MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) encourages the public to explore and hunt on public land this hunting season.
There are over 6 million acres of public lands across Wisconsin, with most of them open for hunting. In addition to state lands, there is another 28,000 acres known as Voluntary Public Access (VPA) lands that private owners allow the public to access.
Hunters can search for and discover new public hunting areas using the DNR’s mobile-friendly online public lands mapping tools. These tools provide information on state-owned properties, voluntary public access lands and more.
- Public Access Lands Tool – This tool shows DNR properties and nearly all federal and county-owned lands. Hunters should confirm beforehand to verify hunting is allowed. The Open Managed Forest Law/Forest Crop Law properties are also included.
- Fields and Forest Lands Interactive Game Bird Hunting Tool – This tool helps hunters locate young aspen and alder habitat, woodcock and ruffed grouse hunting areas, pheasant-stocked public hunting grounds and public-access dove fields.
- Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program Interactive Map – Funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program provides landowners with financial incentives to open their properties year-round to public hunting access. Hunters should read the guidelines for accessing Voluntary Public Access properties.
Once hunters have done their preliminary research online, the next step is to scout the habitat and search for wildlife signs. The DNR recommends hunters scout multiple options in case of changing weather conditions or added hunter pressure in a particular area.
Hunters are reminded that public lands are for everyone, and it is likely that other hunters and recreational users could be on the property.
Follow these tips to ensure a safe and successful experience on Wisconsin’s public lands:
- Know the property boundaries and only hunt in legal areas.
- Follow leave no trace principles; this includes altering or cutting tree limbs.
- Be adaptable and have a backup plan.
- Be aware and respectful of other hunters, recreators and DNR staff.
- Follow the TAB-K rules of firearm safety to protect yourself and others:
- T – Treat every firearm as if it is loaded.
- A – Always point the muzzle in a safe direction.
- B – Be certain of your target, what’s before it and what’s beyond it.
- K – Keep your finger outside the trigger guard until you are ready to shoot.
Remember, all hunters, with the exception of waterfowlers, are required to wear blaze orange whenever and wherever there is an active gun season.
For more information on regulations, season dates, hunting hours and other helpful information, visit the DNR’s Hunter Resources webpage.
