The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) encourages the public to hunt on public land this hunting season. The WI DNR purchases land and conservation easements to manage and protect our natural resources to provide recreational opportunities for many. Through the real estate land acquisition program, wetlands, forests, scenic areas, wildlife and fish habitat are protected and managed. With millions of acres of public land available across the state, finding the perfect spot is easy using the DNR’s online public land mapping tools. The Public Land Access Tool includes private lands open to public access, including the Managed Forest Law (MFL), Forest Crop Law (FCL), Voluntary Public Access (VPA) and the Turkey Hunter Access Program (THAP). Hunters can find new lands to explore, read up on regulations and season dates, and begin to plan their next hunting adventure from the comfort of home using the DNR’s Public Access Lands (PAL) mapping tool. The PAL mapping application is a map – based system that allows you to locate and find information on properties open for public access. It can be used on a desktop or handheld device. It includes state, federal, and county lands that are open to the public across the whole state of Wisconsin. If you are a public land hunter, I suggest taking a look at this mapping tool the DNR offers. Remember to be respectful of other recreators or DNR staff who may be actively managing the properties during hunting seasons. Hunters should have backup plans to keep them hunting in the event they overlap with another hunter. Hunters should also always be aware of their surroundings and watch for others. Check out the link to access this online Public Access Land Map: https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/lands
For more information contact Kayla Littleton, Forest County Land Conservation and Land Information Director at 715-478-1387 or by e-mail at .