Metro Sub-Unit 202, Wisconsin

Wisconsin DMU 202 covers approximately 349 square miles in the central portion of Clark County, within the state's Central Forest Zone. The terrain is gently rolling to moderately hilly, with elevations generally ranging from 1,000 to 1,400 feet above sea level. Land cover is dominated by northern hardwood and mixed forest — aspen, maple, oak, and birch stands intermixed with lowland conifers including tamarack and spruce in wetter areas. Agricultural clearings and fields break up the forest canopy, particularly in the eastern portions of the unit. The Black River and its tributaries drain portions of the unit, creating riparian corridors of bottomland hardwoods and wetlands. Numerous small marshes, bogs, and pothole wetlands are scattered throughout, providing prime wildlife habitat and natural funnels for deer movement.

Hunting pressure in DMU 202 is moderate, lower than comparable public land units in northern Wisconsin or the more popular farmland counties. The large Clark County Forest absorbs significant hunting activity without becoming overcrowded, particularly during the nine-day gun season in late November. Archery and muzzleloader hunters encounter lighter pressure, and interior portions of the county forest away from main roads see relatively little competition. The unit draws local hunters from central Wisconsin communities and some out-of-county public land seekers, but stand sites near secondary roads remain accessible even during peak gun season. CWD was first confirmed in a wild deer in Clark County in January 2026, which may affect some hunters decisions in coming seasons.

DMU 202 is a Forest Zone unit, so hunters do not receive the free farmland antlerless harvest authorizations bundled with their license — those are reserved for Farmland Zone DMUs. Every Wisconsin deer license includes one statewide buck tag valid for any antlered deer. Antlerless deer in this unit require a separate bonus antlerless harvest authorization sold over the counter through GoWild starting August 17. The 2026 antlerless quota for DMU 202 is 650 authorizations for public land and 2,000 for private land, priced at $12 for residents and $20 for nonresidents, sold at one per person per day while supplies last. There are no earn-a-buck requirements or drawing restrictions in this unit.

Deer seasons in DMU 202 follow the statewide Forest Zone structure: archery and crossbow runs September 13 through January 4 (2025-26 season); youth gun hunt October 11-12; nine-day gun deer season November 22-30; muzzleloader December 1-10; antlerless-only (gun and archery) December 11-14; holiday antlerless hunt December 24 through January 1. Wild turkey are present in huntable numbers countywide with spring and fall seasons. Black bear populations are growing in Clark County and bear hunting is permitted in the fall. Ruffed grouse hunting is productive in the abundant aspen regeneration areas throughout the county forest. Waterfowl including ducks and geese are available along streams, wetlands, and river corridors. CWD was first confirmed in a wild deer in Clark County in January 2026; a countywide baiting and feeding ban is in effect and voluntary CWD testing at DNR kiosks is strongly encouraged for all harvested deer.

DMU 202 is anchored by the 134,702-acre Clark County Forest, one of Wisconsin's great public land hunting blocks, putting genuine big-woods deer hunting within reach without the long drive to far-northern Wisconsin. Deer densities averaging 20-25 animals per square mile make consistent encounters realistic, and the mosaic of aspen clearcuts, agricultural edges, mature hardwood ridges, and wetland corridors gives hunters diverse terrain to work throughout the season. The unit's substantial forest cover has historically allowed bucks to age past typical farmland standards; hunters willing to hold out for mature deer regularly encounter 3.5-year-old and older animals. Early archery season in September and October, before gun pressure pushes deer nocturnal, offers some of the best mature buck opportunities. Hundreds of miles of logging roads make solo scouting practical, and the unit's relative obscurity compared to famous northern destinations like Oneida and Vilas counties keeps competition manageable. Turkey, bear, ruffed grouse, and waterfowl hunting round out a week-long camp in Clark County into a genuine multi-species experience.