Wisconsin is a place where nature enthusiasts and avid hunters alike gather to embark on thrilling adventures during the annual hunting seasons.
Nestled in the heart of the Midwest, this picturesque state boasts a rich diversity of wildlife, expansive forests, and pristine lakes that set the stage for unforgettable hunting experiences.
Whether you are a seasoned hunter seeking to challenge your skills or a newcomer eager to delve into the age-old tradition, Wisconsin’s hunting seasons offer a bounty of opportunities to connect with nature, test your mettle, and create cherished memories in the great outdoors.
In this blog post, we will dive into the captivating world of Wisconsin’s hunting seasons, exploring the various game species, regulations, and the unique allure that draws hunters from far and wide to this enchanting region.
So, without further ado, let’s get started.
Wisconsin Hunting Season
Hunters in Wisconsin are fortunate to have a diverse array of wildlife and exceptional hunting conditions year-round.
From the renowned whitetail deer to bear, turkey, and duck, as well as cottontail rabbits, foxes, bobcats, and skunks, there’s a game for every hunting enthusiast.
Wisconsin also offers special hunting seasons for disabled individuals and youth hunters.
However, before heading out into the wild, it is crucial to familiarize yourself with the regulations, limits, and safety precautions to ensure a legal and secure hunting experience in the state.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the prominent hunting seasons in Wisconsin:
Deer Season:
Deer hunting in Wisconsin is highly anticipated by hunters across the state. The season is divided into different zones, each with specific hunting dates and permitted hunting methods.
Here’s a summary of the deer hunting season for different bear zones:
| Bear Zone | Hunting Season Dates | Permitted Hunting Methods |
| A, B, D | Sept 13 – Oct 3 | With aid of dogs, the aid of bait, all other methods |
| A, B, D | Oct 4 – Oct 10 | With aid of bait, all other legal methods |
| A, B, D | Sept 6 – Sept 12 | With aid of dogs only |
| C, E, F | Sept 6 – Oct 10 | With aid of bait, all other legal methods |
Wild Turkey Season:
Wisconsin offers both spring and fall turkey hunting seasons. The spring season is divided into different periods, and there is also a youth hunt. Here are the hunting dates for the 2023 spring and fall turkey seasons:
| Wild Turkey Season | Hunting Dates |
| Spring 2023 | |
| 2023 Spring Turkey Youth Hunt | April 15, 2023 – April 16, 2023 |
| Period (A) | April 19, 2023 – April 25, 2023 |
| Period (B) | April 26, 2023 – May 2, 2023 |
| Period (C) | May 3, 2023 – May 9, 2023 |
| Period (D) | May 10, 2023 – May 16, 2023 |
| Period (E) | May 17, 2023 – May 23, 2023 |
| Period (F) | May 24, 2023 – May 30, 2023 |
| Fall 2023 | |
| Statewide | Sept 16, 2023 – Nov 17, 2023 |
| Zones 1 – 5 | Nov 18, 2023 – Jan 7, 2024 |
Small Mammals Season:
Wisconsin also offers hunting seasons for small mammals like cottontail rabbits, squirrels, and more. Let’s take a look at the hunting start and end dates for a couple of species:
Cottontail Rabbit Season
Cottontail rabbits are a popular game species in Wisconsin, known for their fast and elusive nature. The state has designated specific hunting seasons for different zones, allowing hunters to pursue these small game animals during the appropriate times. Let’s take a closer look at the Cottontail Rabbit season in Wisconsin:
| Zone | Hunting Start Date | Hunting End Date |
| Northern Zone | Sep 16, 2023 | Feb 29, 2024 |
| Southern Zone | Oct 14, 2023 (9 am) | Feb 29, 2024 |
| Milwaukee County | Year-round | Year-round |
In the Northern Zone, the Cottontail Rabbit hunting season begins on September 16, 2023, providing hunters with ample opportunities to pursue rabbits throughout the fall and winter months. The season extends until February 29, 2024, giving hunters a long window to enjoy their favorite pastime.
Similarly, in the Southern Zone, the hunting season for Cottontail Rabbits commences on October 14, 2023, at 9 am. Rabbit enthusiasts in this zone can join in the excitement and try their luck at bagging these elusive game animals until February 29, 2024.
