Private Lands

Thanks to the generosity of many Wisconsin landowners, some private lands are open to the public for various recreation types. The Voluntary Public Access (VPA) and Turkey Hunter Access (THAP) Programs provide financial incentives to landowners to open the lands to the public through a federal USDA NRCS grant. VPA allows for hunting, fishing, trapping and wildlife observation. THAP allows for spring turkey hunting only (March through May).

The Managed Forest Law and Forest Crop Law are landowner incentive programs that encourage sustainable forestry on private woodlands in Wisconsin. Landowners can choose between having their property closed to public access or open to public access for hunting, fishing, hiking, sightseeing and cross-country skiing only without additional permission from landowners. Closed status can change every year, so users are encouraged to check every year for an updated list of these properties. The public can find these open properties in the private forest lands below or contact their local DNR Tax Law Specialist with questions. Permission for permitted activities is not required for these programs.