Learn to Hunt Local. Sustainable. Food.
Learn to hunt programs combine classroom instruction and field work before a novice goes hunting with an experienced hunter. They are a great way to introduce someone new to Wisconsin’s hunting heritage.
View upcoming learn to hunts.
How to host a Learn to Hunt
Help protect Wisconsin’s hunting heritage and enjoy the thrill of helping someone experience their first hunt by hosting a Learn to Hunt. We’ve streamlined the process to make it easier for your group to host these events, including removing the requirement to get landowner signatures. We can help cover costs and we can help you find insurance.
Steps for hosting
- Choose the dates and locations of your class and hunt.
- Complete, sign and send Form 2300-260 (Authorization to conduct) [PDF] to your local wildlife biologist at least 30 days in advance of the first hunt date.
- This form can be scanned and emailed or mailed to your local wildlife biologist.
- Complete and send Form 8500-167 (Authorized mentors) [PDF] to the Learn to Hunt coordinator at least 15 days in advance of the first hunt date.
- All Learn to Hunt mentors shall have at least five years of hunting experience.
- All Learn to Hunt mentors must pass the department-authorized background check every 5 years. New or expired mentors must complete Form 4100-217 (Background check) [PDF] and send it to the Learn to Hunt coordinator at least 30 days in advance of the first hunt date.
- Recruit novice hunters to attend your Learn to Hunt. We highly encourage groups to focus on recruiting participants who would not otherwise have the chance to experience hunting—both youth and adults. You can advertise your Learn to Hunt on this web page by emailing the class date(s), hunt date(s), county, location and contact information to the Learn to Hunt coordinator.
- Consider obtaining insurance for your Learn to Hunt. While DNR can’t insure Learn to Hunts because there is not a formal certification program in place for training and hosting Learn to Hunts, we have partnered with the Hunters Network of Wisconsin to find an insurance provider that will write policies. Call John W. Klinzing at 608-310-3924 for any questions about the availability and details of this insurance option.
Report out after the Learn to Hunt is complete
After the hunt, the applicant must complete and send Form 8500-166 (Participent Report) [PDF] to the Learn to Hunt coordinator.
Consider seeking Learn to Hunt reimbursement from DNR
Sponsors also may want to apply for the Learn to Hunt reimbursement program for reimbursement of up to $25 per student.
Upcoming Learn to Hunts
Turkey
| Dates | County | Location | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class: 4/4-4/5/2020 Hunt: 4/11-4/12/2020 |
Pierce | Prescott Sportsman’s Club | Tim Rundquist Phone: 715-262-3605 Email: trundqui@prescott.k12.wi.us |
| Class: 3/21/2020 Hunt: 4/4-4/5/2020 |
Lincoln | Lincoln Gun Club | Jason Malone Phone: 715-722-0304 Email: lostodie1978@gmail.com |
| Class: 4/3/2020 Hunt: 4/4/2020 |
Taylor | Taylor County Sportsman’s Club | Jill Behrens Phone: 715-748-6545 Email: jsbehrens@tds.net |
| Class: 4/8/2020 Hunt: 4/11-4/12/2020 |
Dane, Jefferson | Tom’s Guns | Julie Bergholz Phone: 608-220-2215 Email: tomsguns@gmail.com |
| Class: 3/28/2020 Hunt: 4/4-4/5/2020 |
Dodge, Fond du Lac, Green Lake | Waupun Town Hall | Dean Kreuziger Phone: 920-602-3958 Email: bowt3ch@gmail.com |
| Class: 4/10/2020 Hunt: 4/11-4/12/2020 |
Monroe | Cataract Sportsman’s Club | Adam Hayden Phone: 920-602-3958 Email: adam@bowebusinessgroup.com cschauf@oakdalerec.com drtoothfixr@yahoo.com |
| Class: 3/14/2020 Hunt: 4/4-4/5/2020 |
Dodge, Ozaukee, Sheboygan, Washington | Ozaukee County Fish and Game | Ted Fischer Phone: 262-483-2461 Email: trfischer@outlook.com |
| Class: 4/4/2020 Hunt: 4/4-5/26/2020 |
Oneida, Vilas | Boulder Junction Shooting Range | Tim Ebert Phone: 715-892-7490 Rich Thole Phone: 715-605-2130 |
| Class: 3/21/2020 Hunt: 4/4-4/5/2020 |
Columbia | Rio Conservation Club | James Farrington Phone: 608-235-8503 Email: abeandmabel@centurytel.net |
| Class: 3/28/2020 Hunt: 4/4-4/12/2020 |
Marinette | Lake Noquebay Sportsman’s Club | Aaron McCullough Phone: 715-927-2257 Email: aaron.mccullough@wisconsin.gov |
| Class: 3/27/2020 Hunt: 4/4-4/5/2020 |
Outagamie | Outagamie Conservation Club | Adults Only Colleen Email: lthturkeywi@yahoo.com |
| Class: 3/28/2020 Hunt: 4/4-4/5/2020 |
Racine, Walworth | Pishtaka Wildlife Society | Scott Gunderson Phone: 414-581-3157 |
| Class: 3/29/2020 Hunt: 4/4-4/5/2020 |
Dane, Iowa | Cross Plains Valley Archers Club | Brian Boehnen Phone: 608-220-8896 Email: madcitygobblers@gmail.com |
| Class: 3/28/2020 Hunt: 4/4-4/12/2020 |
Juneau, Monroe | Eastern Monroe County | Tom Boulden Phone: 608-386-2535 Email: teboulden@gmail.com |
| Class: 4/3/2020 Hunt: 4/4-4/5/2020 |
Green, Lafayette | Argyle Rod and Gun Club | Kyle Klopfenstein Phone: 608-558-6831 Email: strutjunkie@gmail.com |
| Class: 3/28/2020 Hunt: 4/4-4/5/2020 |
Adams, Juneau, Monroe | New Lisbon Sports Club | Dan Berry Phone: 608-377-3528 |
| Class: 3/28/2020 Hunt: 4/4-4/5/2020 |
Manitowoc, Sheboygan | Howards Grove Rod and Gun Club | Randal DuMez Phone: 920-627-1643 Email: rdumez5@gmail.com |
| Class: 4/4/2020 Hunt: 4/5/2020 |
Crawford | Southwest Crawford County | Mike Cross Phone: 608-412-2517 |
| Class: 4/3/2020 Hunt: 4/4-4/5/2020 |
Brown, Calumet, Manitowoc | Northeast Calumet County | Brad Martinson Phone: 920-841-5878 Email: hntnhard@gmail.com |
Pheasant
| Dates | County | Location | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class: 4/16/2020 Hunt: TBA |
Langlade | Antigo Bow Club | Adults Only Tim Otto Email: timothy.otto@wisconsin.gov Phone: 715-623-4190 x3132 |