Get Ready for Wisconsin Hunting Season: Essential Dates and Regulations

Wisconsin’s rich hunting tradition comes alive each year as seasons open for various game species. From white-tailed deer to wild turkey, the state offers diverse opportunities for hunters to pursue their passion. Wisconsin’s 2024 hunting seasons encompass deer, bear, elk, small game, waterfowl, and more, with specific dates varying by species and hunting zones.

Hunters eagerly anticipate the fall deer seasons, including the popular nine-day gun hunt in November. Other key seasons include spring and fall turkey hunts, as well as waterfowl seasons that typically begin in September. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) carefully manages these seasons to ensure sustainable wildlife populations while providing recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike.

Proper planning is essential for a successful hunt in Wisconsin. Hunters must familiarize themselves with season dates, bag limits, and regulations specific to their target species and hunting areas. The DNR website serves as a valuable resource, offering up-to-date information on licenses, permits, and any changes to hunting rules or season structures.

Wisconsin Hunting Overview

Wisconsin offers diverse hunting opportunities throughout the year. The state’s hunting seasons cover a wide range of game species, including deer, turkey, and waterfowl.

Deer hunting is particularly popular in Wisconsin. The archery and crossbow season typically runs from mid-September to early January. Gun hunting seasons occur in November and December.

Turkey hunters can enjoy spring and fall seasons. The spring season usually starts in mid-April and extends through May, while the fall season takes place in September and October.

Waterfowl hunting seasons vary by species and zone. These generally occur from September through December, with specific dates set annually.

Wisconsin’s hunting regulations are designed to manage wildlife populations and ensure sustainable practices. Hunters must obtain appropriate licenses and follow bag limits, which may change each year.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) oversees hunting activities in the state. They provide detailed information on season dates, application deadlines, and rule changes.

Hunters should always review the current Wisconsin Hunting Regulations before planning their trips. These regulations contain essential information on hunting areas, legal methods, and safety requirements.

Hunting Licenses and Safety

Wisconsin requires hunters to obtain proper licenses and follow safety regulations. Public and private lands are available for hunting, with specific rules for each area.

Requirements and Education

Hunters in Wisconsin must purchase the appropriate license for their intended game. Licenses are available online, at DNR service centers, or from authorized retailers. First-time hunters born after January 1, 1973, must complete a hunter education course before obtaining a license.

Firearm safety is paramount. Hunters must wear blaze orange or pink clothing during certain seasons. It’s crucial to identify targets clearly and be aware of what lies beyond. Hunting hours are typically 30 minutes before sunrise to 20 minutes after sunset, varying by season and species.

Where to Hunt

Wisconsin offers diverse hunting opportunities on both public and private lands. Public hunting lands include state wildlife areas, forests, and certain county parks. Hunters must respect property boundaries and obtain permission before hunting on private land.

The DNR provides maps and resources to locate public hunting areas. Some regions require additional permits or have specific regulations. Hunters should research their chosen location beforehand to ensure compliance with local rules.

Urban areas may have restricted hunting zones. Always check local ordinances before hunting near populated areas.

Deer Hunting Seasons

Wisconsin offers multiple deer hunting seasons throughout the fall and winter months. These seasons cater to different hunting methods and skill levels, providing ample opportunities for hunters across the state.

Archery and Crossbow

The archery and crossbow season typically runs from mid-September through early January. In 2024, it begins on September 16 and ends on January 7, 2025.

Metro sub-units and select Farmland (Zone 2) counties have extended seasons lasting until January 31, 2025. This extension allows for increased harvest opportunities in areas with higher deer populations.

Hunters can use either a bow or crossbow during this season. It’s important to note that no bucks may be taken during designated antlerless-only hunts within this period.

Gun Deer Hunt

The traditional nine-day gun deer hunt is a popular event for Wisconsin hunters. In 2024, it takes place from November 23 to December 1.

This season sees the highest participation rates among hunters. It’s crucial for participants to wear blaze orange or pink clothing for safety.

Some areas may have additional antlerless-only gun hunts. These hunts help manage local deer populations and provide extra hunting opportunities.

Muzzleloader Season

The muzzleloader season follows the regular gun hunt. In 2024, it runs from December 2 to December 11.

This season allows hunters to use muzzleloading firearms. These are typically single-shot rifles that must be loaded from the muzzle.

Muzzleloader hunting offers a unique challenge and often attracts hunters seeking a more traditional experience. Special regulations may apply, so hunters should consult the current year’s guidelines.

Special Hunts

Wisconsin offers several special deer hunts throughout the season. These include:

  1. Youth Deer Hunt: October 5-6, 2024
  2. Gun Hunt for Hunters with Disabilities: Dates vary by location
  3. December 4-Day Antlerless-Only Hunt: December 12-15, 2024
  4. Antlerless-Only Holiday Hunt: December 24, 2024 – January 1, 2025

The youth hunt provides young hunters a chance to learn and practice skills. The hunt for hunters with disabilities ensures inclusive opportunities for all.

Antlerless-only hunts help manage deer populations in specific areas. The holiday hunt offers an additional opportunity during the festive season in select counties.

