Frequently Asked Questions

• General Program
• THAP Users
• Landowners

General Program

1. What is the Turkey Hunting Access (THAP) program?
   • The Turkey Hunting Access Program (THAP) falls under the umbrella of Voluntary Public Access (VPA), a federally-funded initiative to provide recreation access to private lands. THAP provides financial incentives to private landowners who open their land to the public for spring turkey hunting. The U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service provides most funding for the VPA and Habitat Incentive Program (VPA-HIP) via a federal grant.
2. What activities are allowed on THAP properties?
   • Spring turkey hunting and scouting are the only activities allowed on THAP properties. Enrolled lands are open from March 1 through May 29 for legal spring turkey hunting and scouting.
3. What lands are eligible to enroll into THAP?
   • Priority is given to properties greater than 40 acres with at least 50% usable cover, but all land that offers quality spring turkey hunting opportunity is considered. Land enrolled in other conservation programs such as the Conservation Reserve Program, Wetland Reserve Program or Managed Forest Law may be eligible for enrollment.
4. How long are lease agreements?
   • Lease agreements are 180 days in length divided over a two-year period. The first period begins on March 1 and ends on May 29. The second period begins the following year on March 1 and ends on May 29.
5. Does the public have to ask permission from the landowner to hunt on enrolled THAP lands?
   • THAP users are not required to ask permission of the landowner. By enrolling in the program, the landowner agrees to open the property to public access. Only access areas posted with public access signs. Know the field boundaries, and do not trespass on the surrounding private land. Contact the VPA Program coordinator at 608-800-1343 if you have any questions.

THAP Users

1. Where can I find THAP properties open to public access?
   • Visit our THAP webpage. Navigate to the Maps section to locate properties by interactive map or county.
2. Can I put up a tree stand or blind on THAP properties?
   • Constructing or erecting blinds, stands or other structures is not allowed. Portable structures are acceptable, but don’t damage trees and do take blinds or stands with you when you leave each day.
3. Can I walk or train my dog or ride horses on THAP properties?
   • No. The only allowed activities on THAP lands are spring turkey hunting and scouting.
4. Is ATV or vehicle access/travel allowed on THAP properties?
   • Access and travel are limited to pedestrian traffic only. That means no snowmobiles, ATVs, motorbikes, bicycles or horses. Landowners may contact law enforcement for such vehicular trespass.
5. Where do I park my vehicle when using THAP properties?
   • Park wisely on the shoulder of a public road or in a designated parking area. Do not block access to farm fields or pastures.
6. Am I allowed to scout THAP properties, prior to the spring hunting season?
   • Yes. Scouting is allowed only during the month of March.
7. Can I camp or make a campfire on a THAP property?
   • No, camping or campfires are not allowed on public access properties. A landowner can call local law enforcement if users do not adhere to this rule.

Landowners

1. How long are lease agreements?
   • Lease agreements are 180 days in length divided over a two-year period. The first period begins on March 1 and ends on May 29. The second period begins the following year on March 1 and ends on May 29.
2. What are the payment rates for THAP?
   • Lease payments are $5/acre. Payments are made within 60 days of signing the lease agreement.
3. How do I enroll in THAP?
   • Contact your local Public Access Liaison (see our Service Area Map) or contact the statewide Voluntary Public Access Program coordinator at 608-800-1343 for more information. We are not currently enrolling new properties. Register your interest using the online form.
4. Do I have to enroll my entire property into THAP?
   • No, you can choose the amount of land you enroll.
5. What am I liable for if I enroll into THAP?
   • Wisconsin Statutes 895.52 provides liability protection for landowners from injury or death of individuals occurring during participation in outdoor recreational activities on their land.
6. Can I get a tax break for enrolling into THAP?
   • Participants do not receive tax breaks for enrolling public access land. Landowners are responsible for income tax related to their public access payment.
7. Can I restrict the number of hunters on THAP lands I enroll?
   • No. As with state wildlife areas, there are no restrictions on the number of hunters on a public access property at any given time. Allowed activities must be open to all users during open seasons.
8. As a landowner, am I restricted from activities I can conduct on my land?
   • While users are restricted to allowed activities and non-motorized transportation, landowner activities are not restricted. As a landowner, you may:
     • have a permanent tree stand
     • operate ATVs
     • ride horses
     • walk and/or train your dogs
   • We do ask that you refrain from altering the cover type on enrolled land while your lease is active (eg, converting forest to cropland).
9. Can I terminate my lease if I no longer want to participate in the THAP?
   • Yes, you can terminate your lease agreement by providing a 60-day written notice to the DNR. You will not be able to terminate your lease during the spring turkey and fall deer hunting seasons. A prorated refund to the DNR will be required for the remaining days on the lease.
10. What happens to the lease if I sell the property?
    • The lease remains with the property. The seller will need to address this with the new landowner prior to closing. Leases with payments over $5,000 are recorded with the register of deeds in the county in which the property is located. Landowners are encouraged to notify the DNR prior to a closing sale on lands leased for public access.