Hiking during hunting season: how to stay safe
Photo courtesy of the Ice Age Trail Alliance
Door County Land Trust nature preserves accommodate a wide variety of public uses including hiking, cross-country skiing, wildlife observation, scientific research, and hunting. To create a safe and enjoyable environment for all visitors, we ask hikers to review hunting safety guidelines and be aware during the season.
Hunting season is not an ideal time to hike, even on lands that don’t allow hunting. While we recommend walking in town or using local gyms, if you choose to go outdoors, please practice safe hiking!
Hikers should keep the following in mind during Wisconsin’s major hunting seasons:
1. Know the seasons
Hunting seasons vary by county and weapon type. This year Door County’s deer-gun season is Nov. 22 – 30, 2025, with bow hunting running from Sept. 13, 2025 – Jan. 4, 2026 (extended archery sub-units through Jan. 31, 2026). Wild turkey seasons also overlap with popular hiking times in both spring and fall. Firearm season for white-tailed deer, in particular, is when hikers should be on high alert.
Check the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources’ Season Dates for the complete 2025–26 schedule.
| 2025 Deer Seasons | |
|---|---|
| Archery and Crossbow* *No bucks may be harvested during the antlerless-only hunts identified below. | Sept. 13 – Jan. 4, 2026 |
| Archery and Crossbow (Metro sub-units & extended counties) See map for extended archery units | Sept. 13 – Jan. 31, 2026 |
| Gun hunt for hunters with disabilities (Learn more) | Oct. 4 – 12 |
| Youth deer hunt | Oct. 11 – 12 |
| Gun | Nov. 22 – 30 |
| Muzzleloader | Dec. 1 – 10 |
| December 4-Day Antlerless-Only Hunt | Dec. 11 – 14 |
| Antlerless-Only Holiday Hunt *Open only in select Farmland (Zone 2) counties. See regulations for details. | Dec. 24 – Jan. 1, 2026* |
| 2025 Wild Turkey Seasons | |
|---|---|
| Spring Youth Hunt | April 12 – 13 |
| Spring Period A | April 16 – 22 |
| Spring Period B | April 23 – 29 |
| Spring Period C | April 30 – May 6 |
| Spring Period D | May 7 – 13 |
| Spring Period E | May 14 – 20 |
| Spring Period F | May 21 – 27 |
| Fall – Statewide | Sept. 13 – Nov. 21 |
| Fall – Zones 1–5 | Nov. 22 – Jan. 4, 2026 |
2. Know the rules and reasons
Door County Land Trust works to protect ecological diversity. Large populations of white-tailed deer threaten rare and endangered plants on the peninsula. Hunters help keep the deer population in balance with their habitat, supporting a more diverse and healthy ecosystem. Because hunting is allowed on most Land Trust properties, hiking in town is a safer choice—and it supports hunters’ efforts to control deer numbers. Visit the Door County Land Trust Hunting Program Preserves page for full information.
3. Wear bright colors
For your safety, consider fall, winter, and early spring “Blaze Orange Season.” Wear blaze orange (or other bright colors) from October through April when you and your pet are on the trails. A vest, hat, or pack cover in blaze orange makes you more visible to hunters. Avoid earth tones and white, which resemble a deer’s tail.
4. Hike during mid-day
If you must hike during hunting season, go during mid-day when hunters are less active. Avoid dawn and dusk when visibility is low and hunting activity peaks. If hiking at sunrise or sunset is unavoidable, use a headlamp or flashlight and wear reflective gear.
5. Make some noise
Hunting season isn’t the time for a silent stroll. Talk with companions, whistle, or otherwise make your presence known. If you hear shooting, shout to alert hunters of your presence.
6. Protect your dog
The safest place for pets during hunting season is indoors. If you bring your dog outdoors, keep it leashed at all times (as required on Land Trust property) and consider a blaze-orange vest for dogs, too.
Visit the Wisconsin DNR’s Hunting and Trapping in State Parks page for more information and maps for each state park.
