Wisconsin Hunting Guide 2026
Complete Wisconsin hunting guide for 2026: seasons, license costs, draw odds, GMU boundaries, bag limits, and regulations. Compare every game species at a glance.
Wildlife Agency
Wisconsin DNR
Hunter safety course required for first-time buyers
Wisconsin Hunting Seasons
Whitetail Deer
| Season Type | Opens | Closes |
|---|---|---|
| Archery | Sep 16 | Jan 7 |
| Rifle | Nov 18 | Nov 26 |
| Muzzleloader | Nov 27 | Dec 6 |
Bag limits: daily: 1, season: 1 buck + antlerless with tags
Earn-a-Buck may apply in some units. CWD affected areas have special rules. Youth deer hunt weekend available.
Turkey
| Season Type | Opens | Closes |
|---|---|---|
| Shotgun | Apr 12 | May 28 |
| Archery | Sep 16 | Nov 14 |
Bag limits: daily: 1, season: 1
Spring season divided into 6 periods. Turkey permit required via preference system.
Duck/Waterfowl
| Season Type | Opens | Closes |
|---|---|---|
| Shotgun | Sep 23 | Nov 28 |
Bag limits: daily: 6, season: No season limit
Federal and state duck stamps required. Season split into zones. Early teal season in September.
Pheasant
| Season Type | Opens | Closes |
|---|---|---|
| Shotgun | Oct 14 | Dec 31 |
Bag limits: daily: 3, season: No limit
Pheasant stamp required. Best populations in central and southwest Wisconsin.
Planning Tools
- Tag-to-Trail Planner — interactive map: public land, harvest records, water, burns
- Hunt Cost Calculator — budget your full hunt cost
- Application Timeline — never miss an application deadline
- Preference Point Tracker — track points across all your states
