So you want to go hunting. But you’d rather not spend the time or gas to drive very far. No problem. Turns out there are lots of places to kill things in your own backyard.
“Washington, Racine and Waukesha counties all have state lands the Department of Natural Resources manages that provide some opportunity to hunt,” says Tami Ryan-Nadolny, regional program manager for wildlife with the DNR. “The primary difference is that in this part of the state, firearm restrictions are more restrictive.”
The major difference is you can use a rifle in places like northern Wisconsin, but not in the metro area (except in areas of Waukesha and Racine counties managed for deer affected by chronic wasting disease). But hey, you can still use a shotgun muzzleloader, a bow and arrow, or even a handgun.
And a look at the DNR Web site (dnr.state.wi.us) reveals there is plenty to hit. Jackson Marsh State Wildlife Area is a 2,312-acre property in Washington County that boasts many pheasants, deer, turkeys and an assortment of small game. Another Washington County wildlife area, 1,160-acre Allenton Marsh, has a virtually identical list. And over in Waukesha County, hunting is allowed in both the 2,013-acre Scuppernong River Habitat Area and the huge 4,655-acre Vernon Wildlife Area.
All should have plenty of deer. The DNR’s season forecast predicts the deer harvest for southeastern Wisconsin will likely be higher than in 2007. And there won’t be many hunters shooting at them, Ryan notes.
“Although we have ample deer hunting opportunities in southeastern Wisconsin, the culture in our state typically involves a mass migration of hunters to northern Wisconsin,” she says.
Looking for the ultimate urban hunting experience? The fast-growing city of Franklin allows archery hunting on private land with a permit (free for residents, $7 for nonresidents).
“You have to stay certain distances away from buildings, roads and other things, but as long as you have a valid hunter’s license from the DNR and written permission from the land owner to hunt on the land, we’ll issue you the permit,” says Sgt. Joseph Spak of Franklin’s accommodating Police Department.
