Area Tourism, Attractions and Events
Hunting
White-tailed Deer | Turkey Hunting “Land of the Gobblers” | Other Game
White-tailed Deer
The rugged hills and deep valleys of Vernon County provide excellent habitat for the White-tailed Deer. Intermixed farm fields provide year round food sources and help keep the herd population stable and in good health. Bow hunting season starts in mid September and continues through December. The gun season starts the Saturday before Thanksgiving and lasts nine days.
Most land is under private ownership so permission is required, however many public hunting grounds throughout Vernon County provide excellent opportunities. A number of Cabin and Bed & Breakfast operators offer hunting opportunities on their properties as well.
Wisconsin DNR Deer Hunting Web site
Turkey Hunting “Land of the Gobblers”
When the Wild Turkey was targeted for reintroduction in Wisconsin during the 1970’s, Vernon County was chosen as the first region to receive the new transplanting. Since that time the population has rapidly increased and turkeys now flourish in all regions of the county. Visitors traveling the roads of Vernon County will commonly see the Wild Turkey going about their daily business of foraging on local farm fields. Romance, about 10 miles west of Viroqua, was the site of the first reintroduction and is rightfully named “Wild Turkey Capital of Wisconsin”.
A spring and fall season offers the outdoors person the opportunity to match wits with this King of Game Birds. Permits are issued on a lottery system through the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. The spring season generally starts around mid April and runs through mid-May, and the fall season runs through the month of October.
Wisconsin DNR Turkey Hunting Web site
Other Game
Other types of hunting available in and around Vernon County include ducks & geese, pheasant, grouse, quail, mourning dove, rabbit, squirrel, raccoon, fox and coyote.
Wisconsin DNR Hunting and Trapping Web site
Tourism Information: 608-637-2575 or infodesk@viroqua-wisconsin.com
