Wisconsin’s bow hunting season offers archery enthusiasts a prime opportunity to pursue whitetail deer across the state’s diverse landscapes. The 2024 archery and crossbow seasons run from September 14, 2024, to January 5, 2025, in most areas. Some counties have extended seasons until January 31, 2025, providing additional hunting opportunities for dedicated archers.

Wisconsin is renowned for its healthy deer population and potential for trophy bucks. The state’s bow hunting regulations allow hunters to use both traditional archery equipment and crossbows during the designated seasons. This flexibility caters to a wide range of hunting preferences and skill levels.

Bow hunting in Wisconsin requires careful preparation, including obtaining the proper licenses, scouting locations, and practicing archery skills. Hunters should familiarize themselves with specific regulations, such as antlerless deer harvest quotas and hunting hours, which can vary by management unit. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources provides comprehensive resources to help hunters plan successful and ethical bow hunting trips.

Understanding Wisconsin Hunting Regulations

Wisconsin’s hunting regulations are designed to ensure sustainable wildlife management and hunter safety. These rules cover various aspects of hunting, from licensing requirements to specific restrictions on baiting and feeding.

General Hunting Guidelines

Wisconsin’s hunting regulations set clear parameters for hunters. Hunting hours typically run from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset. Blaze orange or pink clothing is mandatory during certain seasons for safety reasons.

Hunters must always carry their licenses and authorizations while in the field. It’s crucial to correctly identify targets and be aware of what’s beyond them before shooting.

The use of electronic calls is restricted to specific game animals. Hunters should check the current regulations for allowed devices and methods for their target species.

License and Authorization Requirements

All hunters in Wisconsin must possess a valid hunting license. These can be purchased online, at authorized retailers, or through the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) service centers.

Licenses vary based on residency status, age, and type of game hunted. Some popular options include:

• Resident Archery/Crossbow License
• Non-Resident Archery/Crossbow License
• Junior Hunting License (ages 12-17)
• Senior Citizen Hunting License (65 and older)

For deer hunting, additional Harvest Authorizations may be required. These include Antlerless Harvest Authorizations and Bonus Antlerless Harvest Authorizations for specific management zones.

Special Regulations for Hunters With Disabilities

Wisconsin offers accommodations for hunters with disabilities to ensure equal access to hunting opportunities. These include:

• Special hunting seasons
• Use of adaptive equipment
• Crossbow use during archery seasons

Hunters must obtain a Class A, B, C, or D Disabled Hunter Permit to qualify for these accommodations. The application process requires certification from a healthcare provider.

Some properties offer wheelchair-accessible blinds or special vehicle access. It’s advisable to contact the specific property manager for availability and reservations.

Baiting and Feeding Restrictions

Wisconsin imposes strict regulations on baiting and feeding wildlife to prevent the spread of diseases like Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD). These rules vary by county and are subject to change based on disease prevalence.

In some counties, baiting and feeding are completely prohibited. In others, there are restrictions on:

• Quantity of bait allowed (typically 2 gallons)
• Placement of bait (100 yards from property lines)
• Duration of bait placement

Hunters must remove all bait sites no later than 10 days after the close of deer hunting seasons. It’s crucial to check the current regulations for specific county restrictions before hunting.

Season Dates and Hunting Hours

Wisconsin’s bow hunting season encompasses various dates and hours for different game species. Hunters must stay informed about specific timeframes and regulations to ensure legal and ethical hunting practices.

Deer Hunting Timeline

Archery and crossbow deer hunting in Wisconsin runs from September 14, 2024, to January 5, 2025. The youth deer hunt takes place on October 5-6. Hunters with disabilities have a special gun hunt from October 5-13.

The regular gun deer season is scheduled for November 23 to December 1. Muzzleloader season follows from December 2-11. A statewide antlerless-only hunt occurs December 12-15.

An antlerless-only holiday hunt is set for December 24, 2024, to January 1, 2025. This hunt is only available in select Farmland (Zone 2) counties.

Migratory and Game Bird Seasons

Early teal and early goose seasons typically open in September. Specific dates vary by species and zone. Hunters should consult the Wisconsin DNR website for exact dates.

Duck seasons are staggered across northern and southern zones. Goose hunting continues through various splits until late December or early January, depending on the zone.

Hunting hours for migratory birds generally start 30 minutes before sunrise and end at sunset. Always check current regulations for any changes or exceptions.

Furbearer and Other Species Hunting Periods

Furbearer seasons, including coyote, fox, and raccoon, often begin in mid-October and extend through winter. Specific dates can vary by species and method of take.

Bear hunting seasons are typically in September and October, with exact dates determined by zone and hunting method.

