Deer Hunting in Willow River State Park

Next Saturday marks another opening day, and this one is a big one. Saturday morning, Nov. 19, Wisconsin’s nine-day firearms deer season begins.

Of the many things Wisconsinites do in the outdoors, this one is perhaps the most anticipated. At the least, it’s the most popular single day in the Wisconsin outdoors.

Saturday morning somewhere north of 600,000 people will don blaze orange jackets, shoulder walnut and blued steel, and head to the fields and forests.

This year marks the 160th annual gun deer season in Wisconsin. 160 years is a long time; time enough anyway to build some lasting traditions.

Saturday, some of us will climb into tree stands to shiver and hope the day away. Some will gather in the pre-dawn with friends and family to strategize about the best way to drive cornfields and woodlots. Some will take a long, quiet strolls in the deep forest, alone with their thoughts and the deer.

For some it will be their first deer season, for some it will be their last. For all it will become a priceless memory, whether they tag a deer or not. I can recall every single deer opener since my first, in 1978.

Traditions are important to hunters. We’re not a very sentimental bunch on the outside, but we look forward to opening days with a romantic’s eye.

Many a grizzled old outdoor veteran, with graying hair and wrinkles so deep you can hear an echo in them, will lie sleepless the night before, like a child impatiently waiting for Christmas morning.

It’s as true here in Hudson, as it is anywhere in Wisconsin. We have a lot of deer hunters in town.

And, as we all know, Hudson is also chock full of white-tailed deer. It’s so full of deer that I hit one with my truck this week while taking photos for this column.

Not to worry though, the buck—a fine, fat basket eight-pointer—is still roaming the woods out near Trout Brook Road. I had slowed to less than 10mph before impact, so he only managed to dent my fender and break a plastic headlight mount. He dusted himself off and trotted away, plenty sore I’m sure, but still chasing the doe he was after before our encounter.

I was out in the Trout Brook area because that is a portion of which will be open to hunting during the upcoming firearms season. In fact, a large chunk of the park is open for the firearms season, and for the late bow season.

In total, there are 1,400 acres of the park available to hunters. According to Matthew Densow, who is in charge of Ranger Operations at Willow River, in an average year there might be 40 or 50 vehicles scattered around the north end of the park. Last year, hunting pressure was inexplicably down, with fewer than 25 vehicles around the park on opening day, Densow said.

Those of you who already visit Willow River State Park know that deer sightings are commonplace. And you probably also know there are some big bucks running around those hills and dales.  With 1,400 acres to roam, Willow River is a tempting location for anyone looking to put some venison in the freezer this November.

A detailed map of the areas open to hunting, along with special rules associated with hunting in the park can be found at the park’s website.

And there are special rules you’ll need to follow. For example, if a wounded deer enters an area of the park closed to hunting, you will need to call the park office at 715-386-5931, or St. Croix County Dispatch at 715-386-4701 before pursuing the animal. And you cannot carry a firearm (or bow) into the closed area.

Take a good look at the map if you plan to hunt the park.

While much of the park north of the Willow River, south of River Road, and east of Trout Brook Road is open to deer hunting, keep in mind that there are scattered pieces of private land intermixed with park lands. This is especially true around Nelson Farm Road. Take a good look at the map so you know where you’re allowed to hunt.

Also remember that you need a State Park admission sticker on your vehicle to hunt in the park. Day-use fee envelopes are also available at designated parking areas around the park. 

Of course, you’ll have to follow all the normal Wisconsin deer hunting regulations, too, which are available at the DNR’s main hunting page.

Next Saturday morning I’ll be out there with you. And next Friday night I’ll be lying awake, too; just as it should be.

Wherever, and however, you choose to hunt next week, good luck and be safe!

There is no right way to do it. Some ways may be more successful, if your measure of success is finite. Mine isn't. I can have a fine hunt without venison...something I prove far too often.