Wisconsin Hunting Seasons, 2023-2024
If you’re looking to bag deer, bear, wolf and turkey, Wisconsin’s hunting seasons are for you. Whether it’s by rifle, bow or muzzleloader, big game are up for the harvest.
Harvest permits and licenses are not available online, but can be purchased at a variety of businesses and locations throughout the state. Resident and nonresident licenses are available; prices vary by residency, season, bag method and special designations.
Wisconsin Deer Seasons
Archery and Crossbow | Sept. 16-Jan. 7 |
Disabled Hunters | Oct. 7-15 |
Youth Deer | Oct. 7-8 |
Firearms | Nov. 18-26 |
Muzzleloader | Nov. 27-Dec. 6 |
December Antlerless-Only Hunt | Dec. 7-10 |
Anterless-Only Holiday Hunt | Dec. 24-Jan. 1 |
Deer permits are required, only one deer may be harvested per permit. Because of Chronic Wasting Disease, deer harvested in disease management zones are considered “bonus bucks” and can be tagged for free. Note that disabled hunter deer seasons are not statewide, and are limited to private property sponsored by landowners. For more information on how to apply for a disabled hunter season, or to give hunters with disabilities the opportunity to hunt on your property, visit the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources website.
Wisconsin Bear Seasons
Zones C, E, F (No Dogs) | Sept. 6-Oct. 10 |
Zones A, B, D (Dogs Permitted) | Oct. 4-10 Sept. 13-Oct. 3 Sept. 6-12 |
Hunting dates in dog-permitted bear hunting zones are based on use of bait. In addition, bear hunting zones are available, but regulations differ by region. Be sure to visit the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources for clarification on specific regulations.
Wisconsin Turkey Seasons
Fall General Season | Zones 1-5: Sept. 17-Jan. 7 Zones 6-7: Sept. 16-Nov. 17 |
Spring General Season | Apr. 17-May 28** |
**Season dates vary by hunting period. For more information, visit the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
Wisconsin Small Game Seasons
Cottontail Rabbit | Northern Zone: Sept. 16-Feb. 29 Southern Zone: Oct. 14-Feb. 29 Milwaukee County: Open Season |
Squirrel | Sept. 16-Feb. 29 |
Pheasant | Oct. 14-Jan. 7 |
Quail | Oct. 14-Dec. 6 |
Ruffed Grouse | Zone A: Sept. 16-Jan. 7 Zone B: Oct. 14-Dec. 8 |
Hungarian Partridge | Oct. 14-Jan. 7** |
**Hunting season dates may vary by region, or be closed or limited in some counties. For more information on planning your legal hunt, visit the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
Bag limits, special seasons and hunting regulations for Wisconsin hunting seasons do vary based on animal and seasons. For more information on obtaining licenses, permits and regulations, visit the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources website.