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 and 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. A shooting range, trails and opportunities for supervised hunting and trapping experiences enhance the outdoor skills programs. These workshops and clinics are designed to be hands-on learning experiences to improve participants' knowledge, skills and experience levels.

Upcoming Workshops

• May 10, 2025 - Open House hosted by the Friends of Sandhill
• May 24, 2025 - Universe in the Park hosted by Badger Talks.
  • Join us as we host a UW-Madison astronomer for an upcoming Universe in the Park program. It's free and open to the public!
• June 7, 2025 - Walking Stick Workshop hosted by the Friends of Sandhill.
  • Two sessions are available: morning (starting at 8:30 a.m.) and afternoon (starting at 1 p.m.).
  • Register before June 2 by sending a $5 check (made out to Friends of Sandhill) to Vicki Palen at 3837 County Rd N, Milladore, WI 54454. Please include a list of names and contact phone numbers.
  • Under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
  • Questions can be directed to Vicki Palen, vpalen@tds.net or 715-652-3131.
• June 14, 2025 - Cattail Workshop hosted by the Friends of Sandhill.
  • $20 registration fee.
  • Register by sending a check (made out to Friends of Sandhill) to Vicki Palen at 3837 County Rd N, Milladore, WI 54454. Please include a list of names and contact phone numbers.
• June 21, 2025 - Taming The Barrens: Bison & Invasive Species
  • This is a FREE event.
  • Part of Invasive Species Awareness Weekend.
• July 19 - 20, 2025 - Wilderness First Aid Course
  • The class is limited to 10 participants. Please contact Haylee Kraker to register.
• September 2025 - Archery Fundamentals: From Recreation to Bowhunting hosted by Raised at Full Draw.
  • The date is to be determined.

Note: Check back often, as new workshop and events information will be added throughout the year.

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 receive a reminder about the upcoming event about one week before the event.

To register for a program, you must 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 program's total cost, including everyone in your party. 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 our office if you have any questions.

Required Forms

If you are not registering online, please fill out the required forms below:

• Sandhill Outdoor Skills Workshop Registration Application
  • If you have 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 our office.