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WPA, south-central Wisconsin
Island Lake Waterfowl Production Area hunting notes
245 acres of WPA in Dane County, with 2026-27 zones, quotas, rules, CWD testing and a map.
Photo: edenpictures (CC BY 2.0)
Getting to Island Lake Waterfowl Production Area
Island Lake Waterfowl Production Area, by its record
Count Island Lake Waterfowl Production Area among the waterfowl production areas of Dane County. It falls in the DNR South Central Region, south-central Wisconsin. The Fish and Wildlife Service manages the land. By size (245 acres) it is number 29 among 103 waterfowl production areas on our list. Head east from Oregon for about 5 miles. The DNR and agency lists place it inside Leopold Wetland Management District.
From the source page (FWS Realty GIS acres (SUM_GISACRES) for the unit); region from the DNR county layer. Checked October 19, 2026.
Nearby
Places to hunt and shoot around Island Lake Waterfowl Production Area
Zone lines at Island Lake Waterfowl Production Area
Deer rules follow the Southern Farmland zone and Dane. For 2026 the antlerless quota stands at 5,200. In Bear Zone F the DNR drew 764 permits for a target of 50 bears; drawn hunters needed 1 point. Turkey Zone 2: 51,056 spring authorizations in 2025 and 22% hunter success. Dane County is on the CWD list: a positive wild deer has been found. Deer may not be baited or fed in Dane County.
Island Lake Waterfowl Production Area deer management units
| DMU | Zone | 2026 antlerless | Public bonus | Private bonus | Free per license |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dane | Southern Farmland | 5,200 | 700 | 2,500 | 2 |
| Dane County Metro Sub-Unit | Metro | Parent quota | 0 | 0 | — |
Bear, turkey, grouse and waterfowl lines through Island Lake Waterfowl Production Area
| Zone | Setting | Data | Also | Last season |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bear F | No hound hunting | 50 target, 764 permits | 1 point | 27 bears in 2025 |
| Turkey 2 | 51,056 spring tags (2025) | 22% success | 11,024 gobblers | 2,500 fall bonus |
| Grouse B | Oct 17–Dec 8 | 2 a day | ||
| Ducks | Southern | Oct 3–Oct 11 Oct 17–Dec 6 | ||
| Canada geese | Southern | Sep 16–Oct 11 Oct 17–Dec 6 Dec 19–Jan 2 | ||
| Wolf zone 6 | Closed | Federal protection |
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.
Hunting Island Lake Waterfowl Production Area within the rules
Who may hunt Island Lake Waterfowl Production Area
Federal WPA land is open for migratory birds, upland game and deer under Wisconsin seasons; daily equipment removal is required. Blue Wing and Wilcox WPAs stay closed; on the rest, dogs stay under control and ground blinds wear 144 sq in of orange or pink in gun season.
Statewide rules that reach Island Lake Waterfowl Production Area
Wisconsin asks for 50% blaze orange or fluorescent pink above the waist in firearm deer seasons, archers included, waterfowlers not. Registration through GameReg closes at 5 p.m. on the day after recovery.
Island Lake Waterfowl Production Area license list
Residents often take the Conservation Patron, which bundles the hunting licenses. Antlerless tags on public land must be public-access tags.
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.
Island Lake Waterfowl Production Area: the game on record
The source names ducks and geese, whitetails, wild turkeys, pheasants, squirrels, cottontails and hares and raccoons, foxes and coyotes for Island Lake Waterfowl Production Area.
Ducks and geese
White-tailed deer
Wild turkey
Pheasant
Small game
Furbearers
Every other open season that reaches Dane County applies too, within the property rules.
Species from the property record (species named by the source); bag limits from the DNR regulations. Checked October 19, 2026.
