Wisconsin is recognized as the premier deer hunting state in the nation as Wisconsin is home to a thriving deer herd.  Wisconsin ranks number one in the country for the highest annual deer harvest for the past decade. 

Wisconsin also has a prosperous black bear population, which is currently estimated at approximately 13,000 animals. The primary range is in the northern 1/3 of the state, including Rusk County, with the hunting season in September or October, depending upon zone and permit.

The ruffed grouse population appears to be on the upswing, ring-necked pheasants stocking is up, and we’ve increased the number of available fall permits due to a flourishing turkey population – a species DNR reintroduced to Wisconsin a few short decades ago.  Wild turkey hunting opportunity continues to improve as this reintroduced species continues its spectacular success.  The Wisconsin turkey population now extends well into the northern part of the state.

Please check the 2006 Wisconsin Small Game Hunting Regulations and be aware of the counties in which a pheasant stamp is required and which public hunting grounds have a 2 p.m. closure and/or allow hen pheasant hunting.

Cottontail rabbits are a very popular small game animal and typically provide for great recreational opportunities across the state.  Rabbits are extremely prolific and their annual production is usually dependent upon local weather conditions during the breeding seasons.

Beaver, coyote, raccoon, and muskrat are good examples of the more abundant and common species across our large state, as well as upland birds, squirrels, fox, and others.  In contrast, the more secretive bobcat, fisher and otter are doing well in the north and slowly expanding southward.