Hunting Seasons and Dates

When Can I Hunt in Wisconsin?

A bear or elk hunt can be the adventure of a lifetime—so the sooner you start planning, the better. Before you set your sights on the season, make sure you know the open dates and regulations for the species you plan to pursue.

Below, we’ve compiled the latest hunting season information for Wisconsin to help guide your planning. Keep in mind that season details can change from year to year and sometimes even during the season. Always double-check the official Wisconsin hunting resources to confirm the most up-to-date information before heading out.

We’ve included dates for the 2025–2026 season. As the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) releases future season dates, we’ll update this guide to keep you informed.

Deer

• Archery and Crossbow: September 13,2025 – January 4, 2026
• Youth: October 11 – 12, 2025
• Gun (Hunters with Disabilities): October 4 – 12, 2025
• Gun: November 22 – 30, 2025
• Muzzleloader: December 1 – 10, 2025
• Statewide Antlerless-Only: December 11 – 14, 2025
• Antlerless-Only Holiday Hunt: December 24, 2025 – January 1, 2026

Turkey

Spring and Fall turkey hunting is managed by Wisconsin turkey zones.

• Youth: April 12 – 13, 2025
  
• Spring Open Zones:
  • Period A: April 16 – 22, 2025
  • Period B: April 23 – 29, 2025
  • Period C: April 20 – May 6, 2025
  • Period D: May 7– 13, 2025
  • Period E: May 14 – 20, 2025
  • Period F: May 21 – 27, 2025
    
• Fall Open Zones:
  • Statewide: September 13 – November 21, 2025
  • Zones 1-5: November 22, 2025 – January 4, 2026

Elk

Elk hunting licenses are awarded by drawing. Learn more about elk regulations and dates through the WDNR website.

• Archery, Crossbow, Firearm: October 18 – November 16, 2025 and December 11 – 19, 2025

Bear

Bear hunting is managed by zones, the use of bait, and hunting with or without dogs. For the latest details, check the bear hunting guidelines from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR).

• Zones A, B, D (dogs allowed):
  • September 3 – 9, 2025 (with aid of bait, no dogs)
  • September 10 – 30, 2025 (with the aid of dogs and bait)
  • October 1 – 7, 2025 (with the aid of dogs only)
• Zones C, E, F (no dogs):
  • September 3 – October 7, 2025 (with aid of bait, no dogs)

Migratory Birds

• Early Goose (Statewide): September 1 – 15, 2025
• Northern Zone: September 16 – December 16, 2025
• Southern Zone and Mississippi River Goose Zones:September 16 – October 6, October 12 – December 1, and December 21, 2025 – January 9, 2026
• Early Teal (Statewide): September 1 – 9, 2025
• Duck and Coot:
  • Northern Zone: September 27 – November 25, 2025
  • Southern Zone: October 4 – 12 and October 18 – December 7, 2025
  • Open Water Zone: October 18 – December 16, 2025
• Rail: September 1 – November 9, 2025
• Snipe: September 1 – November 9, 2025
• Gallinule: September 1 – November 9, 2025
• Mourning Dove: September 1 – November 29, 2025
• Woodcock: September 21 – November 3, 2025

Youth Waterfowl: September 20 – 21, 2025

Other Game Birds:

• Pheasant (Statewide): October 18, 2025 – January 4, 2026
• Bobwhite Quail (Statewide): October 18, 2025 – January 4, 2026
• Ruffed Grouse:
  • Zone A: September 13, 2025 – January 5, 2026
  • Zone B: October 18, 2025 – December 8, 2026
• Sharp-tailed Grouse: TBD
• Hungarian Partridge: October 18, 2025 – January 4, 2026

Small Game:

• Cottontail Rabbit:
  • Northern Zone: September 14 – February 28, 2025 and September 13, 2025 – February 28, 2026
  • Southern Zone: October 19 – February 28, 2025 and October 18, 2025 – February 28, 2026
• Squirrels: September 13, 2025 – February 28, 2026

Furbearers

• Coyote:
  • Hunting: Year-round
  • Trapping: October 18, 2025 – February 15, 2026
• Fox:
  • Hunting and Trapping: October 18, 2025 – February 15, 2026
• Raccoon:
  • Hunting and Trapping (Resident): October 18, 2025 – February 15, 2026
  • Hunting and Trapping (Non-Resident): November 1, 2025 – February 15, 2026