Richard Bong State Recreation Area
Current Conditions

Conditions as of Friday, January 6, 2012:

• Trails and Recreation
• Hunting
• Fishing, Boating and Swimming
• Camping
• Nature
• More Information

Vehicle admission stickers are required and can be purchased at the entrance station or through self-registration upon arrival.

Hunting

Please be aware that hunting is allowed on this property. It is your personal decision whether or not to use the park during hunting seasons. There has never been an injury of a non-hunter in the park due to hunting. No rifles or handguns are allowed for hunting, only shotguns, bows and muzzle loaders. However, if you are still uncomfortable you have several options. Wearing blaze orange will make you more visible. Parts of the horse trail and the hiking trail on the southeastern end of the park are in the “No Hunting” area.

Please check hunting regulations and maps. Hunting hours at Richard Bong may differ from the regulations. Call (262) 878-5600 for hunting times and questions specific to Richard Bong State Recreation Area.

Hunters may not use rifles or pistols at Richard Bong State Recreation Area. A daily hunting permit and vehicle admission are needed to hunt on the property. During the pheasant hunting season, a special armband is required to hunt pheasant at Richard Bong State Recreation Area. Those armbands must be purchased from staff upon arrival.

Target shooting and sighting-in firearms are prohibited. Hunters need to practice the four rules of firearm safety and remember that others are recreating here.

Hunting Seasons at Richard Bong:

• Coyote: Open all year
• Archery Deer: September 17 - January 8, 2012
• Squirrel: September 17, 2011 - January 31, 2012
• Rabbit: October 15 – February 29, 2012
• Special  Deer Hunt: December 24 – January 8, 2012

Trails and Recreation

For the most current trail conditions, please call (262) 878-5600.

Hiking

All trails are open to hikers. Dogs must be on a leash 8-feet or shorter at all times.

All-terrain Vehicle (ATV) and Dirtbike Trails

Availability of the ATV and dirtbike trails is determined on a daily basis. For the most current trail conditions, please call (262) 878-5600.

ATV and Dirtbike Rules [exit DNR]

Horseback Riding

Trails are open depending on trail conditions, please call (262) 878-5600 for availability. A State Trail Pass is required for riders ages 16 and up riding on the trails. If trails are closed, you may ride on the paved roads at Richard Bong State Recreation Area. Please ride responsibly to not degrade the trails. You are required to take any droppings and hay with you from the parking lots when you leave so the natural beauty of the park is not compromised.

Fishing, Boating and Swimming

We currently have no ice on Wolf Lake. Panfish and northerns are being caught in open water.

Fishing Regulations

Public Use in the Special Use Zone (SUZ)

Activities in the Special Use Zone (SUZ) area must be managed to insure compatibility. Please call ahead at least a week before your planned event for permission to use the area. Check with management if you are planning an activity (rocket launches, free flight airplanes, rubber band airplanes, etc.) in the special use zone.

Camping

The campgrounds are closed for the season.  Sunrise campground will re-open on March 9, 2012. Camping reservations can be made by calling (888) 947-2757 or visiting our reservations page.

Camping Fees

Firewood can be purchased from neighboring farms. You may ask for maps to local vendors when you arrive.

Firewood Notice: Due to the potential of carrying harmful tree pests and diseases, firewood from out of state or from more than 25 miles away is not allowed on Wisconsin State Park or Forest properties. Also, firewood that has been in the Wisconsin emerald ash borer quarantined area [PDF 102KB] is not allowed on properties outside of the quarantined area. Please buy firewood at or near the park or forest where you are going. Call the DNR toll-free Firewood Hotline, (877) 303-WOOD ((877) 303-9663) for information before packing for a trip. Kenosha County is currently under a quarantine, no wood may be taken from here to another county.

Nature

The wildlife refuge water control structure is installed and ready to hold water, now all we need is snow and/or rain.

Upcoming Naturalist Programs [exit DNR]

More Information

Annual vehicle admission stickers for 2012 are available and are valid from date of purchase through December 31, 2012.

Weather [exit DNR]

For more information, ask Richard Bong State Recreation Area, (262) 878-5600.

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