Wisconsin hunting seasons - key dates and regulations

By Blake Jackson

Wisconsin hunters and trappers are gearing up for the upcoming hunting and trapping seasons, which kick off in November. Before heading out, it's crucial to familiarize yourself with the specific regulations and licensing requirements.

Key Dates to Remember:

• November 2: Beaver, Mink, Muskrat, and Otter trapping seasons open in specific zones. Raccoon hunting also opens for non-residents.
• November 11: Mink and Muskrat trapping seasons open in the Mississippi River Zone.
• November 23: Crow and Deer Gun seasons commence.

Additional Considerations:

• Turkey Hunting: While the season closes in Zones 6 and 7 on November 22nd, it continues in Zones 1-5 until January 5th, 2025.
• Online Resources: The Wisconsin DNR's website provides a wealth of information, including regulations, season dates, hunting hours, pheasant stocking details, and more. You can also access the 2024 Fall Hunting Forecasts to learn about species population levels and hunting opportunities.
• Public Hunting Lands: Utilize the DNR's Public Access Lands webpage to discover public lands open to hunting.

Safety First:

Always inform someone of your hunting or trapping plans and keep them updated.

Adhere to the fundamental rules of firearm safety:

• Treat every firearm as if it were loaded.
• Always point the muzzle in a safe direction.
• Be certain of your target and what lies beyond it.
• Keep your finger outside the trigger guard until you're ready to shoot.

Individuals born on or after January 1, 1973, must possess a hunter education certification to buy a hunting license, unless hunting under the Mentored Hunting Law.

First-time trappers must complete an approved trapper education course, except for those trapping under the youth-supervised option, mentored trapping program, or other exemptions.

Photo Credit: pexels-jim-fawns