Wisconsin Hunting Season 2025-2026 – Regulations, Dates & Public Lands
Planning your Wisconsin hunting adventure? You’ve come to the right place. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the 2025-2026 game calendar in the Badger State – from whitetail deer to waterfowl, turkey to bear, and everything in between.
Whether you’re a Wisconsin native or visiting from out of state, understanding the complex web of dates, permits, and regulations can be overwhelming. We’ve broken down all the essential information to help you plan successful outings while staying compliant with state regulations. From archery to firearms, youth opportunities to specialized hunts, this guide has your back.
📅 Quick Highlights
Before diving deep, here’s what makes Wisconsin special for hunters in 2025-2026:
Peak Opportunities: Archery season runs the longest (September through January), while gun deer season provides just nine days of prime action. Turkey hunters get multiple spring periods plus extensive fall opportunities. Bear season is brief but productive in designated zones.
Youth-Friendly State: Wisconsin offers exceptional youth opportunities with special seasons for deer, waterfowl, and turkey. Young hunters under 12 pay significantly reduced fees across most license categories.
Extended Seasons: Several species offer extended seasons in metro areas and specific counties, giving urban hunters more flexibility than neighboring states like Michigan or Minnesota.
Diverse Game: From big game like elk (limited lottery) to small game, furbearers, and extensive waterfowl opportunities, Wisconsin provides something for every hunter’s preference and skill level.
Big Game Overview
Whitetail Deer Seasons
| Season Type | Dates | Special Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Archery/Crossbow | Sept. 13 – Jan. 4, 2026 | Core season statewide |
| Extended Archery | Sept. 13 – Jan. 31, 2026 | Metro areas & select counties only |
| Youth Deer | Oct. 11-12, 2025 | Accompanied by adult mentor |
| Gun Season | Nov. 22-30, 2025 | Nine-day statewide season |
| Muzzleloader | Dec. 1-10, 2025 | Traditional weapons only |
| Antlerless Holiday | Dec. 24 – Jan. 1, 2026 | Select Farmland Zone counties |
| 4-Day Antlerless | Dec. 11-14, 2025 | Does and fawns only |
License Requirements: Base deer license ($24 residents, $160 non-residents) plus harvest authorizations for specific units. Bonus antlerless tags available for $12 (residents) or $20 (non-residents).
Black Bear Program
Bear opportunities require advance planning due to application deadlines and zone-specific regulations.
| Zone Type | Season Dates | Methods Allowed |
|---|---|---|
| Zones A, B, D (Dogs Permitted) | Sept. 3-9 | Dogs only |
| Sept. 10-30 | Dogs, bait, other legal methods | |
| Oct. 1-7 | Bait and other methods (no dogs) | |
| Zones C, E, F (No Dogs) | Sept. 3 – Oct. 7 | Bait and other legal methods |
Application Deadline: December 10, 2024 (for 2025 season)
License Cost: $49 residents, plus $4.50 application fee
Elk Program (Limited)
Wisconsin’s elk program remains highly selective with lottery-based permits. Application deadline and specific hunt areas vary annually. Contact Wisconsin DNR for current elk application information.
Turkey Hunting Calendar
Wisconsin’s turkey program offers excellent opportunities across spring and fall seasons.
Spring Turkey Seasons
| Period | Dates | Application Required |
|---|---|---|
| Youth Hunt | April 12-13, 2025 | No application needed |
| Period A | April 16-22, 2025 | Yes – deadline Dec. 10 |
| Period B | April 23-29, 2025 | Yes – deadline Dec. 10 |
| Period C | April 30 – May 6, 2025 | Yes – deadline Dec. 10 |
| Period D | May 7-13, 2025 | Yes – deadline Dec. 10 |
| Period E | May 14-20, 2025 | Yes – deadline Dec. 10 |
| Period F | May 21-27, 2025 | Yes – deadline Dec. 10 |
Fall Turkey Opportunities
| Season Type | Dates | Zones |
|---|---|---|
| General Fall | Sept. 13 – Nov. 21, 2025 | Statewide |
| Extended Fall | Nov. 22 – Jan. 4, 2026 | Zones 1-5 only |
Permits: Spring turkey requires $3 application fee plus $15 license. Turkey stamp required ($5.25). Bonus harvest authorizations available for $10.
Furbearer Opportunities
Wisconsin provides year-round opportunities for some species while others have specific seasons.
