Shooting Permits for Other Species

The Wisconsin Damage and Abatement Claims Program (WDACP) provides two types of hunting opportunities for species other than deer:

1. Hunting access during open seasons
2. Hunting under a farmer's agricultural damage shooting permit

Hunting Access During Open Seasons

Farmers enrolled in the Wildlife Damage Abatement and Claims Program must provide hunting access to the public for the species they are enrolled for during the regular open hunting season(s) for that species. While most (about 95%) of farmers enroll in the program for deer damage; some farmers also enroll each year for damage caused by bear, geese, and turkeys. Regardless of the species the farmer is enrolled for, the rules for hunters wishing to hunt on the farmer's property are the same. More information, including a list of farmers enrolled in the program and the species they are enrolled for, can be found on the on the hunting opportunities page.

Hunting Under a Farmer's Agricultural Damage Shooting Permit

The vast majority of agricultural damage shooting permits are issued for deer. However, there are some permits issued each year for other species (geese, turkeys, and bears). The rules for these shooting permits differ by species, and are outlined briefly below.

Geese - Goose damage shooting permits are only issued in the Horicon Zone, and they are only issued after September 16th. Call USDA-Wildlife Services district office in Waupun at (920) 324-4454. A recording will explain if goose damage tags are available and how to obtain and use them.

Hunters may shoot up to two geese per farm. The farmer will provide each hunter with a Canada Goose Hunting Permit [Form 2300-182] and a carcass tag [Form 2300-183]. The farmer can only issue a second carcass tag to a hunter after the hunter has filled his/her first tag.

Goose damage tags can only be filled on weekdays. In addition, hunters must use their own regular Horicon Zone Canada goose tag(s) first if they are valid during the effective dates of the landowner's permit.

Turkeys - An increasing number of permits to Shoot Wild Turkey Causing Agricultural Damage have been issued to agriculture producers over the last several years. Persons other than the permittee may assist in the shooting of turkey causing damage however all participants can be selected by the permittee. Other than the permittee, others participating under a turkey shooting permit must possess a valid small game license or a turkey hunting license and stamp. In addition, all participants shall possess written approval from the landowner or lessee when carrying on removal activities. A list of landowners that have received turkey shooting permits is available here. [PDF 46KB]

Bears - The primary abatement method for bear damage is live trapping and translocation, which is conducted by USDA-Wildlife Services personnel only. Only a handful of bear damage permits are issued each year. Because so few permits are issued, we do not distribute a list of them as we do for deer

For more information on this topic, send mail to: Wildlife Damage Biologist

Questions for Wildlife Management