For most hunters, the harvest of their first deer is one of the most memorable hunts they will experience. To help commemorate the occasion, the Department of Natural Resources is providing first-time successful deer hunters with a free certificate to help preserve the memories.

“Over thirty years later, I can still remember every detail of my first deer, so I appreciate the value of special hunting memories,” says Kevin Wallenfang, DNR deer and elk ecologist. “We hope that by providing a certificate like this, it might help preserve those great memories for today’s newest members of the successful deer hunting family.”

Starting with the 2013 archery season and continuing through the gun hunt, first-time successful deer hunters can submit their information and a picture of their deer by visiting dnr.wi.gov, and searching keyword “deer.”

Information about when and where the deer was harvested, who they were hunting with and more can be displayed on the certificate. The individually customized certificate can also include a picture of the hunter if they submit one. Certificates will be sent electronically back to the successful hunter within a few weeks.

The certificate is currently for first deer only but may be expanded in the future to include other game species like turkey or bear.

“We hope the certificates will be a great memento that can be displayed proudly, and help preserve memories throughout a long hunting career,” Wallenfang said. “It’s our little way of saying congratulations to all of the first time successful deer hunters! We wish them all many more years of successful hunts.”

For more information, visit dnr.wi.gov, and search keyword “deer.”