Island Lake Waterfowl Production Area hunting dates, fall 2026 to spring 2027
20 species and 42 segments reach Island Lake Waterfowl Production Area. The last column compares each one with today.
| Quarry | Season | Zone | From | To | Status 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 | Metro sub-unit gun | Metro sub-unit: Madison | Nov 21, 2026 | Dec 9, 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: Dane | 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/E | Sep 9, 2026 | Oct 13, 2026 | |
| Wild turkey | Fall turkey | Turkey Zone 1/2 | Sep 12, 2026 | Jan 3, 2027 | |
| Wild turkey | Spring youth turkey hunt | Turkey Zone 1/2 | Apr 17, 2027 | Apr 18, 2027 | |
| Wild turkey | Spring turkey Period A | Turkey Zone 1/2 | Apr 21, 2027 | Apr 27, 2027 | |
| Wild turkey | Spring turkey Period B | Turkey Zone 1/2 | Apr 28, 2027 | May 4, 2027 | |
| Wild turkey | Spring turkey Period C | Turkey Zone 1/2 | May 5, 2027 | May 11, 2027 | |
| Wild turkey | Spring turkey Period D | Turkey Zone 1/2 | May 12, 2027 | May 18, 2027 | |
| Wild turkey | Spring turkey Period E | Turkey Zone 1/2 | May 19, 2027 | May 25, 2027 | |
| Wild turkey | Spring turkey Period F | Turkey Zone 1/2 | May 26, 2027 | Jun 1, 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.
The larger property around Island Lake Waterfowl Production Area
Within Leopold Wetland Management District there are 57 units with pages, this one included.
Sister units to Island Lake Waterfowl Production Area
| Unit | Type | County | Acres |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uihlein | WPA | Winnebago | 2,436 |
| Baraboo River | WPA | Columbia | 950 |
| Schoeneberg Marsh | WPA | Columbia | 735 |
| Harvey's Marsh | WPA | Dane, Rock | 681 |
| Trenton | WPA | Dodge | 514 |
| Oakfield | WPA | Fond du Lac | 430 |
| Becker | WPA | Columbia | 357 |
| Manthey | WPA | Columbia | 352 |
| New Chester | WPA | Adams | 343 |
| Hinkson Creek | WPA | Columbia | 337 |
| Rowe | WPA | Columbia | 334 |
| Kettle Moraine | WPA | Sheboygan | 303 |
| Schwengel | WPA | Ozaukee | 302 |
| Severson | WPA | Columbia | 251 |
| Swan Pond | WPA | Dane | 240 |
Deer, bears and CWD around Island Lake Waterfowl Production Area
Last full season (2025) the Dane County unit gave up 4,438 deer. Since 2016 the yearly total has ranged from 3,630 (2017) to 4,948 (2020). So far in 2026 (preliminary, Oct. 19): Dane 254 deer. In CWD year 2025, 1,002 Dane County deer were tested and 193 came back positive. Since 1999: 36,578 sampled, 2,116 positive. Property-level harvest does not exist for Island Lake Waterfowl Production Area; county numbers stand in.
Deer table, Dane County
| Season | Antlered | Antlerless | All deer |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2,247 | 2,191 | 4,438 |
| 2024 | 2,084 | 2,319 | 4,403 |
| 2023 | 2,328 | 2,133 | 4,461 |
| 2022 | 2,170 | 2,303 | 4,473 |
| 2021 | 1,936 | 2,011 | 3,947 |
| 2020 | 2,421 | 2,527 | 4,948 |
CWD results near Island Lake Waterfowl Production Area
| CWD year | Sampled | Positive |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 (partial) | 64 | 13 |
| 2025 | 1,002 | 193 |
| 2024 | 964 | 166 |
| 2023 | 941 | 171 |
| 2022 | 1,016 | 198 |
| 2021 | 971 | 158 |
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.
Where Island Lake Waterfowl Production Area hunters stay and shop
Every town listed has a hunting guide of its own on this site.
| Town | County | Distance | Population | Public ground (10 mi) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oregon | Dane | 4.8 mi | 11,895 | 10,083 |
| Madison | Dane | 13 mi | 285,300 | 4,557 |
| Belleville | Dane | 13 mi | 2,635 | 7,306 |
| Deerfield | Dane | 14 mi | 2,647 | 6,488 |
County hunting overviews: Dane County.
Island Lake Waterfowl Production Area: businesses in the area
Offices that answer for Island Lake Waterfowl Production Area
Dane County is served by the DNR Fitchburg Service Center.
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.
