If you’re planning your next hunt, knowing when is Wisconsin deer hunting season is the first step. The dates change each year and vary by weapon, so getting the official calendar is key.
This guide gives you the exact dates, explains the different seasons, and helps you prepare. We’ll cover everything from licenses to zones so you can focus on the hunt.
When Is Wisconsin Deer Hunting Season
The Wisconsin deer hunting season isn’t just one date. It’s a series of seasons based on the weapon you use. The archery season runs the longest, while gun seasons are shorter and more specific. All dates are set by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR).
Here’s the typical structure for the annual seasons. Always verify the current year’s dates on the WDNR website.
Archery Deer Season
This is the longest season. It opens in mid-September and runs through early January. This gives bow hunters a very wide window.
- Opens: Mid-September (usually the Saturday after Labor Day).
- Closes: Early January (the Sunday after the first Saturday in January).
- Note: There is a brief pause during the 9-day gun season in November. You cannot bowhunt during this time unless you have a gun deer license.
Gun Deer Seasons
This is the most popular time. There are several distinct gun seasons.
- 9-Day Gun Deer Season: This is the traditional “deer season.” It starts the Saturday before Thanksgiving and runs for nine days. It’s the peak hunting period in Wisconsin.
- Muzzleloader Season: Opens the day after the 9-day season closes and runs for 10 days.
- Antlerless-Only Holiday Hunt: This is a 4-day season in late December. It’s open in specific counties only to manage herd size.
Youth Deer Hunt
A special weekend for young hunters. It’s held the first weekend in October.
- Youths aged 15 and under can hunt with a gun.
- They must be accompanied by an adult.
- This hunt happens before the regular gun seasons, giving kids a great first experience.
Crossbow Season
Crossbow hunters follow the same dates as the archery season. You need an archery license and a crossbow qualification if you were born after 1973.
Disability Hunts
There are special seasons for hunters with disabilities. These are usually in early October. You need a permit from the WDNR to participate.
Statewide Zones: North vs. South
Wisconsin is divided into two main zones: Farmland (Zone 2) and Central Forest (Zone 1). Some seasons, like the December antlerless hunt, may only be open in the Farmland zone. Your county determines your zone, so check the map.
How to Get Your Wisconsin Deer Hunting License
You can’t hunt without a license. Here’s how to get yours.
Step 1: Complete Hunter Education
If you were born on or after January 1, 1973, you must complete a hunter safety course. You can do this online or in a classroom. Once you pass, you get a permanent safety certificate.
Step 2: Understand License Types
You need a base license plus tags. The most common combination is:
- Sports License (includes small game, fishing, and more) OR a Conservation Patron license.
- Gun Deer License OR Archery Deer License (you can buy both if you want to hunt both seasons).
- Carcass Tag(s): Your license comes with tags. You might need to apply for bonus antlerless tags in certain zones.
Step 3: Purchase Your License
Licenses go on sale in March each year. You can buy them:
- Online through the Go Wild WDNR website.
- At authorized license agents (sporting goods stores, many gas stations).
- By phone.
Remember to carry your license and tags with you at all times in the field. A digital copy on your phone is acceptable.
Wisconsin Deer Hunting Regulations You Must Know
Rules keep everyone safe and help manage the herd. Ignoring them leads to big fines.
Tagging and Registration
This is a critical process. You must do it in this order:
- Immediately attach your carcass tag to the deer’s ear or antler after recovery.
- Register your deer by 5 p.m. the day after harvest. Use the Game Reg electronic system (phone, online, or at a walk-in station).
- You will get a confirmation number. Write this number on your carcass tag.
Failing to register is one of the most common violations. Don’t forget this step.
Legal Shooting Hours
You can only hunt from one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset. Official times are published by the WDNR each year. There’s no hunting at night.
Blaze Orange Requirements
During gun deer seasons, you must wear blaze orange. This includes:
- A jacket, vest, or coat that is at least 50% blaze orange and visible from all sides.
- A hat or head covering of blaze orange is also required.
- During archery season outside of the gun dates, blaze orange is not required but is a very good idea.
Transporting Your Deer
You need to keep the tag attached during transport. If the head is removed for mounting, the tag must stay with the meat. If you leave the deer in a vehicle, you must attach a paper with your name and license number to it.
