Wisconsin

Wisconsin’s combination of public land access, diverse ecosystems, and healthy game populations makes it a great choice for hunting with sporting dogs. Horicon Marsh National Wildlife Refuge near Fond du Lac and the Shiocton area, home to the Wolf River, are prime locations, attracting large numbers of migrating ducks and geese along the Mississippi and Central flyways. In addition, areas like Green Bay and the Bay of St. Louis are known for great waterfowl hunting, with hunters often using retrievers to work the shoreline and marshes. For upland bird hunters, the grasslands and fields of the Driftless Area in southwestern Wisconsin, around cities like La Crosse and Madison, offer some of the best pheasant and grouse hunting in the state.

The northern forests, particularly around Wausau and Rhinelander, offer fantastic grouse hunting. The state’s state-managed lands, including places like the Chequamegon National Forest and the Black River State Forest, provide vast areas for upland bird hunting. Meanwhile, the southeastern part of the state, near cities like Milwaukee and Racine, offers great pheasant hunting opportunities, especially on private land and through special hunting programs. Whether it’s chasing ducks along the water or working dogs in the fields for pheasant and grouse, Wisconsin’s mix of public and private hunting areas, combined with its strong hunting tradition, make it a top destination for bird hunters looking for a rewarding experience with their dogs.