Wisconsin Deer Hunting Seasons Updated For 2025

Wisconsin has lots of great natural things to see and do. Every year, lots of people come here to hunt, fish, hike and learn about nature. It is one of the top destinations for hunters looking to catch white-tailed deer.

In this comprehensive guide, we have collected the latest season dates, regulations, and insights about Wisconsin deer hunting, ensuring you’re well-prepared for a successful season.

Wisconsin Deer Hunting Season

Archery and Crossbow Season: Sept. 14, 2024 – Jan. 5, 2025

Statewide Antlerless-only: Dec. 12 – 15, 2024

Antlerless-only Holiday Hunt: Dec. 24 – Jan. 1, 2024

Youth Deer Hunt: Oct. 5 – 6, 2024

Gun Deer Hunt for Hunters with Disabilities: Oct. 5 – 13, 2024

Gun Season: Nov. 23 – Dec. 1, 2024

Muzzleloader Season: Dec. 2 – 11, 2024

Wisconsin Deer Hunting License

Deer Hunting	Resident	Non-resident
Gun deer license	$24	$200
Junior gun deer license	$20	$36
Archery license	$24	$165
Crossbow license	$24	$165
Junior crossbow license	$20	$77
Archery or crossbow upgrade	$3
Bonus antlerless harvest authorizations	$12	$20
Mentored gun deer, archery or crossbow (11 years old or under)	$7

If you were born on or after January 1, 1973, you’ll need to provide one of the following documents to buy a hunting license:

• Your Wisconsin hunter education certificate
• Proof of a hunter safety course from another state, province, or country that’s recognized by the department
• A previous year’s Wisconsin hunting license with your hunter safety number printed on it
• Proof that you completed basic training in the US Armed Forces, Reserves, or National Guard.

Wisconsin Deer Hunting Hours

Hunting hours differ depending on the time of year and location. Such as, in the Northern and Southern Areas of Zone A, the shooting hours for deer hunting are 30 minutes prior to sunrise until 20 minutes after sunset.

If you are hunting in other zones, based on the hunting hours of zone A, you can add the zone-specific minutes to get the opening and closing times for the specific area where you plan to hunt.

ZONE B: +4 min

ZONE C: +8 min

ZONE D: +12 min

ZONE E: +16 min

ZONE F: +20 min

Hunters can check the specific hunting hours according to the state they live in as follows:

Northern Area Deer Shooting Hours PDF

Southern Area Deer Shooting Hours PDF

Wisconsin Deer Hunting Regulations

License Requirements

To hunt deer in Wisconsin deer season, there are a few things that you will need. You’ll need a gun deer license if you want to use a firearm to hunt deer, or an archery license if you want to use a bow and arrow.

If you want to use a crossbow, you’ll need a crossbow license too. And, you’ll need a valid unfilled harvest authorization, which you can get after you’ve purchased an upgrade if you have an archery or crossbow license and want to use both weapon types.

Illegal Actions

Hunters can use any type of ammo other than arrows, bolts, or bullets that expand when they hit an animal. They can also use air guns to hunt deer or elk.

It’s illegal to take or possess an animal that someone else has legally hunted without their permission.

Dogs can be used to follow a blood trail to find a wounded animal, but they can’t kill any wild animals.

In some counties, it’s illegal to hunt deer over bait or feed material. Don’t place deer feed at a site that bears or elk are known to use.

Safety Regulations

Make sure at least half of your clothing above the waist is blaze orange or pink during firearm deer seasons. Also, remember to cover your head with something that’s at least half blaze orange or pink. It’s important to be visible to other hunters and to help prevent accidents.

Four basic T-A-B-K firearm safety rules to remember:
1. Treat every firearm as if it’s loaded.
2. Always point the muzzle in a safe direction, not towards anything you don’t want to shoot.
3. Be sure what you’re shooting at and what’s beyond it.
4. Keep your finger outside the trigger guard until you’re ready to shoot.

Harvest Registration

You can hunt deer wearing tracking collars or ear tags, but you need to call 608-935-1940 and leave a message with the ear tag numbers or collar number and your contact information after harvest.

You should register your deer through GameReg by 5 p.m. the day after recovery. You can register online or by phone.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for some exciting deer hunting adventures in Wisconsin in 2024, you’ve come to the right place! Wisconsin offers a well-regulated and rewarding hunting experience with specific dates, regulations, and licensing requirements.

Check out our guide for all the details you need to know to make your hunting trip a success. Make sure to stay informed and prepared to make the most of your time in the woods this year!