We are on the precipice of a population that could grow out of the bounds of which hunting can control it.

There will be confusion. Hunters, agency staff and vendors are confused by the ongoing change.

The spring rules hearing process is grassroots citizen involvement. The fact that folks will come out on a Monday night, sometimes staying until late, to vote their preference on these proposals is proof of Wisconsin's strong outdoor heritage.

By limiting the permits to one per day per hunter it will avoid hoarding and allow hunters equal opportunities at available permits.

We went back to the affected user groups last week and discussed all the possibilities. It was a frank, honest and candid discussion with all the groups making their desires known. This compromise is the best middle ground possible. It provides at least minimal deer herd control and only impacts those deer management units most in need of herd control hunts north of the Highway 8 line.

That cold spell last week seemed to get a lot of deer out and moving around. I was bow-hunting last weekend near Julian and saw 20 deer, including a couple bucks. It should be a good opener.