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Pine River System Fishery Area hunting guide
Everything we could verify about Pine River System Fishery Area: acreage, zones, property rules, harvest around it and nearby ground.
Photo: wackybadger (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Getting to Pine River System Fishery Area
Parking, trailheads and gates near Pine River System Fishery Area
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- Parking areaParking ยท 3.0 mi from the centreDirections
- Parking areaParking ยท 3.1 mi from the centreDirections
- Parking areaParking ยท 3.1 mi from the centreDirections
- Parking areaParking ยท 3.2 mi from the centreDirections
- Parking areaParking ยท 3.2 mi from the centreDirections
- Boat rampBoat ramp ยท 3.2 mi from the centreDirections
- Parking areaParking ยท 3.3 mi from the centreDirections
- Parking areaParking ยท 3.3 mi from the centreDirections
- Parking areaParking ยท 3.3 mi from the centreDirections
- Parking areaParking ยท 3.3 mi from the centreDirections
- Parking areaParking ยท 3.3 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.
The short version on Pine River System Fishery Area
In Waushara County you will find Pine River System Fishery Area, a DNR fishery area that is open to hunting. On the DNR map it belongs to the Northeast Region. The managing body is the Wisconsin DNR. At 2,075 acres it sits 11th by area in a field of 245 fishery areas. About 11 miles northeast of Wautoma.
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 Pine River System Fishery Area
Pine River System Fishery Area, as the managers tell it
Word for word from the property page.
The Pine River System Fishery Area includes the most productive trout water on the Pine River and its major tributary streams. The Pine River Fishery Area is composed of the Pine River and seven tributaries: Lower Pine, Jones, Davis, Clayton, Upper Pine, Kaminski, and Little Silver Creeks in Waushara County. These streams are quality trout waters. The waters are generally crystal clear. There have been numerous stream bank improvement projects throughout the system, enhancing the already excellent fishing opportunities.
Picture Title (picture optional) © photographer –> DNR owns 2,090 acres of fragmented parcels stretched along the stream corridors. Public access is a substantial land area following the Pine River Watershed as it flows through much of northern Waushara County. Generally, the Pine is split into the Upper Pine River (above the Wild Rose Millpond) and the Lower Pine River (below the Wild Rose Millpond). After leaving the millpond outlet, the Pine and its tributaries flow through Idlewild, Saxeville, Pine River, and Poysippi Millponds before entering Lake Poygan and the Fox-Wolf River system.
Quoted from the property page, retrieved 2026-10-19; checked October 19, 2026.
Pine River System Fishery Area: what is allowed
How access works on Pine River System Fishery Area
Check the DNR public access lands map: the open parcels of this fishery land can be hunted and trapped in season.
Pine River System Fishery Area: rules from the regulations
From the October youth hunt through the Holiday Hunt, blaze orange or pink covers half of your upper clothing and cap. Mark a ground blind with 144 square inches of blaze orange or pink while firearm deer seasons run. Tree stands: no tree damage, ID on unattended stands, overnight only north of Hwy. 64 during Sept. 1-Jan. 31. Register deer, turkeys and bears through GameReg by 5 p.m. the day after recovery.
What Pine River System Fishery Area costs in licenses
Buy through Go Wild; the free Farmland tags and bonus tags are marked public-access or private-land, and only public-access ones work here.
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.
Tags and zones for Pine River System Fishery Area
For deer it lies in the Central Farmland zone (Waushara). This season the unit quota is 7,000 antlerless deer. Zone F bear permits took 1 preference point in 2026; the target is 50 bears. The 2025 spring level for Turkey Zone 3 was 55,612 authorizations; 12,324 birds were registered. Waushara County: CWD found in wild deer, and a CWD-positive deer earns a replacement authorization. No deer bait or feed: Waushara County is a ban county.
Pine River System Fishery Area: antlerless quota and bonus tags
| Deer unit | Zone | 2026 quota | Public bonus left | Private bonus left | Free farmland tags |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Waushara | Central Farmland | 7,000 | 984 | 1,489 | 3 |
Every other zone Pine River System Fishery Area touches
| Zone | Detail | Figures | Points or note | Taken |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black bear F | Hounds barred | 50 target, 764 permits | 1 point | 27 bears in 2025 |
| Turkey zone 3 | 55,612 spring tags (2025) | 22% success | 12,324 gobblers | 1,500 fall bonus |
| Grouse A | Sep 12–Jan 3 | 5 a day | ||
| Duck zone | Southern | Oct 3–Oct 11 Oct 17–Dec 6 | ||
| Goose zone | Southern | Sep 16–Oct 11 Oct 17–Dec 6 Dec 19–Jan 2 | ||
| Gray wolf zone 6 | No season | Federally listed |
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.
Quarry and limits, Pine River System Fishery Area
The list for Pine River System Fishery Area reads: raccoons, foxes and coyotes.
Furbearers
The list is what the agency names, not a limit: other Waushara County seasons apply under the same rules.
Species from the property record (species named by the source); bag limits from the DNR regulations. Checked October 19, 2026.
Pine River System Fishery Area season calendar, 2026-27
Archery, the nine-day gun hunt, muzzleloader, bear, turkey, upland birds, rabbits, furbearers and the duck and goose splits for Pine River System Fishery Area.
| Game | Hunt | Zone | First day | Last day | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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.
