Wisconsin offers diverse hunting opportunities throughout the year. Knowing the season dates and regulations for each species is important for a successful and legal hunt. This guide covers the primary hunting seasons in Wisconsin.
White-Tailed Deer Hunting Season
Deer hunting is a significant tradition in Wisconsin. Seasons vary by weapon type and deer management units.
| Season Type | Opens | Closes | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Archery | September 12, 2026 | January 3, 2027 | Archery and crossbow season, statewide. Extended to Jan. 31, 2027 in Metro sub-units and counties with extended archery seasons. No bucks during antlerless-only hunts. |
| Crossbow | September 12, 2026 | January 3, 2027 | Crossbow season runs concurrently with archery; extended to Jan. 31, 2027 in Metro sub-units and select Farmland counties. |
| Archery Extended | September 12, 2026 | January 31, 2027 | Extended archery and crossbow season in Metro sub-units and counties designated on the 2026 Deer Season Structure Map. |
| General Gun | November 21, 2026 | November 29, 2026 | Nine-day gun deer season, statewide; all weapon types allowed. Gun season in Metro sub-units runs Nov. 21 - Dec. 9. |
| Firearms | November 21, 2026 | November 29, 2026 | Nine-day gun deer season, statewide (same season as general_gun). |
| Muzzleloader | November 30, 2026 | December 9, 2026 | Muzzleloader season, statewide. |
| Youth Gun | October 10, 2026 | October 11, 2026 | Youth and disabled gun deer hunt, statewide. |
| Disabled Gun | October 3, 2026 | October 11, 2026 | Gun deer hunt for hunters with disabilities on participating properties; not a statewide season. |
| Antlerless Only | December 10, 2026 | December 13, 2026 | December 4-day antlerless-only hunt, statewide; all weapon types. |
| Statewide Antlerless | December 10, 2026 | December 13, 2026 | Same as antlerless_only: December 4-day statewide antlerless-only hunt. |
| Holiday Antlerless | December 24, 2026 | January 1, 2027 | Antlerless-only Holiday Hunt in select Farmland (Zone 2) counties only. |
2026-2027 seasonVerified against Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Season Dates and Application Deadlines and Fall 2026-Spring 2027 Hunting Regulations on September 5, 2026.Source: dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/hunt/dates Confirm dates in the current regulations before you hunt.
Archery and Crossbow Season:
This season typically runs September 12, 2026 through January 3, 2027, running concurrently with the gun and muzzleloader seasons. This long season offers flexibility for hunters favoring bowhunting.
Youth Deer Hunt: A special two-day youth hunt usually occurs in early October. This hunt is for licensed hunters aged 10-15. It is a mentored opportunity for young hunters.
Gun Deer Season: The gun deer season is the most popular hunt. It typically starts November 21, 2026 through November 29, 2026. This is a statewide season.
Muzzleloader Season: This season (November 30, 2026 through December 9, 2026) usually follows the gun deer season, often lasting for 10 days. Muzzleloaders offer a unique challenge for deer hunters.
Statewide Antlerless-Only Hunt: A four-day antlerless-only hunt runs in mid-December, immediately after the muzzleloader season. This helps manage deer populations.
Holiday Hunt: A limited holiday hunt may occur in select zones in late December and early January. This provides an additional opportunity for hunters.
Always check the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Deer Hunting Regulations for specific dates, unit boundaries, antler point restrictions, and antlerless tag availability 1.
Black Bear Hunting Season
Black bear hunting in Wisconsin is managed through a quota system. Permits are allocated via a drawing system. It can take several years to draw a tag.
| Season Type | Opens | Closes | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| General | September 9, 2026 | October 13, 2026 | Zones C, E and F (no dogs): Sept. 9 - Oct. 13 with bait and other legal methods. Zones A, B and D: Sept. 9-15 bait only (no dogs), Sept. 16 - Oct. 6 dogs and bait, Oct. 7-13 dogs only. Class A license by preference drawing; application deadline Dec. 10. |
| Fall | September 9, 2026 | October 13, 2026 | Same season as general; see general record for zone and method periods. |
2026-2027 seasonVerified against Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Season Dates and Application Deadlines and Fall 2026-Spring 2027 Hunting Regulations on September 5, 2026.Source: dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/hunt/dates Confirm dates in the current regulations before you hunt.
Bear Hunting Zones: Wisconsin is divided into several bear management zones. Season dates vary by zone.
