Hunt unit · Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge
Open - WI Hunt Unit Map & Access
The Open - WI unit is one of 3 mapped hunt units on Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge in Walworth County, WI. It covers approximately 85 acres and is listed as “open – special regulations apply” for 2026–2027. That means hunting is permitted, but refuge-specific rules — such as limited species, dates, weapon types, access methods or quota permits — apply on top of state regulations.
Open - WI map
Rules & permits for this unit
Status: Open – special regulations apply
Hunting is allowed, but refuge-specific rules apply in addition to Illinois regulations. Typical special regulations include limited species or seasons, quota/lottery permits, weapon restrictions (e.g. archery or shotgun only), shooting-hour limits, blind or stand rules and restricted access.
Game at Hackmatack NWR
Species listed for the refuge as a whole — a special-regulation unit may be limited to certain species. Confirm in the hunt brochure.
Getting to the Open - WI unit
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Destination: center of the Open - WI unit
- Decimal
42.51032, -88.34165- DMS
42°30′37.2″N 88°20′29.9″W
Nearest towns
- Rockford, IL42 mi NE of town
- Milwaukee, WI43 mi SW of town
- Chicago, IL57 mi NW of town
Straight-line distances. Driving routes are longer; many refuge roads are gravel and may close seasonally.
The navigation point is a point inside the unit polygon, not necessarily a parking area or legal access point. Use satellite view to find roads, gates and designated parking, and respect closed areas and private inholdings.
Shooting hours at this unit
Today at Open - WI
*½ hour before sunrise — the standard federal shooting-hour start for migratory game birds. Times in Chicago local time.
Full season calculator →2026–2027 season sun table
| Date | Shooting light | Sunrise | Sunset | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tue, Sep 1, 2026 | 5:47 AM | 6:17 AM | 7:30 PM | 13h 13m |
| Tue, Sep 15, 2026 | 6:01 AM | 6:31 AM | 7:05 PM | 12h 34m |
| Thu, Oct 1, 2026 | 6:18 AM | 6:48 AM | 6:36 PM | 11h 48m |
| Thu, Oct 15, 2026 | 6:34 AM | 7:04 AM | 6:13 PM | 11h 08m |
| Sun, Nov 1, 2026 | 5:55 AM | 6:25 AM | 4:48 PM | 10h 22m |
| Sun, Nov 15, 2026 | 6:13 AM | 6:43 AM | 4:32 PM | 9h 49m |
| Tue, Dec 1, 2026 | 6:32 AM | 7:02 AM | 4:22 PM | 9h 19m |
| Tue, Dec 15, 2026 | 6:45 AM | 7:15 AM | 4:21 PM | 9h 05m |
| Fri, Jan 1, 2027 | 6:52 AM | 7:22 AM | 4:29 PM | 9h 07m |
| Fri, Jan 15, 2027 | 6:50 AM | 7:20 AM | 4:43 PM | 9h 23m |
| Mon, Feb 1, 2027 | 6:38 AM | 7:08 AM | 5:04 PM | 9h 57m |
Computed for 42.510, -88.342 (CDT / DST-aware). Check state rules — big game hours vary.
Weather forecast
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Forecast from the National Weather Service. Wind direction matters — plan your approach downwind of where game beds.
Other units at Hackmatack NWR
| Unit | Status | Acres | Permit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open - IL | !Special regs | 570 | — |
| Closed | ✕Closed | 472 | — |