DNR accepting applications for Sandhill Learn to Hunt deer program

By Patrick Lynn

BABCOCK — The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is accepting applications through July 1 for its 2026 Learn to Hunt Deer program at Sandhill Wildlife Area.

The annual program gives novice hunters an opportunity to learn about deer hunting through classroom instruction, hands-on training and a mentored hunt on thousands of acres of managed wildlife habitat at the 9,150-acre Sandhill Wildlife Area in Wood County.

The program is open to youth ages 12-15 and adults 16 and older who have never hunted deer with a firearm. All participants must be accompanied by a mentor or chaperone.

Workshops will cover deer biology and management, hunting laws and regulations, ethical hunting practices, firearm safety and rifle shooting fundamentals, including sighting and firing a hunting rifle.

Darren Ladwig, a DNR wildlife biologist at Sandhill, said recent weather conditions point to favorable hunting prospects this fall.

“Even with the mid-March blizzard, the winter of 2025-26 was the twelfth consecutive mild winter, according to the Winter Severity Index at Sandhill,” Ladwig said. “April rains have also sped the green-up by about a week (compared to last year), leading to favorable predictions of fawn recruitment. All this leads to great predicted hunting opportunities, so don’t miss out.”

Registration fees for this year’s program have been waived through private donations made in memory of Nicholas Jongebloed.

“The family of Nicholas Jongebloed has generously sponsored this year’s Learn to Hunt in his memory, as he was an avid supporter of the program,” Ladwig said.

Participants and their mentors must attend one of three in-person workshops scheduled for Aug. 19, Aug. 21 or Aug. 22.

The program culminates with a two-day deer hunt Nov. 7-8 at Sandhill Wildlife Area, located near Babcock. All participants must complete a hunter education course before taking part in the hunt.

Applications are available online, and the deadline to apply is July 1.

For more information, contact Ladwig at 715-498-2338 or [email protected].