Public Hunting Land in Wisconsin

Wisconsin is a premier Midwestern hunting state with over 7 million acres of land open to public hunting. From northern forests and central farmlands to Mississippi River backwaters, Wisconsin offers exceptional access to whitetail deer, turkey, bear, waterfowl, upland birds, and small game.

Types of Public Land Available in Wisconsin:

  • State Wildlife Areas & State Forests: Managed by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), open for public hunting under general regulations.

  • Voluntary Public Access (VPA) Lands: Private lands enrolled in the DNR’s program allowing walk-in hunting access.

  • County Forest Lands: Most northern counties manage hundreds of thousands of acres open to public hunting.

  • Federal Lands: Hunting access is available at Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, national wildlife refuges, and U.S. Army Corps properties.

Seasons & Access Info

Wisconsin hunting seasons vary by species and zone. Most tags (deer, turkey, bear) are available through a combination of general and lottery permits.

Key Resources:

Pro Tip: Wisconsin’s Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) zones have special regulations and bonus tags — check zone maps carefully.

Explore Wisconsin Public Hunting Areas

Plan your next hunt using these interactive tools and downloadable resources:

Whether you’re glassing oak ridges or walking cattail sloughs, Wisconsin’s public lands offer world-class access and tradition-rich hunting experiences.