Pheasant Hunting Pheasant hunting has long been a Wisconsin tradition. The ring-necked pheasant was introduced as a game bird to Wisconsin as early as the late 1800’s. Ideal habitat conditions allowed the population to flourish and expand rapidly. In the 1940’s the pheasant population began to decline due to limited habitat availability, modern agricultural practices, and urbanization. Today’s pheasant population is most common in the southeast one-third of the state and in a few west central region counties.

In response to the population decline, the Pheasant Stamp was created in 1991 to provide funds for pheasant restoration and management. The management of ring-necked pheasants in Wisconsin is in large part due to revenues generated from the sale of the Pheasant Stamp. Habitat projects funded by Pheasant Stamp dollars along with countless partner dollars and efforts have managed, preserved, and restored thousands of acres of nesting and winter habitat.

2010 Season Dates and Information

• 2010 Season Dates and Bag Limits
• Pheasant Stocking Information Sheet [PDF 54KB]
• Public Hunting Grounds Stocked with Pheasants
• Small Game Hunting Regulations
• Frequently Asked Questions
• How to Get Landowners' Permission to Hunt

Surveys

• Spring Pheasant Survey Report
• Rural Mail Carrier Pheasant Survey Report
• Preliminary Ten Week Brood Observations [PDF 14KB]

Pheasant Stamp Contest Information

• 2011 Pheasant Stamp Design Contest Rules [PDF 84KB]
• 2011 Pheasant Stamp Design Contest Winner
• Pheasant Stamp Winners From Previous Years

Your Pheasant Stamp Dollars at Work

• Pheasant Stamp Funding Information for Fiscal Years 2010-2011

State Game Farm The State Game Farm and the pheasant stocking program provide quality pheasant hunting opportunities on public and private lands, promote safe and ethical behavior in the field, and cooperate with conservation groups dedicated to promoting pheasant hunting in the state. Learn more about the State Game Farm...

Deer Hunting in Wisconsin Deer Show 2010 airs Nov. 11 on the Wisconsin Channel of Wisconsin Public Televsion. Click on the photo for a preview."  [VIDEO Length 2:21]

Wisconsin is recognized as one of the premier deer hunting states in the nation as Wisconsin is home to a thriving deer herd. Wildlife habitat changes during the past century due to farming, logging, and urban expansion have led to the evolution of new method for managing our deer populations in an attempt to control their numbers under a wide array of habitats and social conditions.

Wildlife biologists in Wisconsin have developed population models for deer. The model depends on information gathered primarily from the hunters themselves. Such information includes the actual number of deer harvested annually, and the sex and age of each animal. When applied to a specific geographical "unit," it is possible for biologists to accurately estimate the number of deer living in that unit. They can then estimate the numbers that may be harvested to keep populations at healthy levels that are socially acceptable to both hunters and nonhunters alike. For more information, please feel free to read "Wisconsin's Deer Management Program: [PDF 1.72MB], The Issues Involved in the Decision-Making."

The deer to the left was caught on my trail cam in Jan 2011 - He is still out there!
Visit the Brule River and Start a Tradition!

Famous for so many attributes, from the famous people that have passed through its majestic landscape, to the breadth of ground that it covers, the Brule River is truly one of nature’s greatest gifts. The Brule River, part of the Brule River State Forest is a combination of 44 miles of majestic and serene eco-systems. The state forest is located in Douglas County, Wisconsin and comprises almost 47,000 acres of unaffected and pristine wilderness. 

The Brule River comes with a rich and varied history. Native Americans, namely the Chippewa, honored an Indian God by naming this heavenly area Winneboujou. The first settler to journey throughout the river’s length was Daniel Greysolon. The awe-inspiring beauty discovered during his expedition, and the subsequent explorations of others, caused great excitement. Explorers, fur traders, and trappers gave reports of the awesome rapids, alluring forest canopies and the plethora of diverse wildlife witnessed during their journeys. 

The Brule River and Brule River State Forest has a rare appeal that will transform your spirit and refresh your body and mind! It is also a one-of-a-kind experience for the outdoorsman and those who crave a challenge.

The Brule River and its surrounding areas were once the stomping grounds of Presidents, and the rich and, well- heeled. In many ways, this heritage persists, with the land along the Brule having been passed down to family members throughout the generations. This has helped to preserve the unspoiled nature of the area and has created a close-knit community. There is a deep, abiding appreciation amongst this community for this area. To many in this community, the thought of spoiling it, would be tantamount to destroying one’s own familial history along with it. This private, generational legacy has been a hallmark of the Brule River area. However, many others have discovered the wonderful and inviting opportunities that the park and river have to offer. 

