#8 on this list
Bad Axe River State Wildlife Area
Wisconsin, USA
The Bad Axe River State Wildlife Area in Vernon and Crawford Counties is another excellent Driftless option. This area is characterized by steep bluffs, the winding Bad Axe River, and extensive bottomland timber mixed with upland hardwood ridges. It's a classic example of riverine Driftless habitat, providing everything a whitetail needs. Access is available from various points along the Bad Axe River and surrounding county roads. The best season is typically during the rut (mid-October to mid-November) when bucks are on the move through this varied terrain. Fitness required is moderate to high, as the river bottom can be thick and the bluffs steep. General Wisconsin hunting licenses apply. Pressure can be moderate, especially along the river corridors, but the steep uplands can hold less disturbed deer. Watch for flooding during wet periods, which can impact bottomland access. **Highlights** * River bottom and steep bluff hunting opportunities * Diverse habitat including bottomland hardwoods and upland oaks * Water source from the Bad Axe River * Good deer densities * Can be less pressured than larger state parks **Watch-outs** * Potential for high water/flooding in bottomlands * Steep climbs in upland areas * Can be brushy in river bottom areas * Some areas may see moderate pressure
- Price
- Check current price
- Reader rating
- No reader votes yet
- How we assessed it
- Specification researched
#9 on this list
Whitewater State Park
Minnesota, USA
Whitewater State Park, located in Winona County, is a prime example of Minnesota's Driftless and offers excellent bowhunting opportunities within designated zones. The park is renowned for its deep valleys, limestone bluffs, and mature hardwood forests along the Whitewater River. While it's a popular recreation area, hunting is specifically managed to ensure quality. Access is via the main park entrance. The best season is the peak rut in November when bucks are actively cruising the terrain. Expect a mix of oak, maple, and basswood, providing ample food and cover. Fitness required is moderate to high due to the steep terrain and necessary hiking to get away from main trails. A state park vehicle permit is required, in addition to general Minnesota hunting licenses. Trade-offs include potential for encounters with other recreational users on marked trails and designated hunting areas, so scouting is key to finding less-pressured pockets. Check park maps for huntable zones. **Highlights** * Iconic Minnesota Driftless landscape with steep bluffs * Mature hardwood forests and river bottom habitat * Managed hunting zones within a state park setting * Good deer densities * Well-maintained trails for access into areas **Watch-outs** * State park vehicle permit required * Potential for non-hunting recreational users on trails * Steep and physically demanding terrain * Limited cell service in some areas
- Price
- Check current price
- Reader rating
- No reader votes yet
- How we assessed it
- Specification researched
Specs side by side
| Spec | Bad Axe River State Wildlife Area | Whitewater State Park |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Vernon & Crawford Counties, Wisconsin | Winona County, Minnesota |
| Acres | Approx. 4,000+ | — |
| Primary Game | Whitetail Deer | — |
| Terrain | River bottom, steep bluffs, upland ridges | Steep bluffs, deep valleys, river bottom |
| Dominant Habitat | Bottomland hardwoods, oak uplands | — |
| Peak Season | Mid-October to Mid-November (Rut) | — |
| Physicality | Moderate to high | — |
| Key Habitat | — | Oak, maple, basswood hardwood forest |
| Best Season | — | November (Whitetail rut) |
| Elevation Change | — | Significant; 400+ feet |
| Primary Target | — | Whitetail Deer (Bowhunting) |
What our reviewers liked and didn't
Bad Axe River State Wildlife Area
- Diverse habitat for whitetails (river bottom, bluffs, uplands)
- Significant public land acreage (over 4,000 acres)
- Can offer less pressure in rugged upland areas
- Good deer densities and potential for mature bucks
- Classic Driftless terrain for a challenging hunt
- Potential for bottomland flooding during wet periods
- Demanding physical terrain with steep climbs and thick brush
- Moderate hunting pressure in easily accessible zones
- Requires significant scouting to locate deer patterns
Whitewater State Park
- Iconic Driftless landscape, providing excellent cover and terrain challenges
- Managed hunting zones within a state park setting, good deer densities
- Diverse habitat with mature hardwoods and river bottom
- Offers a true backcountry bowhunting experience
- Well-maintained trails for initial access to areas
- Steep and physically demanding terrain
- Potential for encounters with non-hunting recreational users
- Limited cell service in some remote sections
- State park vehicle permit required in addition to hunting license
Prices change constantly — the figure shown is the last verified catalog price, and the buy buttons always go to the current listing.