MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources' board has approved sweeping new rules to reshape deer hunting in Wisconsin.

Some of the key provisions in the plan call for eliminating in-person deer registration in favor of online or phone registration, reducing the number of deer management units and creating county committees to advise the DNR on population goals.

The rules implement Texas researcher James Kroll's suggestions to improve Wisconsin deer hunting. Gov. Scott Walker's administration hired Kroll in 2011 to review the DNR's deer management policies.

The board approved the package on a unanimous voice vote Wednesday. DNR Secretary Cathy Stepp, a Walker appointee, said the rules will give hunters and the public a larger role in deer management.