When Is the Season For Deer Hunting, Wisconsin?

For a successful and legal hunting experience in Wisconsin, it's crucial to be well-versed in the state's seasons, limits, and regulations. This not only helps to preserve the ecosystem and the sport we cherish but also keeps you out of legal trouble.

So, when is the season for deer hunting, Wisconsin? This blog has those answers and looks at some preparation strategies to maximize your chances of success. 

Updated February 25, 2025

Deer Season Dates 2025 

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) administers deer hunting seasons and applications. Its purpose is to preserve and maintain the great state's natural resources and animal numbers. 

The 2025 Wisconsin deer season dates are as follows: 

• Archery and Crossbow: Sept. 13 – Jan. 4, 2026 
• Gun: Nov. 22 – 30, 2025
• Muzzleloader: Dec. 1 – 10, 2025 
• Gun hunt for hunters with disabilities: Oct. 4 – 12, 2025 
• Youth Deer Hunt: Oct. 11 – 12, 2025 
• Statewide Antlerless-Only Hunt: Dec. 11 – 14, 2025 
• Antlerless-Only Holiday Hunt: Dec. 24, 2025 – Jan. 1, 2026

While we always work to provide the most up-to-date information for hunting season, this information can always change. We recommend checking the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) web page for more information. 

License and Permit Requirements 

In the state of Wisconsin, hunters must have a specialized license depending on their hunting type. These requirements include the following items.  

The Right License

Depending on how you hunt, you'll need a specific license. The options include:
 

• A gun deer license when using a firearm
• An archer license to take deer with bow and arrow 
• A crossbow license when hunting with a crossbow 
• A valid, unfilled harvest authorization to hunt legally

Make sure you don't hunt with a license that isn't specific to the firearm or bow you plan to use.

Hunter Education 

Wisconsin requires all hunters born after Jan. 1, 1973, to complete a hunter education course to successfully apply for a license. You'll want to keep your hunter education card with you on your hunt.

Harvest Authorization 

Each license will outline a harvest authorization, which shows the number of ant types issued with any deer license. This may vary depending on the zone where you are hunting and can change from year to year. 

All licenses, stamps, and permits can be purchased through the GoWild Wisconsin website. 

Hunting Zones and Units

The Wisconsin deer hunting areas are divided into hunting zones and metro-subunits, with official boundaries set by the WDNR. This is a crucial aspect of their responsibility for further administration and effective management of the deer population. 

This process allows the WDNR to effectively manage the deer population and tailor specific management plans to differing geographic or natural regions. These distinctions further help hunters distinguish between private and public land. 

The four standard zones are the Northern Forest, Central Forest, Central Farmland, and Southern Farmland. Understanding the specific regulations of each zone is essential to avoid breaching any restrictions or laws.

Bag Limits and Tagging Requirements 

The bag limit for all seasons is one buck deer per harvest authorization and one antlerless deer per unused authorization. It is only valid in the specified zone, Deer Management Unit, and land type.

After harvesting a deer, you must register it. The easiest way to do this is online. However, there are some additional options:
 

• Register online gamereg.wi.gov
• Register by phone 1-844-426-3734 (1-844-GAMEREG)
• You can register in person by finding a station that offers a phone or computer for online registration

Your deer harvest authorization number must be entered at the start of this process, so have it handy. 

Preparing for Deer Hunting Wisconsin

With the season dates in mind, you're almost ready to hunt! Check out these tips to prepare for a successful season.

Pre-Scouting 

When hunting in environmentally diverse states, we always recommend starting with thorough e-scouting to determine high-potential zones. The HuntWise app's digital mapping features allow you to begin exploring deer hotspots from anywhere. 

Focus on water sources, natural passageways, and agricultural areas, learn the crop rotations, and set a marker as a potential scouting location. Then, check for signs of deer life, such as bedding, scratching, and tracks when you are out in the field. 

Weather Preparation 

Wisconsin's weather can be quite unpredictable, so make sure you pack appropriately with layering systems and waterproof gear that will keep you dry and comfortable during extreme weather changes.

Use the HuntWise app to stay on top of weather forecasting and how this may impact deer behavior, as changes in temperature and weather conditions can impact deer routine and regular patterns. 

Physical Training 

Wisconsin is a dense and challenging hunting environment. Before the season, we recommend incorporating some stamina and lower-body strength training into your workout routine, including hiking, running, and cycling.

The capacity to go an extra mile or two can often be the difference between a successful and unsuccessful hunt. 

Get Wisconsin Deer-Season Ready With HuntWise 

Most hunters know that Wisconsin is a popular spot for deer hunting, and getting there and hunting can be worth the effort. However, those who take home the big bucks must be resourceful, well-planned, and deeply researched.

Before any hunt, jump on the HuntWise app to start exploring the natural environment and build an understanding of the zones you intend to hunt in, weather forecasting, public and private land divisions, and more. Huntwise is the ultimate hunting app for hunting any species, anywhere.

If you've never tried the app, now is the best time to download it and explore its features — free — for your first week!

Content and season dates reviewed and updated February 25, 2025.