Snow could be a plus for gun-deer opener Saturday

A little snow could help hunters on the opening day of gun-deer season.  The forecast says Wisconsin could get hit with significant snow Friday night into Saturday.  Saturday is the opener for gun-deer season.  The Wisconsin DNR says there are some changes to the season this year, including electronic registration.  

You can find more information about e-registration here:  http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/Hunt/ereg.html

Tim Lizotte with the Wisconsin DNR says the changes make it more convenient for hunters.

"Since the 1950s we've had in person registration so this is a big change," Lizotte said.  "There are some challenges, it's harder for biologists like myself to gather data because we can't get our hands on those deer as easily. And the other thing, We worry a little bit about compliance but we've had e-registration for turkeys and geese and it's gone really well. Conservation wardens are out doing spot checks to make sure people are doing the registrations."

For those not planning on going into the woods, there are other options.  Including shopping days geared toward "deer widows" - women left alone at home while their boyfriend or husband hunts.

Johnson Creek Premium Outlets has been doing this for years.

"It just gets better every year, bigger every year, our merchants get really excited, they get involved," JCPO General Manager Bonnie Hertel said.  "They are the ones who give us our door prizes, gift cards, it's probably one of the funnest events we had all year."

She says the weekend helps the entire area in Johnson Creek.

"We see a big uptick in our shoppers and people staying in the hotel the area hotels."