Deer hunters are purchasing hunting licenses at the same rate they did in 2018. As of Nov. 17, sales for gun, bow, crossbow, sports and patron licenses reached 538,643 compared to 539,137 in 2018 − a difference of 494 licenses, according to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
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“License sales are brisk. We are happy to see customers buying their licenses early and not waiting for the last minute. DNR staff, private agents and our Go Wild system are prepared for a busy week as we expect sales traffic to increase each day as hunters prepare for the opener on Saturday,” sid Kimberly Currie, director of customer and outreach services.
Two areas have already exceeded last year’s sales totals for the entire season. Individual crossbow license sales are up 10% year-to-date over last year’s season total. The number of licenses purchased for young children also remains strong. In 2018, 2,257 children under the age of nine held a license compared to 3,648 already this year.
The department plans to release preliminary sales totals for the opening weekend Nov. 26.