National Program Tracks All Violations
An article from WWA’s Words From The Wardens.
This article originally appeared in Wisconsin Waterfowl Association’s February, 2025 eNewsletter.
By DNR Conservation Warden Evan Fox
Wisconsin waterfowl hunters have incredible and envious opportunities that attract plenty of non-residents toting their firearms to enjoy adventures.
It’s no wonder why, as our state offers layout boat hunting on the Great Lakes, the pools and sloughs of the Mississippi River, rice lakes and flowages in the north, and field hunting for mallards and Canada geese.
Friendships form in the field. Run into someone enough, and you’re likely to be invited to visit their home state to enjoy their hunting opportunities.
Daisy, the hunting partner of DNR Warden Evan Fox, keeps eye for falling birds on a recent waterfowl hunt. CREDIT: DNR Warden Evan Fox
Before you go, review and abide by that state’s hunting regulations – which may be different from Wisconsin’s. Just as we expect our fellow non-resident hunters to know and abide by all Wisconsin’s rules and regulations, we are expected to know and follow the laws in other states.
If you ever plan a hunting sojourn in another state or country, it is imperative to understand the rules. Why? Running afoul of other state’s laws can directly affect your hunting privileges at home.
Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact
The Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact includes 49 member states. Any person whose license privileges are suspended in one member state would also have them suspended in Wisconsin and every other member state.
You need to know what licenses are required in Wisconsin and in the state where your friend or family member lives.
States require an assortment of different licenses to hunt migratory birds, including a basic hunting license, waterfowl license, small game license, state waterfowl stamp and the Harvest Information Program (HIP). Some states require additional licenses for swans or cranes, and you may need to take an identification test to prove your adeptness at identifying the correct birds.
Know Where To Hunt
Some states hold a drawing to hunt state-managed wetlands, and some lands are off-limits to nonresidents during certain dates.
Bird Tagging, Transportation Rules
You cannot put or leave waterfowl at any place or in the custody of another person unless you tag the birds with your signature, address, number of birds identified by species and the date you killed them. When transporting migratory birds, you also need to keep the head or a wing attached for identification purposes. Know both the daily bag limit and your total possession limit.
Enjoy your visits out of state. Take the time to learn the local rules and regulations. And make sure you know Wisconsin’s laws – where the hunting is best.