As we get further into fall, we would like to remind all of our volunteers that the 2024 Hunting Season is ramping up. Many volunteers continue their work into fall and winter - please be mindful of this overlap and make sure you're keeping yourself safe.

For those of you working in Dane County Wildlife Areas, consider fall, winter, and early spring “Blaze Orange” Season—wear blaze orange (or other bright colors) from October through April. While some of our land management activities can be loud, such as when using a chainsaw, it doesn’t hurt to be extra visible during this season.

NEW as of this year, we are asking our volunteers to avoid working with loud equipment during the times that deer are most active (dawn and dusk) at properties that allow limited archery hunting (see below). If you volunteer at a DCP wildlife area, we ask that you be safe and avoid working at that property during the deer gun seasons. A list of park system classifications can be found on our website. WHY the change, you may ask? We want to prioritize safety of everyone working out in the field, and reduce/eliminate potential conflicts between park users during these limited hunting seasons. Thanks in advance for your cooperation!

Public hunting occurs in varying degrees on county properties. The rules for hunting on Dane County Park properties are outlined on our Hunting webpage in detail, including rules for each park. Season dates are below:

• Limited archery hunting (no guns allowed) at some properties.
• Archery season: September 14th, 2024 - January 31st, 2025



• Standard regulation hunting and trapping (guns allowed) at DCP Wildlife Areas. Deer and Turkey seasons are below, additional season dates on the DNR's website.
• Deer hunting using guns:
• Nov 23 – December 1st, 2024
• Dec 24, 2023 – Jan 1, 2025* (*Antlerless-only Holiday Hunt)
• Turkey hunting using guns (in Dane County):
• September 14th, 2024 - January 5th, 2025

The Ice Age Trail Alliance has a good list of safety tips for all users of the trail system:

1. KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: Hunting Season Dates set by the Wisconsin DNR.
2. WEAR “BLAZE ORANGE” or other highly visible clothing.
3. IF YOU HIKE WITH A DOG, it should wear a blaze orange vest and be on a leash at all times unless engaged in a hunting activity.
4. USE EXTRA CAUTION AT DAWN and DUSK. Hunting activity may increase at dawn and dusk when animals are feeding. Please wear reflective vests if you hike during these times of low visibility. Using a headlamp is a good idea, too.
5. AVOID HUNTER INTERFERENCE. It is prohibited by Wisconsin law to interfere with people engaged in lawful hunting, fishing, or trapping (WI Statutes 29.083).
6. BE HEARD. Make sure you are heard, by whistling, singing, or talking while you hike.