Wisconsin Hunting Seasons, 2018 – 2019

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If you’re a Passionate hunter and want to learn about Wisconsin hunting seasons, then you’ve come to the right place. Find out about license regulations and the exact dates of each season.

Regardless of types of hunting or which species you wish to hunt, the state of Wisconsin is an excellent choice if you want to be sure that you’ll bag something.

There’s a variety of big game here such as bear, deer, turkey but also many other small game species.

The amazing scenery and abundance of game is what makes this state one of the best hunting spots.

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Wisconsin Hunting Seasons and All Available Games

#1. Wisconsin Deer Hunting Seasons

wisconsin deer hunting seasons

Games

Seasons

Archery and Crossbow

September 14 – January 5

Disability Hunts

September 14 – January 31

Youth Deer Hunt

October 5 – 6

Muzzleloader

December 2 – 11

Antlerless-only Holiday Hunt

December 24 – January 1

*NOTE: Season dates may vary by the zone.

#2. Wisconsin Bear Seasons

Games

Seasons

Zone C, no dogs

September 4 – October 8

All other zones, dogs allowed

*September 4 – October 8

*NOTE: Season dates may vary by the zone.

#3. Wisconsin Turkey Seasons

wisconsin turkey hunting seasons

Games

Seasons

Bag Limit

Fall Season

*September 15 – January 6

One turkey of any sex

Spring General

*April 17 – May 28

One bearded or male turkey

Youth Spring

April 13 – 14

*NOTE: Season dates may vary by the zone.

#4. Wisconsin Small Game Seasons

Games

Seasons

Bag Limit

Squirrel

September 15 – January 31

Daily - 5

Quail

October 20 – December 12

Pheasant

October 10 – January 6

Daily – One rooster

Cottontail Rabbit

September 15 – February 28

Daily - 3

Crow

September 15 – November 15


January 18 – March 20

Daily - 15

Ruffed Grouse

September 15 – January 31

Daily – (2 – 5)*

Partridge

October 20 – January 6

Daily - 3

*NOTE: Some bag limits vary by zone.

License requirements

Who can get a license in Wisconsin? 

If you are younger than 10, you cannot purchase a license. Everyone else can obtain an appropriate one.

To get a license in the state of Wisconsin, you first need to have the Hunter Education Course completed. This depends on your age, but if you are born after January 1 1973, then you can’t legally hunt without the completion of this course. This course is created in a way where professional educators show you the most effective ways to learn how to hunt safely.

After you’ve passed the course, you can choose between these licenses:

Resident License – a person who has lived in Wisconsin for at least 30 days is considered a resident, and this license can purchase all residents age 10 and older. You may need additional licenses, depending on what game you want to hunt. If you are a first-time buyer, you have a discount when purchasing the license.

Youth License – residents and non-residents age 10 to 17 can have a license, but for a different game they may need additional licenses. If you are a non-resident, but your parent lives in Wisconsin, you can still obtain a resident license.

Senior and Disability License – Wisconsin residents who are 65 and older can obtain the Senior Citizen License. Disabled residents and non-residents can be eligible for disabled hunting permits.

Military Personnel License – active military members who are stationed in Wisconsin have a right to purchase a hunting license at the rate for residents.

Non-resident License – all non-residents who are 10 and older need a non-resident hunting license if they want to hunt. If you are a first-time buyer, you can buy your license at discounted rates.

For detailed prices and information about all types of licenses visit the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. All licenses can be purchased online.

Night Hunting in Wisconsin

Night hunting is allowed, and you can even use a flashlight while shooting for raccoon, coyote, fox or species that are not protected, but only at the point of kill when on foot, and to find your way. 

You are not allowed to use lights to search for or shine on animals. Check the area you are planning to hunt in, because some in some areas flashlights may be prohibited.

Night vision is not prohibited by law in Wisconsin, but it cannot be used in aid with any artificial light that includes an infrared light. So, night scopes that emit infrared are not allowed for shining but can be used for navigation and at the point of killing an animal.

Where to Hunt in Wisconsin?

This is a state that is proud because it has so many natural resources, particularly when talking about wildlife.

Its public lands are managed by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and this state has many opportunities and public spaces to offer both to an experienced and first-time hunter.

Wildlife areas in Wisconsin manage all wildlife life and provide a range of outdoor recreational uses like fishing, hunting, hiking, trapping, photographing and nature study.

You can localize all Wildlife Areas alphabetically and check the regulations for these areas, and the licenses you need for them.

Before every hunt, plan thoroughly your trip, so you can always have successful and safe hunting experience.

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