2025 Wisconsin Hunting Regulations: What You Need to Know

As the 2025 hunting season kicks off in Wisconsin, hunters and trappers must familiarize themselves with the latest regulations. With an array of species to hunt and specific season dates for each, staying updated on changes is essential to ensure a safe and lawful experience. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has released a comprehensive guide to hunting regulations, and we’re here to summarize the most important details you need to know.

Key 2025 Wisconsin Hunting and Trapping Seasons(Follow 2025 Wisconsin hunting regulations)

https://widnr.widen.net/s/tbnflbvmbb/2025-hunting-and-trapping-season-dates-sheet

Deer Hunting

• Archery & Crossbow: Sept. 13, 2025 – Jan. 31, 2026, in metro subunits and select DMUs. Check the DNR website for specific details about participating counties.
• Youth Deer Hunt: Oct. 11-12, 2025
• Gun Deer Hunt for Hunters with Disabilities: Oct. 4-12, 2025
• Muzzleloader: Nov. 22-30, 2025
• Antlerless-only Hunts: Dec. 1-10, 2025 (Statewide), Dec. 11-14, 2025, and Dec. 24, 2025 – Jan. 1, 2026 (select Farmland counties).

Elk Hunting

• Clam Lake and Black River Management Zones: Archery, Crossbow, and Firearm seasons are held from Oct. 18–Nov. 16, 2025, and Dec. 11-19, 2025. Licenses are awarded through a drawing, and only bull elk may be harvested.

Game Birds

• Pheasant: Oct. 18, 2025 – Jan. 4, 2026
• Bobwhite Quail: Oct. 18 – Dec. 10, 2025
• Hungarian Partridge: Oct. 18, 2025 – Jan. 4, 2026 (Closed in Clark, Marathon, and Taylor counties)
• Ruffed Grouse: Sept. 13, 2025 – Jan. 4, 2026 (Varies by zone)

Small Game

• Cottontail Rabbit: Sept. 13, 2025 – Feb. 28, 2026
• Squirrels (Gray & Fox): Sept. 13, 2025 – Feb. 28, 2026
• Turkey: Spring season: Apr. 16–22, 2025; Fall season: Sept. 13 – Nov. 21, 2025. Specific periods vary by zone.

Bear Hunting

• Various Zones: Sept. 3–Oct. 7, 2025 (Depending on the use of dogs, bait, and other legal methods). Dates and methods vary by zone.

Migratory Birds

• Early Canada Goose: Sept. 1-15, 2025
• Early Teal: Sept. 1-9, 2025
• Duck: Youth season (Sept. 20-21, 2025) and regular season (Oct. 4 – Dec. 7, 2025).
• Woodcock: Sept. 16–Oct. 12, 2025

Trapping

• Coyote: Hunting and trapping allowed year-round.
• Beaver: Trapping only, with season dates varying by zone.
• Mink, Muskrat, Fox, and Bobcat: Various dates from Oct. 18, 2025, to Mar. 31, 2026.
• Otter: Permits required for trapping in North and South Zones, running through Jan. 4, 2026.

Protected Species

• Hunting of protected species such as badgers, jackrabbits, moose, and flying squirrels is prohibited.

Mentored Hunting and Trapping Licenses

For individuals who haven’t completed hunter education or trapper education, Wisconsin offers a Mentored Hunting Program for both adults and youth. Similarly, a Mentored Trapping Program allows youth ages 16-17 and adults to trap under supervision without completing trapper education. Youth under 16 may trap without a license when supervised by a licensed trapper.

Reduced License Fees

Certain hunters are eligible for reduced fees, including:

• Youth ages 11 and under
• First-time hunters
• Individuals who have not hunted in the past 10 years
• Resident hunters who recruit three first-time hunters, trappers, or anglers.

Permit Application Deadlines

• Elk: May 31, 2025
• Bobcat & Fisher: Aug. 1, 2025
• Sharp-tailed Grouse: Aug. 31, 2025
• Spring Turkey: Dec. 10, 2025
• Bear: Dec. 10, 2025

Check your drawing status and apply at gowild.wi.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I hunt with a crossbow in Wisconsin in 2025?

Yes! Crossbows are allowed for all hunters during both the archery and firearm seasons in 2025. Previously, only hunters with disabilities could use them, but this regulation has expanded.

Q2: Are there any special hunts for disabled hunters?

Yes, there is a Gun Deer Hunt for Hunters with Disabilities scheduled for Oct. 4-12, 2025. Check the DNR website for more information about eligible participants and hunting areas.

Q3: Where can I find the most up-to-date hunting and trapping regulations?

Visit the Wisconsin DNR website (dnr.wisconsin.gov) to view the most current hunting regulations, or check the 2025 PUB-WM-153-2025 document.

Q4: What animals are considered protected, and can I hunt them?

Protected species like badgers, jackrabbits, moose, and flying squirrels are prohibited from being hunted in Wisconsin. For a complete list, refer to Chapter NR 10.02 of the Wisconsin Administrative Code.

Q5: How can I apply for a hunting permit?

You can apply for various hunting permits (e.g., elk, bobcat, fisher) through the Wisconsin DNR’s GoWild system. Be sure to note the application deadlines and permit requirements for each species.

Q6: Are there any restrictions on hunting migratory birds?

Yes, migratory bird seasons are tightly regulated. Specific seasons for species like Canada geese, ducks, and woodcock are provided in the regulations, and hunting dates vary by zone. Always check the latest rules to stay compliant.

Q7: Can I trap without a license in Wisconsin?

You can trap without a license if you’re under 16 and supervised by a licensed trapper. However, adults and youth ages 16-17 who have not completed trapper education are required to have a Mentored Trapping License.

Conclusion

Wisconsin’s hunting regulations for 2025 provide numerous opportunities for hunters and trappers, but it’s essential to stay informed about specific dates, species limits, and permit requirements. Always check the official Wisconsin DNR website for the most up-to-date information, and follow all guidelines for ethical and legal hunting practices.

Whether you’re hunting for deer, waterfowl, or small game, or trapping for coyotes or beavers, ensure you’re prepared and knowledgeable before heading out into the field. Stay safe, respect wildlife, and enjoy the experience!