Year-Round Species
- Coyote: No season restrictions (hunting)
- Opossum, Skunk, Weasels: No limits with valid license
Seasonal Furbearers
| Species | Season Dates | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Coyote | Oct. 18 – Feb. 15, 2026 | Trapping |
| Fox | Oct. 18 – Feb. 15, 2026 | Hunt/Trap |
| Raccoon (Resident) | Oct. 18 – Feb. 15, 2026 | Hunt/Trap |
| Raccoon (Non-resident) | Nov. 1 – Feb. 15, 2026 | Hunt/Trap |
| Bobcat | Period 1: Oct. 18 – Dec. 25 | Permit required |
| Period 2: Dec. 26 – Jan. 31, 2026 | Application deadline Aug. 1 |
Specialized Furbearer Seasons
| Species | Zone | Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Beaver | Zones A & B | Nov. 1 – April 30, 2026 |
| Zone C | Nov. 1 – March 31, 2026 | |
| Zone D (Mississippi) | Dec. 8 – March 15, 2026 | |
| Otter | North Zone | Nov. 1 – April 30, 2026 |
| South Zone | Nov. 1 – March 31, 2026 | |
| Mink/Muskrat | Northern Zone | Oct. 18 – April 15, 2026 |
| Central Zone | Oct. 25 – March 22, 2026 | |
| Southern Zone | Nov. 1 – March 15, 2026 |
Small Game Schedule
Wisconsin’s small game seasons provide excellent opportunities for hunters of all experience levels.
| Species | Zone/Area | Season Dates | Daily Bag |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cottontail Rabbit | Northern Zone | Sept. 13 – Feb. 28, 2026 | 5 |
| Southern Zone | Oct. 18 (9 a.m.) – Feb. 28, 2026 | 5 | |
| Milwaukee County | Year-round | 5 | |
| Squirrel (Gray/Fox) | Statewide | Sept. 13 – Feb. 28, 2026 | 6 |
| Pheasant | Statewide | Oct. 18 (9 a.m.) – Jan. 4, 2026 | 2 roosters |
| Ruffed Grouse | Zone A | Sept. 13 – Jan. 4, 2026 | 5 |
| Zone B | Oct. 18 – Dec. 8, 2025 | 5 | |
| Bobwhite Quail | Statewide | Oct. 18 (9 a.m.) – Dec. 10, 2025 | 8 |
| Hungarian Partridge | Most counties | Oct. 18 (9 a.m.) – Jan. 4, 2026 | 2 |
| Sharp-tailed Grouse | Permit zones | Oct. 18 – Nov. 9, 2025 | 2 |
| Crow | Statewide | Nov. 22 – March 25, 2026 | No limit |
License Requirements: Small game license required ($18 residents, $70 non-residents). Pheasant stamp needed for pheasant hunting ($10). Sharp-tailed grouse requires special permit application.
Complete Waterfowl Program
Wisconsin’s waterfowl seasons align with federal frameworks while offering zone-specific opportunities.
Duck Seasons
| Zone | Dates | Daily Bag |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Duck Zone | Sept. 27 – Nov. 25, 2025 | 6 total |
| Southern Duck Zone | Oct. 4-12 & Oct. 18 – Dec. 7, 2025 | 6 total |
| Open Water Zone | Oct. 18 – Dec. 16, 2025 | 6 total |
Goose Seasons
| Zone | Dates | Daily Bag |
|---|---|---|
| Early Goose | Sept. 1-15, 2025 | 5 |
| Northern Goose Zone | Sept. 16 – Dec. 16, 2025 | 2 Canada geese |
| Southern/Mississippi Zones | Sept. 16 – Oct. 12, Oct. 18 – Dec. 7, Dec. 20 – Jan. 2, 2026 | 2 Canada geese |
Special Waterfowl Seasons
| Season | Dates | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Early Teal | Sept. 1-9, 2025 | Blue-wing, green-wing, cinnamon |
| Youth Waterfowl | Sept. 20-21, 2025 | Adult mentor required |
| Woodcock | Sept. 20 – Nov. 3, 2025 | 3 daily bag |
| Rail/Snipe | Sept. 1 – Nov. 9, 2025 | Varies by species |
| Mourning Dove | Sept. 1 – Nov. 29, 2025 | 15 daily bag |
Required Stamps: Waterfowl stamp ($12), Federal duck stamp ($30.50), HIP certification (free). Hunters 16+ must have both state and federal stamps.
Additional Game Opportunities
Wisconsin offers unique opportunities for several other game species that often get overlooked.
Specialty Seasons
| Species | Season | Special Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Sandhill Crane | Check current regulations | Limited permits |
| Wild Rice | August-September | Harvester license required |
| Ginseng | Sept. 1-Nov. 1 | Special permit required |
| Frogs | Typically May-October | Check local regulations |
These specialty seasons often have specific bag limits, methods restrictions, and may require additional permits beyond basic hunting licenses.
Game Management Units & Public Land
Wisconsin divides hunting opportunities across different management zones and units. Understanding these boundaries is crucial for license applications and season compliance.
Key Zone Systems:
- Deer Management Units (DMUs) for harvest quotas
- Bear Management Zones (A-F) with different regulations
- Waterfowl zones (Northern, Southern, Open Water)
- Furbearer zones for mink, muskrat, and beaver
Public Land Access: Wisconsin offers extensive public hunting on state forests, wildlife areas, and managed forest lands. Check the Wisconsin DNR website for interactive maps showing public access points and property boundaries.
