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Fishery area, south-central Wisconsin
Lower Mud Lake Fishery Area hunting notes
409 acres of fishery area in Dane County, with 2026-27 zones, quotas, rules, CWD testing and a map.
Photo: edenpictures (CC BY 2.0)
Getting to Lower Mud Lake Fishery Area
Parking, trailheads and gates near Lower Mud Lake Fishery Area
- Boat rampBoat ramp · 0.8 mi from the centreDirections
- Boat rampBoat ramp · 1.1 mi from the centreDirections
- Parking areaParking · 1.2 mi from the centreDirections
- Babcock Park Boat LaunchBoat ramp · 1.2 mi from the centreDirections
- Parking areaParking · 1.3 mi from the centreDirections
- Parking areaParking · 1.4 mi from the centreDirections
- Parking areaParking · 1.5 mi from the centreDirections
- Parking areaParking · 1.5 mi from the centreDirections
- Parking areaParking · 1.6 mi from the centreDirections
- Boat rampBoat ramp · 1.7 mi from the centreDirections
- Parking areaParking · 1.7 mi from the centreDirections
- Parking areaParking · 2.0 mi from the centreDirections
Parking, trailhead and gate locations come from OpenStreetMap contributors. Roads into public land can be gated or seasonal; check with the managing agency before you go.
Lower Mud Lake Fishery Area, by its record
Count Lower Mud Lake Fishery Area among the fishery areas of Dane County. It falls in the DNR South Central Region, south-central Wisconsin. The Wisconsin DNR manages the land. By size (409 acres) it is number 54 among 245 fishery areas on our list. Head northeast from Oregon for about 7 miles.
From the source page (WI DNR Managed Lands GIS ACRES field, sum of parcels open to hunting); region from the DNR county layer. Checked October 19, 2026.
Nearby
Places to hunt and shoot around Lower Mud Lake Fishery Area
Zone lines at Lower Mud Lake Fishery 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.
Lower Mud Lake Fishery 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 Lower Mud Lake Fishery 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 Lower Mud Lake Fishery Area within the rules
Who may hunt Lower Mud Lake Fishery Area
This DNR fishery land is open to public hunting and trapping in state seasons wherever the DNR managed-lands map shows it open; NR 45 rules apply.
Statewide rules that reach Lower Mud Lake Fishery Area
Wisconsin asks for 50% blaze orange or fluorescent pink above the waist in firearm deer seasons, archers included, waterfowlers not. Ground blinds on DNR land in a firearm deer season show at least 144 square inches of solid orange or pink, visible from all sides. Unattended stands carry your name or customer ID; they may be left out north of State Hwy. 64 (up to two per county), never south of it. Registration through GameReg closes at 5 p.m. on the day after recovery.
Lower Mud Lake Fishery 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.
Lower Mud Lake Fishery Area: the game on record
The source names raccoons, foxes and coyotes for Lower Mud Lake Fishery Area.
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.
Lower Mud Lake Fishery Area hunting dates, fall 2026 to spring 2027
20 species and 42 segments reach Lower Mud Lake Fishery 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 land at Lower Mud Lake Fishery Area
This is the agency description, quoted.
The vast majority of the Lower Mud Lake Fishery Area is emergent marsh vegetation. The dominant flora is cattail, however, the marsh topography does allow for small hummocks of shrub-car vegetation and a limited amount of woodlot on the east/south east boundary. The open water is a mix of river channel above and below the lake-like widening that constitutes Lower Mud Lake itself. The river channel is relatively swift and rocky, whereas the lake portion is < 1 meter in depth, is well vegetated with submergent and emergent plants and has generally a rich organic substrate.
Picture Title (picture optional) © photographer –> This wetland is extensive and has long met the life history and spawning needs of native northern pike populations. It represents a significant pass through area for walleye migrating to spawning riffles upstream. Waterfowl flock to the Lower Mud Lake Fishery Area as resting, feeding, and nesting grounds during spring and fall migrations. Directions: Access to the Lower Mud Lake Fishery Area is practicably restricted to access by water.
Quoted from the property page, retrieved 2026-10-19; checked October 19, 2026.
Deer, bears and CWD around Lower Mud Lake Fishery 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 Lower Mud Lake Fishery 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 Lower Mud Lake Fishery 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 Lower Mud Lake Fishery 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 | 6.7 mi | 11,895 | 10,083 |
| Madison | Dane | 9.5 mi | 285,300 | 4,557 |
| Deerfield | Dane | 12 mi | 2,647 | 6,488 |
| Belleville | Dane | 15 mi | 2,635 | 7,306 |
County hunting overviews: Dane County.
