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Horicon Marsh State Wildlife Area

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Frequently Asked Questions
Waterfowl Hunting on the Horicon Marsh State Wildlife Area

If you have additional questions, refer to the Wisconsin Migratory Bird Regulations.

Where can I hunt waterfowl on the Horicon Marsh?
Horicon Marsh is located in Dodge and Fond du Lac counties, to the north of the City of Horicon. The southern portion (10,900 acres) is state-owned and is called the “Horicon Marsh Wildlife Area” or “State Area.” The northern portion (20,924 acres) is owned by the federal government and is known as the “Horicon National Wildlife Refuge” or “Federal Refuge.” Waterfowl hunting is only allowed on the State Area. NO waterfowl hunting is allowed on the Federal Refuge.
Contact the Horicon Service Center to obtain a detailed map (920) 387-7860 or use the Web Mapping Tool
How will I know where the boundaries are between the “State Area” and the “Federal Refuge”?
Boundaries are posted. There is a Waterfowl Retrieval Zone that buffers the boundary line between the Federal Refuge and the State Area. Legally killed or crippled game may be retrieved by dog or hand.
Do you need a permit to hunt on the State Area?
A special permit is not needed (except Canada geese, see below). Hunters will need a small game license (bought separately or included in patron and sports licenses.) Exceptions are first-time hunter education graduates, Senior Citizen Recreation cardholders and Wisconsin resident armed forces members while on leave.
All migratory bird hunters will need a State Migratory Game Bird Stamp privilege and a Federal Migratory Game Bird Stamp. Youth hunters (15 years old or younger), Wisconsin resident armed forces members while on leave, Senior Citizen Recreation card holders and first time hunter education graduates don’t need state stamp validation.
All migratory game bird hunters will need HIP (Harvest Information Program) certification.

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Can I hunt Canada geese on the State Area?
For the regular Canada goose season, the state is divided into three zones – Exterior, Horicon or Collins zones. The only way to hunt in the Horicon Zone is to apply for a permit by August 1. The number of applicants determines the number of tags issued to hunters, so there are not any extra permits. If you did not apply for the Horicon Zone by the application deadline, you cannot get Horicon goose tags. However, you may still purchase a $3 permit to hunt in the Exterior Zone.
How can I obtain Agricultural Damage Permits?
You must possess a Horicon Zone Canada Goose permit to receive additional Canada goose tags under the damage program. How to Participate: Contact the USDA Wildlife Services Office in Waupun at 920-324-4454. A recording will explain if agricultural damage goose tags are available and how to obtain and use them. Restrictions: You may receive up to 2 tags from each landowner participating in the program. Tags are valid for weekday hunting only. In addition, you must use your regular Horicon Zone Canada goose tag(s) first if they are valid during the effective dates of the landowner’s permit. Bag Limit: Geese taken under the damage program are part of the daily bag. You may not exceed the daily bag for Canada geese (refer to the Wisconsin Migratory Bird Regulations).
Can I exchange my Horicon/Collins Zone Goose Tags for an Exterior Zone Permit?
You cannot exchange tags if your season (time period) has already started. For example, if Horicon Zone, Time Period 2 opens on September 23, you cannot exchange your Horicon tags for an Exterior Zone Permit on September 23 or anytime thereafter. You may only exchange your tags prior to when your season (time period) begins by contacting a DNR Service Center.
Do I have to be in a blind to hunt ducks on the State Area?
You do not need to be in a blind when hunting on the Horicon Marsh State Wildlife Area.
Can you use a motor on the marsh?
Yes, you can use a motor on the marsh. The marsh depth varies and there are shallow areas that are not conducive to motor use.

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Where are the boat launches located?
There are boat launches located on the east side of the marsh at Greenhead Impoundment, on the west side on Burnett Ditch Road, and two sites in the City of Horicon on Nebraska Street and Chestnut Street.
Is there walk-in access available to hunt waterfowl on the State Area or can I only hunt from a boat?
Walk-in access is available off of the parking lots on Burnett Ditch Road, Swan Road and Greenhead Impoundment. Remember that hunters who scout prior to the season have the most success.

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Are mechanical decoys legal?
Yes, you can use mechanical decoys to harvest waterfowl.
How far away from other hunters do you have to be when hunting from a boat blind?
There is no restriction on the distance you have to be from other hunters in a boat. You should be respectful of other hunters in the area and to keep a safe distance so as not to endanger their or your safety.
Are there size restrictions on blinds in the Horicon Intensive Management Subzone?
The Horicon Intensive Management Subzone directly adjacent to the Horicon National Wildlife Refuge has been eliminated. This means the blind restrictions will not be in effect, but no person may hunt waterfowl within 75 yards of the Horicon National Wildlife Refuge boundary during the open season for hunting waterfowl.
Can I place a waterfowl blind on the Horicon Marsh and leave it there during the waterfowl season?
You may establish a waterfowl blind on the State Area in accordance with the Wisconsin Migratory Bird Regulations. It is illegal to establish, including the bed of any navigable lake, prior to 7 days before the waterfowl season or leave it established beyond 7 days after the close of the waterfowl season. No person may maintain, occupy or use any blind left on state property during the season unless the owner’s name, address and DNR customer identification number in the English language and in lettering one inch square or larger is affixed permanently to the blind. It shall be readily visible and legible at all times.
Is jump shooting allowed on the State Area?
It is legal to hunt by boat skirting the edge of vegetation.
I have Horicon goose tags and will be staying at a local hotel while hunting in the area. Where do I attach the tag if I field dress the bird before transporting from the field?
You must completely attach the tag to the neck or leg of the Canada goose. Migratory game birds may be field dressed before they are transported from the field. However, the head or one fully feathered wing must remain attached to all migratory game birds being (1) transported from the field to the person’s temporary or permanent abode and (2) between a hunting cabin, camp, motel or other temporary abode to the permanent abode. You may NOT breast or fillet waterfowl until you are at your permanent resident.

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If you have additional questions, refer to the Wisconsin Migratory Bird Regulations.

Remember the four rules of firearm safety:

  1. Treat every gun as if it were loaded.
  2. Always point the muzzle in a safe direction.
  3. Be sure of your target and beyond.
  4. Keep your finger out of the trigger guard until you’re ready to shoot.

Best wishes for a safe and enjoyable hunting season this year.

For questions about hunting at Horicon, contact: the Property Manager 1210 North Palmatory Street, Horicon, WI 53032, 920-485-3007.

Questions for Wildlife Management

Last Revised: Monday October 06 2008