DNR Parks And Recreation News
What’s Happening In Wisconsin’s State Parks,
Trails, Forests And Recreation Areas
Don’t forget your blaze orange this fall, whether you’re hunting or hiking. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
Tis The (Hunting) Season
Fall brings flannel, foliage and flavored hot drinks, but it also brings another Wisconsin pastime: hunting. Hunting is allowed in most DNR-managed park properties. Both hunters and visitors to the park system need to be aware of safe practices.
In general, there are two time periods, spring and fall/winter, where hunting and trapping are permitted in state parks. Each type of park property (park, recreation area, forest and trail) has different hunting allowances.
The fall/winter hunting and trapping season that occurs within the time period below is permitted in the open areas of the park. Some parks and trails have weapons restrictions, varying season dates, or are closed or have areas closed to hunting and trapping. For questions on specific parks, check with the park office and consult the park’s hunting map for specific dates and allowable activities.
- Fall/Winter: Gun and archery hunting and trapping are allowed in the open areas of the property during the open season from Nov. 15 – Dec. 15, except that hunting with legal archery methods is allowed through the Sunday nearest Jan. 6.
There are a few exceptions to these season dates for Buckhorn, Big Bay, Blue Mound, Governor Dodge, Rock Island and Tower Hill state parks.
The time frame for state parks does not apply to state forests, state recreation areas or other DNR properties. Please be sure to check all hunting regulations at specific park properties before heading out to hunt.
When visiting park properties this fall, remember to wear something brightly colored to keep yourself visible. Keep pets close and use a brightly colored vest or bell to indicate where they are. Stick to trails and practice awareness of your surroundings.
| 2022 Hunting Seasons |
| Archery and Crossbow*
*No bucks may be harvested during the
antlerless-only hunts identified below. |
Sep. 17, 2022–Jan. 8, 2023 |
| Gun |
Nov. 19–27, 2022 |
| Muzzleloader |
Nov. 28–Dec. 7, 2022 |
| December 4-Day Antlerless Only Hunt |
Dec. 8–11, 2022 |
Antlerless-Only Holiday Hunt
*Open only in select Farmland (Zone 2) counties.
Please see page 11 of combined hunting
regulations for valid counties. |
Dec. 24, 2022–Jan. 1, 2023* |
Outdoor News & Announcements
Birdability Week Is Oct. 17 – 23
Birdability Week is a celebration of birders with disabilities and other health concerns, and an opportunity to share resources and ideas to help the birding community be accessible, inclusive and welcoming to everybody and every body! An annual event held in October and supported by National Audubon, it was inspired by #BlackBirdersWeek, Latino Conservation Week and Let’s Go Birding Together.
The first Birdability Week, held during October 2020, launched Birdability into becoming a nonprofit organization. Last year they celebrated inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility (IDEA) in the birding community and the outdoors. Find more accessible and universal birding events here.
Friends Of Lapham Peak New Interactive Website
The Friends of Lapham Peak launched a new, interactive website this summer. Visit the website to learn more about events, virtually explore this unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest, map out your cross-country ski or equestrian route, track the progress of the Lapham Lodge project and more. Visit the new website here.
Last Chance To Join A Mobile Skills Crew Event
Ever wonder what it takes to build a trail? Join the Ice Age Trail Alliance on their last scheduled 2022 Mobile Skills Crew event at the Iola Skill Hill Segment in Waupaca County. Working with certified and friendly volunteer crew leaders, you will receive hands-on training to help you get started immediately. All abilities welcome, and no experience is necessary. The event is Oct. 20 – 23; come for the whole weekend or just part of it. Learn more and register here by Oct. 16. This is a great chance to log some Mammoth Challenge miles!
Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR |
Governor Thompson State Park And Governor Earl Peshtigo River State Forest
Governor Thompson State Park and Governor Earl Peshtigo River State Forest are two unique properties located in Marinette County, west of the village of Crivitz. Not only do the natural resources on the properties make them unique, but they are the only state park and state forest in the Wisconsin State Park System that share property boundaries.
The properties are relatively new to the system, both established around 2002. Governor Thompson, named for Wisconsin’s governor from 1987- 2001, was a family-run resort, Paust’s Woods Lake Resort, until the state acquired the property. Many visitors who come to the property today often share their memories of visiting the property as the resort.