Choosing Your Hunting Zone in Wisconsin
Where you hunt matters as much as when. Wisconsin has diverse terrain.
Northern Forest Zone
This area has more public land (county forests, national forests). Deer density is lower, but bucks can grow older and larger. The terrain is rugged with thick woods. It’s a great place for a backcountry experience.
Southern Farmland Zone
This zone has higher deer populations. There is less public land, so securing permission from private landowners is often necessary. The habitat is a mix of crop fields and woodlots, which can make for excellent hunting.
Public Land Opportunities
Wisconsin has millions of acres of public land open to hunting. These include:
- State Wildlife and Fishery Areas.
- County Forests.
- Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest.
- State Forests.
Always check the specific property regulations before you go. Some areas have special rules or limited access.
Preparing for Your Wisconsin Deer Hunt
Good preparation makes your season safer and more successful.
Scouting Your Area
Don’t wait until opening day. Get out in the summer and early fall to look for signs.
- Look for deer trails, rubs on trees, and scrapes on the ground.
- Find food sources like oak trees (acorns), agricultural fields, or food plots.
- Set up trail cameras to pattern deer movement.
Gear Checklist
Pack these essentials:
- Your license, tags, and a pen.
- Appropriate clothing (layers, blaze orange, rain gear).
- Weapon (gun/bow) and ammunition/arrows.
- Sharp hunting knife and game bags.
- Compass/GPS and a physical map.
- First-aid kit and a basic survival kit.
- Headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries.
- Drag rope or deer cart.
Physical Preparation
Hunting can be physically demanding. Walk or hike regularly before the season. Practice dragging a heavy object to get ready for hauling a deer. If your hunting in the north, the hills can be tough if your not in shape.
Shot Placement and Recovery
Ethical hunting means making a quick, clean harvest. Practice shooting from realistic positions (like a tree stand). Know the deer’s vital organs. After the shot, wait at least 30 minutes before starting to track. Look for blood, hair, and tracks.
After the Harvest: What to Do Next
Your job isn’t over when the deer is down.
Field Dressing
Cooling the meat quickly is vital. Field dress the deer as soon as it is safe and legal to do so. Remove the internal organs. Prop the chest cavity open to let heat escape.
Meat Care and Processing
Get the deer to a cooler or processor promptly. If the weather is warm, consider bagging ice in the body cavity. If you process the deer yourself, have a clean, cool space to work. Proper care ensures your venison tastes great.
Reporting Your Harvest
Remember, you must register your deer. This data helps the WDNR set future seasons and manage the herd health. It’s not just a rule; it’s a contribution to conservation.
FAQs About Wisconsin Deer Hunting Season
What are the exact dates for deer season this year?
The exact dates change slightly each year. The best source is the current Wisconsin DNR Hunting Regulations pamphlet, available for free online or at license agents. It has all the official dates.
Can I hunt deer with a rifle in southern Wisconsin?
Yes, rifles are allowed statewide. Some counties in the farmland zone have had special restrictions in the past, so always check the current year’s regulations for your specific county.
How many deer can I kill in Wisconsin?
It depends on your licenses and tags. A standard gun or archery license usually comes with one buck tag. You must apply for or purchase bonus antlerless tags for additional deer, and these are only valid in specific management zones.
Do I need blaze orange during bow season?
You only need blaze orange during the gun deer seasons (9-day, muzzleloader, youth). However, if you are archery hunting during any of those gun seasons, you must wear blaze orange. During the archery-only periods, it’s optional but highly recommended for safety.
What is the deadline for registering a deer?
You must register your deer by 5 p.m. on the day after you harvest it. The electronic system (Game Reg) makes this pretty easy from your phone, even if you have poor service you can usually find a spot to get it done.
Where can I find public land to hunt?
The WDNR website has an excellent mapping tool called the “Public Access Lands” atlas. You can also purchase county plat books which show land ownership, helping you identify public parcels.
What should I do if I see a sick deer?
Do not shoot it. Report it to the WDNR. Note the location and describe the symptoms (drooling, stumbling, extreme thinness). This helps them monitor for diseases like Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD).
Knowing when is Wisconsin deer hunting season is just the start. With the right dates, license, and knowledge of the rules, you’re set for a safe and responsible hunt. The Wisconsin outdoors offers a fantastic experience for everyone from new hunters to seasoned experts. Get your gear ready, study the map, and we’ll see you out there.