Milwaukee County, on the other hand, has a unique provision for Cottontail Rabbit hunting. Unlike the zonal restrictions, hunting these rabbits in Milwaukee County is permitted year-round.
This presents a wonderful opportunity for local hunters or visitors to explore the county’s natural areas and engage in hunting activities at any time throughout the year.
It’s important to note that while these dates provide a general overview of the hunting seasons, it’s always advisable to consult the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) or local regulations for any specific restrictions or updates.
Squirrels Season
Wisconsin offers a thrilling hunting experience for squirrel enthusiasts with specific hunting seasons for different squirrel species. Gray squirrels, fox squirrels, and red squirrels each have their designated hunting periods. Let’s explore the squirrel hunting seasons in Wisconsin:
| Species | Hunting Start Date | Hunting End Date |
| Gray and Fox Squirrels | Sep 16, 2023 | Jan 31, 2024 |
| Red Squirrels | Year-round | Year-round |
Gray squirrels and fox squirrels are two of the most commonly hunted squirrel species in Wisconsin.
The hunting season for these energetic creatures starts on September 16, 2023, and lasts until January 31, 2024. This period allows hunters to venture into the woods and pursue these agile game animals during the fall and winter months.
In contrast, the hunting season for red squirrels is open year-round. This means that hunting red squirrels is allowed at any time throughout the year.
Red squirrels are smaller in size compared to their gray and fox counterparts, but they provide an exciting challenge for hunters seeking a unique experience.
Furbearers Season
Wisconsin offers a diverse range of furbearer species for hunting and trapping enthusiasts. These animals, prized for their fur and challenging hunting opportunities, have designated seasons to ensure sustainable management and conservation. Let’s explore the furbearer hunting and trapping seasons in Wisconsin:
Bobcat
Bobcats, known for their elusive nature and beautiful fur, have two distinct hunting periods in Wisconsin:
| Hunting Period | Hunting Start Date | Hunting End Date |
| Period 1 | Oct 14, 2023 | Dec 25, 2023 |
| Period 2 | Dec 26, 2023 | Jan 31, 2024 |
During Period 1, hunters can pursue bobcats from October 14, 2023, to December 25, 2023. For those who miss out on the first period, there is an additional opportunity during Period 2, which extends from December 26, 2023, to January 31, 2024.
Coyote
Coyotes, known for their cunning behavior and adaptability, offers year-round hunting opportunities in Wisconsin. Whether you prefer hunting during the colder months or exploring the challenges of a summer hunt, coyote hunting is open throughout the year.
However, if you’re interested in trapping coyotes, the designated trapping season runs from October 14, 2023, to February 15, 2024. Trapping provides an alternative approach for capturing these intelligent predators.
Fox
Wisconsin is home to both red and gray foxes, and the hunting and trapping seasons for both species are the same:
| Season | Hunting Start Date | Hunting End Date |
| Hunting | Oct 14, 2023 | Feb 15, 2024 |
| Trapping | Oct 14, 2023 | Feb 15, 2024 |
Both fox hunting and trapping seasons commence on October 14, 2023, and conclude on February 15, 2024. This period allows hunters and trappers to target these swift and clever animals during the prime winter months.
Beaver
Beavers, renowned for their engineering skills and valuable pelts, have different hunting seasons based on the designated zones in Wisconsin:
| Zone | Hunting Start Date | Hunting End Date |
| Zone A | Nov 4, 2023 | Apr 30, 2024 |
| Zone B | Nov 4, 2023 | Apr 30, 2024 |
| Zone C | Nov 4, 2023 | Mar 31, 2024 |
| Zone D | One day after duck season | Mar 15, 2024 |
The beaver hunting season in Zone A, Zone B, and Zone C begins on November 4, 2023, and ends on April 30, 2024. In Zone D, the season starts one day after the duck season concludes and extends until March 15, 2024.
