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Wildlife area, southeast Wisconsin
Sharon State Habitat Area hunting notes
166 acres of wildlife area in Walworth County, with 2026-27 zones, quotas, rules, CWD testing and a map.
Photo: lisalampley (CC BY 2.0)
Getting to Sharon State Habitat Area
Parking, trailheads and gates near Sharon State Habitat Area
- Parking areaParking · 2.4 mi from the centreDirections
- Parking areaParking · 2.8 mi from the centreDirections
- Parking areaParking · 3.5 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.
Sharon State Habitat Area, by its record
Count Sharon State Habitat Area among the state wildlife areas of Walworth County. It falls in the DNR Southeast Region, southeast Wisconsin. The Wisconsin DNR manages the land. By size (166 acres) it is number 194 among 285 state wildlife areas on our list. Head south from Turtle Lake for about 12 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 Sharon State Habitat Area
Zone lines at Sharon State Habitat Area
Deer rules follow the Southern Farmland zone and Walworth. For 2026 the antlerless quota stands at 1,900. 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. Walworth County is on the CWD list: a positive wild deer has been found. Deer may not be baited or fed in Walworth County.
Sharon State Habitat Area deer management units
| DMU | Zone | 2026 antlerless | Public bonus | Private bonus | Free per license |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Walworth | Southern Farmland | 1,900 | 900 | 1,000 | 2 |
Bear, turkey, grouse and waterfowl lines through Sharon State Habitat 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 Sharon State Habitat Area within the rules
Who may hunt Sharon State Habitat Area
It works like other DNR wildlife ground: statewide seasons, regular licenses, posted closures and NR 45 property rules.
Statewide rules that reach Sharon State Habitat 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.
Sharon State Habitat Area license list
Residents often take the Conservation Patron, which bundles the hunting licenses. Antlerless tags on public land must be public-access tags.
Sharon State Habitat Area: refuges and closures
Sharon State Habitat Area carries 3 posted restrictions. Typical exception: Except gun and muzzleloader deer, retrieval of legally killed or crippled game in posted zones.
| Area | Rule | Dates | Acres | Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Peterkin Pond | Year-round game refuge | Jan 1–Dec 31 | 127 | NR 11.02(5)(a) |
| Peat Lake State Natural Area | No entry wildlife refuge | SEP 1–DEC 31 | 169 | NR 11.05(1)(a) |
| Dover | No entry wildlife refuge | SEP 1–DEC 31 | 86 | NR 11.05(3)(a) |
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.
Sharon State Habitat Area: the game on record
No species list is published for Sharon State Habitat Area, so every open season applies under the property rules.
See the 41 seasons listed for Walworth County below.
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.
Sharon State Habitat Area hunting dates, fall 2026 to spring 2027
20 species and 41 segments reach Sharon State Habitat 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 | 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: Walworth | 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 | Sep 9, 2026 | Oct 13, 2026 | |
| Wild turkey | Fall turkey | Turkey Zone 2 | Sep 12, 2026 | Jan 3, 2027 | |
| Wild turkey | Spring youth turkey hunt | Turkey Zone 2 | Apr 17, 2027 | Apr 18, 2027 | |
| Wild turkey | Spring turkey Period A | Turkey Zone 2 | Apr 21, 2027 | Apr 27, 2027 | |
| Wild turkey | Spring turkey Period B | Turkey Zone 2 | Apr 28, 2027 | May 4, 2027 | |
| Wild turkey | Spring turkey Period C | Turkey Zone 2 | May 5, 2027 | May 11, 2027 | |
| Wild turkey | Spring turkey Period D | Turkey Zone 2 | May 12, 2027 | May 18, 2027 | |
| Wild turkey | Spring turkey Period E | Turkey Zone 2 | May 19, 2027 | May 25, 2027 | |
| Wild turkey | Spring turkey Period F | Turkey Zone 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.
Deer, bears and CWD around Sharon State Habitat Area
Last full season (2025) the Walworth County unit gave up 2,132 deer. Since 2016 the yearly total has ranged from 1,199 (2017) to 2,132 (2025). So far in 2026 (preliminary, Oct. 19): Walworth 213 deer. In CWD year 2025, 135 Walworth County deer were tested and 27 came back positive. Since 1999: 7,764 sampled, 182 positive. Property-level harvest does not exist for Sharon State Habitat Area; county numbers stand in.
Deer table, Walworth County
| Season | Antlered | Antlerless | All deer |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1,114 | 1,018 | 2,132 |
| 2024 | 1,052 | 1,007 | 2,059 |
| 2023 | 1,030 | 851 | 1,881 |
| 2022 | 965 | 775 | 1,740 |
| 2021 | 811 | 750 | 1,561 |
| 2020 | 884 | 845 | 1,729 |
CWD results near Sharon State Habitat Area
| CWD year | Sampled | Positive |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 (partial) | 15 | 0 |
| 2025 | 135 | 27 |
| 2024 | 141 | 18 |
| 2023 | 120 | 18 |
| 2022 | 96 | 12 |
| 2021 | 96 | 12 |
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 Sharon State Habitat 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) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Turtle Lake | Walworth | 12 mi | — | 14,164 |
| Elkhorn | Walworth | 12 mi | 10,122 | 4,385 |
| Lauderdale Lakes | Walworth | 16 mi | — | 24,359 |
| Janesville | Rock | 17 mi | 66,428 | 1,147 |
County hunting overviews: Walworth County.
