If you’re planning your fall adventures, you likely want to know when does deer hunting start in Wisconsin. The answer depends on the specific season and weapon you plan to use, as Wisconsin offers a rich calendar of hunting opportunities. This guide will break down all the key dates and regulations so you can be perfectly prepared.
Getting your dates right is the first step to a successful and legal hunt. Wisconsin’s Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) sets these dates, and they can shift slightly from year to year. We’ll cover the archery, gun, and muzzleloader seasons, along with special hunts for youth and disabled hunters. Let’s get your calendar marked.
When Does Deer Hunting Start In Wisconsin
This is the core question. The opening day isn’t a single date. Instead, think of it as a series of starting lines for different types of hunting. The general framework is consistent, but always verify with the official WDNR regulations before you head out.
2024 Wisconsin Deer Season Dates (Projected)
These dates are based on recent years and typical patterns. Official dates are usually confirmed by the WDNR in the spring.
- Archery and Crossbow: Mid-September to early January.
- Youth Deer Hunt: Early October (weekend).
- Gun Deer Season (9-day): Late November.
- Muzzleloader Season: Late November into December.
- Antlerless-Only Holiday Hunt: Late December to early January.
Archery and Crossbow Season Opening Day
For many hunters, the archery season is the true start. It offers quiet time in the woods during beautiful fall weather. The season is long, providing plenty of opportunity.
- Opening Date: Usually opens the Saturday closest to September 15th.
- Closing Date: Typically runs through the Sunday after the first Saturday in January.
- Note: Both archery and crossbow seasons generally run concurrently in most of the state.
The Gun Deer Season Opener
The traditional “gun deer season” opener is a major event in Wisconsin. It’s a time when communities come together, and the woods are most active with hunters.
- Opening Date: Always begins the Saturday before Thanksgiving.
- Duration: Runs for nine consecutive days.
- Significance: This season accounts for the majority of the statewide deer harvest each year.
Preparing for the Gun Opener
Preparation is key for this busy season. Here’s a quick checklist:
- Site in your firearm at the range.
- Purchase your gun deer license and any bonus antlerless tags.
- Scout your hunting area for recent deer activity.
- Check all your safety gear, including your blaze orange clothing.
Muzzleloader and Other Special Seasons
After the gun season, other opportunities open up. These seasons offer a different challenge and often less crowded woods.
The muzzleloader season usually opens the day after the 9-day gun season closes. It runs for about 10 days. There’s also a special holiday hunt in late December for antlerless deer only, which is perfect for filling the freezer. This hunt takes place in specific counties only, so check the zone map carefully.
Understanding Wisconsin’s Deer Management Zones
Your specific hunting location matters. Wisconsin is divided into Deer Management Units (DMUs). Regulations, tag availability, and even season dates can vary between these units.
- Farmland Zones: Typically have higher deer populations and more antlerless tag opportunities.
- Forest Zones: Often have more restrictive antlerless quotas.
- Central Forest Zone: Has its own set of specific rules.
You must know your DMU before buying tags. The WDNR website has an interactive map to find your zone. Ignoring this can lead to hunting illegally, even if you have the right date.
Step-by-Step: How to Get Ready for Opening Day
Knowing the date is one thing. Being ready is another. Follow these steps to ensure a smooth start.
Step 1: Secure Your Licenses and Tags
This is the most critical administrative task. You can purchase everything online through the Go Wild system or at an authorized license agent.
- Purchase a base hunting license.
- Buy your deer hunting license (archery, gun, etc.).
- Check for bonus antlerless tag availability for your DMU and purchase if desired.
- Ensure you have your harvest authorization tags printed or saved on your phone.
Step 2: Scouting Your Hunting Land
Never wait until opening morning to visit your spot. Scouting gives you a huge advantage.
- Look for fresh signs: rubs, scrapes, tracks, and droppings.
- Identify food sources like oak stands (acorns), agricultural fields, or food plots.
- Find bedding areas, often in thick cover or on south-facing slopes.