Mink and Muskrat
Mink and muskrat are popular furbearers in Wisconsin, and their hunting and trapping seasons vary based on different zones:
| Zone | Hunting Start Date | Hunting End Date |
| Mink (Northern) | Oct 21, 2023 | Apr 15, 2024 |
| Mink (Central) | Oct 28, 2023 | Mar 27, 2024 |
| Mink (Southern) | Nov 4, 2023 | Mar 15, 2024 |
| Mink (Mississippi River) | Nov 13, 2023 | Mar 10, 2024 |
| Muskrat (Northern) | Oct 21, 2023 | Apr 15, 2024 |
| Muskrat (Central) | Oct 28, 2023 | Mar 27, 2024 |
| Muskrat (Southern) | Nov 4, 2023 | Mar 15, 2024 |
| Muskrat (Mississippi River) | Nov 13, 2023 | Mar 10, 2024 |
Hunting and trapping seasons for mink and muskrat are divided into different zones. Each zone has its specific start and end dates. It’s essential to refer to the designated zones and corresponding dates to ensure compliance with the regulations.
Fisher
Fisher, a prized furbearer known for its agility and rarity, has a hunting season that spans from October 14, 2023, to January 7, 2024.
Fisher hunting provides an exciting challenge for those seeking to test their skills and experience the thrill of pursuing this elusive species.
Otter
Otters, fascinating semi-aquatic mammals, have separate hunting seasons for the North Zone and South Zone:
| Zone | Hunting Start Date | Hunting End Date |
| North Zone | Nov 4, 2023 | Apr 30, 2024 |
| South Zone | Nov 4, 2023 | Mar 31, 2024 |
Hunting otters in the North Zone is permitted from November 4, 2023, to April 30, 2024. In the South Zone, the otter hunting season extends until March 31, 2024. These periods provide opportunities for dedicated hunters to engage in otter hunting activities within the specified zones.
Raccoon
Raccoons, known for their dexterity and nocturnal habits, have separate hunting seasons for residents and non-residents:
| Residency | Hunting Start Date | Hunting End Date |
| Resident | Oct 14, 2023 | Feb 15, 2024 |
| Non-resident | Oct 28, 2023 | Feb 15, 2024 |
Residents of Wisconsin can hunt raccoons from October 14, 2023, to February 15, 2024. Non-residents can join in the raccoon hunting experience from October 28, 2023, to February 15, 2024.
General Guidelines:
Here are some general guidelines for Wisconsin hunting seasons for the year 2023:
Deer Hunting Season:
- Archery and Crossbow: September 16, 2023 – January 7, 2024.
- Gun hunt for hunters with disabilities: October 7-15, 2023.
- Youth deer hunt: October 7-8, 2023.
- Gun: November 18-26, 2023.
- Muzzleloader: November 27 – December 6, 2023.
- December 4-Day Antlerless-Only Hunt: December 7-10, 2023.
- Antlerless-Only Holiday Hunt: December 24, 2023 – January 1, 2024.
Bear Hunting Season:
The application deadline for bear permits is always December 10, the year before the season. Bear hunting season for zones A, B, and D (where dogs are permitted) runs from October 4-10, 2023.
Migratory Birds Hunting Season:
The seasons vary depending on the bird species. For example, the early teal season runs from September 1-9, 2023, while the mourning dove season runs from September 1 – November 29, 2023.
Wild Turkey Hunting Season:
The application deadline for spring turkey harvest authorizations is always December 10. The 2023 spring turkey season runs from April 19 – May 30, 2023, and the fall 2023 turkey hunting season runs from September 16 – November 17, 2023.
Small Mammals Hunting Season:
The hunting season for small mammals such as cottontail rabbits and squirrels runs from September 16, 2023 – February 29, 2024, depending on the zone. Hunting of protected species, such as badgers, jackrabbits, moose, and flying squirrels is prohibited.
Other Game Birds Hunting Season:
The hunting season for other game birds varies depending on the bird species. For instance, the season for pheasant runs from October 14, 2023 – January 7, 2024, while the season for ruffed grouse in zone A runs from September 16, 2023 – January 7, 2024.
Furbearers Hunting Season:
The hunting season for furbearers also varies depending on the animal. For example, the hunting season for coyotes runs year-round, while the hunting season for foxes runs from October 14, 2023 – February 15, 2024.
For specific rules, regulations, and the most up-to-date information, please refer to the official Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) website: Wisconsin DNR Hunting Regulations.
As for shooting hours, the specific hours for each hunting season may vary. For the most accurate information, please refer to the Wisconsin DNR’s shooting hours charts for the Northern and Southern areas, which are typically updated annually.
Please remember that these guidelines and dates are subject to change through rulemaking or legislative processes. Always check the latest regulations and updates from official sources before planning your hunting trip.