Governor Earl Peshtigo River honors both Wisconsin Governor Tony Earl, who served from 1983 – 1986 and also led the DNR in the 1970s, and its namesake river, which runs 136 miles and includes a section of whitewater called the Roaring Rapids. |
Water resources are primary features of these properties. The high and rocky banks of the Peshtigo River made for many ideal locations to place dams. The High Falls Dam was constructed during 1907-1911, and the Caldron Falls Dam was constructed during 1924-1926. Not only do these two dams provide hydropower to northeastern Wisconsin, they also provide over 2,000 acres of flowages for recreational enjoyment for visitors to the state park and forest.
Today, the properties offer year-round recreation that complement one another. Visitors have double the options when choosing what type of recreation they want to do. Governor Thompson offers modern camping, whereas visitors who want a more rustic experience might find the state forest next door suits their needs. Both properties offer extensive hiking opportunities. Anglers can choose between trout fishing to panfish to big game fishing.
Hunting season provides abundant opportunities, too. The majority of land within both the state park and the state forest are open to hunting during the scheduled seasons. In winter, check out these northeastern properties for excellent groomed cross-country skiing, ice fishing, sledding and snowmobiling.
Thank you to Sara Pearson, Northeast District Parks Supervisor, for this write-up.
Governor Thompson State Park and Governor Earl Peshtigo River State Forest are located in Marinette County.
Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
Upcoming Events
Sugar River State Trail 50th Anniversary
Sugar River Trailhead
Friday, Oct. 14
2 – 4:30 p.m.
Celebrate 50 years of the Sugar River State Trail! Gather at the Sugar River Trailhead at the New Glarus Depot for celebratory comments, refreshments and a short bike ride.
The event is free. State trail passes encouraged to ride the trail but not required.
Fall Fest
Kettle Moraine State Forest – Northern Unit
Saturday, Oct. 15
3 – 8 p.m.
Celebrate all the fun of fall and nature’s spineless wonders! Check out the tools and equipment used by DNR wardens and rangers. Carve a pumpkin with your most clever design. Enter the costume contest. Meet Smokey Bear. Traverse through the autumn woods (illuminated after dark) where you will encounter stations highlighting a menagerie of forest animals. Join the fun around a roaring fire while enjoying toe-tapping live music of Paddygrass. Food is available for purchase from local food truck vendors. Sponsored by the Friends of the Kettle Moraine. A Wisconsin State Park vehicle admission sticker is required.
Meet at the Mauthe Lake Recreation Area (located at N1490 County Road GGG, Campbellsport – south of County Road G near New Prospect).
Work Day At Lizard Mound State Park
Lizard Mound State Park
Thursday, Oct. 20
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Please meet in the main parking lot at 2121 County Highway A, West Bend. Be sure to bring water, lunch, sunscreen, bug repellent, sturdy shoes and gloves. Tools will be provided as necessary. Poison ivy may be present. Ground bees may also be present. We will be working on removing brush off trails and areas off the mounds. Please RSVP to Park Ranger Harvey Hoon at Harvey.hoon@wisconsin.gov when possible.
Check Out Wisconsin State Parks At Your Library Kick-Off
Platteville Public Library
Thursday, Oct. 20
10:30 a.m.
Check Out Wisconsin State Parks At Your Library begins Nov. 1! Join the DNR, Department of Public Instruction, Wisconsin Library Association and the Platteville Public Library to kick-off this pilot program. Programming begins at 10:30 a.m. with children’s activities, celebratory remarks and a visit from Smokey Bear.
Wisconsin library card holders in select communities will have the opportunity to visit Wisconsin State Parks for a day by checking out a one-day vehicle admission pass valid for a day of the patron’s choosing. The pass comes with a kit packed with educational and informational materials. Passes will be available to check out starting Nov. 1. Find more information and a list of participating libraries here.
Find more nature programs and DNR events here.
Photo Credit: Travel Wisconsin |
#OutWiGo: Saddle Up At State Parks
More than 700 miles of trails are open to horses throughout the Wisconsin State Park System; a state trail pass is required for riders 16 and older. Several state properties also offer equestrian camping opportunities.
“There’s something unique about experiencing Wisconsin properties on the back of a horse,” said Ricki Koinig, chief information officer for the DNR and a horse owner and longtime rider. “Obviously, you’re naturally higher off the ground than when you’re walking or biking and so you see trees and birds and the whole landscape from a different perspective.”
Learn more about Wisconsin’s newest equestrian campground at Governor Dodge State Park and other horse-friendly places around the state in the Fall issue of the Wisconsin Natural Resources magazine.
If you like what you see in these articles, be sure to subscribe to get more great information on Wisconsin’s outdoors in your mailbox.
Photo Credit: Ashley Hoekstra
What are your favorite fall places to visit?
Use #OutWiGo when you share your fall outdoor recreation activities on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok and other social media sites. |
