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Waushara County, Wisconsin
DNR State Ice Age Trail Areas (unnamed parcels): the hunter's file
Deer unit Marathon and Waushara, bear and turkey zones, closures, licenses and the nearest towns and services.
Photo: newagecrap (CC BY 2.0)
Getting to DNR State Ice Age Trail Areas (unnamed parcels)
Key facts for DNR State Ice Age Trail Areas
DNR State Ice Age Trail Areas (unnamed parcels) is a State Ice Age Trail Area (SIATA) in Marathon, Waushara, Polk, Washington and 8 more counties. The DNR files it under its Northeast Region (northeast Wisconsin). Management sits with the Wisconsin DNR. Acreage: 4,426, which places it 1st of 11 Ice Age Trail areas. Without a mapped point, this page uses the centre of Waushara County for every distance (Hancock is nearest). It holds 2 listed units, linked below.
From the source page (WI DNR Managed Lands GIS ACRES field, parcels open to hunting); region from the DNR county layer. Checked October 19, 2026.
Nearby
Places to hunt and shoot around DNR State Ice Age Trail Areas (unnamed parcels)
DNR State Ice Age Trail Areas by zone and unit
With no mapped boundary, DNR State Ice Age Trail Areas takes the county-wide zones of Marathon, Waushara, Polk, Washington and 2 more counties. Deer: Central Farmland, Northern Forest and Southern Farmland zones, Marathon, Waushara, DMU 108, Polk Central Farmland and 3 more units. The 7 deer units touched carry 2026 quotas between 2,200 and 11,200 antlerless deer. CWD-positive deer have been recorded in Marathon, Waushara, Polk, Washington and 2 more counties; free testing is offered statewide.
DMU figures for DNR State Ice Age Trail Areas
| Unit | Deer zone | Quota | Public-access bonus | Private bonus | Farmland per license |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marathon | Central Farmland | 6,500 | 950 | 3,449 | 2 |
| Waushara | Central Farmland | 7,000 | 984 | 1,489 | 3 |
| DMU 108 | Northern Forest | 2,850 | 3,017 | 7,467 | — |
| Polk Central Farmland | Central Farmland | 11,200 | 987 | 5,191 | 2 |
| Washington | Southern Farmland | 2,200 | 500 | 1,550 | 3 |
| Dane | Southern Farmland | 5,200 | 700 | 2,500 | 2 |
| Dane County Metro Sub-Unit | Metro sub-unit | In unit total | 0 | 0 | — |
DNR State Ice Age Trail Areas zone table
| Zone | Setting | Data | Also | Last season |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bear zone C | No dogs | 875 target, 4,465 permits | 2 points | 663 bears in 2025 |
| Bear zone D | Dogs OK | 1,100 target, 3,855 permits | 2 points | 931 bears in 2025 |
| Bear zone E | No dogs | 185 target, 2,628 permits | 1 point | 128 bears in 2025 |
| Bear zone F | No dogs | 50 target, 764 permits | 1 point | 27 bears in 2025 |
| Turkey 3 | 55,612 spring tags (2025) | 22% success | 12,324 gobblers | 1,500 fall bonus |
| Turkey 4 | 34,997 spring tags (2025) | 24% success | 8,472 gobblers | 1,500 fall bonus |
| Turkey 5 | 12,008 spring tags (2025) | 20% success | 2,446 gobblers | — |
| Turkey 2 | 51,056 spring tags (2025) | 22% success | 11,024 gobblers | 2,500 fall bonus |
| Turkey 1 | 64,574 spring tags (2025) | 21% success | 13,813 gobblers | 1,500 fall bonus |
| Ruffed grouse A | Sep 12–Jan 3 | 5 a day | ||
| Ruffed grouse B | Oct 17–Dec 8 | 2 a day | ||
| Duck | Northern | Sep 26–Nov 24 | ||
| Duck | Southern | Oct 3–Oct 11 Oct 17–Dec 6 | ||
| Goose | Northern | Sep 16–Dec 16 | ||
| Goose | Southern | Sep 16–Oct 11 Oct 17–Dec 6 Dec 19–Jan 2 |
Zones from the DNR zone layers as recorded in lands.json; quotas and bonus tags from the 2026 antlerless quota table; bear figures from the 2026 bear drawing summary and 2025 bear harvest; turkey from the 2025 spring turkey report; CWD and baiting lists from the DNR. Checked October 19, 2026.
