RHINELANDER - Many hunters already hit the woods for grouse, deer, bear, and other animals.

But for those who waited a bit longer, there are ways to get started.

With an abundance of state and county lands available for hunting, you have options.

The DNR gets numerous calls asking where people should hunt.

"The number one thing you have to do is scout," DNR Wildlife Biologist Jeremy Holtz said.

"Unfortunately there's no substitution for getting on the ground and looking at locations that you think you might be interested in."

The DNR has ruffed grouse area maps as well as forest maps on its website.

It's important to learn about the area you want to hunt.

Know the habitat, walk around, talk to property managers, and possibly set up trail cameras.

Now hunters can set trail cams on public land.

"It is legal for someone to put a trail camera on state land," Holtz said.

"But they should remember they're placing it at their own risk and at their own expense if the camera is taken."

Another reminder - the DNR wants your help with wildlife management.

If you see animals while hunting or walking through the woods - make note of what you saw, how many, and where you were.

You can submit that data to help the DNR compile its data.

"People tell us the DNR doesn't know how to count deer, or they don't know what wildlife is really out there," Holtz said.

"This is a great time of year for people to get out there and report to us what they're seeing. That information is used basically to help shore up the data we already compile. It's basically anecdotal and used to supplement the scientific data we already have."

Follow the links below for helpful places to hunt.

Related Weblinks:
Ruffed Grouse Links
Where to hunt....

Story By: Matt Doyle