Training Period: A bear dog training period typically begins in early July.
Season Dates: Bear hunting seasons usually start September 9, 2026 through October 13, 2026. Dates depend on the zone and whether you are hunting with or without the aid of dogs.
- Zone A, B, D: Often start with hunters using bait or other methods, followed by hunters using dogs.
- Zones C, E, F: No dogs; bait and other legal methods for the full season.
Successful bear hunters must register their bear. Refer to the Wisconsin DNR Black Bear Hunting Regulations for critical application deadlines and zone-specific information 2.
Wild Turkey Hunting Season
Wisconsin’s wild turkey season is divided into multiple periods. Tags are issued through a lottery system for specific zones and time periods, or purchased over the counter later.
| Season Type | Opens | Closes | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | April 21, 2027 | June 1, 2027 | Spring 2027 periods: A April 21-27, B April 28 - May 4, C May 5-11, D May 12-18, E May 19-25, F May 26 - June 1. Harvest authorizations by preference drawing (deadline Dec. 10). Youth hunt April 17-18, 2027. |
| Spring Youth | April 17, 2027 | April 18, 2027 | Spring 2027 youth turkey hunt; one bearded or male turkey per hunter in the zone of the harvest authorization. |
| Fall | September 12, 2026 | January 3, 2027 | Fall turkey season, statewide. |
2026-2027 seasonVerified against Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Season Dates and Application Deadlines and Fall 2026-Spring 2027 Hunting Regulations on September 5, 2026.Sources: dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/Hunt/regulations/OnlineHuntingRegula …, dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/hunt/dates Confirm dates in the current regulations before you hunt.
Spring Turkey Season:
The spring season typically runs April 21, 2027 through June 1, 2027. It is divided into six separate time periods, A through F. Hunters apply for a specific zone and period.
Fall Turkey Season: The fall season usually runs September 12, 2026 through January 3, 2027, coinciding with some deer seasons. Fall tags are generally more readily available.
Hunters must possess a valid turkey license and a Carcass Tag for their specific period and zone. Review the Wisconsin DNR Wild Turkey Hunting Regulations for detailed zone maps and application procedures 3.
Waterfowl Hunting Season
Waterfowl hunting in Wisconsin includes ducks, geese, and other migratory birds. Seasons are set based on federal frameworks and state surveys.
| Season Type | Opens | Closes | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Teal | September 1, 2026 | September 9, 2026 | Statewide early teal season; note different shooting hours. |
| North Zone | September 26, 2026 | November 24, 2026 | Northern Duck Zone. Northern Goose Zone Sept. 16 - Dec. 16. |
| South Zone | October 3, 2026 | October 11, 2026 | Southern Duck Zone first segment; second segment Oct. 17 - Dec. 6. Southern Goose Zone Sept. 16 - Oct. 11, Oct. 17 - Dec. 6 and Dec. 19 - Jan. 2, 2027. |
| Open Water Zone | October 17, 2026 | December 15, 2026 | Open Water Duck Zone. Mississippi River Goose Zone Oct. 3-11 and Oct. 17 - Jan. 5, 2027. |
| Early Goose | September 1, 2026 | September 15, 2026 | Statewide early goose season. |
| Youth | September 19, 2026 | September 20, 2026 | Youth waterfowl hunt, statewide. |
2026-2027 seasonVerified against Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Season Dates and Application Deadlines and Fall 2026-Spring 2027 Hunting Regulations on September 5, 2026.Source: dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/hunt/dates Confirm dates in the current regulations before you hunt.
Early Canada Goose Season: This season often begins in early September. It helps manage local goose populations before the main migration.
Regular Duck and Goose Seasons: The state is divided into different zones (e.g., Northern, Southern, Mississippi River). Season dates vary by zone.
- Northern Zone: Usually opens in late September.
- Southern Zone: Often opens in early October.
- Open Water Zone: Opens in mid-October. The Mississippi River Goose Zone runs on its own dates.
Youth Waterfowl Hunt: A special two-day youth waterfowl hunt occurs in September, prior to the regular season opener.
Hunters need a Wisconsin hunting license, a Wisconsin waterfowl stamp, and a federal duck stamp. Federal HIP (Harvest Information Program) registration is also required. Consult the Wisconsin DNR Waterfowl Hunting Regulations for zone boundaries, daily bag limits, and shooting hours 4.
Small Game Hunting Season
Wisconsin offers extensive small game hunting opportunities.