Access, closures and licenses for DNR State Ice Age Trail Areas
DNR State Ice Age Trail Areas: open to whom, and how
State park rules limit hunting to the open zones and two windows, April 1 to early May and Nov. 15 to Dec. 15, plus archery until about Jan. 6. Hunting is barred within 100 yards of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail.
Orange, stands and GameReg at DNR State Ice Age Trail Areas
Bowhunters too: when a gun deer season is on, 50% of the coat and hat must be orange or pink, unless you are hunting waterfowl. A ground blind on DNR property needs 144 sq in of orange or pink during gun deer seasons. South of Hwy. 64 every stand and blind leaves with you; north of it, two portable stands per county may stay out Sept. 1-Jan. 31. Use GameReg (online or 844-426-3734) before 5 p.m. the day after the harvest.
Tags and licenses for DNR State Ice Age Trail Areas
Licenses sell on Go Wild. On public land, antlerless deer need a public-access authorization for the unit.
Where you cannot hunt at DNR State Ice Age Trail Areas
Mind these 45 areas before you set up. The common carve-out: Hunting/trapping restrictions apply, check property map(s) at link provided.
| Area | Restriction | Dates | Acres | Rule |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Town of St. Croix Falls SIATA | Hunting/trapping Restrictions | See property map link provided | 49 | NR 29.089(1m)(b) |
| Pine Lake SIATA | Hunting/trapping Restrictions | See property map link provided | 122 | NR 29.089(1m)(b) |
| Town of Lorain SIATA | Hunting/trapping Restrictions | See property map link provided | 201 | NR 29.089(1m)(b) |
| Marimor SIATA | Hunting/trapping Restrictions | See property map link provided | 17 | NR 29.089(1m)(b) |
| Town of Rock Falls SIATA | Hunting/trapping Restrictions | See property map link provided | 65 | NR 29.089(1m)(b) |
| Straight Lake SIATA | Hunting/trapping Restrictions | See property map link provided | 311 | NR 29.089(1m)(b) |
| Town of Corning SIATA | Hunting/trapping Restrictions | See property map link provided | 139 | NR 29.089(1m)(b) |
| Larabee Lake Wetlands SIATA | Hunting/trapping Restrictions | See property map link provided | 127 | NR 29.089(1m)(b) |
| Town of Harrison SIATA | Hunting/trapping Restrictions | See property map link provided | 268 | NR 29.089(1m)(b) |
| Radley Creek SIATA | Hunting/trapping Restrictions | See property map link provided | 129 | NR 29.089(1m)(b) |
| Town of New Hope SIATA | Hunting/trapping Restrictions | See property map link provided | 12 | NR 29.089(1m)(b) |
| Bradley Creek SIATA | Hunting/trapping Restrictions | See property map link provided | 40 | NR 29.089(1m)(b) |
| Town of Alban SIATA | Hunting/trapping Restrictions | See property map link provided | 28 | NR 29.089(1m)(b) |
| Southern Ringle SIATA | Hunting/trapping Restrictions | See property map link provided | 758 | NR 29.089(1m)(b) |
| Northern Ringle SIATA | Hunting/trapping Restrictions | See property map link provided | 159 | NR 29.089(1m)(b) |
| Town of Plover SIATA | Hunting/trapping Restrictions | See property map link provided | 220 | NR 29.089(1m)(b) |
| Firth Lake SIATA | Hunting/trapping Restrictions | See property map link provided | 731 | NR 29.089(1m)(b) |
| Bohn Lake SIATA | Hunting/trapping Restrictions | See property map link provided | 542 | NR 29.089(1m)(b) |