Bird Hunting Seasons

A hunter with a shotgun in a rural Wisconsin field, surrounded by trees and tall grass, looking up at a flock of birds in the sky

Wisconsin offers diverse bird hunting opportunities throughout the year. Seasons vary by species and region, with specific regulations for waterfowl, turkeys, upland game birds, and other migratory game birds.

Waterfowl

Waterfowl hunting in Wisconsin is divided into zones and seasons. The early teal season typically runs for 9 days in September. Youth waterfowl hunting weekend occurs in mid-September.

The regular duck season is split into three zones:

  • Northern Zone: Late September to late November
  • Southern Zone: Early October to early December
  • Open Water Zone: Mid-October to mid-December

Goose hunting is similarly zoned:

  • Northern Zone: September to December
  • Southern Zone: September to January
  • Mississippi River Zone: September to January

Early goose season starts in September statewide. Bag limits and specific dates may change annually, so hunters should check current regulations.

Turkeys

Wisconsin offers both spring and fall turkey hunting seasons. The spring season is divided into six 7-day periods, typically running from mid-April to late May. Hunters must apply for permits in advance.

The fall turkey season usually begins in mid-September and runs through early January. It’s open statewide, with some zones having longer seasons than others.

Both seasons have specific hunting hours and bag limits. Hunters are required to complete a turkey hunter education course before their first hunt.

Upland Game Birds

Upland game bird seasons in Wisconsin include several popular species:

  • Ruffed Grouse: Early September to late January
  • Sharp-tailed Grouse: Mid-October to November (limited areas)
  • Pheasant: Mid-October to early January
  • Hungarian Partridge: Mid-October to early January
  • Bobwhite Quail: Mid-October to early December

Bag limits vary by species. Some areas may have different season dates or restrictions. Hunters should consult the current regulations for specific details.

Other Migratory Game Birds

Wisconsin offers hunting seasons for several other migratory game birds:

  • Woodcock: Late September to early November
  • Mourning Dove: September 1 to November 29
  • Common Snipe: September to November
  • Rails: September to November
  • Common Gallinule: September to November
  • Crow: January to mid-March and mid-August to mid-November

These seasons align with federal migratory bird regulations. Hunters must possess a valid small game license and federal migratory bird stamp for most species.

Specific bag limits and shooting hours apply to each species. Always check current regulations before hunting, as dates and limits may change annually.

Small Game and Furbearer Seasons

Lush forest with various small game and furbearers in Wisconsin, surrounded by autumn foliage and a tranquil hunting season atmosphere

Wisconsin offers diverse hunting opportunities for small game and furbearers. Hunters and trappers can pursue a variety of species during designated seasons, subject to specific regulations and permit requirements.

Furbearers Hunting and Trapping

Furbearer seasons in Wisconsin cover species like bobcat, fisher, fox, beaver, mink, muskrat, otter, and raccoon. The application deadline for bobcat and fisher permits is August 1 each year.

Trapping seasons vary by species and region. Beaver and otter trapping typically runs from November through April in most zones. Muskrat trapping seasons are similar but may start earlier in some areas.

Raccoon hunting is popular, with seasons generally running from mid-October through mid-February. Hunters must follow specific regulations regarding methods and harvest limits.

Fox hunting seasons often coincide with other furbearer seasons, typically starting in October and ending in February.

Small Game

Small game hunting in Wisconsin includes popular species like cottontail rabbits and squirrels. These seasons provide excellent opportunities for both novice and experienced hunters.

Cottontail rabbit hunting usually begins in mid-September and extends through February. Bag limits and shooting hours apply.

Squirrel seasons typically start in mid-September and run through late January. Both gray and fox squirrels are fair game in most areas.

Hunters should consult the current Wisconsin DNR regulations for specific dates, bag limits, and any special restrictions. Small game hunting regulations are included in the combined hunting regulations booklet, updated annually.

Special Hunting Seasons

A serene forest clearing with a deer grazing, surrounded by autumn foliage and a hunter's blind in the distance

Wisconsin offers unique hunting opportunities to accommodate diverse needs and extend harvest periods. These seasons ensure broader participation and management of wildlife populations.

Disabled Hunter Opportunities

The Gun Hunt for Hunters with Disabilities runs from October 5-13, 2024. This season allows hunters with qualifying disabilities to participate in firearm deer hunting before the regular gun season. Participants must obtain a disabled hunting permit and follow specific regulations.

Disabled hunters can use adaptive equipment like crossbows or laser sights. Special hunting blinds and shooting lanes are often available on public lands. Some private landowners also offer access to disabled hunters during this season.

Extended Seasons

Extended archery seasons provide additional deer hunting opportunities in select areas. The Metro subunits and some Farmland Counties allow archery and crossbow deer hunting until January 31, 2025. This extension helps manage urban deer populations and gives hunters more time afield.

An antlerless-only Holiday Hunt takes place from December 24, 2024, to January 1, 2025, in designated areas. This season helps control deer numbers and provides venison for holiday tables. Hunters must use appropriate weapons for the specific county regulations.

