Madison Reporter

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has opened the application process for a special trapping season at Sandhill State Wildlife Area. The department announced that applications for the 2025-2026 season must be submitted by Monday, September 15, 2025.

According to the DNR, this initiative aims to provide trappers with a high-quality experience while also supporting furbearer management efforts on the property. The wildlife area spans 9,150 acres and is managed specifically for habitat and wildlife conservation purposes.

“Successful trappers will be required to attend a two-hour workshop at Sandhill State Wildlife Area to review information about season objectives, vehicle use regulations and data collection instructions. Trapping permits will be issued during the workshop,” stated the DNR in its announcement.

Sandhill State Wildlife Area is located within what was once Glacial Lake Wisconsin. This region is known for its flat, marshy landscape interspersed with forests. It covers portions of seven counties in central Wisconsin. The property features sandy uplands with oak, aspen, and jack pine forests as well as large marshes and several flowages. These conditions are considered optimal for furbearers, making it an attractive location for trapping activities.

This special trapping season is part of broader management strategies designed to balance wildlife populations within state-managed lands. Through controlled access and regulated seasons such as this one at Sandhill, the DNR works toward achieving ecological goals that benefit both wildlife and people who utilize these natural resources.

Applicants who are selected will participate in a mandatory orientation workshop at Sandhill State Wildlife Area before receiving their permits. During this session, participants will learn about specific objectives of the trapping season, rules regarding vehicle usage on site, and methods for collecting data relevant to ongoing management programs.

The DNR encourages interested individuals to review all requirements carefully before applying. More details about the application process can be found on the DNR’s Sandhill Outdoor Skills Center webpage.

By managing access through an application system and educational workshops, the department seeks to ensure that only prepared trappers participate in this effort—helping maintain sustainable populations of furbearing species across central Wisconsin’s unique habitats.