The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is accepting applications for the 2026 Learn to Hunt Deer Program at Sandhill Wildlife Area near Babcock, Wisconsin. The program gives beginners a rare opportunity to learn deer hunting from experienced mentors while hunting on more than 9,000 acres of intensively managed wildlife habitat. Applications are due by July 1, 2026.
Located in central Wisconsin, Sandhill Wildlife Area encompasses approximately 9,150 acres of forests, grasslands and wetlands managed specifically for wildlife conservation and outdoor recreation. The Learn to Hunt program combines classroom instruction, field training and a mentored deer hunt designed to help participants develop the skills needed to become safe and successful deer hunters.
The program is open to two groups:
- Youth hunters ages 12-15
- Adults age 16 and older who have never hunted deer with a firearm
All participants must be accompanied by a chaperone during the program.
According to the DNR, both youth and adult workshops will cover deer biology, firearm safety, hunting ethics, scouting, shot placement, game recovery, field dressing and other essential hunting skills before participants head afield with experienced mentors.
One unique aspect of this year’s program is that registration fees have been waived thanks to private donations made in memory of Nicholas Jongebloed, a longtime supporter of the Learn to Hunt program. Previous years required a registration fee for participants.
Successful applicants will participate in summer and early fall training activities before Wisconsin’s deer seasons begin. The mentored hunts will take place during the 2026 deer season framework, which includes the Youth Deer Hunt on Oct. 10-11 and the regular nine-day Gun Deer Season beginning Nov. 21.
Interested hunters can download the application from the Sandhill Wildlife Area Outdoor Skills Calendar page and submit it before the July 1 deadline. Space is limited and participation is typically determined through an application and selection process. Application form: 2026 Sandhill Learn to Hunt Deer Application (PDF)
Why It Matters
Many adults interested in hunting never get started because they lack a mentor or hunting partner. Wisconsin’s Learn to Hunt program helps bridge that gap by pairing beginners with experienced hunters and providing hands-on instruction in a real hunting environment. Programs like this have become an important part of hunter recruitment efforts across the country as wildlife agencies work to introduce new participants to hunting and conservation.
Hunterizer Reminder
Whether you’re applying for the Sandhill Learn to Hunt program or planning your own deer season, the Hunterizer app includes Wisconsin deer season dates, legal hunting methods, shooting hours, license requirements, hunter orange rules, after-harvest requirements and deer management zone information. Wisconsin hunters can also use Hunterizer’s “What Can I Hunt Today?” feature to instantly see open seasons for any location and date across the state.
