Expert: John J. Shea - 11/14/2011

Question
I found this stone today, laying on top of the ground next to a tree, while hunting deer.  In Chippewa County, Wisconsin.  Kettle moraine area.  7.5 inches wide, 5.75 inches tall, and .75 inches thick.  Convex shape on front, with sharp edges on left and right from hand chipping.  Back is flat.

I took these pictures myself, which means I have copyright. You have permission to publish from me.

Thank you very much for your help.

Answer
Hi John
It looks like a hoe or an axe.  The surface is kind of weathered, though and the chipping at the bottom (6 o'clock on photo) looks more recent that the other chipping scars.  I'd take it to an archaeologist at a museum or any of your state colleges/universities for them to have a closer look at it.
That you found it on the surface raises the possibility that it is something someone made recently that simply looks like a prehistoric stone tool. A good archaeologist will be able to tell you much more about it after they have had a chance to examine it.  The raw material alone could help tell if it is man-made (i.e., if the rock is exotic to the region where you found this).
Good eye.  I hope your hunt was successful.
Cheers,
John Shea