Hunting on Land Trust Preserves
Help us manage healthy ecosystems. Hunt responsibly, follow the rules, and register before you go.
Hunters as Conservation Partners
Hunters play an important role in maintaining healthy ecosystems on Land Trust preserves.
White-tailed deer and wild turkeys, when overabundant, damage native plants and forest regeneration. By helping manage these populations, hunters contribute directly to our conservation mission.
Most Land Trust-owned preserves are open to hunting during Wisconsin DNR seasons. A few small properties are closed due to size, location, or ecological sensitivity.
Where to Hunt
How to Use This Guide
Each preserve has color-coded zones shown on its hunting map:
Preserves Open for Hunting
| Preserve | Township | Zones | Map |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anhapee River Corridor Natural Area | Algoma | | |
| Bay Shore Blufflands Nature Preserve | Egg Harbor | | |
| Bear Creek | Clay Banks | | |
| Big and Little Marsh State Natural Area | Washington Island | | |
| Carlson Natural Area | Liberty Grove | | |
| Chambers Island Nature Preserve | Gibraltar | | |
| Detroit Harbor Nature Preserve | Washington Island | | |
| Detroit Island Nature Preserve | Washington Island | | |
| Domer Neff Nature Preserve and Bird Sanctuary | Washington Island | | |
| Ephraim Nature Preserve at Anderson Pond | Ephraim (Village of) | | |
| Gibraltar-Ephraim Swamp Natural Area | Ephraim (Village of) & Gibraltar (Town of) / Gibraltar (Town of) | | |
| Gilson-Peterson Forest Natural Area | Ellison Bay | | |
| Heins Creek Nature Preserve | Baileys Harbor | | |
| Hibbard Creek Natural Area | Egg Harbor | | |
| Hibbard Creek Corridor Natural Area | Egg Harbor | | |
| Kangaroo Lake Nature Preserve | Baileys Harbor | | |
| Kellner Fen Natural Area | Sturgeon Bay | | |
| Lautenbach Woods Nature Preserve | Egg Harbor | | |
| Legacy Nature Preserve at Clay Banks | Clay Banks | | |
| Little Lake Nature Preserve | Washington Island | | |
| Mostek Natural Area | Washington Island | | |
| Oak Bluff Natural Area | Union | | |
| Oak Road Nature Preserve | Egg Harbor | | |
| Picha Woods Natural Area | Egg Harbor | | |
| Richter Community Forest Nature Preserve | Washington Island | | |
| Solitude Natural Area | Baileys Harbor | | |
| Sturgeon Bay Ship Canal Nature Preserve | Sturgeon Bay (City of) | | |
| Three Springs Nature Preserve | Sister Bay | | |
| Walt's Woods Natural Area | Baileys Harbor | | |
| White Cliff Nature Preserve | Egg Harbor | |
Additional Properties (by Parcel ID)
These properties are identified by parcel number. Contact us for location details.
| Parcel ID | Township |
|---|---|
| 006-00-31262634A | Clay Banks |
| 008-210007 | Egg Harbor |
| 028-03-04333011A & 028-03-04333011F | Washington Island |
| 028-03-09333044H | Washington Island |
| 028-04-30343041A | Washington Island |
| 028-04-30343043A1 | Washington Island |
| 0280304333021A | Washington Island |
| 0280318333031F & 0280318333013 & 0280318333041B & 0280318333041W & 0280317333022B | Washington Island |
| 0280429343011A & 0280429343014B | Washington Island |
| 0280421343011N | Washington Island |
| 0180215322831E3 & 0180215322831E4 | Liberty Grove |
Preserves Closed to Hunting
The following preserves are not open for any hunting seasons due to size, location, or ecological sensitivity:
- Boo's Bluff Natural Area
- Erskine Woods Natural Area
- Dammon-Weckler Natural Area
- Gordy and Pat Nevins Shoreline Preserve Natural Area
- Griffin Woods Natural Area
- Haswell Natural Area
- Indian Point Natural Area
- Washington Harbor Scenic Overlook
Hunting Rules
Required
- ✓ Licenses — Valid Wisconsin hunting license required
- ✓ DNR rules — Follow DNR seasons and regulations
- ✓ Blaze orange — Wear blaze orange per state requirements
- ✓ Registration — Register via our Hunter Information Form
Prohibited
- ✗ No baiting — Baiting is prohibited on all preserves
- ✗ No cutting vegetation — Do not cut trees, branches, or brush
- ✗ No overnight structures — All stands and cameras must be removed each night
- ✗ No motorized vehicles — ATVs, UTVs, and vehicles are prohibited
Register for Hunting Season
We ask all hunters to complete this form before hunting on Land Trust preserves. It helps us understand how our preserves are used and contact hunters if conditions change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I leave my tree stand overnight?
Do I need permission to hunt on Land Trust preserves?
Can I hunt on conservation easement lands?
Can I use bait?
Can I bring my dog?
Who do I contact with questions?
Phone: (920) 746-1359
Tips for Hikers During Hunting Season
Our preserves are open to everyone year-round, including during hunting seasons. Hunters and hikers share these spaces safely by staying aware.
If you are hiking during hunting season:
- Wear blaze orange or bright colors — Visibility protects you
- Stay on marked trails — Hunters expect hikers on trails, not off-trail
- Make noise — Talk, whistle, or use bells so hunters know you're nearby
- Keep pets leashed — Especially important during hunting season
- Avoid white clothing — It resembles the tail of a white-tailed deer
Support Hunting Access
If you hunt on Land Trust preserves, consider becoming a member. Your support helps us protect and maintain wildlife habitat across Door County — including the lands where you hunt.
Become a Member →