The closest public land to Island Lake Waterfowl Production Area
Island Lake Waterfowl Production Area is the large pin, with 10 neighbours around it. Their acreage adds up to 4,461.
| Property | Type | Acres | Straight line | Which way |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hook Lake Bog Grass Lake | Wildlife area | 874 | 1.8 mi | northwest |
| Hook Lake Bog | State natural area | 527 | 2.3 mi | northwest |
| Anthony Branch (Remnant) | Fishery area | 2 | 2.9 mi | southwest |
| Anthony Branch Fisheries and | Habitat area | 684 | 3.4 mi | southwest |
| Badfish Creek | Wildlife area | 1,154 | 4.3 mi | south |
| Lower Mud Lake | Fishery area | 409 | 4.4 mi | north |
| Badfish Creek Wet Prairie and Spring Seeps | State natural area | 101 | 4.5 mi | south |
| Lake Kegonsa | State park | 355 | 4.5 mi | northeast |
| Waubesa Wetlands | State natural area | 333 | 5.0 mi | northwest |
| Lake Waubesa | Fishery area | 22 | 5.3 mi | northwest |
Points from the DNR managed lands, SNA, county forest, FWS realty, USFS, NPS and DoD layers (FWS National Realty FWSInterest_Simplified_Authoritative (unit centroid) (polygon centroid)). Straight-line distances. Statewide public land map.
DNR shooting hours for Island Lake Waterfowl Production Area
Wisconsin prints its shooting hours as tables. For deer, bear, elk, small game and fall turkey the day runs from 30 minutes before sunrise to 20 minutes after sunset; migratory birds and spring turkey stop at sunset.
| When | Event | North | South |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 89.29 W, checked October 19, 2026. Shooting hours for every county.
Island Lake Waterfowl Production Area: nearest ranges
Closest public range: Hope Rod & Gun Club, roughly 6 miles from the middle of Island Lake Waterfowl Production Area. Nearby club or private ranges are shown too.
handgun, trap, shotgun, skeet, smallbore rimfire on file
trap, skeet, sporting clays, 5-stand, archery on file
trap, skeet, handgun, smallbore rimfire, archery on file
From the DNR public range map and its map layer, checked October 19, 2026.
Island Lake Waterfowl Production Area: the questions that come up
Whose property is Island Lake Waterfowl Production Area?
The Fish and Wildlife Service oversees this federal waterfowl production area.
Where does Island Lake Waterfowl Production Area fit?
It belongs to Leopold Wetland Management District.
In which Wisconsin county is Island Lake Waterfowl Production Area?
Oregon is closest (5 miles); the property is in Dane County.
How many acres does Island Lake Waterfowl Production Area cover?
245 acres, per FWS Realty GIS acres (SUM_GISACRES) for the unit.
Can I shoot antlerless deer on Island Lake Waterfowl Production Area?
Southern Farmland zone; unit Dane. 5,200 antlerless deer is the 2026 quota.
Which animals are listed at Island Lake Waterfowl Production Area?
6 groups on the list: ducks and geese, whitetails, wild turkeys, pheasants, squirrels, cottontails and hares and raccoons, foxes and coyotes.
What turkey tag do I need for Island Lake Waterfowl Production Area?
Your spring tag must be for Zone 2 and a period A-F.
What are the bear rules around Island Lake Waterfowl Production Area?
It is in Bear Zone F, target 50 bears in 2026.
Does the baiting ban cover Island Lake Waterfowl Production Area?
Banned in Dane County. Dane County has had CWD-positive wild deer.
Which duck and goose zones cover Island Lake Waterfowl Production Area?
Use the Southern duck dates and the Southern goose dates. Regular duck hunting in the Southern Zone starts Oct 3.
Is there a check station for Island Lake Waterfowl Production Area?
Use GameReg online or call 844-426-3734 by 5 p.m. the day after.
What does the orange rule mean at Island Lake Waterfowl Production Area?
Yes, 50% orange or pink above the waist from the youth deer hunt through the Holiday Hunt.
Which properties are close to Island Lake Waterfowl Production Area?
Nearest on the list: Hook Lake Bog – Grass Lake Wildlife Area (2 miles), Hook Lake Bog State Natural Area (2 miles) and Anthony Branch Fishery Area (Remnant) (3 miles).
Island Lake Waterfowl Production Area: confirm on the ground
A last look before the drive: the Island Lake Waterfowl Production Area map, your Go Wild licenses and any posted closures.
Sources for this page: FWS realty layer · USFWS: hunting · USFWS: leopold · eCFR: section 32.68; regulations from the Fall 2026-Spring 2027 Wisconsin hunting regulations. Checked October 19, 2026.
Other photos on this page: USFWS Mountain Prairie (CC BY 2.0); USFWS/Southeast (Public domain).