Barron County Easements Code of Conduct

• The public are only allowed to access the property when they are actively engaged in fishing, hunting, and on some parcels trapping. All other activities are prohibited.
• Follow all hunting and fishing regulations, as well as trapping regulations on those parcels open to trapping.
• Public access is only allowed on those areas posted with the signs to the right. Know the property boundaries and do not trespass on the surrounding private land.
• Access is limited to foot traffic only. No motorized vehicles allowed on the eased lands.
• Constructing or erecting blinds, stands or other structures is not allowed. Portable hunting stands or blinds are acceptable while you are actively hunting - avoid damaging trees and take all equipment with you when you leave each day.
• Trail cameras may only be placed while you are on the property and must be taken with you when you leave each day.
• Parking is allowed along County and Town roads in the right-of-way (which extends 33 feet from the centerline on both sides of the road). When parking, choose locations that do not prevent passing vehicles from seeing around curves or over hills. Do not block access to any driveways, farm fields or pastures.
• Avoid damage to property and standing crops.
• Leave gates as you found them.
• Do not hunt near farmsteads or buildings - maintain a distance of 100 yards (300 feet). Discharging a firearm within 100 yards of an occupied residence without the landowners’ permission is illegal.
  Remember, these properties may have livestock on them so please avoid spooking them.
• Treat the property and resources with respect. Damage and trespass incidents are enforced by the local Sheriff’s Department at (715) 537-3106. For emergencies, please dial 911.
• Support Ethical Responsible Hunting – Report hunting and fishing violations CALL: 1-800-TIP-WDNR (1-800-847-9367)
  Be aware of invasive species and prevent the spread – clean all boots, equipment, dogs, etc. before entering and leaving properties.
• Do not liter. Pack out spent shotgun shells or rifle casings.
• Be ethical, courteous and safe.

Barron County Easements Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What activities are allowed on Barron County easements?

A: The only activities allowed on all of the easements are hunting and fishing. Trapping is allowed on some properties; see property maps to see where trapping is allowed.

Q: How long are the easements valid?

A: The easements are permanent and transfer with the deed when the property is sold. The seller will need to address this with the new landowner prior to closing on the sale of the land.

Q: What are the payment rates for these easements?

A: The original landowners were paid a one-me lump-sum based on the acreage of various land cover types. As a result, there are no annual fees paid to the current landowners.

Q: Does the public have to ask permission from the landowner to hunt on easement lands?

A: Users are not required to ask permission of the landowner.

Q: Can a landowner restrict the number of hunters or species hunted on easement lands?

A: No. As with state wildlife areas, there are no restrictions on the number of hunters on easement property at any given me. Hunting and fishing (and trapping on some properties) must be open to all users and all legal species can be hunted on easement lands during open seasons.

Q: Is non-toxic shot required during the dove season on easement properties?

A: On lands specifically managed by the WDNR for doves (sunflower plots, etc.), all hunters using the property are required to use non-toxic shot. Any lands not specifically managed for doves where hunters are opportunistically shooting doves, using nontoxic shot is not required.

Q: Can I walk or train my dog or ride horses on easement properties?

A: Horses are not allowed. Dogs are not allowed unless they are being used for hunting purposes and do not include dog training.

Q: Can a landowner legally prevent a hunter from hunting (or trapping) on these eased lands?

A: Wis. Stat. s. 29.083(2)(a) provides, in part, that no person may interfere or attempt to interfere with lawful hunting, or trapping with the intent to prevent the taking of a wild animal by impeding or obstructing a person who is engaged in lawful hunting, fishing or trapping or an activity associated with lawful hunting, fishing or trapping.

Q: Can a hunter discharge a gun near a landowner’s house?

A: Wis. Stat. s. 941.20(1)(d) provides that a person is guilty of a Class A misdemeanor if they discharge a firearm within 100 yards of any building devoted to human occupancy situated on and attached to the lands of another without the express permission of the owner or occupant of the building.