Richard Bong State Recreation Area
While not traditionally 'Driftless' in the classic sense, Bong SRA, located in southeastern Wisconsin, offers a unique public land bowhunting opportunity for whitetails that often gets overlooked by hunters heading west.
Wisconsin · United States · Season: Fall hunting seasons
Overview
While not traditionally 'Driftless' in the classic sense, Bong SRA, located in southeastern Wisconsin, offers a unique public land bowhunting opportunity for whitetails that often gets overlooked by hunters heading west. Its diverse habitats, including prairies, woodlands, and wetlands, support a healthy deer population. What makes Bong special is its controlled access and hunting structure, which limits pressure compared to open public land. You need to apply for a hunting permit through a lottery system, significantly reducing the number of hunters afield. This often leads to less disturbed deer. The area is relatively flat to gently rolling. Best access is directly off County Highway H. Early season and rut hunts can be excellent here. Fitness level required is moderate, as long walks are common. Permits are mandatory and competitive to draw. Trade-offs include the non-Driftless topography and the lottery system for permits, which means you might not always draw. However, when you do, it's a solid experience.
Why it stands out
Controlled hunter numbers via lottery system Diverse habitat including woodlands, prairies, and wetlands High deer densities Close proximity to urban areas but feels remote Excellent opportunities for stand hunting or still hunting
Know before you go
Lottery draw for hunting permits Not truly 'Driftless' topography Potential for high numbers of non-hunting recreational users Mandatory check-in/check-out procedures
Planning notes
Where: Wisconsin, United States Best season: Fall hunting seasons Good for: Hiking, Wildlife Viewing, Camping Featured on: Top 10 Public-Land Bowhunting Units for Whitetails in the Driftless Area (#2) Access point: Richard Bong St Rec Area, 26313 Burlington Rd, Kansasville, WI 53139, USA Check current permits, closures and fire restrictions with the managing agency before you commit to dates.
Field notes
- Controlled hunter numbers via lottery system
- Diverse habitat including woodlands, prairies, and wetlands
- High deer densities
- Close proximity to urban areas but feels remote
- Excellent opportunities for stand hunting or still hunting
Where on earth
Satellite imagery flying in from a world view to Richard Bong State Recreation Area, United States.
Coordinates
- Decimal degrees
- 42.6368, -88.1409
- Latitude (DMS)
- 42° 38′ 12.5″ N
- Longitude (DMS)
- 88° 8′ 27.1″ W
Coordinates are an access-point reference for Richard Bong State Recreation Area, not a route. Carry a paper map and confirm trailhead or put-in access with the managing agency before you go.