Wisconsin Bear Season 2026
Wisconsin bear season dates start with Sep 9-Oct 13, 2026. The table below keeps every listed bear row together with zones and notes where available.
Quick answer
Wisconsin's listed 2026 bear season runs Sep 9-Oct 13, 2026.
Hunting - Dogs, Bait and All Legal Methods Black Bear opens Sep 16, 2026 and closes Oct 6, 2026.
Hunting - Dogs Only Black Bear opens Oct 7, 2026 and closes Oct 13, 2026.
The tables below keep the rest of the listed seasons together by species, with source links back to Wisconsin DNR.
Bear
Black Bear
Hunting - Bait and All Legal Methods (No Dogs)
With the aid of bait and all other legal methods not using dogs. Dogs are not permitted in these zones. Application deadline for bear permits is Dec. 10 the year before.
Zone: Zones C, E, F
Black Bear
Hunting - Dogs, Bait and All Legal Methods
With the aid of dogs, the aid of bait and all other legal methods.
Zone: Zones A, B, D
Black Bear
Hunting - Dogs Only
With the aid of dogs only, no other methods.
Zone: Zones A, B, D
Black Bear
Hunting - Bait and All Legal Methods (No Dogs)
With the aid of bait and all other legal methods not using dogs.
Zone: Zones A, B, D
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Nearby bear seasons
Wisconsin Bear Season FAQ
When does bear season open in Wisconsin?
September 9, 2026 is the earliest listed bear opener in Wisconsin — hunting - bait and all legal methods (no dogs) black bear runs Sep 9-15, 2026. Confirm zone and permit details with Wisconsin DNR.
What are the 2026 bear season dates in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin lists 4 bear season windows: Hunting - Bait and All Legal Methods (No Dogs) Black Bear (Sep 9-15, 2026); Hunting - Bait and All Legal Methods (No Dogs) Black Bear (Sep 9-Oct 13, 2026); Hunting - Dogs, Bait and All Legal Methods Black Bear (Sep 16-Oct 6, 2026); Hunting - Dogs Only Black Bear (Oct 7-13, 2026). Always verify against Wisconsin DNR before hunting.
Are there different bear seasons in Wisconsin?
Yes — Wisconsin lists separate bear seasons for Hunting - Bait and All Legal Methods (No Dogs) Black Bear, Hunting - Dogs, Bait and All Legal Methods Black Bear, Hunting - Dogs Only Black Bear. Each can carry its own dates, zones, and weapon rules; see the table above and Wisconsin DNR.
Do I need a license to hunt bear in Wisconsin?
Yes. Wisconsin generally requires the appropriate hunting license, and bear hunting may also require tags, permits, stamps, or zone authorizations. Confirm requirements with Wisconsin DNR.