Property Requirements: Always verify hunting permissions on private land. Landowner permission required for all private property hunting, regardless of license type.
License & Permit Details
Resident Licenses (2025 Fees)
| License Type | Cost | Age Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Small Game | $18.00 | Adult |
| Gun Deer | $24.00 | Adult |
| Archery Deer | $24.00 | Adult |
| Conservation Patron | $165.00 | Includes most hunting/fishing |
| Sports License | $60.00 | Fishing + small game + deer |
Youth Discounts (12-17 years)
| License Type | Cost | Savings |
|---|---|---|
| Small Game Junior | $9.00 | 50% discount |
| Gun Deer Junior | $20.00 | $4 savings |
| Sports Junior | $35.00 | $25 savings |
Non-Resident Fees
| License Type | Cost | Comparison |
|---|---|---|
| Small Game | $70.00 | Nearly 4x resident rate |
| Gun Deer | $160.00 | Nearly 7x resident rate |
| Bear | $165.00 | Plus application fees |
Required Stamps & Add-ons
| Stamp/Permit | Resident | Non-Resident | Required For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Waterfowl Stamp | $12.00 | $12.00 | All waterfowl |
| Federal Duck Stamp | $30.50 | $30.50 | All waterfowl |
| Pheasant Stamp | $10.00 | $10.00 | Pheasant hunting |
| Turkey Stamp | $5.25 | $5.25 | All turkey hunting |
First-Time Buyer Programs
Wisconsin offers $5 first-time buyer licenses for most categories, making it easier for new hunters to get started. These apply to your first-ever purchase of each license type.
Wisconsin Hunting Quick FAQ
Q: Can I hunt multiple species with one license?
A: No, Wisconsin requires species-specific licenses. A deer license doesn’t cover small game, and vice versa. Consider the Sports or Conservation Patron licenses for multiple species coverage.
Q: Do I need hunter education to buy a license?
A: Yes, unless born before January 1, 1973. Wisconsin accepts hunter education from any state or province. Online courses available with field day requirement.
Q: Can non-residents hunt during youth seasons?
A: Yes, but non-resident youth must be accompanied by a properly licensed adult mentor. Youth pay reduced fees regardless of residency.
Q: What’s the difference between archery and crossbow licenses?
A: Wisconsin treats them separately, but you can upgrade an archery license to include crossbow privileges for an additional $3. Both follow the same season dates.
Q: Are there any free hunting opportunities?
A: Military personnel on active duty can obtain free small game licenses. Some recruitment programs offer discounted licenses for new hunters.
Q: Do I need permission to hunt public land?
A: No permission needed for properly designated public hunting areas, but you must follow all posted regulations and seasonal restrictions. Some areas require advance registration.
Q: Can I hunt on Sundays in Wisconsin?
A: Yes, Wisconsin allows Sunday hunting on both public and private land, making it more flexible than states like Pennsylvania which restrict Sunday hunting activities.
Essential Resources & Planning Tools
Wisconsin DNR Go Wild Portal: Your one-stop shop for license purchases, applications, and harvest reporting. Create an account early to streamline future purchases.
Season Date Updates: Wisconsin publishes updated regulations each June/July. Bookmark the official DNR hunting dates page for the most current information.
Interactive Maps: Use the Wisconsin DNR’s interactive mapping tools to identify public hunting areas, property boundaries, and special regulation zones near your planned hunting locations.
Weather & Conditions: Check Wisconsin weather forecasts and local conditions before heading out. Fall weather can change rapidly, affecting both safety and hunting success.
Harvest Reporting: Wisconsin requires harvest reporting for certain species within specific timeframes. Understand reporting requirements before your hunt to avoid violations.
Conclusion
Wisconsin’s 2025-2026 game schedule offers exceptional diversity for hunters willing to plan ahead. From the extended archery seasons that run nearly four months to specialized permit opportunities for bear and turkey, the Badger State rewards preparation and flexibility.
The key to success lies in understanding the complex web of seasons, zones, and permit requirements. Application deadlines for popular species like bear and spring turkey arrive months before the actual seasons, so mark your calendar accordingly. Youth hunters have tremendous advantages with special seasons and reduced fees, making Wisconsin an excellent place to introduce new hunters to the sport.
Remember that regulations can change, and zone boundaries affect season dates and bag limits. Always verify current information through the Wisconsin DNR before heading afield. Purchase your licenses early, scout your areas during off-seasons, and respect both private property and fellow hunters for the best possible experience.
The 2025-2026 schedule positions Wisconsin as one of the premier hunting destinations in the upper Midwest. With proper planning and attention to regulatory details, you’re set for memorable adventures across Wisconsin’s diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife populations.
