The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has received more than 6,000 letters, e-mails and online statements commenting on a proposal that would extend the state’s deer hunt to 16 days. The proposal would also set the deer season one week earlier than the current season opening date.

Deer ecologist Keith Warnke also said more than 1,600 people attended 11 public hearings on the matter.

Most hunters did not support starting the season a week earlier, but did want the deer hunt to be extended to 16 days if it becomes part of the original nine-day hunt that begins the Saturday before Thanksgiving.

Adding more days to the hunt will help control the state’s whitetail herd.

Warnke said recommendations will be presented at the board's December meeting in Madison.