The law of prescriptive easements is state law and varies from state to state.
In IN one MAY acquire a prescriptive easement after an adverse usage period of ten years. Other states require different usage periods. It appears that WI has codified the law and follows the more common twenty year usage period. Note: the use must be adverse, i.e., without permission.
More importantly, the burden of proving all elements necessary to acquire a prescriptive easement is on the party seeking to acquire the easement. This can be a heavy burden unless you have kept good records for the statutory time period.
In any event, an enforceable easement can be acquired only after a court of law has heard the evidence and ruled upon the issue.
If access to your property via the "short route" is important you should consult a WI lawyer because it is likely that the property owner will do so if such has not been done already. It is likely that the lawyer will advise you to seek a license (permission) from the current owner. Do not make an enemy if usage of the "short route" is important. After all, the current owner is the owner.
I have attached a link to in interesting article from the Wisconsin Lawyer that should answer most of your questions. Note that a prescriptive easement acquired through adverse usage and an easement by necessity are different legal issues.
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Today's Featured Article - Show Coverage: Argyle and Mt. Pleasant Labor Day Weekend Shows - by Cindy Ladage. The last fling before summer fades into fall and we get busy in the fields are the annual Labor Day tractor shows. Beginning on September 5th and running through the 7th, the Argyle Antique Gas and Engine Show is held at the Argyle State Park. Located in West Central Illinois, the pine forest was the setting for the opening of the 22nd show. This year we decided to try to sell a few tractor parts, literature and wrenches to offset my husband's buying sprees. Saturday
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