11-23-13 deer hunt forecast

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin wildlife officials are predicting deer hunters will face some tough conditions when they take to the woods Saturday for the start of the state's nine-day gun season.

Kevin Wallenfang is the Department of Natural Resources' big game ecologist. He says the opener is scheduled later this year, which could mean reduced rutting activity.  He says many areas are fairly wet, which could limit hunter access. And he says that thanks to the late spring and wet conditions about 40 percent of the state's corn crop is still standing, which will provide cover for deer.  Plus, he says, bow hunters haven't been reporting many deer in northern areas, mostly because many animals didn't survive the unusually long winter.