The Wisconsin DNR is asking hunters to take a couple of extra seconds before pulling the trigger - as what they might believe to be deer may actually be elk, or moose.
Elk herds, once widespread across Wisconsin, were eliminated from the state in the 1880s, but since then have made something of a comeback, according to the DNR.
Nearly 400 elk live in Wisconsin, mostly in the northern and central regions. However, the DNR notes that some may roam into other areas, such as southeastern Wisconsin.
The success of elk in the state has not happened for moose, the DNR acknowledges, because the state has not made an effort to reintroduce moose. But there have been some sightings, so the chance of encountering one is not impossible.
The DNR asks hunters to brush up on firearm safety on their website.
The nine-day gun deer season began last Saturday.
