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Deer Hunting Main Page

Season Dates

Application Process and Dates

Statewide Preserve Map

Wisconsin Nature Conservancy Hunting Guidelines

To hunt on Nature Conservancy lands hunters must agree to the following rules and statements:

  1. Hunting opportunities differ from preserve to preserve. Contact the Madison Field Office at (608) 251-8140 for more information on species that may be hunted on each Conservancy property.
  2. Deer baiting and deer drives are not allowed.
  3. No fires, camping, littering (including the use of plastic flagging), or dumping of waste on Conservancy property.
  4. Only temporary, non-damaging deer stands may be used.  You should place your name and contact info on your stand.  You may not put up a stand more than seven days before the start of the season in which you are hunting, and the stand must be removed within seven days after the close of that season.  No stands shall be placed within 50 yards of a property boundary or another stand.  The Conservancy assumes no responsibility for lost or damaged stands left unattended.
  5. No cutting, breaking or clearing of vegetation. Planting of food plots or other vegetation is not allowed.
  6. No off-road vehicle use.
  7. No hunting is allowed within a 200-yard radius of any inhabited dwelling.
  8. Hunters on preserves that require a Conservancy permit must carry a fully signed permit and wear an assigned I.D. badge at all times while on Conservancy property.
  9. Alcohol is not allowed on Conservancy preserves or in the parking lot.
  10. Unnecessary shooting or shooting at targets is prohibited.
  11. A hunter may be accompanied by one or more of his/her own children to hunt on Conservancy lands. The minor must be at least 12 years of age and have all licenses or permits required to hunt under Wisconsin law. The adult hunter agrees to take full responsibility for the minor. A) If the minor is 12-13 years of age no additional permit or fee is required; the adult hunter agrees to keep the minor within sight and voice contact and to directly supervise the minor at all times. B) Minors 14-17 years of age may hunt without supervision if they have first taken a required hunter safety course. You must obtain a separate permit and pay an additional hunting fee for a minor hunter who is 14-17 years old. C) If the minor is not the child of the adult hunter they will be hunting with, then the Conservancy must receive a Parental Consent and Release of Liability form (available from the Conservancy at wisconsin@tnc.org) signed by the minor's parent and the accompanying hunter, prior to the minor entering Conservancy property. prior to the minor entering Conservancy property.
  12. A hunter may be accompanied by no more than one non-hunting guest while hunting on Conservancy preserves.
  13. By hunting on Nature Conservancy lands you acknowledge that hunting is inherently dangerous and that you are aware of the risks and dangers involved.  By engaging is hunting as an activity you hereby assume all responsibility for any injury to persons or damages to property which occur in connection with your use of the Conservancy's property.  As a hunter, for yourself, your heirs, successors and assigns, you hereby agree to release, indemnify, and hold the Conservancy harmless from any and all claims, liabilities, losses, damages, costs and expenses incurred in connection with your and any accompanying minor child’s activities or presence on the Conservancy's property, whether or not due to any negligent acts or omissions of the Conservancy.

In addition to the above rules, hunters must comply with all local, state, and federal laws and ordinances governing hunting activities, including obtaining all required government licenses or permits.

The Nature Conservancy does allow hunting of wild turkey and pheasant on our properties in the Military Ridge Prairie Heritage Area during the regular DNR posted seasons, with no prior permission from the Conservancy required.  Dogs are allowed off-leash for pheasant hunting during pheasant season.  Dogs must be on-leash the rest of the year, especially during the breeding bird season.

Permit Application Process
Should you agree to the above terms and conditions and need to apply for a permit at a preserve where it is still required, follow this link to the Deer Hunting Application Process page.