Bag Limits and Regulations

Wisconsin’s hunting regulations establish specific bag limits and rules for various game species. These limits help manage wildlife populations and ensure sustainable hunting practices across the state.

Deer Bag Limits

Deer bag limits in Wisconsin vary by hunting zone and season. During the regular gun deer season, hunters are typically allowed one buck tag and may purchase additional antlerless tags depending on the zone.

In some areas, antlerless-only hunts are implemented to control deer populations. The Holiday Hunt from December 24, 2024 to January 1, 2025 is an antlerless-only season in select units.

Metro subunits and certain Farmland Counties have extended antlerless seasons running through January 31, 2025. This provides additional harvest opportunities in areas with higher deer densities.

Hunters should consult the current Wisconsin Hunting Regulations for specific zone and season bag limits, as these may change annually based on deer population assessments.

Migratory Bird Bag Limits

Migratory bird bag limits are set each year in accordance with federal guidelines. Limits vary by species and may include daily and possession limits.

For ducks, a typical daily bag limit is 6 ducks total, which may include no more than:

Goose bag limits often allow 2-3 Canada geese per day during the regular season.

Dove hunters usually have a 15-bird daily limit.

Exact limits can change annually, so hunters must check the current regulations before each season.

Small Game and Furbearer Limits

Small game and furbearer bag limits help maintain healthy populations while providing hunting and trapping opportunities. Common limits include:

  • Rabbits: Daily bag of 3, possession limit of 6
  • Squirrels: Daily bag of 5, possession limit of 15
  • Ruffed grouse: Daily bag of 5, possession limit of 15

Furbearer trapping limits may restrict the number of certain species that can be harvested per season. For example:

  • Bobcat: 1 per permit
  • Fisher: 1 per permit
  • River otter: 1 per permit

Some species like coyotes typically have no bag limits. Hunters and trappers should always verify current regulations, as limits may be adjusted based on population trends and management goals.

Additional Hunting Opportunities

A hunter in a tree stand, surrounded by autumn foliage, aims a rifle at a deer in a clearing

Wisconsin offers diverse hunting options beyond the traditional deer seasons. Hunters can pursue predators, engage in falconry, or seek out larger game like elk and bears.

Coyote and Wolf

Coyote hunting is open year-round in Wisconsin with no bag limits. Hunters can use electronic calls and hunt at night with proper lighting. Coyotes may be hunted during other open seasons but require the appropriate license.

Wolf hunting is currently not permitted in Wisconsin due to federal protections. The status of wolf hunting is subject to change based on legal and conservation considerations.

Falconry

Falconry seasons in Wisconsin typically run from September 1 to March 31. Falconers can hunt rabbits, squirrels, and game birds using trained raptors.

A Wisconsin falconry license is required. Apprentice falconers must be at least 14 years old and have a sponsor. Falconers must follow strict regulations for capturing, housing, and caring for their birds.

Elk and Bear Seasons

Elk hunting in Wisconsin is limited, with a short season typically in October. Tags are awarded through a lottery system due to the small elk population.

Bear hunting seasons vary by zone and method. The 2024 bear application deadline is December 10, 2023. Hunters can use bait, dogs, or still hunting techniques depending on the zone and time period.

Bear hunters must complete a bear hunting education course before purchasing a license. Zone-specific regulations apply to baiting and dog training.

Season Dates and Zones

A snowy forest with deer, turkey, and waterfowl in different hunting zones for Wisconsin's season dates

Wisconsin’s hunting seasons are structured around specific dates and zones to manage wildlife populations effectively. Hunters must be aware of these details to plan their activities and comply with regulations.

Deer Season Dates

The 2024 deer hunting season in Wisconsin offers various opportunities. Archery and crossbow seasons run from September 14 to January 5, 2025. The gun deer hunt is set for November 23 to December 1.

Muzzleloader season follows from December 2 to 11. An antlerless-only holiday hunt is scheduled for December 24 to January 1, 2025, in select Farmland (Zone 2) counties.

Youth hunters get a special weekend on October 5-6. Disabled hunters have their designated hunt from October 5-13.

Bird Season Dates

Duck hunting seasons vary by zone in 2024. The Northern Zone opens September 28, while the Southern Zone starts October 5. The Mississippi River Zone begins September 28.

All duck seasons close on December 6, except the Southern Zone, which extends to December 8. The Open Water Zone on Lake Michigan has a later season from October 19 to December 18.

Turkey hunting splits into fall and spring seasons. The fall 2024 season runs from September 14 to January 5, 2025, in most zones. Spring 2025 dates are typically set in April and May.

Small Game and Furbearer Dates

Squirrel season kicks off early on September 14, 2024, and runs through January 31, 2025. Rabbit hunting follows a similar timeline, starting October 19 and ending February 28, 2025.

Raccoon trapping season begins in mid-October and extends into February 2025. Specific dates may vary by zone.

Coyote hunting is generally open year-round, but trappers have a defined season from mid-October to mid-February.

Beaver trapping has zone-specific dates, typically starting in November and running through April in most areas.