Hunting Opportunities at Wisconsin Preserves

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• Additional Guidelines for Waterfowl Hunting

  Waterfowl hunting is allowed pursuant to waterway use laws (2001 Wisconsin Act 16). Hunters may only use temporary blinds constructed of non-vegetative material. Hunters cannot cut vegetation on site or bring vegetation to the site to construct the blind. Blinds must be removed at the end of the season.

• Additional Guidelines for Trapping, Small Game and Bear Hunting

  Where bear hunting is allowed, hunters must adhere to WIDNR bear hunting regulations. The Nature Conservancy considers baiting to be inconsistent with State Natural Area statute (WI Stats. 23.28(3)), which prohibits activities that may be injurious or inconsistent to its natural values. However, TNC has opted to go with the Wisconsin DNR’s recommendation to allow the placement of supplemental food or nutrition sources on designated properties for bear hunting according to state regulations.

• Additional Guidelines for Hunting with Dogs

  Most of our preserves are completely closed to dogs. However, hunting dogs are allowed for turkey, small game and waterfowl hunting purposes, only at preserves where these hunting opportunities are allowed and according to state regulations. Off-leash hunting dogs must be kept under voice control of the owner at all times to prevent dogs from creating a nuisance to adjacent properties and residences. From April 15 to July 31, hunting dogs must be on a leash to protect ground-nesting birds.

  Use of dogs to hunt bear is allowed per state regulation only at preserves where these hunting opportunities are allowed. Currently most Wisconsin TNC preserves where bear hunting is allowed are in Zone C, where the use of dogs is prohibited. See the WIDNR’s bear hunting regulations for additional information and a map of the bear zones.

Hunting FAQs

• Why does The Nature Conservancy allow hunting on its preserves in Wisconsin?

  Wisconsin has a long tradition of hunting, passed on from generation to generation. It’s an important part of our history, culture and economy. The Nature Conservancy is helping to safeguard this tradition by providing hunting opportunities on its lands. Hunting is an important management tool for TNC. At some of our preserves, for example, white-tail deer populations have grown well beyond the ability of plant communities to withstand their browsing. We use hunting as a tool to control deer populations and reduce the damage they are causing, allowing plant communities to recover their full vigor and diversity. Public funding programs like Wisconsin’s Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program and the Managed Forest Law have been important partners in helping TNC protect thousands of acres and enhance hunting opportunities in Wisconsin by opening these lands to the public.

• Does TNC limit the number of species hunted on its preserves?

  The number of individual animals that can be taken each season is regulated by the WIDNR and guided by their research and staff expertise. Based on past experience, we are not concerned about overharvesting of deer on our land. Where we are providing new opportunities to hunt turkey and other game species, we will monitor use and watch for impacts. If there are negative impacts, we will look for ways to reduce or eliminate them. Please refer to TNC hunting maps to learn where certain species can be hunted.

• How does TNC ensure that hunters have a safe experience at its preserves?

  All TNC properties are evaluated individually to ensure the appropriate policies are in place. Where we have a hunting permit system, we follow WIDNR guidelines of one hunter per 20 acres. Where we do not have a permit system, we rely on hunters to create enough separation among themselves to ensure a safe and enjoyable hunting experience. For lands where TNC hunting permits are required, hunters must wear an I.D. badge at all times while hunting.

• How does TNC ensure those who are not hunting have a safe experience at its preserves?

  We post season dates for deer and turkey hunting at the entry points to our preserves so that non-hunters are aware that hunting could be taking place at the preserve. We recommend that visitors wear blaze orange or neon pink for visibility and safety on the preserve during these hunting seasons.

• Where can I hunt on TNC land?

  Of the more than 27,000 acres that TNC owns today, 97% have opportunities for some form of hunting including deer, turkey, pheasant and other game species. Thousands of acres of land that TNC has helped protect and transferred to public and private entities are also open to the public for hunting and other recreation opportunities. Hunting opportunities on TNC land vary from preserve to preserve. Please see the Wisconsin Hunting Opportunities Maps to find hunting offered on TNC land.

• Do I need a permit to hunt on TNC land?

  While most TNC preserves do offer public hunting opportunities, some areas of TNC land are permitted or closed to hunting where we do not have public access to the land or where the size of the property makes it too small to hunt safely. We also consider the proximity to nearby residences. The areas on TNC land where a permit system is used follows WIDNR guidelines of one hunter per 20 acres. See the “permit application” section on our website for more details.

• Are tree stands or blinds allowed at TNC preserves?
  • Only temporary, non-damaging stands and ground blinds may be used.
  • Hunters may only place one stand/blind on TNC land per hunter.
  • Hunters should place their name and contact information on the stand/blind.
  • All ground blinds used on the preserve during hunting season must display at least 144 square inches of solid blaze orange material visible from all directions around the blind.
  • You may not put-up stands or blinds more than seven days before the start of the season, and they must be removed within seven days after the close of that season.
  • No stands or blinds shall be placed within 50 yards of the preserve boundary or another stand or blind.
  • The Nature Conservancy assumes no responsibility for lost or damaged stands and blinds left unattended.
• Are trail cameras, deer drives or baiting allowed at TNC preserves?

  Trail cameras, deer drives, artificial baiting and planting of food plots or other vegetation is not allowed. Cutting, breaking or clearing of vegetation is also prohibited.

• Is TNC land considered public or private when purchasing antlerless tags?

  When purchasing your annual deer license from the WIDNR you will need to indicate on all antlerless tags whether you will be hunting on “Public” or “Private” land. Please be aware that for this specific purpose TNC’s land is considered “Public” land since the bulk of our preserves have been acquired in whole or in part with funding from the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program. If you intend to utilize your antlerless tag on TNC land, be sure to mark that tag as Public.

• Is target shooting allowed at TNC preserves?

  No, shooting at targets is prohibited on TNC land.

• Can I use dogs to hunt at TNC preserves?

  Most of our preserves are completely closed to dogs. However, hunting dogs are allowed for turkey, small game and waterfowl hunting purposes, only at preserves where these hunting opportunities are allowed and according to state regulations. Off-leash hunting dogs must be kept under voice control of the owner at all times to prevent dogs from creating a nuisance to adjacent properties and residences. From April 15 to July 31, hunting dogs must be on a leash to protect ground-nesting birds. 

• Can minors hunt on TNC land?

  Hunting with Minors: If the hunter or persons accompanying the hunter are under 18 years of age then those individuals must comply with all current WIDNR regulations regarding youth hunting. See the WIDNR’s Youth Hunting web page for details. If you are hunting at a preserve where TNC requires a permit, you must obtain a separate permit and pay an additional hunting fee for a licensed minor hunter who is 14-17 years old. If the minor is not the child of the person hunting, then TNC must receive a Parental Consent and Release of Liability form (available from TNC) signed by the minor's parent and the hunter, prior to the minor entering the preserve.

  Mentored Hunting Program: If an individual will be hunting under the Mentored Hunting Program, see the WIDNR’s Mentored Hunting in Wisconsin web page for details on complying with this program. Mentored hunters do not need to submit a separate TNC permit application or hunting fee.