Deer Management Assistance Program

DMAP Resources

DMAP members gain access to a wide array of technical and educational resources, such as videos produced by DMAP biologists on timber stand improvement to scientific articles on deer management. We also curate a monthly e-newsletter, the Cooperator Update, which keeps members in the loop on all things herd and habitat management. In addition, those who receive a site visit can get a personalized site visit summary and/or detailed management plan to help implement specific projects on their property. See examples of our resources, cooperator update, management plan and site visit summary below.

• DMAP - Timber Stand Improvement [Video]
• Direct Seeding: Woods for Wildlife
• Aging a Deer by Examining its Jawbone
• Example DMAP Site Visit Summary
• Example DMAP Management Plan
• DMAP Cooperator Update: Woods and Wetlands

Application information

Enrollment in the Deer Management Assistance Program (DMAP) requires a person to create a Web Access Management System (WAMS) account (username and password) with the State of Wisconsin. This one-time account activation will give you direct access to your MyDMAP account. If you are applying as a group cooperative, the WAMS username and password that you create must be shared with all members to allow them access to the cooperative MyDMAP account.

You will need the following information to complete the MyDMAP application:

• name,
• mailing address,
• phone number,
• email address,
• DNR customer ID,
• birth date,
• property location: township/range/section.
  Sources could include a plat book, tax records and the interactive map provided in MyDMAP

Sections in bold denote important information that is required from each landowner in a group cooperative.
Your privacy is important to us! Please be aware that all collected information will be secured and confidential.

Hear from DMAP Members

Year 1 of DMAP: Profile of enrollees and their satisfaction

DMAP Annual Reports

DMAP's mission is to partner with private landowners and hunters to foster positive relationships, implement sound landowner-specific habitat and deer herd management and collect data to support deer management in Wisconsin. 

To learn more about how we work to achieve that mission, check out our annual reports:

• 2023 Annual Report
• 2022 Annual Report

FAQs

What is the Deer Management Assistance Program?

• The Deer Management Assistance Program (DMAP) partners the WDNR with private landowners, land managers and hunters to provide habitat and herd management assistance that aligns with their goals. The department will provide tools (project plans, antlerless tags, etc.), resources (workshops, etc.) and technical assistance to help members achieve their habitat and deer management goals. In return, members provide deer harvest and observation data for use in deer management.

Can landowners interested in managing habitats for wildlife other than deer enroll in DMAP?

• Yes! DMAP offers recommendations based on the landowner’s goals whether they are deer related (more deer, less deer, bigger bucks) or non-deer focused (songbirds, grouse, turkey, native plants, etc.)  Thus, we’ll provide recommendations for improving habitat for wildlife that you’re interested in. 

How do I apply for DMAP?

• Log in to the MyDMAP online database. This link will direct you to a sign-up page to begin the application process.

How do I re-enroll for DMAP?

• Log in to the MyDMAP online database between Feb. 1-28 and follow the prompts. Reenrollment is only necessary once every three years. 

What is the deadline to apply for DMAP?

• Applications can be submitted at any time to receive DMAP benefits such as online resources and workshops. Properties 160 acres or larger (DMAP Levels 2 and 3) should apply by March 1 to be eligible for a site visit and management plan in that year.

Are there any requirements for DMAP members?

• Members that enroll in Levels 2 and 3 are required to pay an enrollment fee every three years. Members are also encouraged to record deer harvest and observation data as well as track the use of DMAP antlerless tags (if issued) in their MyDMAP account.

Can corporations, businesses, trusts or similar entities enroll in DMAP?

• Yes. However, before successful enrollment in DMAP, the corporation or similar entity must complete documentation that identifies an "authorized representative" who can make decisions on behalf of the entity.

What is a DMAP group cooperative?

• A DMAP group cooperative is an association of individual property owners or their representatives who organize to manage deer and other wildlife resources, and whose members have agreed to participate in DMAP. Group cooperatives must designate a representative landowner as a primary contact. The primary contact will serve as the point of contact between DNR staff and other cooperative members. Group cooperatives can be comprised of public and/or private lands. 

What are the benefits of joining a group cooperative?

• Group cooperatives are a good way for landowners to network with neighbors with similar land management goals. Group cooperatives may help individual landowners achieve the minimum acreage requirements for level 2 or 3 benefits. Landowners may also be able to share costs and equipment to conduct habitat management activities over a larger area, which may enhance habitat for a wider variety of wildlife.

Does a DMAP group cooperative only include adjoining properties?

• No. However, each property enrolled in a group cooperative must be within one-half mile of another property in the cooperative. 

Do property owners in Level 2 or 3 group cooperatives receive their management plans?

