What Is the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Website (dnr.wisconsin.gov)?

Updated

dnr.wisconsin.gov is the official website of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the state agency that manages Wisconsin's natural resources and environmental programs. It is the place to go for outdoor recreation information (licenses, hunting and fishing, trails, state wildlife areas), environmental compliance guidance for businesses, public input opportunities, and reporting of spills or violations. Use it when you need official state information or a service from the Wisconsin DNR; it is not a general travel or commercial booking site.

What the site covers

The homepage organizes content around seasonal priorities and core agency functions. The main areas visible on the site include:

  • Outdoor recreation and licenses — hunting preparation, fall fishing spots, ATV/UTV regulations, and state wildlife areas open to hunting, fishing, hiking, and more.
  • Safety reminders — seasonal guidance such as wearing a life jacket on cold fall waters.
  • Environmental compliance — Enviro-Nav (Environmental Responsibility Navigator), described as a guide to environmental compliance in Wisconsin.
  • Business resources — a one-stop shop for permit information and regulations.
  • Governance and public input — the Natural Resources Board, which sets policy for the department, and the Conservation Congress for those interested in natural resources management and providing input.
  • Agency information — media contacts, public input opportunities, financial assistance, events, and requests for a speaker from the Secretary's Office or DNR staff.
  • Merchandise and magazine — DNR merchandise whose proceeds support conservation and environmental education, and the quarterly Wisconsin Natural Resources Magazine.
  • Kids' education — Environmental Education for Kids (EEK!), now provided by FIELD Edventures after 18 years of DNR support.

Who it is for

Audience What they typically use the site for
Hunters and anglers Preparing for the hunt, finding fall fishing spots, license information
ATV/UTV riders Reviewing Wisconsin's ATV/UTV regulations before heading out
Hikers and outdoor visitors Finding a state wildlife area to visit
Businesses Permit information, regulations, environmental compliance guidance
Residents and advocates Natural Resources Board and Conservation Congress information, public input opportunities
Media Media contacts and agency information

Contact channels

The site lists several phone numbers for different needs:

  • General questions: 1-888-936-7463, seven days a week, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
  • Spills: 1-800-943-0003, a 24-hour spill emergency hotline.
  • Violations: 1-800-TIP-WDNR (1-800-847-9367) to confidentially report suspected wildlife, recreational, and environmental violations.

Practical notes

  • The site is in English and is published by the State of Wisconsin, so it is the authoritative source for DNR rules, permits, and program details rather than a third-party summary.
  • Content is organized seasonally — for example, fall fishing and cold-water life jacket reminders appear in autumn — so the most relevant links on the homepage change through the year.
  • Some functions, such as license purchasing, are linked from the site; the homepage itself presents them as entry points rather than describing pricing, so check the linked pages for current fees and requirements.