Rabbit and Squirrel:
Seasons typically open in mid-September and run through late February. Both cottontail rabbits and gray squirrels are common.
Ruffed Grouse: The season generally runs September 12, 2026 through January 3, 2027 in the northern zone. The southern zone season may close earlier.
Pheasant: Pheasant season usually opens October 17, 2026 through January 3, 2027. Hunting often occurs on public lands stocked with pheasants and on private lands with permission.
Coyote and Fox: Coyote hunting is open year-round with no bag limit. Fox hunting seasons usually open in mid-October and run through February.
Other Furbearers: Seasons for bobcat, otter, badger, and other furbearers are often managed through quotas and specific trapping or hunting regulations.
Always verify specific dates, bag limits, and regulations for each small game species with the Wisconsin DNR Small Game Hunting Regulations 5.
Licensing
| License/Permit | Residency | Fee | Includes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gun Deer License (Resident) | Resident | $24.00 | gun buck harvest authorization, farmland antlerless authorizations where issued |
| Archery License (Resident) | Resident | $24.00 | bow buck harvest authorization, farmland antlerless authorizations where issued |
| Crossbow License (Resident) | Resident | $24.00 | bow buck harvest authorization |
| Small Game License (Resident) | Resident | $18.00 | small game hunting |
| Small Game License (Resident) | Resident | $18.00 | small game hunting |
| Junior Small Game License (ages 12-17) | Resident | $9.00 | small game hunting |
| Gun Deer License (Nonresident) | Nonresident | $200.00 | gun buck harvest authorization, farmland antlerless authorizations where issued |
| Archery License (Nonresident) | Nonresident | $200.00 | bow buck harvest authorization |
| Small Game License (Nonresident) | Nonresident | $90.00 | small game hunting |
| Small Game License (Nonresident) | Nonresident | $90.00 | small game hunting |
| Class A Bear Hunting License (Resident) | Resident | $49.00 | one bear harvest |
| Class A Bear Hunting License (Nonresident) | Nonresident | $251.00 | one bear harvest |
| Spring Turkey License (Resident) | Resident | $15.00 | spring turkey hunting with a valid harvest authorization |
| Spring Turkey License (Nonresident) | Nonresident | $65.00 | spring turkey hunting with a valid harvest authorization |
| Wild Turkey Stamp | Any | $5.25 | turkey hunting privilege (spring and fall) |
| Bonus Antlerless Deer Harvest Authorization (Resident) | Resident | $12.00 | one antlerless deer in the specified DMU and land type |
| Wisconsin Waterfowl Stamp | Any | $12.00 | state waterfowl hunting privilege |
| Pheasant Stamp | Any | $10.00 | pheasant hunting privilege |
| Federal Duck Stamp | Any | $25.00 | federal waterfowl hunting privilege |
| Sports License (Resident) | Resident | $60.00 | annual fishing, small game, gun deer |
Planning Your Wisconsin Hunt
Preparation is key for any hunting trip.
- Regulations: Always check the current year’s Wisconsin DNR hunting regulation pamphlets. Regulations can change annually.
- Licensing: Ensure you have the correct licenses, stamps, and permits for your target species.
- Hunter Education: If you were born on or after January 1, 1973, you must complete a hunter education course to hunt in Wisconsin.
- Public vs. Private Land: Know where you plan to hunt. Obtain permission for private land.
- Safety: Practice firearm safety, wear blaze orange when required, and inform someone of your hunting plans.
Wisconsin offers a rich hunting heritage and diverse opportunities. Plan thoroughly and hunt responsibly.
Check state regulations with the Wisconsin DNR
Last verified: September 5, 2026 — Official sourceMore Wisconsin Hunting Resources
- Wisconsin hunting regulations
- How to get a Wisconsin hunting license
- Public and private land access in Wisconsin
- Hunting locations in Wisconsin
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Deer Hunting. https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/hunt/deer ↩︎
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Bear Hunting. https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/hunt/bear ↩︎
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Turkey Hunting. https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/hunt/turkey ↩︎
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Waterfowl Hunting. https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/hunt/waterfowl ↩︎
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Small Game Hunting. https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/hunt/smgame ↩︎
For reference only. This page summarizes agency publications and is not legal advice or an official source; confirm dates, limits and fees with the state wildlife agency before you hunt. Regulations change mid-season. Send a correction if you spot an error. Disclaimer.