• No. One management plan will be written that covers all included properties. 

How many properties can be included in a DMAP group cooperative?

• There is no limit to the number of properties that may be included in a group cooperative, however, they must be within one-half mile of another enrolled property. 

Can a landowner add additional properties to their group cooperative after they enroll in the program?

• Yes, even after a landowner has enrolled in DMAP, they may add additional landowners/properties to their individual property or cooperative. However, those landowners/properties added following the initial enrollment date will still adhere to the initial enrollment date and site visit scheduling.

Can someone who manages a property that they do not personally own enroll that property in DMAP?

• Yes, but only with approval from the owner of the property. This includes having the landowner register in the MyDMAP database and then designating the property manager as their authorized representative.

How will DMAP be applied to public lands?

• Public land managers with an interest in DMAP are welcome to apply. DNR staff will work with land managers to accomplish one or more of the following objectives:

  • Provide management options to help address deer management concerns and reach habitat objectives.
  • Promote wildlife habitat improvement projects on public properties where quality habitat is limited.
  • Provide educational opportunities.

  DMAP may be a good fit for public lands with urban deer issues, localized areas where deer impact vegetation or properties with existing management plans that would benefit from additional emphasis on wildlife habitat management recommendations.

How will properties that are enrolled in the Managed Forest Law (MFL) or Forest Crop Law (FCL) program work within DMAP?

• Properties enrolled in MFL or FCL may participate in DMAP. Level 2 and 3 DMAP enrollees enrolled in MFL or FCL will receive a management plan for that program and a DMAP management plan. The DMAP plan will provide additional detail on wildlife habitat and management, which will complement the recommendations provided in the MFL or FCL plan.

For DMAP, are properties enrolled in the Managed Forest Law program considered private or public lands?

• Currently, properties enrolled in the MFL program (open or closed) are considered private properties. As such, MFL properties enrolled in DMAP are eligible for private land benefits including management recommendations.

For those enrolled in DMAP levels 2 and 3, who will be conducting the site visit?

• A local DMAP team member (DMAP biologist or Forest Habitat Biologist) and DNR Forester will conduct the initial site visit. Site visits usually occur in the spring or summer at a time of mutual convenience to department staff and the landowner or property manager. The landowner or authorized representative must be present for the initial site visit.

Who will authorize the issuance of DMAP antlerless tags?

• Local DMAP team members (DMAP biologist or Forest Habitat Biologist) will authorize the issuance of DMAP antlerless tags for a given property or group cooperative. DMAP antlerless tags will be made available for purchase through the Go Wild licensing system, similar to other license purchases. DMAP tags are issued following the site visit, at the discretion of the DMAP Specialist in consultation with the landowner or representative.

How will the department determine if DMAP antlerless tags should be issued to enrollees?

• The department will consider information collected by staff during a property assessment. Property assessments will include an evaluation of current habitat conditions, deer harvest history, an assessment of local deer numbers and property habitat goals as discussed with the landowner or representative(s).

Will DMAP antlerless tags be issued in Deer Management Units that do not have an antlerless quota for the year?

• Yes, however, antlerless harvest tags are property-specific and are not guaranteed to all DMAP members.

How do DMAP cooperators obtain DMAP antlerless tags?

• DMAP antlerless tags for the property or cooperative are issued to the Go Wild account for landowners listed in the MyDMAP database. Go Wild will track tag purchases and count down the number of tags available for the property or cooperative as the tags are purchased. Like other harvest authorizations, DMAP antlerless tags can be printed at home, at a DNR service center or with a licensed agent for a processing fee.

Can landowners sell DMAP antlerless tags to other hunters?

• Yes. Landowners or representatives can sell them for no more than the original cost. DMAP antlerless tags may only be used on the DMAP property for which they were issued.

How do hunters register a deer harvested and tagged with a DMAP antlerless tag?

• Hunters will use the GameReg system to register deer by calling 1-844-426-3734 or going online to gamereg.wi.gov. Upon completing the registration process, the hunter will receive a 10-character confirmation number. This will serve as proof of registration. DMAP members should also enter the harvest information into their MyDMAP account.

Who can participate in DMAP workshops?

• All DMAP members, regardless of level, are encouraged to attend DMAP workshops and bring along interested family members, neighbors, and friends. Workshops present information on deer and habitat management and offer an opportunity to network with other members and natural resources professionals. Topics vary by workshop but usually include deer herd health, deer management strategies, wildlife biology, forest and habitat management, funding sources and much more. Workshops are typically a mix of talks from guest speakers, hands-on activities and field trips. Additionally, DMAP offers virtual workshops on a variety of deer research, ecology and management topics.