Download - Wisconsin Department of Tourism

heated towers that look like smallhomes on stilts. Finally, there arethose who prefer ground blinds orreturn each year to a favoritestump on a ridge.Truth be told, the anticipation,preparation and planning is nearlyas exciting as the hunt. Thereis lots of pre-hunt chatter centeredon executing the perfectstrategy, and that keeps hunterscoming back year after year.Hunting essentials includelicense, blaze orange outerwear(that’s been aired outdoors toeliminate human scent), rifle,layers of warm clothes, a flashlight,food and water, hand warmers,rope, safety strap, cell phone,and a compass. Oh, yes, a cameraand binoculars are great tohave for wildlife observation, likegetting a good look at hawks andowls. For post hunting, it’s cards,a pot of chili and camaraderie.Maybe a few phone calls tofriends and family members tocompare hunting successes of theday.When you deer hunt inWisconsin, you feel like you’repart of something bigger, part ofthe thousands of hunters outthere hoping to bag that trophybuck.TOURISM PHOTO FILEBy the way, while the majorityhunt white-tailed deer with rifle,don’t overlook the pros of bowhunting. It’s a quieter huntingexperience. There is more naturaldeer movement with the rut. Ittakes strategy and skill, as youhave to get close to the deer -we’re talking 25 to 30 yards – inorder to take a shot. All of whichmakes it a very rewarding experience.What other types of huntingcan you enjoy in Wisconsin? Lots!There’s fall bear hunting, witha waiting list for tags, so be diligentin applying. Small gamehunting gives hunters somethingto look forward to after the falldeer hunting season, as the seasonfor fox, bobcat, squirrel, rabbitand raccoon runs into earlywinter. Coyote is a continuousseason.RJ & LINDA MILLERThen there’s turkey hunting,which is not as easy as one mightthink. Just ask any hunter who’snot had success. Turkeys havekeen vision and can pick off ahunter even if said hunter is infull camo, so it’s best to be in ablind. There are two seasons,spring and fall. It’s exhilarating toget out in the spring after beingcooped up all winter, with theland greening and the birdschirping. Fall, while extremelybeautiful, is tougher because thebirds are not mating, whichmeans the Toms are not out strut-PLANNING YOUR TRIPDOUG STAMMting and gobbling and makingthemselves seen and heard. Tryboth and compare for yourself. Toprep for turkey hunting, best towork on your turkey calling skills.This sport is really gaining popularity,with some of the best huntingin southwest Wisconsin, wherethe mix of farmlands and woodedridges provides an ideal habitatfor wild turkeys.Last but not least, hunting thesmaller winged variety whichincludes water fowl like duck andgeese. There’s also hunting ofupland game birds such aspheasant, grouse and woodcock,which is always better with atrusty dog along, plus it’s downrightfun to see how much funyour well-trained dog is having.To recap: Wisconsin is nirvanafor the serious outdoors person,and those who hope to join theranks. The only downside we canthink of is that you’ll have to pickand choose what and when you’llhunt. After all, there are only somany vacation days in the year.HUNTING MAPSWisconsin’s public lands, including state parks, wildlife areasand public forests, offer opportunities to hunt. In addition the DNRmanages a Voluntary Public Access (VPA) program that opens upsome private land for public hunting. Information and maps can befound at dnr.wi.gov, enter keyword “hunt.” Check guidelines andregulations regarding use of these public lands for hunting.HUNTING REGULATIONS AND LICENSESFind information on seasons, regulations and hunting licensesby visiting dnr.wi.gov, enter keyword “hunt” or by calling the DNRCustomer Service Center at 888/936-7463. Licenses can be purchasedover the phone at 877/WILICEN (877/945-4236) or on lineat dnr.wi.gov or from licensing agents at offices and storesthroughout the state.The DNR offers hunter safety education courses. Requirementsand options for taking the safety education classes are availablefrom the DNR.For a complete listing of rules and regulations contact theWisconsin DNR: 888/936-7463 or www. dnr.wi.gov.Find more fun at travelwisconsin.com or call 1-800/432-8747. 43