An article from WWA’s Words From The Wardens.
This article originally appeared in the Wisconsin Waterfowl Association’s April 2025 eNewsletter.
By Wisconsin DNR Warden Bradley Burton
When I became a conservation warden with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources seven years ago, I had my eye on Dodge County because of its reputation as a waterfowl hot spot.
I was confident my strong waterfowl hunting background would help me serve and connect with the public and protect the state resources. Another suspected perk would be the opportunity to meet waterfowl hunters who share my passion.
My hunch has proven true. Each fall, I look forward to the waterfowl season and the enthusiastic hunters. I have witnessed how the opening day of duck season rivals the excitement of, and almost seems busier than, opening day of the nine-day gun-deer season.
Opening day of the duck season can be quite chaotic throughout the county. The parking lots are over capacity, and trucks and trailers are lined up along the roadways to enter the boat launches. Some hunters even show up the evening before the opener just to claim their spots.
The long lines are justified. Whether hunters are in Mud Lake, Horicon Marsh or various spots along the rivers, there’s a good chance they will succeed and harvest ducks in Dodge County.
More Guides; Rules & License Requirements
I also have seen an increase in hunting guides. The guides are more prevalent in my service county, and these local guides seem to have clients through much of the season.
There are regulations for waterfowl hunting guides. Here is a quick tutorial:
Wisconsin Resident Guide Licenses
- A guide license is required of a Wisconsin resident to guide, direct or assist any other person in hunting, fishing or trapping for any compensation or reward.
- New applicants must complete a Guide License Application (form 9400-019) – the cost is $40.
- Applicant must be at least 18 years of age.
Non-Resident Fishing Guide Licenses
- A license is required of a non-resident to guide, direct or assist any other person in fishing only for compensation or reward.
- New applicants must complete a Guide License Application (form 9400-019) – the cost is $100.
- Applicant must be at least 18 years of age.
Hunt Private Land With Landowner Permission; Take Your Garbage
Guides and other waterfowl hunters who utilize and gain permission to hunt private land have a responsibility to clean up after themselves. After each hunt, it’s important to take any garbage with you at the end of your outing. This includes empty shotgun shells, food wrappers and any other items. It only takes one group’s carelessness with garbage to ruin a future opportunity for the same group or others to hunt the landowner’s land.
It’s also important to ask the landowner if you can drive onto their land prior to the hunt. These may seem like simple tasks, but hunting private land is a privilege hunters should never take for granted.
Spring migration is in full swing! The 2025 waterfowl season will be upon us before you know it. The off-season is a great time to improve any skills you need to prior to the much-anticipated opening day.
Good luck this upcoming season and stay safe!