| Town of Farmington SIATA | Hunting/trapping Restrictions | See property map link provided | 28 | NR 29.089(1m)(b) |
| Tisch Mills SIATA | Hunting/trapping Restrictions | See property map link provided | 54 | NR 29.089(1m)(b) |
| Hancock/coloma SIATA | Hunting/trapping Restrictions | See property map link provided | 156 | NR 29.089(1m)(b) |
| Town of Coloma SIATA | Hunting/trapping Restrictions | See property map link provided | 78 | NR 29.089(1m)(b) |
| Yellowstone Creek SIATA | Hunting/trapping Restrictions | See property map link provided | 3 | NR 29.089(1m)(b) |
| Town of Richford SIATA | Hunting/trapping Restrictions | See property map link provided | 104 | NR 29.089(1m)(b) |
Dates specific to DNR State Ice Age Trail Areas
| Game | Window | Dates | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| All open seasons | Spring | April 1 through the Tuesday nearest May 3 (gun and archery hunting, limited trapping, open areas only) | |
| All open seasons | Fall/Winter | Nov. 15-Dec. 15 (gun and archery hunting and trapping in open seasons); archery through the Sunday nearest Jan. 6 | Exceptions for Buckhorn, Big Bay, Blue Mound, Governor Dodge, Rock Island and Tower Hill state parks. |
Access from the source page; closures from the DNR closed and restricted areas layer; stocking and dove fields from the DNR upland bird layers; rules from the Fall 2026-Spring 2027 regulations; prices from Go Wild. Checked October 19, 2026.
What DNR State Ice Age Trail Areas is made of
Together its 2 units cover 158 acres.
| Unit | Category | County | Acres | Species |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bohn Lake | State natural area | Waushara | 92 | — |
| Gibraltar Rock | State natural area | Columbia | 66 | — |
Which animals DNR State Ice Age Trail Areas lists
The agency names no particular game for DNR State Ice Age Trail Areas: all open seasons apply, within the property rules.
The Waushara County dates (42 rows) follow.
Species from the property record (No species list published for this property; open seasons follow statewide/zone regulations where hunting is allowed.); bag limits from the DNR regulations. Checked October 19, 2026.
Which seasons are open in DNR State Ice Age Trail Areas
Deer dates are statewide in Wisconsin; bear, turkey, grouse, cottontail and waterfowl dates follow zone lines, so only the rows for DNR State Ice Age Trail Areas are listed.
| Species | Season | Where it applies | Opens | Closes | Today |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| White-tailed deer | Archery and crossbow | Statewide | Sep 12, 2026 | Jan 3, 2027 | |
| White-tailed deer | Youth/disabled gun hunt | Statewide | Oct 10, 2026 | Oct 11, 2026 | |
| White-tailed deer | Gun deer (9-day) | Statewide | Nov 21, 2026 | Nov 29, 2026 | |
| White-tailed deer | Muzzleloader | Statewide | Nov 30, 2026 | Dec 9, 2026 | |
| White-tailed deer | December antlerless hunt | Statewide | Dec 10, 2026 | Dec 13, 2026 | |
| White-tailed deer | Antlerless-only Holiday Hunt | Holiday Hunt: Waushara | Dec 24, 2026 | Jan 1, 2027 | |
| White-tailed deer | Extended archery and crossbow | Extended archery | Jan 4, 2027 | Jan 31, 2027 | |
| Black bear | Bear, Class A draw | Bear Zone F/C | Sep 9, 2026 | Oct 13, 2026 | |
| Wild turkey | Fall turkey | Turkey Zone 3 | Sep 12, 2026 | Jan 3, 2027 | |
| Wild turkey | Spring youth turkey hunt | Turkey Zone 3 | Apr 17, 2027 | Apr 18, 2027 | |