Sharon State Habitat Area: businesses in the area
Offices that answer for Sharon State Habitat Area
Walworth County is served by the DNR Janesville 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 Sharon State Habitat Area
Sharon State Habitat Area is the large pin, with 10 neighbours around it. Their acreage adds up to 4,887.
| Property | Type | Acres | Straight line | Which way |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Turtle Creek | Wildlife area | 1,048 | 3.7 mi | northwest |
| Delavan Lake | Wildlife area | 11 | 9.3 mi | northeast |
| Turtle Valley | Wildlife area | 2,291 | 10 mi | north |
| Johnstown | WPA | 131 | 13 mi | north |
| Como Lake | Habitat area | 183 | 14 mi | east |
| Clover Valley | Wildlife area | 532 | 15 mi | north |
| Clifford F. Messinger Dry Prairie and Savanna Preserve | State natural area | 254 | 15 mi | north |
| Big Foot Beach | State park | 268 | 15 mi | east |
| Clover Valley Fen | State natural area | 66 | 15 mi | north |
| Clover Valley State Habitat Area Pr | Habitat area | 103 | 15 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.
DNR shooting hours for Sharon State Habitat 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 | 5:59 a.m. to 7:31 p.m. | 6:01 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. |
| Oct 17, 2026 | Pheasant and duck dates | 6:43 a.m. to 6:25 p.m. | 6:42 a.m. to 6:28 p.m. |
| Nov 1, 2026 | Early November | 6:04 a.m. to 5:01 p.m. | 6:01 a.m. to 5:05 p.m. |
| Nov 21, 2026 | Gun deer opener | 6:32 a.m. to 4:38 p.m. | 6:27 a.m. to 4:44 p.m. |
| Dec 1, 2026 | Muzzleloader week | 6:44 a.m. to 4:32 p.m. | 6:39 a.m. to 4:39 p.m. |
| Dec 24, 2026 | Holiday Hunt opener | 7:03 a.m. to 4:34 p.m. | 6:57 a.m. to 4:42 p.m. |
| Jan 3, 2027 | Archery close (most units) | 7:05 a.m. to 4:43 p.m. | 6:59 a.m. to 4:50 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 B offset of 4 minutes for longitude 88.72 W, checked October 19, 2026. Shooting hours for every county.
Sharon State Habitat Area: nearest ranges
Closest public range: Izaak Walton League – Beloit Chapter, roughly 14 miles from the middle of Sharon State Habitat Area. Nearby club or private ranges are shown too.
archery, trap, shotgun, 5-stand on file
trap, shotgun on file
trap, skeet, rifle, handgun, smallbore rimfire on file
From the DNR public range map and its map layer, checked October 19, 2026.
Sharon State Habitat Area: the questions that come up
Where is hunting not allowed on Sharon State Habitat Area?
There are 3 closed or restricted zones; see the property map.
How do I get permission to hunt Sharon State Habitat Area?
A regular Wisconsin license from Go Wild (gun deer $24 for residents); antlerless deer need a public-access tag.
Whose property is Sharon State Habitat Area?
The Wisconsin DNR oversees this DNR state wildlife area.
Which properties are close to Sharon State Habitat Area?
Nearest on the list: Turtle Creek Wildlife Area (4 miles), Delavan Lake State Habitat Area (9 miles) and Turtle Valley Wildlife Area (10 miles).
In which Wisconsin county is Sharon State Habitat Area?
Turtle Lake is closest (12 miles); the property is in Walworth County.
How many acres does Sharon State Habitat Area cover?
166 acres, per WI DNR Managed Lands GIS ACRES field, sum of parcels open to hunting.
Can I shoot antlerless deer on Sharon State Habitat Area?
Southern Farmland zone; unit Walworth. 1,900 antlerless deer is the 2026 quota.
Which game seasons apply on Sharon State Habitat Area?
All open seasons apply, subject to the property rules; the source names no species.
What turkey tag do I need for Sharon State Habitat Area?
Your spring tag must be for Zone 2 and a period A-F.
What are the bear rules around Sharon State Habitat Area?
It is in Bear Zone F, target 50 bears in 2026.
Does the baiting ban cover Sharon State Habitat Area?
Banned in Walworth County. Walworth County has had CWD-positive wild deer.
Which duck and goose zones cover Sharon State Habitat 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 Sharon State Habitat Area?
Use GameReg online or call 844-426-3734 by 5 p.m. the day after.
Sharon State Habitat Area: confirm on the ground
A last look before the drive: the Sharon State Habitat Area map, your Go Wild licenses and any posted closures.
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: Joe K Gage (CC BY-SA 2.0); seabamirum (CC BY 2.0).