Elk hunting is limited, with a short season from October 12 to November 10, 2024. Permits are awarded through a drawing system.

Hunting hours for most species align with standard shooting hours: 30 minutes before sunrise to 20 minutes after sunset. Always verify current regulations for any species-specific time restrictions.

Deer Management in Wisconsin

Wisconsin’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR) manages the state’s deer population through scientific methods and hunter input. The goal is to maintain a healthy, sustainable deer herd while balancing ecological and social concerns.

Deer Habitat and Population Control

Wisconsin’s DNR divides the state into Deer Management Units (DMUs) to tailor strategies to local conditions. These units help biologists monitor population trends and set harvest quotas. The DNR uses aerial surveys, trail cameras, and harvest data to estimate deer numbers.

Antlerless harvest quotas are a key tool for population control. The DNR adjusts these quotas annually based on current data and management goals. In some areas, extended hunting seasons or earn-a-buck programs may be implemented to reduce deer numbers.

Habitat management is also crucial. The DNR works with landowners to improve deer habitat through selective timber harvests, prescribed burns, and food plot establishment. These efforts aim to support a healthy deer population while minimizing conflicts with agriculture and forestry.

Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) Management

CWD poses a significant challenge to Wisconsin’s deer management efforts. This fatal neurological disease affects deer, elk, and moose. The DNR actively monitors CWD spread through mandatory and voluntary testing programs.

In CWD-affected areas, the DNR may implement special regulations to reduce deer density and limit disease transmission. These measures can include extended hunting seasons, increased harvest quotas, and carcass movement restrictions.

The DNR encourages hunters to submit deer heads for CWD testing, especially in known CWD zones. Testing stations are set up throughout the state during hunting seasons. The agency also conducts targeted surveillance in areas where CWD has not been detected to monitor potential spread.

Public education is a key component of CWD management. The DNR provides resources to hunters on proper carcass handling and disposal to minimize the risk of disease spread.

Archery and Crossbow Hunting Specifics

Wisconsin offers distinct archery and crossbow deer hunting seasons with specific equipment requirements and regulations. Hunters must adhere to these rules while pursuing deer across the state’s diverse landscapes.

Equipment and Techniques

Archery hunters typically use compound bows or traditional recurve bows. These require significant skill to master. Crossbows, on the other hand, offer a more rifle-like experience. Both weapons demand proper safety practices and ethical shot placement.

Hunters often employ tree stands or ground blinds for concealment. Scent control is crucial, as deer have a keen sense of smell. Many archers and crossbow users rely on rangefinders to accurately judge distances.

Broadheads must be sharp and well-matched to the bow or crossbow. Practice with field tips is essential for developing accuracy. Hunters should always use a haul line to bring unloaded bows or crossbows into elevated positions.

Special Archery and Crossbow Season Rules

The archery and crossbow seasons in Wisconsin run from September 14, 2024, to January 5, 2025. Some counties and metro subunits have extended seasons until January 31, 2025. These longer seasons provide additional hunting opportunities.

Hunters must possess a valid archery or crossbow license. They’re required to wear blaze orange during the gun deer season. Baiting and feeding regulations vary by county, so hunters should check local rules.

Archery and crossbow hunters can harvest antlerless deer in many management units. Some areas may have antler point restrictions. All harvested deer must be registered electronically by 5 p.m. the day after recovery.

Licenses, Sales, and Harvest Authorizations

Wisconsin’s deer hunting licensing system involves multiple components. Hunters must obtain proper licenses and harvest authorizations before pursuing deer in the state.

Acquiring Hunting Licenses

Deer hunting licenses in Wisconsin are available through various channels. Hunters can purchase licenses online through the Go Wild app or at authorized license agents across the state.

License types include:

• Gun
• Archery
• Crossbow
• Conservation Patron
• Sports

Prices vary based on residency status and age. Youth hunters aged 11 and under qualify for discounted rates.

Antlerless Permit System

Wisconsin uses an antlerless harvest authorization system to manage deer populations. Bonus antlerless harvest authorizations are available for purchase starting in August each year.

Key points:

• Authorizations are specific to zone, unit, and land type (public or private)
• Cost: $12 for residents, $20 for non-residents, $5 for youth
• Limit of one authorization per person, per day
• Sales continue until units are sold out or hunting season ends

Hunters can use bonus antlerless authorizations with any legal weapon during appropriate seasons. The Wisconsin DNR sets annual antlerless quotas based on population management goals.

Public Lands and Access

Wisconsin offers abundant public hunting opportunities on state, federal, and county lands. Hunters can access millions of acres across the state for bow hunting whitetail deer and other game species.

