Don’t Miss Wisconsin’s Youth Deer Hunt Oct. 10-11
The youth gun deer hunt weekend introduces the next generation to the rich tradition of deer hunting.
Help pass Wisconsin’s rich tradition of deer hunting along to the next generation! The 2026 youth deer hunt runs from Saturday, Oct. 10 through Sunday, Oct. 11.
The youth hunt offers hunters 15 years old and younger the chance to learn hunting techniques and develop a connection to nature at a time when deer are less pressured than during the traditional nine-day gun season. Wisconsin residents and nonresidents may participate in the youth hunt.
Youth hunters, with or without hunter education certification, are eligible to hunt while under the supervision of a mentor. For all hunters younger than 11 years old or hunters between ages 12-15 who have not completed hunter education, the mentor must be at least 18 years old, be a hunter education graduate, hold a current hunting license and always remain within arm’s reach of the youth hunter.
For hunters ages 12-15 who have completed hunter education, the mentor must be at least 18 years old but does not need to be a hunter education graduate or a licensed hunter. The mentor must always be in both visual and voice contact with the youth hunter.
One mentor may not accompany more than two youths at the same time. Be sure to review DNR’s Youth Hunt webpage for full details.
Practice Safe Firearm Handling
The youth hunt is an excellent opportunity to teach and practice safe firearm handling. Remember the rules of TAB-K:
- 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 and beyond it.
- K – Keep your finger outside the trigger guard until you are ready to shoot.
Wear Blaze Orange
Any time a firearm deer season is taking place, including the youth deer hunt, all hunters’ clothing above the waist must be at least 50% blaze orange or fluorescent pink. This requirement applies to archery hunters and small game hunters. Waterfowl hunters are exempt from this rule.
New hunters can celebrate this experience with a first harvest certificate. Follow the instructions on the DNR’s First Harvest Certificate webpage to upload information about the experience.
DNR To Host Two Open Houses At Fish
Facilities On Saturday, Oct. 10
Free fishy fun for the whole family! The DNR once again invites the public to attend two free open house events on Saturday, Oct. 10, at the Besadny Anadromous Fish Facility in Kewaunee and the Root River Steelhead Facility in Racine.
Root River Steelhead Facility Open House
The DNR will host an open house on Saturday, Oct. 10, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 2200 Domanik Drive, Lincoln Park, Racine. This free, family-friendly event will offer a behind-the-scenes look at Wisconsin’s southernmost Lake Michigan trout and salmon egg collection facility.
Fish enthusiasts of all ages can join one of our guided tours to learn how DNR crews capture fish and why we need to collect trout and salmon eggs to raise in hatcheries for stocking into Lake Michigan. Volunteers from Salmon Unlimited, the Outdoor Heritage Education Center, Milwaukee Great Lakes Sport Fishermen, Southeast Wisconsin Trout Unlimited, and the Kenosha Sportfishing and Conservation Association will be offering fun, hands-on learning experiences through the Touch of the Wild Education Trailer, fly casting clinic, trolling boat display and more.
The Root River Steelhead Facility was built in the early 1990s to help the DNR more effectively manage Lake Michigan’s trout and salmon fishery. Each spring and fall, migrating rainbow trout (steelhead), Chinook and coho salmon enter the streams for their annual spawning ritual.
Besadny Anadromous Fish Facility Open House
Join the DNR on Saturday, Oct. 10, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for an open house event at N3884 Ransom Moore Lane in Kewaunee. This free annual event will give attendees an opportunity to watch salmon egg collection demonstrations, enjoy educational displays, presentations and take a guided tour of the facility. The Algoma Kewaunee Great Lakes Sport Fishermen will be on hand to provide wagon rides to the facility from the parking area from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. People of all ages and backgrounds are invited and encouraged to attend.
The Besadny Anadromous Fish Facility is the first step in stocking trout and salmon in Lake Michigan. Returning adult trout and salmon are collected during their spawning run up the Kewaunee River to collect eggs to produce fish for stocking in the following year. Eggs from the facility are taken to other hatcheries to be raised and stocked back into Lake Michigan and its tributaries to support the Great Lakes sport fishery for years to come.
Learn more about these open houses and other upcoming events on the DNR’s Events Calendar.
EVENT DETAILS
What: Root River Steelhead Facility open house
When: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10
Where: Root River Steelhead Facility
2200 Domanik Drive
Racine, WI 53404
What: Besadny Anadromous Fish Facility open house
When: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10
Where: Besadny Anadromous Fish Facility
N3884 Ransom Moore Lane
Kewaunee, WI 54216
Support Pollinators This Fall
Whether your garden is still buzzing with activity or you’re starting to think about fall cleanup, it’s never too early to show some love for Wisconsin’s pollinators.
Pair your garden gloves with DNR pollinator tees and cozy crewnecks that feature two iconic endangered species: the Karner blue butterfly and rusty patched bumble bee. Proceeds from DNR merchandise directly support conservation and environmental education and outreach initiatives across Wisconsin.
If you’re eager to start your fall garden cleanup, consider holding off on raking or pruning. Leaving some leaf litter and plant stems can provide overwintering habitat for pollinators. It also means less work for you!
Bring some pollinator pride to your garden this fall. |
ATV/UTV Riders: Make Safety A Top Priority This Fall
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) urges off-highway recreational vehicle operators to wear helmets and seatbelts and follow route and trail rules this fall.
Whether you’re exploring scenic backroads, cruising through the Northwoods, or simply out for a day enjoying the fall colors, a clear head is the best gear you can bring – followed by helmets and seatbelts.
DNR statistics show the lack of wearing helmets and using seatbelts are the primary causes of ATV/UTV incidents so far in 2026.
A third major factor in fatal crashes is the lack of completing a safety education course. ATV and UTV operators at least 12 years old and born on or after Jan. 1, 1988, are required to complete a DNR-approved safety education course and carry their proof of certification when riding. These courses provide students with the fundamental skills, knowledge and safety strategies to be safe and responsible operators.
Before every ride, keep these safety tips in mind:
- Always ride sober, with zero alcohol or substances.
- Wear helmets, seatbelts and eye protection even when loading and unloading machines.
- Follow all regulatory signs, speed limits and come to a complete stop at all stop signs.
- While on routes, operate with lights on, on extreme right-hand side of the traffic lane and at safe speeds.
- Take a safety class regardless of age requirements.
Parents and other adults are encouraged take extra safety steps with youth who participate in off-road recreation vehicle activities. Proper training, supervision and utilizing safety gear are necessary before allowing any youth to participate in recreational vehicle activities.
Wisconsin continues to see an increase in youth ATV/UTV participation. Completing a safety class is only one step in setting youth and new riders up for safety and success. Parental supervision and ensuring that proper safety equipment is provided and used each and every time a rider takes to the trails is of the utmost importance.
Here are more safety tips:
- All riders under 18 years old must wear properly sized DOT-approved helmets.
- All riders must wear glasses, goggles or a protective face shield if there is no windshield present on the ATV or UTV.
- All occupants must wear seatbelts on UTVs.
- Youth under 16 must operate age-appropriate vehicles and follow all manufacturer restrictions.
- Parents and mentors are encouraged to set a positive example by modeling proper helmet and seatbelt use.
- Parents are encouraged to attend safety classes with their children.
One of the most important things for all riders to stay safe on the trails is completing a DNR-approved safety education course. Learn more about ATV/UTV riding in Wisconsin, including how to sign up for a safety class on the DNR ATV/UTV webpage. |
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