Unit 105

Madeline Island dominates the landscape as the primary offshore hunting area, accessible by ferry or private boat. The mainland is defined by distinctive Lake Superior points: Amnicon Point, Big Bay Point, Grants Point, Point De Froid, and Steamboat Point. These capes provide glassing opportunities over the lake and serve as reliable navigation anchors.

Big Bay Lagoon creates a significant water feature and potential travel corridor. The small towns of La Pointe and Middleport anchor the populated areas. Old Fort marks a historic site.

The road network is well-developed, making these features easy to locate, though accessing them may require permission.

This is flatland country throughout, with elevations ranging from lake level to under 850 feet. The terrain is forested lowland typical of the Lake Superior shoreline region—mixed hardwoods and conifers interspersed with wet areas and small clearings. Dense forest comprises most of the unit, broken by agricultural land, residential properties, and open bays.

Bog Lake and various wetland complexes provide the interior water features. The forest understory varies from thick brush in old growth to more open conditions in younger timber. Elevation changes are subtle; any rise in terrain is gradual and minimal.

Road density is high at 2.88 miles per square mile—well above typical Wisconsin standards—reflecting the developed, accessible nature of this coastal region. Major roads connect the population centers and provide easy entry points. However, 82.5% private ownership severely restricts actual hunting ground.

This isn't wilderness access; it's residential property with gates and "no trespassing" signs. Most public land is scattered in small parcels. Success depends on prior scouting, landowner relationships, or finding the small pockets of accessible ground.

Expect moderate to high pressure where public land exists; the compact size means it gets hunted.

Unit 105 encompasses the Lake Superior shoreline region of far northwestern Wisconsin, including Madeline Island and the mainland points jutting into the lake. The unit is compact at 23 square miles, making it one of the more confined hunting areas in the state. The landscape is defined by its relationship to Lake Superior; most hunting occurs within a few miles of the shoreline or on the island itself.

This is cottage country and fishing community territory, not wilderness—the area has been settled and developed for generations, which directly impacts access and hunting strategy.

Water is abundant and defines the unit. Lake Superior itself is the dominant feature, providing both opportunity and challenge—access to islands requires a boat. Interior water sources include Bog Lake and Big Bay Lagoon, both reliable and huntable around.

The bogs and wetland complexes scattered throughout provide drinking water and can concentrate wildlife. Seasonal water isn't a concern here; the water badge reflects genuine abundance. Drainage patterns are minimal given the flat terrain; water sits in place rather than flowing dramatically.

The lake effect creates distinct weather patterns and can influence animal movement and behavior.

Unit 105 supports white-tailed and mule deer, with whitetails being the primary quarry. Habitat is suitable for both species—forested lowlands with wetland edges provide ideal browse and escape cover. Madeline Island offers distinct hunting with fewer access constraints but requires boat logistics.

The mainland requires identifying public land or gaining private permission. Early season hunting focuses on active feeding areas near clearings and agricultural edges. Rut activity follows standard November timing in these northern woods.

Late season finds deer concentrating in thick stands and shelter belts. This is a knowledge-intensive unit where local patterns and private-land access matter more than terrain reading.