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Wisconsin Land

The natural beauty that greeted the early fur traders in Wisconsin continues to draw modern frontiersmen from the world over today. Hunting land in the northern temperate climes yields a plethora of opportunities for the woodsman and Wisconsin land investor alike. From excellent turkey and deer hunting seasons throughout the state to deep, nutrient rich topsoil for farming, there seems to be something for everyone.

Developing hobby farms or hunting cabins on rural land can be tricky due to Wisconsin's Smart Growth Law. The law does not designate any land use requirements, but instead maps out very specific guidelines for planning development. While the law can be time consuming, it also helps give Wisconsin land owners a much more public opportunity to be a part of any major developments in their communities.

The astute, land-owning hunter should be cognizant of any Quality Deer Management (QDM) systems in place in their area. QDM is a philosophy that originated in Texas in the 70's and has traditionally been implemented by large (1000+ Acres) parcels of land. Today, the philosophy is at work in Wisconsin and extended to cooperatives of smaller adjoining lots. Be sure to consider QDM when purchasing land in Wisconsin, whether to avoid it or to try and implement it with your neighboring land owners. QDM requires some knowledge about deer biology, but yields better hunting.

Owning recreational use, rural land in most parts of Wisconsin carries few limitations but relatively high taxes. It will be important to consider several options for alleviating these expenses. For example, many properties can qualify to be zoned agricultural, which carries a lower tax rate, by purchasing livestock to graze upon the land. This is particularly helpful if your land is adjacent to another farm - you can offer local farmers the right to milk or breed the cows if they keep an eye on them.

A talk with the county clerk where your land is located - whether currently or potentially - will yield a wealth of information about development policies. By law, these policies have to be amended at least every ten years, but can be amended at any time provided the proper Smart Growth procedures are followed. Many counties - such as Forest County, who publishes their land use guidelines on the internet - carry few restrictions on land zoned rural recreational. Smart growth protects the rights of a community, and gives you an opportunity to be a part of any planning and development that occurs.

Another tax option is the Managed Forestry Law. Parcels of Wisconsin land that are of ten acres or greater (excluding one acre for a residence) can petition the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to be place under this status and pay only $1.46 per open (available to public) acre, and $7.46 per closed acre, annually, in lieu of a property tax. In return, the property owner has to adhere to a forest management plan developed by the Wisconsin DNR. While this option can be more labor intensive, it is a perfect solution for paying as few property taxes as possible on hunting land.

With regard to agriculture, many people mistakenly believe that they can reap the benefits of "losing" money in a hobby farm. What is dangerous about claiming loss on a hobby farm are instances where you collect an additional income. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has passed a code called the Hobby Farm Loss which excludes taxpayers from claiming a farm loss on their taxes, when farming is not their primary source of income.

Wisconsin is very particular about its waterfront properties. In addition to the Smart Growth Law, stipulations exist from county to county when developing on land that touches a body of water. In Sawyer County, for example, there is requirement that keeps all buildings 75' from any shoreline. This is a common regulation throughout the state, but is defined on a per-county basis.

A variety of exceptions apply to the waterfront stipulations. In the Sawyer County example, the same code allows the building of "access" structures to the shoreline. This includes piers and trails. It is important for Wisconsin land owners to check with the county clerk to determine exceptions to waterfront rules.

In addition to bodies of water, it is very important to adhere to all guidelines from the DNR when purchasing property with waterways. Moving water is a very sensitive issue that can carry stiff penalties in the event of unauthorized disturbance, such as a bridge or a damn. It is important to talk to a local DNR office about options for land containing waterways.

Like a fine wine, Wisconsin's subtleties are exposed only to those with open senses. Wisconsin goes to great lengths to preserve the same beauty that presented itself to the early settlers. Its treasures - from the timber wolves in the North to the muskellunge in Lake Winnebago - are to be found in abundance for those who have invested in this verdant Wisconsin land.