Wisconsin Hunting Season (WI Hunting Season)

Explore this comprehensive guide to hunting in Wisconsin, covering state regulations, season dates, public hunting lands, licensing information, gear recommendations, and conservation efforts.

Wisconsin Hunting Regulations

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) publishes an annual Hunting Regulations booklet that includes the latest rules, bag limits, and season dates for all game species.

WI Hunting Seasons Calendar

Plan your hunt with Wisconsin’s official hunting seasons calendar:

Deer: Archery and crossbow seasons typically run from mid-September to early January; gun deer season usually occurs in late November. {index=0}
Turkey: Spring season generally starts in mid-April and extends through May; fall season takes place in September and October.
Waterfowl: Seasons vary by species and zone, generally occurring from September through December.

Find the full schedule in the official Hunting Regulations booklet.

2025 Wisconsin Turkey Hunting Season Dates and Regulations

Spring Turkey Season Dates

Youth Hunt: April 12 – 13, 2025
Period A: April 16 – 22, 2025
Period B: April 23 – 29, 2025
Period C: April 30 – May 6, 2025
Period D: May 7 – 13, 2025
Period E: May 14 – 20, 2025
Period F: May 21 – 27, 2025

Fall Turkey Season Dates

Zones 1-5: September 13, 2025 – January 4, 2026
Zones 6-7: September 13 – November 21, 2025

License and Permit Information

Application Deadline: December 10, 2024
License Purchase: After the drawing, remaining permits will be sold over-the-counter on a first-come, first-served basis.

Bag Limit

One bearded or male turkey per harvest authorization in spring.
One turkey of any age or sex per harvest authorization in fall.

Additional Regulations

All hunters must possess a valid turkey hunting license and stamp.
Youth hunters (under 16) must be accompanied by an adult during the Youth Hunt.
Hunters are required to register their turkey harvest by 5 p.m. the day after recovery.

For comprehensive details, including zone maps and specific regulations, please refer to the Wisconsin DNR Hunting Regulations.

Wisconsin 2025 Hunting Season

Deer Hunting Seasons

Archery and Crossbow: Sept. 13, 2025 – Jan. 4, 2026
Extended Archery and Crossbow (Metro Sub-units and counties with extended seasons): Sept. 13, 2025 – Jan. 31, 2026
Gun Hunt for Hunters with Disabilities: Oct. 4 – 12, 2025
Youth Deer Hunt: Oct. 11 – 12, 2025
Gun Season: Nov. 22 – 30, 2025
Muzzleloader: Dec. 1 – 10, 2025
December 4-Day Antlerless-Only Hunt: Dec. 11 – 14, 2025
Antlerless-Only Holiday Hunt (select Farmland Zone counties): Dec. 24, 2025 – Jan. 1, 2026

Bear Hunting Seasons

Zones A, B, D (with dogs):
- Sept. 3 – 9, 2025: with the aid of dogs only
- Sept. 10 – 30, 2025: with the aid of dogs, bait, and other legal methods
- Oct. 1 – 7, 2025: with the aid of bait and other legal methods not using dogs
Zones C, E, F (without dogs): Sept. 3 – Oct. 7, 2025

Migratory Bird Hunting Seasons

Early Teal: Sept. 1 – 9, 2025
Early Goose: Sept. 1 – 15, 2025
Rail (Virginia, Sora): Sept. 1 – Nov. 9, 2025
Snipe: Sept. 1 – Nov. 9, 2025
Common Gallinule: Sept. 1 – Nov. 9, 2025
Mourning Dove: Sept. 1 – Nov. 29, 2025
Youth Waterfowl Hunt: Sept. 20 – 21, 2025
Woodcock: Sept. 20 – Nov. 3, 2025
Northern Duck Zone: Sept. 27 – Nov. 25, 2025
Southern Duck Zone: Oct. 4 – 12 and Oct. 18 – Dec. 7, 2025
Open Water Duck Zone: Oct. 18 – Dec. 16, 2025
Coot: Same as duck season for each zone
Northern Goose Zone: Sept. 16 – Dec. 16, 2025
Southern and Mississippi Goose Zones: Sept. 16 – Oct. 12, Oct. 18 – Dec. 7, and Dec. 20, 2025 – Jan. 2, 2026

Wild Turkey Hunting Seasons

Spring Youth Hunt: April 12 – 13, 2025
Spring Periods:
- Period A: April 16 – 22, 2025
- Period B: April 23 – 29, 2025
- Period C: April 30 – May 6, 2025
- Period D: May 7 – 13, 2025
- Period E: May 14 – 20, 2025
- Period F: May 21 – 27, 2025
Fall Zones 1-5: Nov. 22, 2025 – Jan. 4, 2026
Fall Statewide: Sept. 13 – Nov. 21, 2025

Small Game Hunting Seasons

Cottontail Rabbit:
- Northern Zone: Sept. 13, 2025 – Feb. 28, 2026
- Southern Zone: Oct. 18, 2025 (9 a.m.) – Feb. 28, 2026
- Milwaukee County: Year-round
Squirrels (Gray and Fox): Statewide: Sept. 13, 2025 – Feb. 28, 2026

Public and Private Hunting Lands

Public Hunting Lands

Wisconsin offers extensive public hunting areas, including:

State Wildlife Areas: Managed by the DNR, these areas provide diverse habitats for hunting.
National Forests: Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest offers hunting opportunities.

Use the DNR’s Public Access Lands webpage for detailed access points.

Private Land Access Programs

The Voluntary Public Access (VPA) Program allows hunters to access private lands enrolled in the program. Learn more about VPA here.

Hunting Licenses and Permits

Wisconsin hunters can purchase licenses through the Go Wild portal. Available licenses include:

Resident and non-resident hunting licenses
Youth licenses
Special deer and turkey permits

Outfitters and Hunting Guides

While Wisconsin does not require a state-issued guide license, it’s essential to choose reputable outfitters and guides. Ensure they have proper insurance and a good track record. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

Gear Recommendations for Wisconsin Hunts

Ensure success with gear tailored for Wisconsin’s terrain and seasons:

Clothing: Layered, waterproof gear for variable weather conditions.
Footwear: Insulated boots for cold weather; waterproof boots for wetland areas.
Hunting Equipment: Tree stands for deer; decoys and calls for waterfowl.

Conservation and Ethical Hunting

Support Wisconsin’s conservation efforts by participating in programs like the VPA and adhering to ethical hunting practices. Hunting license fees contribute to wildlife management and habitat preservation across the state.

Hunting Tips for Wisconsin

Maximize your success with these tips:

Scout public hunting areas early to secure the best spots.
Learn game habits, like deer feeding patterns and turkey roosting sites.
Check weather forecasts and plan accordingly.

Plan Your Next Wisconsin Hunt

Whether you’re hunting deer, turkey, or waterfowl, Wisconsin offers opportunities for hunters of all experience levels. Stay informed, gear up, and head out for a successful season!