Bayfield County Forestry Tree Stand and ATV Policy

ATVs and snowmobiles

There are separate brochures and maps available which show designated trails. Please ride responsibly and respect others using our outdoor resources. Remember, it is against the law to harass wildlife with ATVs or snowmobiles! Bayfield County snowmobile trails do not open until after the regular gun deer hunting season closes. ATV regulations vary on public and private lands, so check with the landowners or managing agency before riding. A brief summary of some of the policies is included within the table below, along with some of the tree stand requirements for lands within Bayfield County.

Tree Stand and ATV Policies*

  1. Allowed only during open deer season.
  2. Portable only- no nails or screw-in devices allowed.
Property Tree stands Ground blinds ATVs
Bayfield County
  1. May only be placed during the period from September 1 to December 31.
  2. Shall not be attached to a tree by any means which penetrates the bark or bole of the tree.
  3. Must be labeled with name and address of the owner that is readable from the ground.
  1. May only be placed during the period from September 1 to December 31.
  2. May only be constructed of natural materials, including fasteners.
  3. Must be labeled with name and address of the owner.
  
U.S. Forest Service
  1. Must not cause damage to trees.
  2. Must be removed from the property at the end of each day.
NOTE: Screw- in tree stands or steps are not allowed. 		Natural materials only; no cutting of trees.  
Wisconsin State Lands
  1. Must not cause damage to trees.
  2. Must be removed from the property at the end of each day.
NOTE: Screw-in tree stands and/or steps are not allowed.		 Natural materials only; no cutting of trees.  
Mosinee Paper Company Natural materials only; no cutting of trees.    

*All agencies: No cutting of "shooting lanes", use of nails, or screw-in devices are allowed on any county, state, federal, or industrial forest lands. Check with the appropriate land management agency for current regulations.

Forest Plan Revision is in progress. Check with the US Forest Service for changes.

Public Agency Contacts
US Forest Service
Washburn Ranger District: (715) 373-2667
Great Divide Ranger District: (715) 634-4821
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
Brule Office: (715) 372-8539
Bayfield Office: (715) 779-4030
Bayfield County Forestry Department
(715) 373-6114
Emergency Phone Number: (715) 373-6120