Preliminary numbers from the state Department of Natural Resources aren’t available yet for the ongoing archery deer season, but three local businesses are shedding a little light on how hunters are faring so far in the woods and fields.

The Wisconsin 2025 gun deer season opens Nov. 22 and runs through Nov. 30.

Similar to last year, this year’s gun deer season runs later in the month. Fewer deer may be on the move relative to years with earlier openers. Other factors such as colder temperatures and snow cover could create better deer hunting conditions

Across the state, avid hunters are heading out or getting ready for deer hunting season. While you’re checking off your prep list, make sure a physical examination is part of it.

Just a few decades ago, deer hunters who wanted to create a tack-driving rifle needed some amateur gunsmithing skills to tweak their factory bolt-actions.

You have a straight-shooting rifle with a dialed-in scope, plenty of ammo, a backpack full of gear and lunch, and plenty of sleds, ropes and carts to haul out the biggest buck. Now if you only had a place to hunt.

Because you hunt in Wisconsin, you’re in luck. You have more than 7 million acres of public hunting land available to you, including some you’ve heard of and some you probably haven’t.

Thanks to the effort of a local sportsman’s club, area hunters have a place to take their deer carcasses while also helping to keep chronic wasting disease in check.

Since 2019, the Oconto County Sportsman’s Alliance has provided Dumpsters for carcasses.

This year, seven of the Dumpsters are located throughout Oconto County, two are in Marinette County and one is in Shawano County.