Sandhill outdoor skills calendar
The Sandhill Outdoor Skills Center provides a variety of educational activities in the wide and wild world of wildlife recreation. Wildlife staff, volunteers and guest instructors conduct various workshops each year, primarily on weekends. Workshops use both an indoor classroom center as well as the outdoor world of the Sandhill Wildlife Area. Workshops introduce participants to the appropriate use of outdoor equipment, develop skills to feel more competent outdoors and introduce participants to others who share similar interests. Outdoor skills programs are enhanced by a shooting range, trails and opportunities for supervised hunting and trapping experiences. These workshops and clinics are designed to be hands-on learning experiences to improve participants' knowledge, skills and experience level.
Workshop Registration
The Sandhill Wildlife Area is open to the public year-round. Individuals and groups are welcome to register for any of our workshops on a first-come, first-served basis.
Nominal fees are charged per participant for most Outdoor Skills Center workshops and tours to cover the costs of educational materials, meals and special equipment. Checks should be made out to the "DNR Skills Center". Registration is based on receipt of an application and fees. We do not currently accept credit/debit cards or cash.
Those registering for workshops will receive a confirmation when the application is processed and will get a reminder of the upcoming event about one week before the event.
To register for a program, you will need to complete both forms below and include a check for the total cost of the program. Most programs now have an online registration form linked below under each workshop. If you prefer to register this way, you will need to fill out an online registration form for each member of your party. This online registration serves as both your registration application and your photo release, however, you will still need to send a check via mail or in-person delivery. Please include a check for the total cost of the program, including everyone in your party. Checks should be made out to the “DNR Skills Center”. Please do not send cash. To find the registration fee per person for the desired programs, please see the flyer posted below. You or your party may only register for one program per application. Please fill out an additional application for each program if you desire to attend. Online registration forms will close when the program is at its maximum capacity. Please contact Haylee Kraker at haylee.kraker@wisconsin.gov or (715) 459-3301 if you have any questions or would like to be added to the waitlist.
Required Forms
If you are not registering online, please fill out the required forms below:
- Sandhill Outdoor Skills Workshop Registration Application
- If you are having trouble downloading this form, please try the printable version.
- Photo Release Form
Please mail both completed forms (if not registering online) along with a check to:
Workshop Registration
Sandhill Wildlife Area
PO Box 156
Babcock, WI 54413
For more information, please contact Haylee Kraker at haylee.kraker@wisconsin.gov or (715) 459-3301.
Upcoming Workshops
- Dec. 7, 2024 – Wreath Making Workshop hosted by the Friends of Sandhill
- To register, please contact Clara Kubisiak via email at cjkubisiak@yahoo.com.
- There are two sessions for this class. When registering, please include the session you would like to attend.
- Session 1: 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
- Session 2: 1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.
- January 2025 (date TBD) - Deer Butchering Workshop
- Finalized date and registration to open sometime in December.
- Feb. 22 - 23, 2025 - Wilderness First Aid Course
- Before filling out the registration forms, please contact Haylee Kraker via email at haylee.kraker@wisconsin.gov.
- Apr. 5 - 6, 2025 - Wilderness First Aid Course
- Before filling out the registration forms, please contact Haylee Kraker via email at haylee.kraker@wisconsin.gov.
- Before filling out the registration forms, please contact Haylee Kraker via email at haylee.kraker@wisconsin.gov.
Note: Check back often, as new workshop and events information will be added throughout the year.
Learn To Hunt Deer
The 2024 Sandhill Learn to Hunt Deer is completed. View the summary report below.
Archery Deer Hunt
The 2023 Archery Deer Hunt is completed. View the summary report below.
Firearm Deer Hunt
The 2024 Firearm Deer Hunt is completed. View the summary report below.
Sandhill Trapping Permit
The 2023-2024 Sandhill Trapping Season is completed. View the summary report below.
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