| Wild turkey | Spring turkey Period A | Turkey Zone 3 | Apr 21, 2027 | Apr 27, 2027 | |
| Wild turkey | Spring turkey Period B | Turkey Zone 3 | Apr 28, 2027 | May 4, 2027 | |
| Wild turkey | Spring turkey Period C | Turkey Zone 3 | May 5, 2027 | May 11, 2027 | |
| Wild turkey | Spring turkey Period D | Turkey Zone 3 | May 12, 2027 | May 18, 2027 | |
| Wild turkey | Spring turkey Period E | Turkey Zone 3 | May 19, 2027 | May 25, 2027 | |
| Wild turkey | Spring turkey Period F | Turkey Zone 3 | May 26, 2027 | Jun 1, 2027 | |
| Ruffed Grouse | Ruffed grouse | Grouse Zone A | Sep 12, 2026 | Jan 3, 2027 | |
| Ruffed Grouse | Ruffed grouse | Grouse Zone B | Oct 17, 2026 | Dec 8, 2026 | |
| Pheasant | Pheasant | Statewide | Oct 17, 2026 | Jan 3, 2027 | |
| Bobwhite Quail | Bobwhite quail | Statewide | Oct 17, 2026 | Dec 9, 2026 | |
| Hungarian partridge | Hungarian partridge | Statewide | Oct 17, 2026 | Jan 3, 2027 | |
| Squirrel | Squirrel | Statewide | Sep 12, 2026 | Feb 28, 2027 | |
| Cottontail | Cottontail rabbit | Southern cottontail zone | Oct 17, 2026 | Feb 28, 2027 | |
| Snowshoe Hare | Snowshoe hare | Statewide | Year-round | Year-round | Year-round |
| American Crow | Crow | Statewide | Nov 21, 2026 | Mar 24, 2027 | |
| Ducks | Youth waterfowl hunt | Statewide | Sep 19, 2026 | Sep 20, 2026 | |
| Ducks | Regular duck (split 1) | Southern Duck Zone | Oct 3, 2026 | Oct 11, 2026 | |
| Ducks | Regular duck (split 2) | Southern Duck Zone | Oct 17, 2026 | Dec 6, 2026 | |
| Teal | Early teal | Statewide | Sep 1, 2026 | Sep 9, 2026 | |
| Geese | Regular goose (split 1) | Southern Goose Zone | Sep 16, 2026 | Oct 11, 2026 | |
| Geese | Regular goose (split 2) | Southern Goose Zone | Oct 17, 2026 | Dec 6, 2026 | |
| Geese | Regular goose (holiday split) | Southern Goose Zone | Dec 19, 2026 | Jan 2, 2027 | |
| Canada goose | Early Canada goose | Statewide | Sep 1, 2026 | Sep 15, 2026 | |
| Raccoon | Raccoon (resident) | Statewide | Oct 17, 2026 | Feb 15, 2027 | |
| Raccoon | Raccoon (nonresident) | Statewide | Oct 31, 2026 | Feb 15, 2027 | |
| Red and gray fox | Fox (red and gray) | Statewide | Oct 17, 2026 | Feb 15, 2027 | |
| Coyote | Coyote (hunting) | Statewide | Year-round | Year-round | Year-round |
| Bobcat | Bobcat, Period 1 | North of Hwy. 64 | Oct 17, 2026 | Dec 25, 2026 | |
| Bobcat | Bobcat, Period 1 | South of Hwy. 64 | Oct 17, 2026 | Dec 25, 2026 | |
| Bobcat | Bobcat, Period 2 | North of Hwy. 64 | Dec 26, 2026 | Jan 31, 2027 | |
| Bobcat | Bobcat, Period 2 | South of Hwy. 64 | Dec 26, 2026 | Jan 31, 2027 | |
| Unprotected species | Unprotected species | Statewide | Year-round | Year-round | Year-round |
From the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Fall 2026-Spring 2027 hunting regulations and season dates, checked October 19, 2026.
DNR State Ice Age Trail Areas: county harvest and CWD tests
Hunters registered 8,678 deer in the Waushara County unit in 2025: 3,865 bucks and 4,813 antlerless. High year on the chart: 2025 at 8,678; low year: 2017 at 5,395. Preliminary 2026 count to Oct. 19: 1,280 in Marathon, 870 in Waushara and 307 in DMU 108. Waushara County CWD testing (2025): 2 positives out of 312 samples. Cumulative total 6 positives in 3,288 tests. Waushara County bear harvest, 2024: 6. Harvest and CWD figures cover Waushara County as a whole.
