It may come as a surprise to some visitors to learn that hunting is permitted in Apostle Islands National Lakeshore.  Unlike the congressional acts that established national park areas like Yellowstone and Yosemite, the legislation that created Apostle Islands National Lakeshore provided for regulated hunting within park boundaries. These activities are managed to ensure that game species are not overexploited and that hunting does not unreasonably impact the safety or experiences of other visitors.

Hunting activity may occur from September (after Labor Day) through the 1st week of January. The most popular is a muzzle loader deer hunt (by permit only) which is held during the month of October.  An archery season is open for the last two weeks in September and the entire months of November and December.  Interested hunters must apply for a hunter access permit through park headquarters, see the letter to hunters and link to the application form below.  For additional information write to Park Dispatch, Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, 415 Washington Avenue, Bayfield, Wisconsin 54814 or apis_resource_issues @nps.gov. All hunting is conducted in compliance with federal and state law.

Hunting is prohibited on lands and waters within the lakeshore between May 15 and September 15. Consequently, most hunting activity occurs outside of the lakeshore's busiest visitor season.

Hunters please be advised: Sand and York islands will be closed to public hunting from September 12, 2009 through and including May 15, 2010. All other islands are open to hunting as permited under state and federal rules.

In general, most hunting seasons coincide with dates established by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WI-DNR).  Species most commonly pursued include white-tailed deer, black bear, and ruffed grouse. There are also limited opportunities for small game and waterfowl hunters.  All hunters are required to obtain a hunter access permit to hunt within the lakeshore. 

2009 Hunter Access Permit

2009 Letter to Hunters

WI-DNR rule changes in 2008 expanded deer hunting activities to include all islands within the lakeshore.  This includes the traditional muzzleloader season and archery season.  All WI-DNR regulations pertaining to these weapons are in effect.

Though the deer herd size on islands is large enough to permit hunting opportunities, the number of deer per square mile is considerably lower than found on the mainland.   Hunting on the islands is popular with hunters who enjoy the challenge and unique opportunity to hunt deer under difficult and primitive conditions.   For additional information regarding deer hunting opportunities please see the letter to hunters listed above. 

For a number of years prior to 1994, bear hunting was not permitted on any islands in the park other than Long Island.  A long-term study of island bears began in 1984. During the course of the study, the number of bears on Stockton Island rose dramatically.  In 1994, bear hunting season was reopened according to the general rules governing the State's bear season.   The bear population in the lakeshore and throughout northern Wisconsin continues to increase. Although bear populations vary from island to island, visitors should be prepared for bear encounters on almost every island. 

Hunters should be aware that there are regulations applying to hunting in national parks they may not be familiar with.  Hunting rules on park lands and waters are not always the same as those for other lands in Wisconsin.  Hunting rules and regulations are available on the park website.  For up-to-date Wisconsin hunting regulations, visit the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources web site.

Firearms In the Park