Sandhill outdoor skills calendar
The Sandhill Outdoor Skills Center provides a variety of educational activities in the wide and wild world of wildlife recreation. Wildlife staff, volunteers and guest instructors conduct various workshops each year, primarily on weekends. Workshops use both an indoor classroom center as well as the outdoor world of the Sandhill Wildlife Area. Workshops introduce participants to the appropriate use of outdoor equipment, develop skills to feel more competent outdoors and introduce participants to others who share similar interests. Outdoor skills programs are enhanced by a shooting range, trails and opportunities for supervised hunting and trapping experiences. These workshops and clinics are designed to be hands-on learning experiences to improve participants' knowledge, skills and experience level.
Workshop Registration
The Sandhill Wildlife Area is open to the public year-round. Individuals and groups are welcome to register for any of our workshops on a first-come, first-served basis.
Nominal fees are charged per participant for most Outdoor Skills Center workshops and tours to cover the costs of educational materials, meals and special equipment. Checks should be made out to the "DNR Skills Center". Registration is based on receipt of an application and fees. We do not currently accept credit/debit cards or cash.
Those registering for workshops will receive a confirmation when the application is processed and will get a reminder of the upcoming event about one week before the event.
To register for a program, you will need to complete both forms below and include a check for the total cost of the program. Most programs now have an online registration form linked below under each workshop. If you prefer to register this way, you will need to fill out an online registration form for each member of your party. This online registration serves as both your registration application and your photo release, however, you will still need to send a check via mail or in-person delivery. Please include a check for the total cost of the program, including everyone in your party. Checks should be made out to the “DNR Skills Center”. Please do not send cash. To find the registration fee per person for the desired programs, please see the flyer posted below. You or your party may only register for one program per application. Please fill out an additional application for each program if you desire to attend. Online registration forms will close when the program is at its maximum capacity. Please contact Zak Knab at Zachary.Knab@wisconsin.gov or 715-527-8096 if you have any questions or would like to be added to the waitlist.
Required Forms
If you are not registering online, please fill out the required forms below:
- Sandhill Outdoor Skills Workshop Registration Application [Download PDF]
- If you are having trouble downloading this form, please try the printable version.
- Photo Release Form
Note: Many current browsers do not open PDF files on their own. If you experience trouble opening or filling out a PDF form, visit the DNR PDF help for instructions on how to open PDF files successfully.
Please mail both completed forms (if not registering online) along with a check to:
Workshop Registration
Sandhill Wildlife Area
PO Box 156
Babcock, WI 54413
For more information, please contact Zak Knab at Zachary.Knab@wisconsin.gov or 715-527-8096.
Upcoming Workshops
- May 11, 2024 – Sandhill Birding Tour hosted by the Friends of Sandhill
- To register, or for more information, contact Vicki Palen at vpalen@tds.net or (715) 652-3131.
- May 11, 2024 – Sandhill Wildlife Area Open House hosted by the Friends of Sandhill
- This is a FREE event and no preregistration is required. Come whenever convenient between 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
- May 18, 2024 – Universe in the Park with Badger Talks
- This event has been CANCELED. If you have already registered for this event, someone from the DNR will be contacting you shortly. If you have questions, please call (715) 527-8096.
- May 23, 2024 – Frogs & Toads of Sandhill Wildlife Area Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin Tour
- For more information, and to register, please visit the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin and find your desired program.
- Please note: Must be a current member of the Natural Resources Foundation to register for these NRF Field Trips.
- June 8, 2024 – Walking Stick Workshop hosted by the Friends of Sandhill
- Online Registration Form in development. Check back soon.
- June 15, 2024 – Beauty and the Beasts Aldo Leopold Audubon Society Field Trip
- For more information, and to register, please visit Aldo Leopold Audubon Society and find the program.
- Please note: Must be a current member of the Aldo Leopold Audubon Society to register for this field trip.
- Aug. 21, 23-24, 2024 – Learn to Hunt Deer Workshop Days
- Tentative schedule. Check back soon for additional information and the application when open.
- Sep. 13-15, 2024 – Trapper’s Education Workshop
- To register or for additional information, please contact Allen Nickel at (715) 570-8718.
- Oct. 19, 2024 – Sandhill Crane Watch hosted by the Friends of Sandhill
- *Event for the 2024 Wisconsin Science Festival*
- Online Registration Form in development. Check back soon.
- Oct. 26, 2024 – Sandhill Crane Watch Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin Tour
- For more information, and to register, please visit the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin and find your desired program.
- Please note: Must be a current member of the Natural Resources Foundation to register for these NRF Field Trips.
- Nov. 2, 2024 - Learn to Hunt Deer Hunt Day
- Tentative schedule. Check back soon for additional information and the application when open.
- Nov. 16, 2024 – Deer Butchering Workshop
- Dec. 7, 2024 – Wreath Making Workshop hosted by the Friends of Sandhill
- Online Registration Form in development. Check back soon.
Note: Check back often, as new workshop and events information will be added throughout the year.
Learn To Hunt Deer
The 2023 Learn to Hunt Deer Program is completed. View the summary report below.
Archery Deer Hunt
The 2023 Archery Deer Hunt is completed. View the summary report below.
Firearm Deer Hunt
The 2023 Firearm Deer Hunt is completed. View the summary report below.
Sandhill Trapping Permit
The 2023-2024 Sandhill managed trapping season is underway. Those selected were notified via mail/email. Check back after the season closes for a harvest summary report.