Nocked And Loaded

The Wisconsin archery and crossbow deer hunting seasons open Sept. 14.

Cool evening temperatures and the first few leaves turning are all signs the 2024 deer hunting season is finally here.

Each deer season is a chance to try a new hunting technique, forge a deeper connection to nature and create memories that last a lifetime.

The early archery and crossbow seasons, which start tomorrow, are great opportunities for hunters to harvest antlerless deer before they change their patterns and experience additional hunting pressure during the gun deer season. Bonus antlerless harvest authorizations also remain available in many counties.

As you prepare to head into the woods, be sure to keep safety in your sights and always use a harness, haul line and three points of contact when getting into and out of your tree stand.

Visit our Deer Hunting webpage for helpful regulation reminders and tips on finding a place to hunt.

Find Fall Fun With Latest Issue Of Wisconsin Natural Resources Magazine

Fall is almost here, and the latest issue of Wisconsin Natural Resources magazine can help you make the most of it.

The cover stories provide all the information you need to gear up and prepare for successful fall hunting for a variety of popular game species across the state, including waterfowl.

Fall also means crisp, cool hikes, football and changing colors. If you’re looking for the ultimate outdoor compliment to your tailgate, check out the story “Falling for Green Bay.” If you want to find gorgeous fall colors and tasty local brews, then you need to read “Leaves & lagers: The perfect fall pairing.”

And there’s plenty of other great content in the issue:

Find glowing mushrooms in Wisconsin’s forests.
Learn more about some of the most infamous nocturnal animals.
Celebrate the success of peregrine falcon conservation.
Learn how to bring wildlife into the classroom with Snapshot Wisconsin.
And more!

Check out the digital issue of Wisconsin Natural Resources online at wnrmag.com or subscribe to the print edition for just $8.97 a year. Call 1-800-678-9472 or go to wnrmag.com to sign up, renew or give a gift today.

Look Twice For Turtles

After emerging from the nest, turtle hatchlings are completely independent and self-sufficient. Although they may be tiny, they have all the necessary skills to survive on their own and rarely need our assistance.

As hatchling turtles search for water or cover, you may spot them wandering through a variety of areas, such as your yard, garden, a park or a forest. In most cases, it is in the turtle’s best interest to leave it alone and let it continue its journey independently.

However, if it is safe, you can help a turtle cross the road. If you do, be mindful of your safety and the safety of other drivers, and do not attempt to stop traffic. When helping a turtle across the road, move it in the direction it is traveling, and do not take it to a different location.

To learn more about Wisconsin’s wildlife and how to keep wildlife wild, visit the DNR’s Keep Wildlife Wild webpage.

Find The Perfect Spot To Hunt

Sometimes, finding a spot on public land can be the most challenging part of a hunt. It can require extra patience and persistence, but the search is often well worth the effort.

Here are a few tips to make discovering that perfect spot a little easier:

Easily accessible land with good deer sign may also catch the attention of other hunters. Be prepared to share the woods. Kindness goes a long way.
Choose hunting spots with multiple approach options to adapt to changing wind directions and hunter pressure on the landscape.
Consider access by canoe or kayak. Many public lands have water features that provide access to unique and difficult-to-reach locations. Knowing more spots means more opportunities.

Use our Public Access Lands Mapping Tool to find options near you.