State's Largest Farm Organization Reminds Hunters About Trespass Law

Friday, November 12th, 2021 -- 8:08 AM

(Wisconsin Ag Connection) -The state's largest farm organization says it wants to make sure hunters and rural landowners are aware of Wisconsin's trespass law for the upcoming deer hunting season.

According to Keith Ripp, a former state lawmaker who is now the Wisconsin Farm Bureau's Director of Governmental Relations, good communications between hunters and rural landowners can help ensure a safe and enjoyable hunting season.

"Contacting surrounding landowners ahead of time to get permission to retrieve a killed or injured deer that has crossed property lines is a preventative measure to avoid a potentially stressful situation," Ripp said.

"Landowners experiencing issues with trespassers should call their local sheriff's office, as DNR wardens do not have the authority to investigate trespass complaints." State law says individuals who wish to hunt on land owned by someone else must obtain written or verbal permission.

There are two exceptions to when permission is needed to enter private land. If the property is enrolled as 'open' in the Managed Forest Law program; or if its considered 'inholdings,' which is private land that is surrounded by public land.

Landowners must post a sign to prevent hunting by the public on such land. Meanwhile, hunters are also required to make a reasonable effort to retrieve game they have killed or injured, hunters may not trespass to retrieve such game.

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