Top Spots for Hunting White-Tailed Deer in Wisconsin

It’s no secret Wisconsin is one of the best places for hunters to find white-tailed deer. Enveloped by gorgeous fall color each hunting season, Wisconsin’s woods have been storied environments for hunters of all kinds who venture out into the elements in hopes of a harvest.

With Wisconsin’s nine-day gun deer hunt season ahead in late November, we’re taking a look at some of the best places to bag that trophy buck.

Deer Harvest This Year

Wisconsin is separated into four deer management zones: Central Farmland, Central Forest, Northern Forest and Southern Farmland. Throughout the fall, hunters can review the Deer Harvest Summary to keep up-to-date on how many deer have been harvested in each management zone as well as each Wisconsin county. 

Discover Wisconsin’s Driftless Area

Sculpted by glaciers, Wisconsin’s Driftless Area is not only one of the state’s scenic treasures with curvaceous valleys, towering bluffs and the flowing waters of the nation’s largest river, but it is a nationally lauded region for deer hunting. Its public hunting lands include the Kickapoo Valley Reserve and Coon Creek Fishery Area.

Two hours north of those lands, you’ll find what’s often considered Wisconsin’s – and America’s – premier deer hunting county: Buffalo County. Don’t let its name fool you; Buffalo County is all about the deer and has been ranked by the wilderness conservation organization Boone & Crockett as the United States’ top county for trophy white-tails for several decades.

Just east of Buffalo is Trempealeau County, another top spot for white-tail hunting. Trempealeau’s biggest public hunting reserve is the Borst Valley Wildlife Area, a grassy, marshy, hardwood-laden territory also popular with turkey and pheasant hunters.

Head to the Northwest

Polk County in Northwest Wisconsin has also seen a record number of trophy bucks recorded in recent years. Public hunting lands include Governor Knowles State Forest which spans over 32,000 acres near the St. Croix River.

Find more great hunting spots by searching public lands by county. And be sure to check out Wisconsin’s regulations as you plan your hunt. 

Bow or gun, north, south, east or west, deer hunting is a state tradition and a unique way to immerse oneself in Wisconsin’s wilderness.

Headed out on a hunt? The WDNRs Wild Wisconsin series offers videos and podcasts to help you prepare for this year's hunt. Also, check out our seasonal forecast and tips for success from the DNR.