Lands_Content Page_VPA

Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program

Share the land, keep traditions alive and earn money, too

Visited one of our properties? Complete a survey and let us know what you think.

The Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program (VPA-HIP) provides financial incentives to private landowners who open their property to public hunting, fishing, trapping and wildlife observation.

Code of Conduct

Hours of Operation

  • Properties are open 24/7. THAP properties are open March 1 to May 29. VPA properties are open year-round. Camping is prohibited.

Property Use

  • Hunting, fishing, trapping and wildlife observation are the only activities permitted on VPA land. Only spring turkey scouting and hunting is permitted on THAP land. Dogs are not permitted except for hunting purposes.
  • Vehicles are prohibited. This includes snowmobiles, ATVs, motorbikes, bicycles and horses.

Safety & Conduct

  • Follow all hunting, fishing, and trapping regulations. Public deer tags are required to hunt on VPA property.
  • Do not contact landowners of properties for permission to access. All properties are open to public access. Direct access questions to the VPA Coordinator: DNRVPALands@wisconsin.gov or call 608-800-1343
  • Park wisely on the shoulder of a public road or in a designated parking area. Do not block access to farm fields or pastures. Leave gates as you found them.  
  • Be ethical, courteous and safe. Abuse it and lose it. Report violations to 1-800-TIP-WDNR (1-800-847-9367).

Respect the Landowner and the Land

  • Only access areas posted with public access signs. Know the field boundaries and do not trespass on surrounding private land.  
  • Do not hunt near farmsteads or buildings. Maintain a distance of 300 feet.  
  • Take care to avoid damage to property and standing crops.  
  • Be aware of invasive species and prevent the spread by cleaning all boots, equipment, dogs, etc. before entering and leaving a property.  
  • Portable structures and trail cameras are acceptable but take care to avoid damaging trees and take equipment with you when you leave. Traps are exempt.
  • Do not litter. Pack out spent shotgun shells or rifle casings.  

Maps

Find a VPA Property with the Interactive Map.

Or, find a property by county.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

View our General Program and VPA User FAQs for more information.

Other Lands

Landowners

We are not currently enrolling new properties. Register your interest for future enrollment by completing an interest survey.

Lease rates vary between $5 and $25/acre/year. Payment is an upfront lump sum within 60 days of signing. Funding is primarily provided by a federal grant which is administered and provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture NRCS. Properties greater than 40 acres in size with high quality wildlife habitat will be prioritized.

Resources for landowners considering enrolling in the Voluntary Public Access Program, including incentive rates and application materials, can be found below:

View the VPA Landowner FAQs for more information.

This material is based upon work supported by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, under number #NR245F48XXXXG004.