Finding Public Hunting Areas

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources provides several tools to locate public hunting lands. The Hunt Wild Wisconsin mobile app offers interactive maps showing public access areas. County-specific PDF maps are available on the DNR website. The Public Access Lands online mapping application allows users to view detailed property boundaries and features.

Many counties have GIS programs that display public lands, topography, and access points. E-scouting using these resources helps hunters identify promising spots before visiting in person. Public lands include state forests, wildlife areas, and federal properties like national forests.

Popular public hunting destinations include the Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest and Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. Metro Sub-Units near urban areas provide additional bow hunting access.

Regulations on Public Lands

Specific rules apply when bow hunting on public lands in Wisconsin. Hunters must obtain proper licenses and follow all state and local regulations. Many public properties require free access permits or have special restrictions.

Baiting and feeding deer is prohibited on public lands in some counties. Tree stand rules vary – some areas allow leaving stands overnight while others require daily removal. Hunting hours and seasons may differ from private land.

Hunters should check property-specific regulations before hunting public lands. The DNR website lists rules for individual wildlife areas and other public hunting grounds. Following all guidelines helps ensure continued access to these valuable resources.

Understanding Deer and Other Game

Wisconsin offers diverse hunting opportunities for various game species. Hunters can pursue deer, small game, and other animals during designated seasons. Proper species identification and knowledge of special programs enhance the hunting experience.

Species Identification and Behavior

White-tailed deer are the primary big game species in Wisconsin. Bucks grow antlers annually, while does and fawns are antlerless. Deer are most active at dawn and dusk.

Cottontail rabbits and squirrels are common small game targets. These animals are typically hunted in wooded areas and fields.

Game birds like pheasants and ruffed grouse require keen observation skills to spot. Pheasants prefer grasslands, while grouse inhabit forests.

Coyotes and bobcats are elusive predators that can be hunted in Wisconsin. These animals are known for their cunning nature and require patience to hunt successfully.

Special Hunting Opportunities

Wisconsin offers a Youth Deer Hunt, allowing young hunters to gain experience. This hunt takes place October 5-6, 2024, before the regular gun season.

Disabled hunters can participate in a special gun hunt from October 5-13, 2024. This provides increased accessibility for those with physical limitations.

The state also designates Metro Sub-units with extended archery seasons. These areas, typically near urban centers, have longer hunting periods to manage deer populations effectively.

Hunters pursuing migratory birds must follow federal regulations in addition to state rules. Seasons for these species are set annually based on population data.

Ethical Hunting and Conservation

Responsible hunting practices and conservation efforts are essential for maintaining Wisconsin’s wildlife populations and natural habitats. Hunters play a crucial role in preserving ecosystems while enjoying their sport.

Safe and Responsible Hunting

Hunter safety education is mandatory in Wisconsin for anyone born after January 1, 1973. Courses cover firearm handling, tree stand safety, and ethical shot placement.

Hunters must always identify their target and what lies beyond it before taking a shot. Wearing blaze orange during firearm seasons increases visibility and reduces accidents.

Respecting property boundaries and obtaining landowner permission is crucial. Hunters should leave no trace, packing out all trash and spent cartridges.

Proper field dressing and meat handling ensures the ethical use of harvested animals. Quick, humane kills are the goal of every ethical hunter.

Contributions to Wildlife Conservation

Hunting license fees directly fund wildlife management programs in Wisconsin. These revenues support habitat restoration and species monitoring efforts.

The Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act allocates taxes on hunting equipment to state conservation projects. This provides millions of dollars annually for Wisconsin’s natural resources.

Hunters often volunteer for conservation organizations, assisting with habitat improvement and wildlife surveys. Their on-the-ground observations help biologists track population trends.

Many hunters participate in programs like Deer Management Assistance, working with landowners to balance deer populations with available habitat.

By following bag limits and reporting harvests, hunters help maintain sustainable wildlife populations for future generations.

Additional Information

Wisconsin bow hunters must follow specific regulations for registration and reporting their deer harvests. These procedures help wildlife managers track populations and harvest numbers.

Registration and Reporting Harvests

Hunters are required to register all harvested deer by 5 p.m. the day after recovery. The GameReg system allows for easy online or phone registration. Hunters must have their unique harvest authorization number ready when registering.

TAB-K validation is necessary before hunting. This involves writing the date, time, and county of harvest on the back of the paper authorization.

The Holiday Hunt provides additional archery and crossbow opportunities in select counties from December 24 to January 1. Hunters should check if their area participates.

Some counties offer extended archery seasons until January 31. Hunters can take advantage of these longer seasons in designated areas.