Discover public land to hunt on this season

The public is urged to explore and hunt on public land this hunting season. There are over 6 million acres of public lands across Wisconsin, with most of them open for hunting. In addition to state lands, there are another 28,000 acres, known as Voluntary Public Access (VPA) lands that private owners allow the public to access. Hunters can search for, and discover, new public hunting areas, using the DNR’s mobile-friendly online public lands mapping tools. These tools provide information on state-owned properties, VPA lands and more. • Public Access Lands Tool – This tool shows DNR properties, and nearly all federal and county-owned lands. Hunters should confirm beforehand, to verify hunting is allowed. The Open Managed Forest Law/Forest Crop Law properties are also included. • Fields and Forest Lands Interactive Game Bird Hunting Tool – This tool helps hunters locate young aspen and alder habitat, woodcock and ruffed grouse hunting areas, pheasant-stocked public hunting grounds and public-access dove fields. • VPA and Habitat Incentive Program Interactive Map – Funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USAD), the VPA and Habitat Incentive Program provides landowners with financial incentives, to open their properties year-round, to public hunting access. Hunters should read the guidelines for accessing VPA properties. Once hunters have done their preliminary research online, the next step is to scout the habitat and search for wildlife signs. It’s recommended that hunters scout multiple options, in case of changing weather conditions or added hunter pressure in a particular area. Hunters are reminded that public lands are for everyone, and it is likely that other hunters and recreational users could be on the property. The following tips can ensure a safe and successful experience on Wisconsin’s public lands: • Know the property boundaries and only hunt in legal areas. • Follow leave-no-trace principles; this includes altering or cutting tree limbs. • Be adaptable and have a back-up plan. • Be aware and respectful of other hunters, recreators and DNR staff. Follow the TAB-K rules of firearm safety, to protect everyone: • T - Treat every firearm as if it is loaded. • A - Always point the muzzle in a safe direction. • B - Be certain of the target, what’s before it and what’s beyond it. • K - Keep the finger outside the trigger guard, until ready to shoot. Remember, all hunters, with the exception of waterfowlers, are required to wear blaze orange, whenever and wherever there is an active gun season.