Wisconsin has long been a bucket-list destination for hunters from the East Coast states like Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, and Maine, as well as southern states including Texas and beyond. Many non-resident hunters discover Buffalo and Trempealeau counties offer larger, mature whitetail deer than their home states. Owning your own piece of Wisconsin hunting land offers unparalleled access to trophy bucks and year-round outdoor recreation—but buying land as a non-resident involves navigating specific rules, taxes, and practical tactics.
Coulee Land Company, with deep local experience and over 25 years of professional outdoor TV filming with big-name hunters, understands the unique challenges and opportunities facing out-of-state buyers. Our 5-star Google reviews show how our expertise and connections help hunters from afar make smart, confident land investments.
Understanding Wisconsin Hunting Tags and Residency Rules
Non-residents must obtain a non-resident hunting license plus all required deer harvest authorizations to legally hunt in Wisconsin. Some key points:
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Non-resident licenses cost more than resident licenses; for example, a non-resident combination license for multiple game can be around $295 (2025 rates).
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Deer harvest authorizations are required—these may be limited in number and obtained through lotteries, especially for antlerless deer in certain units.
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Hunter education is mandatory for most new hunters born after 1973.
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Non-residents can hunt on public lands but should seek private land access or own land for the best trophy chances.
Coulee Land Company assists non-resident buyers by providing insight on tag purchase strategies tied to their new property location and hunting goals.
Taxes and Legal Considerations for Non-Resident Landowners
Buying land in Wisconsin as a non-resident involves understanding relevant tax obligations:
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Property Taxes: Non-resident owners pay the same local property taxes as residents. Buffalo and Trempealeau counties offer relatively competitive tax rates for rural land.
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State Income Taxes: Rental income from leases or timber harvests on your land may be subject to Wisconsin state income tax.
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Capital Gains Taxes: When selling the property, capital gains taxes may apply federally and at the state level.
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Inheritance and Estate Taxes: Planning is important for passing land to heirs.
Our local knowledge helps buyers work with Wisconsin tax professionals who specialize in non-resident land ownership, easing entry into state regulatory environments.
Tactics for Successful Non-Resident Land Buying
1. Work With a Local Expert Who Knows The Outdoor Culture
Navigating parcel selection, access, hunting pressures, and local contacts is best done with boots on the ground. Mike Law’s outdoor TV background and network of elite hunting professionals and landowners uniquely qualify him to guide non-resident buyers through Buffalo County’s complex land market.
2. Prioritize Turnkey Hunting Properties with Established Habitat
Properties with proven trophy potential, existing food plots, trails, and lease agreements reduce risks for buyers who cannot visit frequently. Coulee Land Company scouts and markets such turnkey parcels, giving non-resident hunters confident options.
3. Understand Local Land Use and Zoning
Zoning influences permitted uses, building ability, and hunting rights. Our experts ensure buyers understand these nuances in Buffalo and Trempealeau counties before purchase.
4. Plan For Practical Management
Managing land from afar requires logistics for trail cameras, hunter coordination, and maintenance. Mike’s filming experience connects clients to trusted outfitters and service providers for remote property management.
5. Capitalize on Growing Trophy Buck Population
Wisconsin’s whitetail herd is known for growing mature bucks that outsize many East Coast and Southern deer. Owning land here gives non-resident hunters a unique advantage to harvest trophy-class animals regularly.