Program Resources
Forest Crop Law - Open land
All Forest Crop Law (FCL) land is open to the public for hunting and fishing. If you decide to hunt or fish on FCL land, please show respect for the landowner's property.
A list of open land is created in February of each year. The list shows legal descriptions only. You may need to reference county plat books to identify ownership boundaries, roads, rivers, lakes, and other physical land features.
These listings show land that is open to public access for hunting and fishing only.
To view the list for a particular county, pick a county and click on the associated view button. A PDF with the information you requested will open in a new window.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Do I need the landowner’s permission to hunt or fish on FCL land? |
No, you do not need to ask permission. As a courtesy, you may wish to let the landowner know that you will be on the property, especially if the landowner lives near the site. |
| Can I use a vehicle on the property? |
No, you need to obtain special permission from the landowner. |
| Can I leave a tree stand for use on another visit? |
No, tree stands must be taken with you when you leave the property for the day. |
| Is trapping allowed? |
No, you need to obtain special permission from the landowner. |
| Do I have to access the land from a specific location? |
No, unless the landowner has identified a specific access point. |
| How can I find a plat book? | They may be available at public libraries or the county clerk’s office. In addition, they can be ordered directly from the publisher. |
| Can I order the open land listing by mail? | Yes, the lists can be ordered for a fee. Complete the order form and submit it with the appropriate fee. Please allow 3-4 weeks for mail delivery. |
| Can I post signs on my open land? | Signs restricting hunting and fishing are not allowed. You may post signs to prevent misuse by the public (e.g. vehicular travel). If you post signs, you must state the allowable activities. Simple wording for signs may be available from the local DNR forester. Improper posting of forest tax law lands is a violation of the law and may result in program withdrawal. |
| Can I limit the number of people using my open land? |
No. |
FCL-OpenLand
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