Discover Public Land To Hunt This Season
There are over 6 million acres of public lands across Wisconsin, with most of them open for hunting.
Looking for new areas to hunt this fall?
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.
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.
Remember 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.
All hunters, with the exception of waterfowlers, are required to wear blaze orange whenever and wherever there is an active gun season.
Be aware of what your ammunition is made out of. Lead is a highly toxic heavy metal that is found in many types of ammunition and fishing tackle. Wild birds can become toxicity-prone when they accidentally consume a source of lead through their normal feeding habits. Learn more about lead toxicity in wildlife on the DNR website.
For more information on regulations, season dates, hunting hours and other helpful information, visit the DNR’s Hunter Resources webpage.
Brush Up On Tree Stand Safety
Archery season is rapidly approaching, and it’s time to review safety tips when hunting from a tree stand.
To avoid accidents and ensure a safe outing, always be mindful of the basic rules of tree stand safety before and during every hunt:
- Regardless of the type of tree stand used, always wear a full-body harness, also known as a fall-arrest system.
- Connect the harness to the tether line and keep the tether line short. The tether is designed to keep the wearer in the seat and not catch them after falling.
- Always keep three points of contact while climbing into and out of the tree stand. This means always keeping two hands and one foot or two feet and one hand in contact with the stand or ground.
- Always use a haul line to raise and lower an unloaded firearm or bow into and out of the stand. Hunters can also use the haul for other things, like a heavy backpack.
- Use a lifeline when climbing up and down; this keeps wearers connected from when they leave the ground to when they get back down.
Beyond following these basic rules, hunters should inspect their equipment for wear and tear and select a tree strong enough to support their weight; avoid trees with obvious decay or disease. The equipment check should go beyond just the physical stand. Ensure all lines are secure, the harness fits and the harness is free of snags and tears. Also, take time to review and follow the manufacturer’s setup instructions.
Carrying a fully charged cellphone and sharing hunting plans with someone else can help ensure hunters have the ability to get help if an accident happens.
Suspension trauma can happen in less than 20 minutes and can be fatal. Attaching an additional foot strap to the body harness will take pressure off the upper legs in case of a fall.
If you sustain a tree stand-related injury, call for help from a first responder agency or another member of your hunting party.
To review these tips and take a free tree stand safety course, visit the DNR’s website. |
Latest Magazine Is All About Autumn
The latest issue of the DNR’s quarterly magazine, Wisconsin Natural Resources, is coming soon, packed with stories and photos that are perfect for autumn in Wisconsin. You’ll find information on everything from fishing, hunting, hiking and biking to state parks, porcupines, waterfowl and more.
The fall issue kicks off with a cover story on wild rice, or “manoomin,” an important and culturally significant resource in the state. There’s also more coverage celebrating the 125th anniversary of the Wisconsin State Park System, an amazing milestone for our state properties.
Brownfield redevelopment — turning blight to beautiful — also gets its due in this issue, along with forest products “grown” right here in Wisconsin. Also learn how you can help pollinators when tending to your fall yard cleanup, and find out about donating to a crucial fund supporting the state’s public lands, the Cherish Wisconsin Outdoors Fund.
In the magazine’s regular features, Kids Corner spotlights spiders, and Back in the Day recalls the haunting legend of the Edmund Fitzgerald shipping freighter, which mysteriously sank in Lake Superior 50 years ago this November.
The fall digital edition will be available soon at wnrmag.com, with the print issue arriving in mailboxes in mid-September. Subscribe online now to get the magazine delivered, or call 1-800-678-9472 to sign up, renew or give a gift today. |
Learn How To Wrangle Invasives
Is buckthorn taking over your urban property? Would you like to be able to determine which plants are doing harm to the native landscape? Are you ready to arm yourself in the fight against invasives?
If so, this day-long workshop is for you!
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is partnering with the UW-Madison Division of Extension to host fall workshops on urban invasive species plant identification and management. Dr. Mark Renz (professor and Extension specialist with UW-Madison) will lead the instruction, with Travis Wilson, Matt Wallrath and John Zabrosky assisting.
Each workshop will include morning classroom instruction followed by hands-on field demonstrations in the afternoon. The cost is $40 and includes lunch.
Attendees will choose from one of multiple locations around the state.
- Sept. 23 – Eau Claire area
- Sept. 24 – Wausau area
- Oct. 1 – Green Bay area
- Oct. 2 – Oshkosh area
- Oct. 7 – Madison area
Learn more and register online. |
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