Wisconsin is an excellent state for deer hunting, with plenty of public hunting land and good access to private hunting land.
The Badger State offers a variety of habitat types and wild game species, making it a great place for hunters to pursue their passion. With so many options, narrowing down the best counties to hunt in Wisconsin can be difficult.
To help make that decision a bit easier, here are five of the top Wisconsin deer-hunting counties you should consider:
- Ashland County – Located in northwest Wisconsin in the famous Apostle Islands area near Lake Superior, Ashland County offers some of the best deer habitats in the state. Miles of forested terrain and rolling hills are covered with hardwoods and cedar swamps that provide ideal conditions for whitetail deer. The county also has a large population of wild turkeys and grouse, which makes it an excellent spot for small-game hunting as well. Ashland County is open to the public and offers free access, making it one of the top deer-hunting counties in Wisconsin.
- Sawyer County – Located in northwest Wisconsin near Hayward and Spooner, Sawyer County is home to some of the best deer habitats in the state. There are miles of forested terrain interspersed with grassy meadows that provide ideal conditions for whitetail deer. As a bonus, you’ll find plenty of upland game birds, such as ruffed grouse and woodcock throughout this region as well. Public land is abundant here, making it a top spot for deer hunting in Wisconsin.
- Vilas County – Located in north-central Wisconsin, Vilas County is one of the most popular spots for deer hunters in the state. The county has a large population of whitetail deer and an abundance of public land, making it a great place to pursue your passion. In addition to deer, you’ll also find plenty of other game species such as turkey and grouse throughout this region as well.
- Grant County – Located in southwestern Wisconsin near Platteville, Grant County offers some excellent deer habitat and good access to private land as well. The terrain here consists mostly of hardwood forests with rolling hills interspersed throughout, creating ideal conditions for whitetail deer. Public land is abundant in this region, making it a top spot for deer hunting in Wisconsin.
- Adams County – Situated in central Wisconsin near the city of Wisconsin Dells, Adams County offers some of the best deer habitats in the state. There are miles of hardwood forests and rolling hills that provide excellent conditions for whitetail deer and other game species such as grouse and turkey. In addition to great public access, there is also plenty of private lands available here as well, making it an ideal place to hunt deer in Wisconsin.
Are you planning to deer hunting in the gorgeous state of Wisconsin? Don’t go unprepared! Check out our top list of hunting essentials we’ve listed below to make your Wisconsin hunting trip a success.
Essential Hunting Gear Items Include:
Binoculars
Hunting Knives
Your Rifles or Shotguns
Plenty of Ammunition
Decoys – if you use them
Game Calls and Lures
Clothing should also be suitable for weather conditions; you will need layers of clothing suitable for both warm and cold temperatures (trust us on this one – Wisconsin weather is nutty!)
Also, good hunting boots are essential to keep you comfortable while walking through the woods.
Additionally, rain gear is necessary in case of wet weather. To ensure you can enjoy your hunt without getting lost or stranded, include a comprehensive first-aid kit, map and compass, flashlight, and a GPS receiver or other navigation device.
Bring plenty of food, water, and snacks to keep you full and hydrated throughout the day. If camping overnight, don’t forget sleeping bags, tents, cookware, and matches. Finally, make sure to bring along your hunting license as well as any licenses required for out-of-state hunting.
Pack smart and enjoy your Wisconsin deer hunting trip!
Bonus Items:
– Mosquito repellent or netting
– Bug spray
– Disinfectant and soap for cleaning hands, knives, and other items
– Sunscreen and sunglasses
– Camera to capture memories of your hunt.
– Safety whistle in case you get lost or need help
– Hatchet or saw for cutting firewood.
– Durable plastic bags to keep your gear dry and organized in wet weather.
– Extra batteries for flashlights, GPS, and other electronics.
– A fire starter kit for camping trips.
– Binoculars and spotting scope to help you find deer from afar.
– Blankets or sleeping pads for extra comfort when camping in the woods.
– Maps of the area where you are hunting so you can stay on course.
– Emergency shelter such as a tarp or pop-up tent in case of inclement weather.
– Animal calls and lures to attract deer.
– Orange clothing for visibility in the woods.
– Hand warmers or insulated gloves for extra warmth on cold days.
– Matches, lighter, and flint to start fires when needed.
– Flashlight and headlamp for low-light situations.
– Whistle to call for help if you become lost or injured.
– A good attitude, enthusiasm, and knowledge of the sport so you can have a successful and enjoyable deer hunting trip in Wisconsin!
In Conclusion
Overall, these five counties all offer excellent opportunities to pursue your love of hunting in Wisconsin. Whether you’re after whitetail deer, grouse, or turkey, these counties are sure to provide you with plenty of options. With so many great hunting spots in Wisconsin, you’ll be sure to find the perfect spot to pursue your passion this season.
Happy Hunting!