Much of the area surrounding the Brule is public-owned, offering a variety of ways to experience the area.

An ample supply of rustic cabins is available to the public for rent and can offer an affordable vacation option for those who are not presidents or captains of industry. These charming cabins offer a range of amenities that can suite any taste and will open the door to all of the wonders of the Brule River and the expansive Brule River State Forest.


For the more adventurous soul, The Bois Brule and Copper Range campgrounds offer wilderness camping and are located near the banks of the river. 

Canoeing is one of the most popular past-times in this area. The Brule River begins as Brule Lake, close to the Michigan border and meanders, east to southeast through 44- miles of lush, scenic landscape.

A leisurely paddle through the Brule River waterways will bring visions of Native Americans navigating the river and the life they forged from the natural bounty of this area. Quaint cabins, picturesque boathouses, and interesting landmarks dot the shores as you canoe through the cold, spring fed rivers of the Brule. Majestic birds of prey soar overhead with their piercing screeches adding to the symphony of other forest creatures that surround you during your journey. Your canoeing experience will take you past magnificent rapids, with its thrilling, fast moving waters. These rapids will challenge your paddling skills, and providing you a rush of roller-coaster inducing excitement! The Brule River’s journey ends when it meets the illustrious Lake Superior, but yours can continue into the lake if you desire. 

Hunting, a sport of the ages, is a fall, winter, and spring tradition in Brule expanses. 

A bountiful supply of Whitetail deer is the choice of many hunters each year, however, black bear, waterfowl, wild turkey, game birds, and an assortment of other furbearing wildlife make for an abundant hunting experience. 

September kicks off the fall hunting season with the opportunity for bow hunting followed by the traditional gun-hunting season, which stretches into December. 

Hunters also have the opportunity to introduce a new generation of young hunters with a scheduled youth deer hunt. Wild turkey hunts, which are a popular fall hunting sport, also take place during the spring providing additional hunting experiences into the New Year. 

The gorgeous Brule River, with its abundant supply of fish, nearly begs you to get out the fishing gear, play hooky from work, and spend the day fishing! 

A steelhead trout run starts in March and runs into May with delectable Chinook salmon making their way through the Brule beginning in July. Brown, Rainbow and Brook trout, as well as Coho salmon fishing seasons also commence in May and offer fabulous fishing opportunities through the end of September. 

Canoeing, hunting and fishing are a few of the activities that can provide for exciting and memorable experiences. The Brule River State Park also offers an impressive array of hiking trails throughout park. 

In the spring, summer, and fall, these lush hiking trails provide opportunities to view nature in the most personal way. Hiking, horseback riding or biking are some of the methods to navigate your way through the park. Several designated trails are available, such as The Stony Hill Nature Trail and the The Hunter Walking Trails. The Stony Hill Nature Trail will bring you to the top of Stony Hill and an expansive view of the Brule River Valley. The Hunter Walking Trails is an impressive 40 miles of walking trails which traverse the Brule River State Forest. 

Fall hikes through these trails offer an unprecedented view of the tapestry of colors as the forest vegetation begins is slow transition into winter. Another versatile trail is the Afterhours Trail, which provides excellent biking and hiking trails in spring and fall, and first-class, cross-country ski trails during the winter months. 

Spring, summer and fall also offer the thrill and sport of ATV riding with authorized trails available to savor. The chilly weather and subsequent snowfall brings about the enticement of snowmobiling and is an amazing way to appreciate the pristine beauty of the Brule River during winter months. 

The Brule River provides the perfect paradise for the outdoorsman or adventure loving family. The area provides a unique combination of landscape, rivers, trails, and ample wildlife. These attributes provide for an invigorating, open-air experience. Numerous outdoor experiences are available to suit a variety of palettes, from the hiking through the serene forest to canoeing through the thrilling rapids of the Brule River. 

The ideal way to appreciate all that the Brule River has to offer is to rent a cabin and stay for week. Bring your entire family for a reunion, or just bring yourself for restful retreat. Either way, the Brule River offers sanctuary from the every-day pressures of life. 

The allure and serenity that the wilderness offers, along with the boisterous sports opportunities will appeal to all of your desires and senses. 

The Brule River is a natural phenomenon and is a something that you must experience! Plan your vacation now and start a tradition for life!