Waushara County deer by year
| Year | Buck | Antlerless | Deer |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 3,865 | 4,813 | 8,678 |
| 2024 | 3,975 | 4,216 | 8,191 |
| 2023 | 3,184 | 3,220 | 6,404 |
| 2022 | 3,225 | 3,925 | 7,150 |
| 2021 | 3,084 | 3,385 | 6,469 |
| 2020 | 3,083 | 4,029 | 7,112 |
Testing for CWD, Waushara County
| Year | Deer tested | CWD positive |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 (partial) | 38 | 0 |
| 2025 | 312 | 2 |
| 2024 | 318 | 3 |
| 2023 | 223 | 1 |
| 2022 | 201 | 0 |
| 2021 | 230 | 0 |
Bears by year, Waushara County
| Year | Bears | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 6 | 5 | 1 |
Deer from DNR Deer Metrics harvest history and the 2026 harvest to date; CWD from the DNR CWD summary; bears from the DNR bear harvest reports. Checked October 19, 2026.
DNR State Ice Age Trail Areas pinned among its neighbours
No pin for DNR State Ice Age Trail Areas: the DNR gives no point. Distances are from the middle of Waushara County. That is 14,730 acres of public ground.
| Area | Category | Acreage | Distance | Direction |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Greenwood | Wildlife area | 1,441 | 3.1 mi | north |
| Lodi Spring Creek | Fishery area | 47 | 4.5 mi | south |
| Lodi Marsh | State natural area | 640 | 4.6 mi | south |
| Lodi Marsh | Wildlife area | 1,279 | 4.7 mi | south |
| Mecan River | Fishery area | 6,722 | 4.9 mi | north |
| Mecan Springs | State natural area | 135 | 4.9 mi | north |
| Parfrey's Glen | State natural area | 509 | 5.7 mi | south |
| Plainfield Tunnel Channel Lakes | State natural area | 192 | 6.0 mi | north |
| Sauk Prairie | Recreation area | 3,370 | 6.4 mi | south |
| Carter Creek | Habitat area | 395 | 6.5 mi | north |
Points from the DNR managed lands, SNA, county forest, FWS realty, USFS, NPS and DoD layers (county centre, no point published). Straight-line distances. Statewide public land map.
Towns, processors and DNR desks near DNR State Ice Age Trail Areas
Start with a town, then line up a cooler, a butcher and a mount.
| Town | County | Miles off | People | Public acres (10 mi) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hancock | Waushara | 4.2 mi | 398 | 14,070 |
| Plainfield | Waushara | 7.3 mi | 920 | 12,388 |
| Coloma | Waushara | 7.3 mi | 452 | 16,062 |
| Wautoma | Waushara | 8.2 mi | 2,371 | 15,214 |
For the wider county picture: Marathon County, Waushara County, Polk County, Washington County, Dane County, Columbia County, Portage County, Manitowoc County, Sauk County, Sheboygan County.
Venison, mounts and ammo near DNR State Ice Age Trail Areas
DNR State Ice Age Trail Areas: agency contacts
County service center: DNR Oshkosh Service Center (920-424-3050).
Towns and populations from the Census 2024 estimates; public acres within 10 miles from the land layers; businesses from store locators and listings (license-only agents left out); offices from DNR, USFS and USFWS pages. Checked October 19, 2026. Call ahead.
