SUPERIOR - As hunters hit the field in Minnesota and Michigan, Wisconsinites wait and watch.  Wisconsin's deer opener is Saturday.

Around 650,000 people go deer hunting in Wisconsin every year.  For deer hunters, all over Wisconsin, thier hunting license is their golden ticket, but hunters won't be able to take as many deer as last year.

Deer population across much of the state including Northwestern Wisconsin are lower then they've been in previous years.

The smaller deer herd means much of Northern Wisconsin has a limited number of anterless deer tags available. But hunters need not be discouraged.

"There's still lots of deer out there," says DNR wildlife biologist Fred Strand. "just not as many as in recent years."

Hunters are out in full force. Northwest Outlet is staying busy with folks stopping in for last minute essentails, such as blaze orange jackets, ammunition, and deer attractants.

But ammunition has been hard to come by this year.

"If you find a caliber you like, buy it right now." says Ted Sellers, the sporting goods manager.

Roger Brietzman is among the handfull of Wisconsonites sighting in their guns at the Douglas County fish and game league rifle range near Superior today. He's excited about a new law that will allow his 11–year–old grandson to experience the hunt.

"I'd like to see my grandson get one, that would be number one. Myself, I don't care."

Hunters like Roger are less concerned with the number of deer in the woods, instead focusing on the things that keep him hunting year after year.

"Most important part is to go enjoy our natural resources, friends, and family."