- Set up trail cameras to pattern deer movement.
Step 3: Gear Check and Practice
Your equipment must be reliable. A bow or firearm that isn’t sighted-in is a major handicap.
For archers, check your bow’s timing, strings, and sights. Practice from an elevated position if you’ll be in a tree stand. For firearm hunters, confirm your zero with the exact ammunition you’ll hunt with. Don’t forget to test your muzzleloader’s load if its been sitting since last year.
Step 4: Safety and Ethics Preparation
Safety is the top priority. Review tree stand safety procedures every single year. Most hunting accidents involve falls from stands. Always wear a full-body safety harness. Plan your clothing for the expected weather, including plenty of blaze orange during gun seasons. Tell someone your hunting plan, including your location and when you expect to return.
FAQs: Your Wisconsin Deer Hunting Questions Answered
What is the earliest date deer hunting starts in Wisconsin?
The earliest general season is the archery season, which usually opens around September 15th. The youth hunt occurs in early October, before the regular gun season.
Can I hunt deer with a crossbow in Wisconsin?
Yes. A crossbow license is required, and the season generally runs concurrent with the archery deer season across most of the state.
When does gun deer season start in Wisconsin?
The traditional nine-day gun deer season always starts on the Saturday before Thanksgiving. This is the most popular season and has a major impact of the state’s deer harvest.
Do I need to wear blaze orange during bow season?
During the archery season, blaze orange is not required. However, during any gun deer season (including the youth hunt), all hunters must wear at least 50% blaze orange above the waist. It’s a good idea to wear some during any season if other hunters may be in the area.
Beyond the Dates: Tactics for a Successful Start
Opening day brings unique challenges. Deer behavior changes as pressure increases. Here are some tactics tailored to different season openers.
Early Archery Season Tactics
In September, deer are still in their summer patterns. Focus on food sources like early-dropping acorns, apple trees, or agricultural edges. Warm weather can make scent control very important. Set up near trails leading from bedding to evening food sources. Be mindful of the lack of cover as leaves begin to fall later in the season.
Gun Season Opener Strategies
The woods change dramatically on gun opener. Pressure is high. Many hunters find success by getting deep into thick cover where other hunters push deer. Sitting all day on opening weekend can be very productive, as deer movement is unpredictable due to pressure. If you’re on private land, consider setting up on a funnell where deer will move when pressured from neighboring properties.
Reporting Your Harvest: A Crucial Step
Your responsibility doesn’t end with a successful shot. Wisconsin requires mandatory harvest registration. This data is vital for deer management.
- You must register your deer by 5 p.m. the day after recovery.
- Registration is done online, by phone, or at an in-person station.
- You will need your harvest authorization number and the location of kill (by DMU).
- After registering, you will get a confirmation number. This number must be written on your carcass tag.
Failing to register your deer is a violation of the law. It’s also a disservice to future hunting, as the data helps set seasons and quotas.
Common Mistakes to Avoid on Opening Day
Even experienced hunters can make errors. Here’s a few to watch out for.
- Not Checking Regulations: Assuming rules are the same as last year. Always get the new rulebook.
- Poor Scent Control: Washing clothes in scent-free detergent and playing the wind are still critical.
- Rushing Your Shot: The excitement of opening morning can lead to rushed, poor shots. Take your time and aim carefully.
- Ignoring Safety: From firearm handling to tree stand setup, never cut corners on safety protocols.
- Not Having a Backup Plan: If your primary spot is occupied or unproductive, have a secondary location in mind.
Knowing when does deer hunting start in Wisconsin is your first step toward a memorable season. By marking your calendar for the correct opener—whether it’s the quiet archery start in September or the classic gun season in November—you’re on the right path. Remember to verify all dates with the official WDNR guidelines, secure your licenses for the correct zone, and prepare your gear and yourself thoroughly. The Wisconsin woods offer a fantastic hunting tradition, and with good planning, you can be a part of it responsibly and successfully. Good luck, and hunt safe.