Michigan whitetail deer.

IRON MOUNTAIN — Wisconsin’s nine-day gun deer season opens Saturday with high temperatures in the 40s predicted locally this weekend.

There’s a chance of snow by mid-week with highs hovering in the mid-30s.

“This year, the deer herd has been aided once again by a mild winter, with many areas rarely having over a foot of snow,” Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources wildlife biologist Derek Johnson said. “Along with an almost non-existent winter in 2023-24, recruitment, growth and health of the deer herd should be superb.”

Deer Management Units in Wisconsin’s Northern Forest zone have been updated this year, converting to habitat-based units as opposed to county-based. Forest Zone DMUs are now referred to by a number.

The DNR’s online deer camp at https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/GoHunting offers links and information regarding licenses, regulations, shooting hours, public land maps and more.

Sampling for chronic wasting disease is free for Wisconsin hunters. The DNR has prioritized testing this year in central and northern Wisconsin.

A map is available at https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/WildlifeHabitat/registersample to find kiosks to submit samples for testing along with deer disposal options.

In Florence County, a CWD sampling self-service kiosk is available at the Wild Rivers Interpretive Center, 5628 Forestry Drive, Florence.

Marinette County has several kiosks, including at the Pembine Ranger Station, N18225, U.S. 141, and the Wausaukee Ranger Station, 1025 Highway C.

Michigan’s 16-day firearm deer season will enter its second week Saturday.

As of Thursday afternoon, the DNR’s online summary showed a 2025 firearm harvest of 498 antlered deer and 88 antlerless in Dickinson County. That compares with totals of 951 antlered and 324 antlerless for the entire 2024 firearm season.

Iron County’s firearm total to date this year is 505 antlered and 163 antlerless. The 2024 firearm totals were 842 antlered and 242 antlerless.

Menominee County, traditionally the leading county in the Upper Peninsula, shows a firearm harvest to date of 1,478 antlered and 415 antlerless. The firearm totals in 2024 were 2,526 antlered and 1,050 antlerless.

Delta County’s firearm numbers to date were 897 antlered and 200 antlerless, which compares with 1,738 antlered and 560 antlerless for all of the 2024 firearm season.

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Jim Anderson can be reached at 906-774-2772, ext. 85226, or janderson@ironmountaindailynews.com.