Yes, Hunting IS Allowed in Wisconsin State Parks

Hunting? Really?

Wisconsin has a deeply ingrained hunting culture, but the truth is, more and more people simply don’t hunt. In fact, the majority of park users don’t hunt. They don’t know when the seasons are (Which is hard enough if you do hunt!) and many don’t realize that people can hunt within Wisconsin State Parks including Devil’s Lake State Park. In 2020, there’s a whole new crowd in the parks as well which makes education and awareness even more important.

Hunting is allowed at Devil’s Lake

At Devil’s Lake State Park hunting is allowed in the majority of the park. There is a map that hikers can use to figure it out. Well, sort of. The map is generalized. It’s not obvious to all hikers that hunters can hunt right up to 100 yards from the West Bluff Trail or East Bluff Woods Trails. While that might not be an issue for some, for others it’s a deal-breaker.

Hunting is also allowed on Roznos Meadow and on Steinke Basin. In Steinke Basin, the map, suggests there is no “100-yard” protection for much of the Steinke Basin Loop and parts of the Uplands trail. (Notice the gray along the trail in Roznos, but not Steinke Basin loop.)

Deer Gun Hunting Season

This year in our area Deer Gun Hunting goes from Nov. 21 – 29 and is allowed in the park. There is also a December 4-day antlerless hunt between Dec. 10th & the 13th which again is allowed. But that’s not all of course. Here is what we can glean from the Hunting Map;

Gun and archery hunting and trapping are allowed in the open areas of
the property from Nov. 15 – Dec. 15., except that hunting with legal archery methods is allowed through the Sunday nearest Jan. 6. Trapping is not permitted in closed areas as noted on this map or within 100 yards of any designated use area, including trails.

In Sauk County, there is also an “Anterless Holiday Hunt” from Dec. 24 – Jan. 1, 2021.

Is it safe to hike?

Well, that’s a matter of personal choice and opinion of course. Hunting around our parks goes well beyond Deer Gun season and the Ice Age Trail Alliance recommends wearing blaze orange or other bright colors from October through April when you and your pet are out hiking! It’s rare that someone who is NOT hunting is actually caught in the crossfire, although the sound can be unnerving and as always, letting your dogs run unleashed is illegal, rude and this time of the year, not very wise.

Be safe out there!