Walker's "deer czar" issues report attacking DNR management

MADISON (AP) -- Gov. Scott Walker's so-called "deer czar'' has issued a preliminary report attacking the Department of Natural Resources' management strategies.

James Kroll's report found the agency uses outdated and questionable data to build its population estimates, uses outdated methods to track deer registrations, doesn't know enough about how predators such as wolves affect deer and needs to keep season structures consistent for longer periods of time.

DNR big-game ecologist Kevin Wallenfang says the agency is always looking to improve and welcomes the report.

Walker's administration hired Kroll, a Texas-based deer researcher, in October for $125,000 to review DNR strategies in response to hunter complaints that the agency's overzealous herd control plans have led to anemic hunts.

He's due to turn in a final report by the end of June.