How to Hunt in Wisconsin

Wisconsin offers over a million acres of public land for hunting opportunities such as turkey, bobcat, whitetail deer and black bear. In addition, many farmers take advantage of the opportunity to allow hunters to assist in damage control to crops by providing managed or open access to their properties.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Outfitter
• Hunting license

1. Help control the damage done to agriculture by scheduling a deer hunt in Wisconsin. Millions of dollars in damage has been done to crops over recent decades by deer. Goals to keep the number of deer within a given area are set according to the recent year's harvest and close monitoring during the fall by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
2. Purchase a resident general hunting license for small game, junior small game, senior small game, armed forces small game, waterfowl stamp and pheasant stamp to enjoy the thrill of a hunt in Wisconsin. Non-resident licenses are available at a slightly higher price than for resident licenses.
3. Choose from one of many Wisconsin outfitters and hunt guides. Let the ones who know the area best help you have the hunting adventure of a lifetime. Deer and bear hunts are the most popular guided hunts.
4. Hunt from a stationary vehicle if you meet the qualifications for a Disability License to hunt. You must have a permanent or temporary physical disability that meets the criteria as set for by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (see Resources below).
5. Find opportunities to hunt in Wisconsin. If you are an inexperienced hunter, regardless of age, you may qualify to attend one of Washington's Learn to Hunt programs. This is a hunter education experience with field practice to get you ready for a hunt with a mentor who will take you step-by-step to learn hunting safety and successful hunting techniques.

Tips & Warnings

• In choosing an outfitter or hunt guide, make sure the person is fully insured and licensed as an outfitter.
• It is illegal to shoot an elk in Wisconsin. They are classified as protected, which means there is no scheduled hunting season and there are heavy penalties for violation of this law.