Thousands of hunters hit the Wisconsin woods on Saturday to bag a big buck.

The Wisconsin gun deer hunting opener also brings in big bucks for businesses in the Chippewa Valley.

WEAU 13 News spent Saturday morning at the Welcome Matt Bar outside Eau Claire on Highway 37.

The Packers-themed bar is one of seven Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources hunting registration stations in Eau Claire County.

Coming into register his deer, Tom Mastin shared his story of how he snagged a large buck.

“I heard some crunching on some leaves and I looked over my right shoulder and saw the deer approaching,” Mastin said.

The Eau Claire man said he shot and killed the buck at 25 yards.

He said the gun opener is a way to make up for the spoils of bow hunting season.

“I've bow hunted pretty hard and had very little success so I was pretty happy when this guy came in early in the season,” Mastin said.

Before the rain and snow came, hunters said the crisp weather made for a good hunt.

“Pretty brown with no snow, it was pleasant. Not a lot of wind so it was nice,” Mastin said.

Rick Brantner, the owner of the Welcome Matt, said having a deer registration site brings a spike in business.

“You have to register your deer somewhere and like most hunters you might as well stop at a tavern like I own, register it and have a drink and have the camaraderie and listen to deer stories,” Brantner said.

The gun opener also provides its fair share of family memories.

“My 10 year old son came with and on our way out to get into our treestand we saw two of them and shot one. It was exciting for him. It was the first time with me and shot a deer,” said Keith Krajaewski of Eau Claire.