Wisconsin has an abundance of pristine rivers and lakes, vibrant forests and lush prairies. Sometimes the best hunting grounds among this beautiful landscape are on privately owned land.
The experience of hunting in Wisconsin can be enhanced by tracking game on these private lands where there is less direct competition from other hunters.
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But hunting on private lands in Wisconsin is governed by a set of strict regulations applicable to both resident and non-resident hunters.
1. Land owner permission
Hunting on any private land is forbidden unless permission has first been obtained from the landowner. It is illegal to enter any private property without the land owner's permission. It is also illegal to enter or remain on private land after being notified either in orally or in writing that hunting is not permitted on that land.
2. Retrieving game
If a hunter shoots an animal outside private land and it enters that land, they are not allowed to enter to retrieve their game without obtaining permission from the owner first. Entering private land to retrieve game without permission is considered trespassing and is against the law.
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3. Immune from liability
Landowners are typically immune, under Wisconsin statute 895.52, from liability for injuries or death suffered by individuals hunting on their lands. This liability does not apply if a landowner receives more than $2,000 per year in income from hosting hunting parties or if they acted maliciously with intent to harm a hunter or hunting party.
4. Private forest lands
Some privately held forest land is open for public access under the Managed Forest Law (MFL). All lands designated as MFL-Open under the MFL program are open for public hunting. The same rule applies for Forest Crop Law (FCL) lands. Hunters do not need permission from the landowner, but speaking with the landowner is encouraged if they live near the hunting site.
5. Hunting on your own property
A landowner is required to have a license to hunt deer, bears, turkeys, game birds, migratory game birds, and bobcats on their own land. On the other hand, landowners do not need a license to hunt beavers, foxes, coyotes, raccoons, woodchucks, rabbits, and squirrels. They may hunt these and any unprotected species causing damage or a nuisance, year-round.
This article is for information only. Please check current regulations before hunting.
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