First and last legal minute at DNR State Ice Age Trail Areas
Deer, bear, elk, small game and fall turkey: 30 minutes before sunrise until 20 minutes after sunset. Ducks, geese, doves and spring turkey: same start, done at sunset.
| Date | Season moment | Northern Area | Southern Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 12, 2026 | Bow, turkey, grouse opener | 6:03 a.m. to 7:35 p.m. | 6:05 a.m. to 7:34 p.m. |
| Oct 17, 2026 | Pheasant and duck dates | 6:47 a.m. to 6:29 p.m. | 6:46 a.m. to 6:32 p.m. |
| Nov 1, 2026 | Early November | 6:08 a.m. to 5:05 p.m. | 6:05 a.m. to 5:09 p.m. |
| Nov 21, 2026 | Gun deer opener | 6:36 a.m. to 4:42 p.m. | 6:31 a.m. to 4:48 p.m. |
| Dec 1, 2026 | Muzzleloader week | 6:48 a.m. to 4:36 p.m. | 6:43 a.m. to 4:43 p.m. |
| Dec 24, 2026 | Holiday Hunt opener | 7:07 a.m. to 4:38 p.m. | 7:01 a.m. to 4:46 p.m. |
| Jan 3, 2027 | Archery close (most units) | 7:09 a.m. to 4:47 p.m. | 7:03 a.m. to 4:54 p.m. |
Deer, bear, elk, small game and fall turkey table times from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources shooting hours tables, plus the Zone C offset of 8 minutes for longitude 89.52 W, checked October 19, 2026. Shooting hours for every county.
Questions hunters raise about DNR State Ice Age Trail Areas
What is the nearest town to DNR State Ice Age Trail Areas?
Base in Hancock, 4 miles away; the ground is in Marathon, Waushara, Polk, Washington and 8 more counties. Counted from the middle of Waushara County.
Which species are allowed at DNR State Ice Age Trail Areas?
There is no species list. Any season open in the county works here within the rules.
What is the antlerless quota at DNR State Ice Age Trail Areas?
Marathon, Waushara and DMU 108, part of the Central Farmland, Northern Forest and Southern Farmland zones. Antlerless goal for 2026: 6,500, 7,000, 2,850, 11,200, 2,200, 5,200 and 8,800.
Which bear permit zone holds DNR State Ice Age Trail Areas?
C/D/E/F. You need a Class A license from the drawing.
How many turkey permits go to the DNR State Ice Age Trail Areas zone?
Turkey Zone 3/4/5/2/1. 55,612 spring tags were issued there in 2025.
What waterfowl dates apply at DNR State Ice Age Trail Areas?
Duck zone: Northern and Southern; goose zone: Northern and Southern. Northern Zone ducks open Sep 26, 2026-27.
Can I put out corn for deer at DNR State Ice Age Trail Areas?
Not here: Marathon, Waushara, Polk and Washington counties is under the ban. CWD has been found in wild deer in Marathon, Waushara, Polk and Washington counties.
How much orange do I wear at DNR State Ice Age Trail Areas?
During any firearm deer season: 50% of your outer clothing above the waist and 50% of any cap, blaze orange or pink. Waterfowl hunters are exempt.
When must I register a turkey from DNR State Ice Age Trail Areas?
Deer: online, phone or station by 5 p.m. next day. Turkeys: online or phone only.
Which tags work on DNR State Ice Age Trail Areas?
No special permit for most of it; buy the license on Go Wild and carry public-access antlerless tags.
Does the state park time frame apply at DNR State Ice Age Trail Areas?
Two windows, spring and late fall, plus archery to the Sunday nearest Jan. 6, and only in open areas.
Is there other public ground around DNR State Ice Age Trail Areas?
By straight-line distance: Greenwood Wildlife Area (3 miles), Lodi Spring Creek Fishery Area (4 miles) and Lodi Marsh State Natural Area (5 miles).
How is DNR State Ice Age Trail Areas divided?
2 listed units, such as Bohn Lake State Natural Area and Gibraltar Rock State Natural Area.
DNR State Ice Age Trail Areas: one more look before the drive
Signs on the ground beat any web page. Read the posted boundaries at DNR State Ice Age Trail Areas when you arrive.
Sources for this page: DNR GIS · DNR GIS; regulations from the Fall 2026-Spring 2027 Wisconsin hunting regulations. Checked October 19, 2026.
Other photos on this page: USFWS Mountain Prairie (Public domain); Maslowski, Steve, USFWS (Public domain).