HUNTING PUBLIC LAND
Midwest Lifestyle Properties Real Estate Team is here to help you find the right fit for your hunting and sporting needs. Standing on your investment obviously has some major benefits, but in the meantime, we’d like to share some of our wisdom for hunting public land.
Hunting public land can seem like a daunting task. Public lands are for hunting as well as recreation. There will be a mix of folks using the public land for their purposes and therefore “you’ll all have to get along”.
DO YOUR HOMEWORK
First and foremost, we highly recommend getting yourself the onX app. This app is indispensable for hunting public or private lands. Having said that, once armed with your onX app you can begin to “scope out” public hunting lands.
If you feel you can’t afford the onX, then you’ll have to settle for maps provided by your local DNR. These maps are generally found on your local DNR website and are interactive. These maps contain information on public land, parking, private land, county land or DNR land.
The most important lesson in public land hunting: NEVER assume you can hunt on all public land. Check the land posting before you enter. Next, the hardest part will be scouting the terrain you’re looking for, along with spending time in a tree getting familiar with the species patterns.
UC- PRO TIP: TAKE ADVANTAGE OF LESSER-KNOWN/OVERLOOKED AREAS
RULES, RULES, RULES…
It goes without saying, read and know the local, county, and state hunting rules for the area you are hunting in. Be sure to follow all regulations. Most areas allow you to use trail cameras as long as they do not hurt vegetation and are not on public walking trails.
Trail cameras can be beneficial for getting to know your area, but be aware that you run the risk of having the camera stolen. Trail cameras must be visibly and clearly labeled with your name and address. Some areas make you register your camera with a special department identification number.
Rules for tree stands, blinds, and ground blinds are another point to pay close attention to. Natural ground blinds made of entirely dead vegetation found on the property are generally allowed and do not need to be removed nightly.
Tree stands must be removed each night however, there are exceptions to this rule under certain times of the year. When this exception is in play, you must mark your stand visibly and clearly with your name, address, and/or customer id number. You may not hurt the tree or cause damage. You’ll want to take extra precautions when safely mounting them to the tree for the period of time you’ll be occupying the stand.
Ground blinds that are not of natural dead vegetation are ILLEGAL unless they meet the minimum of 144 square inches of solid blaze orange or fluorescent pink material, visible from all directions.
UC PRO-TIP: WE HIGHLY RECOMMEND LONE WOLF PORTABLE TREE STANDS
MAKING THE MOST OF PUBLIC HUNTING LAND
Hunting basics remain the same whether you’re on private land or hunting public land. Food, water, and cover will be your biggest advantages in finding deer on public land.
Use your manners. If someone has occupied an area that you’ve been hunting be courteous and gracefully back out. Be the person who:
- Is the first person to the area you’re wanting to hunt- “Early bird catches the worm”
- Take the “road less traveled”. Be willing to enter from more difficult areas that may have water, or perhaps take longer to hike.
- Prepare for surprises- you might need a new pair of clothes or extra layers, extra food for longer times you may have to wait out others.
- Expectations are everything! Have a plan “B”
- “Variety is the spice of life”- be willing to hunt with a different firearm, different species, as well as a new area/zone.
Many hunters have had great success hunting public lands. Knowing your terrain, spending time getting to know species patterns as well as a willingness to rise early, take a road less traveled, and try a different firearm will all increase your odds in trophy success.
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