Wisconsin Archery season offers hunters some of the country’s best landscapes and deer hunting. Deer hunting in Wisconsin is part of the state’s culture and heritage. Almost everyone in the state partakes in deer hunting at some point. Deer are abundant and easy to find. Using the official government hunting app, you have a mix of public and private lands for planning your hunting trip.
Wisconsin (WI) Archery Season, 2022-2023
The chronic wasting disease is a problem in the state’s deer populations. Most deer experiencing problems come from the Southern Farmland Zone. Ever-increasing bar and wolf numbers in the northern region place pressure on deer populations, but farmland zones offer plentiful opportunities for bagging deer.
When does Archery Season Start in WI?
Wisconsin Deer Seasons
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Archery and Crossbow September 17-January 8
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Disabled HuntersOctober 1-9
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Youth Deer October 8-9
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December Antlerless December 8-11
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Holiday Hunt December 24-January 1
Deer permits allow one deer harvested per permit. Due to Chronic Wasting Disease, deer taken in disease management zones are “bonus bucks” and tagged for free.
Wisconsin Bear Seasons
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Zones C, E, F (Without Dogs) September 7-October 11
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Dog-Permitted Zones September 7-11
*Wisconsin has four bear hunting zones, and regulations vary by zone.
Wisconsin Turkey Seasons
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Fall General Season September 17-January 8*
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Spring General Season April 19-May 30*
*Season dates vary by region.
Wisconsin Small Game Seasons
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Cottontail Rabbit September 17-February 28 / Year-round in Milwaukee
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Squirrel September 17-February 28
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Pheasant October 15-January 8
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Quail October 15-December 7
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Ruffed Grouse September 17-January 8*
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Hungarian Partridge October 15-January 8*
*Hunting season dates may vary by zone.
What are the Legal Hunting Hours in Wisconsin?
Legal hunting hours start 30-minutes before sunrise to 30-minutes after sunset.
Hunting Licenses and Permits in WI
Visit the Wisconsin Fish, Wildlife & Parks website for more details on purchasing your hunting licenses and permits.
Wisconsin Residents
A resident is a person who has lived in the state permanently for 30 days. All residents aged 10 or older must have a Base Hunting License and Conservation License.
Non-Residents
Non-residents aged 10 or older must buy a non-resident hunting license at discounted rates for first-time hunters. Non-resident full-time students attending college or university in Wisconsin can buy a hunting license at resident rates.
Youth Hunting Licenses
Wisconsin residents and non-residents under 10 may not hunt. Residents and non-residents aged 10 to 17 must have a hunting license. Non-residents aged 10 to 17 can buy a hunting license at resident rates if they have a parent who is a Wisconsin resident.
Senior Hunting Licenses
Wisconsin residents aged 65 or older can apply for the Senior Citizen Small Game License.
Disability Licenses
Wisconsin offers reduced-fee hunting licenses for individuals with disabilities.
Veteran and Military Licenses
Active-duty military personnel stationed in Wisconsin for a minimum of 30 days can buy a resident hunting license. Additionally, active-duty military personnel, that is, Wisconsin military personnel that are residents but stationed in other states, don’t need a hunting license while on leave.
Non-resident active-duty military members who are not stationed in Wisconsin but were Wisconsin residents previously may purchase a hunting license at the resident rate. Resident veterans with a 50% disability are eligible for the annual Disabled Veteran Recreation Card. The privileges include fishing, hunting small game, state park admissions, and trail passes.
Migratory Waterfowl Requirements
Hunters aged 16 or older must buy a Wisconsin Migratory Bird Permit and Federal Duck Stamp when hunting migratory waterfowl. The permit is proof of participation in the Harvest Information Program (HIP).
License Expiration
Montana hunting licenses are valid from April 1 to March 31 the following year.
Check out our guide 30+ Hunting Rules to Keep You Safe while bowhunting in the wild.
