Public Land

Is public land bowhunting worth it? I'm more in the Black River Falls area and scouted some public land this weekend. I'm assuming the pressure isn't as bad as gun season, but do many people bowhunt public lands?

Thanks for the help everyone. Makes me even more excited for bow season to get here!

Everyone is absolutely right, you put in some time and you'll be successful. Not to be cynical but if you actually scout and hunt rather than rely on food plots or bait (both of which I have done in my life) it is so much more rewarding and you'll learn something new every single season.

I use to bow hunt a island on the mississippi river out of trempeleau. It was hard to believe all the hunters around and that this little island could hold so many nice bucks. Yea there were alot of hunters around but they were all focused on killing ducks and had know clue about the nice bucks living on that island. So many overlooked public areas you just have to do a little homework.

If you have a place to sleep you are in luck. I have found that public land is twice the hunt private land is.. I know this won't sit well though. There is public land that is very good.. In fact i scouted 4 1/2 mi. yesterday. I was amazed at the deer sign. Then go Scout 1 mi. away and a whole different world,, almost nothing just a mi. away. Go another half mi. the other way and looks pretty good. No rhrime or reason neither. This is in S.E. Wis. When I go way up north it seems deer are more evenly spread out and much harder to figure out cause it's flat and all woods. Public can really be a tough hunt but when ya get that public land bruiser, the horns might not be up to par with farmland bucks but it will be a true trophy none the less.

JCH is right, Lowes Lake gets huge pressure all through the season. Took off one Wednesday in September and found 5 cars in one lot, 4 in another, and 3 in the last one. The area is not large enough to support that many and still have any sort of quality experience. Complicating it further is the area is popular with horseback riders, dog walkers and hikers. All the activity pushes the Deer out pretty early in the season. The area AC refers to is on the edge of the property, a LONG way from any parking. Certainly less pressure there but the edges of the property become a patchwork of public and private land so getting permission to potentially track onto that private land is essential. Don't count on getting it. Only "large" blocks of public are around the parking lots and even there private land encroaches all over. If you hunt it better pick your shots carefully or it'll end up rotting on land you can't access.

I think AC is jerkin your chain the Lowe Lake Unit is a damn zoo come September. Would not recommend going anywhere public in Washington County. FDL county offers plenty more land and plenty less pressure.

Ive bow hunted this area 4 some time now.South of town and north of town.I only go late oct-nov.I hunt all public land and have never had an issue with other hunters, there are some around.one of my best spots i can watch the 4 wheelers go by all day and the deer could care less, they are used to it.Mornings 9:15-10:30am great time 2 be in your stand.Good luck.Ralph.

Debating with yourself again Louie? How many accounts do you have now anyway?

I will give up a public land hot spot - only because I will not be hunting it now. It is in Lowes Lake Unit, on the corner of Emerald Dr. and St. Augustine. You will definitely see some nice bucks come through there. Last week of October through November - mornings are usually the best for the big boys. Muzzle loading is a permit hunt, which means limited people. Parking is very tough. Exceptional public land spot - close to Milwaukee.

I scouted one spot today and saw 12 deer and found some awesome sign, I'm just worried other hunters have found it too.

We have awesome public land hunting here in wisconsin. Its public so there is always a possibility of having other hunters around. I cant see spending money on a lease with all the great public lands we have here in wisconsin.

I have not personally bowhunted that area of the state, but i am sure if you put in a little effort you will find some quality hunting land.