Limited Access Archery Permit Rules:
- Only one application per person is allowed. Applicants with multiple applications will be disqualified from participating in the lottery.
- Limited Access Archery Permits are only valid for one property and one hunter 16 years or older (and accompanying youth) and are not transferable to another person or property.
- Youth participation is encouraged; one youth, 15 years of age or less, may accompany and hunt with a parent or guardian possessing a valid permit.
- Limited Access Archery Permits are applicable for fall archery/crossbow deer and turkey only (no spring turkey).
- Limited Access Archery Permits are valid for the current year’s deer and turkey season dates including any extended archery deer seasons applicable to the property based on the WI DNR’s Management Zones.
- Hunters, and accompanying youth, must comply with all Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WI DNR) deer and turkey hunting regulations and possess all required WI DNR Licenses/Stamps/Harvest Authorizations valid for the season, period and zone/unit being hunted. Visit Wisconsin DNR’s website for more information.
- Hunters must carry and visibly display (on person) the Limited Access Archery Permit while hunting or walking to hunting site.
- No hunting within 100 feet of "Closed Area" (strictly enforced). Closed Areas include: all trails, buildings, play areas, campsites, parking lots, mowed/maintained areas and private property boundary. Hunting may take place adjacent to non-harvested agricultural fields or in harvested agricultural field if the location is at least 100 feet from a closed area that the public may be using.
- To access open hunting areas, use public access points or an adjacent property with the owner’s permission.
- All access beyond suggested access points is restricted to foot travel only. A non-motorized cart may be used to transport harvested deer.
- Hunters requiring accessibility accommodations may contact the Parks Office.
- Harvested deer or turkeys may be cleaned (gutted) within the park property but all entrails must be at least 100 feet from a closed area. No deer carcass may be deposited on County Property or within a park trash receptacle.
- Tracking Deer and Turkey:
- Do not enter any private property without the permission of the owner.
- If tracking after dark, the Dane County Sheriff’s Department must be notified at (608) 255-2345.
- Target practice or shooting is prohibited unless within a designated archery range.
- Removal of trees or native vegetation is prohibited. You may lightly prune for shooting lanes and to access trees.
- Portable tree stands and/or ground blinds are allowed but must be removed at the end of the day and be identified with a visible label containing the hunters contact information. Any structure left overnight is a violation and may be removed by park staff as abandoned property.
- Please note: some properties may be utilized by a Learn to Hunt archery program prior to the regular archery season.
Any violation of County Park rules and/or any past or present violation of WI DNR hunting rules may be subject to the forfeiture of current and future Dane County Permits along with possible county ordinance citation.
Non-hunting park patrons have the right to utilize the entire park on and off trails. Hunters must use care and be safety-conscious at all times. County parklands are open for dog walking. Dog owners are required to have their dogs under control and leashed unless they are within a designated off-leash Dog Park. Hunters MAY encounter dogs off-leash. If you encounter rule violations or become aware of an issue, please contact the Dane County Parks Office at (608) 224-3730 or dane-parks@danecounty.gov.