Nearest public ground to Pine River System Fishery Area, mapped
10 more properties lie close to Pine River System Fishery Area, shown with smaller pins. Acres across them: 7,357.
| Neighbour | Type | Acres | Miles off | Direction |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Karner Blue Meadow | State natural area | 41 | 2.2 mi | south |
| Wild Rose Hatchery | Fishery area | 245 | 3.0 mi | west |
| Willow Creek (Waushara County) | Fishery area | 2,160 | 3.9 mi | southwest |
| Radley Creek | Fishery area | 1,425 | 4.6 mi | north |
| Mud Lake-Radley Creek Savanna | State natural area | 100 | 5.2 mi | north |
| North Fork Radley Creek (Remnant) | Fishery area | 188 | 5.5 mi | northwest |
| Emmons Creek | Fishery area | 1,465 | 7.0 mi | north |
| Little Silver Creek (Remnant) | Fishery area | 219 | 7.0 mi | southeast |
| Emmons Creek Barrens | State natural area | 44 | 7.2 mi | north |
| Hartman Creek | State park | 1,470 | 8.1 mi | north |
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) (point inside polygon (centroid falls outside))). Straight-line distances. Statewide public land map.
Registered deer and bears near Pine River System Fishery Area
The 2025 registered deer total for the Waushara County unit was 8,678 (3,865 antlered). 2025 was the busiest year shown (8,678 deer) and 2017 the leanest (5,395). The 2026 season to date shows 870 deer in Waushara; the DNR calls it preliminary. 312 samples, 2 positive: that is Waushara County in CWD year 2025. All years combined: 6 of 3,288. 6 bears came out of Waushara County in 2024. These numbers describe the county around Pine River System Fishery Area, not the property alone.
Deer registered near Pine River System Fishery Area
| Year | Bucks registered | Antlerless registered | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Waushara County CWD by year
| CWD year | Samples | Positives |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 (partial) | 38 | 0 |
| 2025 | 312 | 2 |
| 2024 | 318 | 3 |
| 2023 | 223 | 1 |
| 2022 | 201 | 0 |
| 2021 | 230 | 0 |
Waushara County bear harvest
| Year | Bear harvest | Males | Females |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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.
Pine River System Fishery Area: nearest ranges
About 11 miles separates Pine River System Fishery Area from Wautoma Shooting Range, the nearest public map range. Closer club options sit beside it.
rifle, handgun, shotgun on file
rifle, handgun, shotgun on file
sporting clays, 5-stand, archery, 3D archery, muzzleloader on file
From the DNR public range map and its map layer, checked October 19, 2026.
Towns, offices and services around Pine River System Fishery Area
Towns, then services in this county and the next one over.
| Town | County | Distance | People | Public acres, 10 mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wautoma | Waushara | 11 mi | 2,371 | 15,214 |
| Poy Sippi | Waushara | 11 mi | — | 8,114 |
| Waupaca | Waupaca | 12 mi | 6,231 | 4,843 |
| Tustin | Waushara | 15 mi | — | 9,695 |
Our county write-ups: Waushara County.
Butchers, mounts and gun counters near Pine River System Fishery Area
Service centers near Pine River System Fishery Area
For Waushara County, the DNR points to its DNR Oshkosh 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.
When the shooting day opens and closes at Pine River System Fishery Area
The DNR tables are worked out for Zone A in the east; Pine River System Fishery Area lies in longitude Zone C, so add 8 minutes to each table time.
| Day | Reason | Northern table | Southern table |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 89.19 W, checked October 19, 2026. Shooting hours for every county.
Pine River System Fishery Area in questions and answers
How fast must I register a kill on Pine River System Fishery Area?
GameReg by 5 p.m. the day after you recover the animal.
Can pink replace orange at Pine River System Fishery Area?
Yes while gun deer seasons are open; half your upper clothing and hat in orange or fluorescent pink.
What neighbours Pine River System Fishery Area?
Closest first: Karner Blue Meadow State Natural Area (2 miles), Wild Rose Hatchery (3 miles) and Willow Creek Fishery Area (Waushara County) (4 miles).
Is a permit required for Pine River System Fishery Area?
Your Wisconsin license is enough; residents pay $24 for gun deer, $18 for small game.
How large is Pine River System Fishery Area, in acres?
Acreage on record: 2,075.
Who is the land manager for Pine River System Fishery Area?
The Wisconsin DNR manages it; the land is a DNR fishery area that is open to hunting.
Which game does Pine River System Fishery Area list?
The source lists raccoons, foxes and coyotes. Other open seasons apply too, within the property rules.
How far is the drive from Wautoma to Pine River System Fishery Area?
Waushara County, roughly 11 miles out of Wautoma.
Are hounds allowed for bear at Pine River System Fishery Area?
Bear Zone F: 764 permits drawn for 2026.
Is Pine River System Fishery Area forest or farmland deer country?
Waushara in the Central Farmland zone. The unit quota stands at 7,000 antlerless deer this year.
Is Pine River System Fishery Area in the northern or southern duck zone?
Southern duck zone and Southern goose zone. First regular duck day in the Southern Zone: Oct 3.
Is Pine River System Fishery Area good turkey ground?
Apply for Zone 3; spring periods A-F run in 2027 from April 21.
What are the CWD and bait rules for Pine River System Fishery Area?
Deer bait is illegal in Waushara County. Waushara County: CWD-positive deer on record.
Pine River System Fishery Area, final notes
Print the Pine River System Fishery Area map, carry your tags, and check the manager page the week you go.
Sources for this page: DNR: 1970pineriversystem · 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); Dana Beveridge (CC BY 2.0).