments.
Reality is, Kaz stands with the Wisconsin Bowhunters Association with their never ending anti-crossbow campaign.