Lower Mud Lake Fishery Area: businesses in the area
Offices that answer for Lower Mud Lake Fishery 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 Lower Mud Lake Fishery Area
Lower Mud Lake Fishery Area is the large pin, with 10 neighbours around it. Their acreage adds up to 3,366.
| Property | Type | Acres | Straight line | Which way |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Waubesa | Fishery area | 22 | 2.9 mi | west |
| Upper Waubesa | Fishery area | 252 | 3.0 mi | north |
| Waubesa Wetlands | State natural area | 333 | 3.0 mi | west |
| Capital Springs Centennial State Park and Recreation Area | State park | 356 | 3.1 mi | northwest |
| Lake Kegonsa | State park | 355 | 3.3 mi | east |
| Hook Lake Bog Grass Lake | Wildlife area | 874 | 3.5 mi | southwest |
| Hook Lake Bog | State natural area | 527 | 3.7 mi | southwest |
| Gadwall Swamp | WPA | 71 | 3.7 mi | south |
| Island Lake | WPA | 245 | 4.4 mi | south |
| Nevin Springs Fish and | Fishery area | 331 | 6.1 mi | west |
Points from the DNR managed lands, SNA, county forest, FWS realty, USFS, NPS and DoD layers (WI DNR Managed Lands GIS (polygon centroid of hunting-open parcels) (polygon centroid)). Straight-line distances. Statewide public land map.
DNR shooting hours for Lower Mud Lake Fishery 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.
Ranges within reach of Lower Mud Lake Fishery Area
Closest public range: Hope Rod & Gun Club, roughly 2 miles from the middle of Lower Mud Lake Fishery 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.
Lower Mud Lake Fishery Area: the questions that come up
How do I get permission to hunt Lower Mud Lake Fishery Area?
A regular Wisconsin license from Go Wild (gun deer $24 for residents); antlerless deer need a public-access tag.
Is there a check station for Lower Mud Lake Fishery Area?
Use GameReg online or call 844-426-3734 by 5 p.m. the day after.
Whose property is Lower Mud Lake Fishery Area?
The Wisconsin DNR oversees this DNR fishery area that is open to hunting.
Which properties are close to Lower Mud Lake Fishery Area?
Nearest on the list: Lake Waubesa Fishery Area (3 miles), Upper Waubesa Fishery Area (3 miles) and Waubesa Wetlands State Natural Area (3 miles).
In which Wisconsin county is Lower Mud Lake Fishery Area?
Oregon is closest (7 miles); the property is in Dane County.
How many acres does Lower Mud Lake Fishery Area cover?
409 acres, per WI DNR Managed Lands GIS ACRES field, sum of parcels open to hunting.
Can I shoot antlerless deer on Lower Mud Lake Fishery Area?
Southern Farmland zone; unit Dane. 5,200 antlerless deer is the 2026 quota.
Which animals are listed at Lower Mud Lake Fishery Area?
1 group on the list: raccoons, foxes and coyotes.
What turkey tag do I need for Lower Mud Lake Fishery Area?
Your spring tag must be for Zone 2 and a period A-F.
What are the bear rules around Lower Mud Lake Fishery Area?
It is in Bear Zone F, target 50 bears in 2026.
Does the baiting ban cover Lower Mud Lake Fishery Area?
Banned in Dane County. Dane County has had CWD-positive wild deer.
Which duck and goose zones cover Lower Mud Lake Fishery Area?
Use the Southern duck dates and the Southern goose dates. Regular duck hunting in the Southern Zone starts Oct 3.
What does the orange rule mean at Lower Mud Lake Fishery Area?
Yes, 50% orange or pink above the waist from the youth deer hunt through the Holiday Hunt.
Lower Mud Lake Fishery Area: confirm on the ground
A last look before the drive: the Lower Mud Lake Fishery Area map, your Go Wild licenses and any posted closures.
Sources for this page: DNR: 1520lowermudlake · DNR GIS · DNR: county; regulations from the Fall 2026-Spring 2027 Wisconsin hunting regulations. Checked October 19, 2026.
Other photos on this page: xulescu_g (CC BY-SA 2.0); USFWS/Southeast (CC BY 2.0).