#6 on this list
Belmont Mound State Park
Wisconsin, USA
Belmont Mound State Park, located in Lafayette County, offers a smaller but often overlooked bowhunting opportunity within the Driftless. The park features a prominent mound, providing elevated vantage points and steep sides that funnel deer movement. The surrounding timber is a mix of oak and hickory, providing excellent food and cover. Access is straightforward from Highway 126. Due to its smaller size, it can concentrate deer, especially during the rut. The ideal season is mid-October through mid-November. While it's a state park, hunting is generally permitted outside of developed recreational zones. Fitness required is moderate, with some steep climbs to reach the top of the mound. Wisconsin state park entrance fees apply. The trade-off is its limited acreage, which means it can feel more pressured on busy weekends. However, smart hunters can use the terrain to their advantage and find pockets of undisturbed deer, especially in the steep coulees feeding off the mound. **Highlights** * Distinctive mound topography creates natural funnels * Mature oak-hickory forest * Concentrates deer movement in specific areas * Relatively easy access * Good for a day hunt or multiple short excursions **Watch-outs** * Smaller acreage can lead to higher perceived pressure * State park vehicle entrance fees * Potential for non-hunting recreational users * Limited options for extensive deep woods penetration
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#7 on this list
Vernon County Forest (various blocks)
Wisconsin, USA
Vernon County boasts significant county forest holdings scattered across its rugged landscape, offering some of the best public land bowhunting in Wisconsin's Driftless. These forest blocks, often hundreds to thousands of acres, are typically rugged, timbered parcels with steep ridges and deep valleys. They are less developed than state parks and often see lighter pressure once you get away from the roads. Access can be challenging, often via unimproved logging roads or walk-in access points off county highways. Ideal season is throughout October and November. Expect to find mature oak, hickory, and maple stands. Fitness level required is high, as these areas demand extensive hiking and elevation changes. No special permits beyond general Wisconsin hunting licenses are needed. The trade-off is the remoteness and sometimes difficult navigation. However, for hunters willing to put in the effort, these county forest lands offer a truly wild Driftless experience and the potential for unpressured deer. Always consult county plat maps for exact boundaries. **Highlights** * Extensive acreage across multiple forest blocks * Remote, rugged, and heavily timbered terrain * Less hunting pressure than state lands in many areas * High potential for mature buck encounters * True 'big woods' Driftless hunting experience **Watch-outs** * Access can be limited or challenging * Requires strong navigational skills (maps/GPS) * Very strenuous hiking and climbing * Limited amenities or services nearby
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Specs side by side
| Spec | Belmont Mound State Park | Vernon County Forest (various blocks) |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Lafayette County, Wisconsin | Vernon County, Wisconsin, USA |
| Terrain Type | Mound, steep slopes, oak-hickory timber | — |
| Primary Game | Whitetail Deer (Bowhunting) | Whitetail Deer |
| Acreage | Approx. 160 acres (hunting) | — |
| Access | Easy off Highway 126 | Logging roads, walk-in points |
| Best Season | Mid-Oct through Mid-Nov | October-November |
| Terrain | — | Steep ridges, deep valleys, mixed hardwoods |
| Permits | — | Standard WI hunting license |
What our reviewers liked and didn't
Belmont Mound State Park
- Distinctive mound topography creates natural funnels for deer
- Mature oak-hickory forest provides consistent food and cover
- Concentrates deer movement in specific areas
- Relatively easy access from main highway
- Excellent for strategic day hunts
- Smaller acreage can lead to higher perceived hunting pressure
- State park vehicle entrance fees apply
- Potential for non-hunting recreational users
- Limited options for extensive deep woods penetration
Vernon County Forest (various blocks)
- High potential for encountering mature bucks
- Less hunting pressure than many state lands once off the main access points
- Rugged terrain naturally separates hunters
- Authentic 'big woods' Driftless bowhunting experience
- Extensive public acreage scattered across the county
- Requires high fitness level and strong navigation skills
- Access can be challenging or limited to walk-in
- No amenities or services on-site
- Terrain is physically demanding, especially packing out an animal
- Can be crowded near easy access points during peak season
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