Wisconsin Hunting Laws Licensing & Regulations

Hunting in Wisconsin

Wisconsin is one of the top states in the country for hunting large game such as wolves, turkeys, bears, and deer. As long as it is their hunting season, the state’s hunting regulations allow the use of numerous firearms to take these games. Wisconsin also has a variety of mini games.

Wisconsin Hunting Rules

Wisconsin hunting restrictions put in place by state law to control hunting activities include the following:

Restriction on Distance

It is forbidden in Wisconsin to hunt a game or discharge a hunting firearm within 500 yards of public spaces such as highways, public roads, and so on. Hunting weaponry is forbidden, including shotguns with more than four shots, muzzle rifles, and firearms of.40 caliber or greater. Wisconsin’s distance restriction hunting regulation mostly affects deer hunting. Any deer hunting or gaming within 50 yards of a deer is illegal in every section of the state. This statute was passed by the Wisconsin state legislature to address safety concerns.

Permission for Hunting

It is illegal to capture, hunt, destroy, kill, or hurt a game on someone else’s land or property without the authorization of the landowner or someone acting in his or her place. The sole exemption to this rule is if you are accompanied by the landowner or are a guest of the landowner while hunting.

Hours of hunting

Wisconsin has hunting hours that are strictly enforced. Lawful hunting is only permitted during daylight hours, which are defined as 30 minutes before sunrise and 30 minutes after sunset.

Falling body protection

Falling from a tree is one of the most prevalent hunting injuries in Wisconsin. This is why the state legislature requires hunters to wear a full-body harness while hunting. Every hunter in the state who uses tree stands is required to wear full-body protection. Furthermore, the state compels such hunters to utilize a pull-up rope to bring up instruments from the ground to the treetop. They are also prohibited from carrying bows, rifles, or other hunting equipment when climbing or descending from the tree, according to the laws. Also, while pulling a rifle from the tree’s tip, it must be emptied. The regulation also advises against permanent or built tree stands if a landowner does not grant permission.

Bow hunting in Wisconsin

Bow hunting in Wisconsin has seen consistent growth. Various state organizations, including the Archery Trade Association, the Wisconsin Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division, and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, have banded together to improve the state’s archery parks.

Archery parks in Wisconsin offer a variety of shooting targets and distances for hunters to practice before the start of an archery season.

To utilize an archery park, you must be between the ages of 16 and 64 and have a valid Wisconsin hunting license.

In Wisconsin, open carry is permitted while hunting.

If you have the legal right to hunt in Wisconsin, you can open carry.

It is prohibited to use weapons when bow hunting unless they are concealed and you have a state permit to carry them.

In Wisconsin, hunter harassment law provides that no one shall intentionally obstruct hunting or other similar permitted activity, such as fishing or trapping, in such a way that the taking of animals becomes difficult.

Other examples of infractions of this statute include:

Harassing or disturbing wildlife, or engaging in any conduct that implies such behavior,
Interfering with or obstructing someone who is participating in a legitimate hunting activity or similar practices such as fishing or trapping
Causing a nuisance on someone’s property for the sake of legitimate hunting or related activities such as trapping
tampering with bait or any type of trap used to lure and capture wildlife or fish.
Any violation of this law involving the use of a drone
Participating in several activities at the same time in a way that impedes or disturbs authorized hunting of animals or similar activities related to such practices in the state
Staying close to somebody who is hunting in a way that disrupts the action
Harasses or challenges a person engaged in authorized hunting.
monitoring licensed hunting by photographing or filming without permission.

Wisconsin Hunting Licenses, Tags, and Permits

Before applying for a Wisconsin hunting license, you must first finish a state-approved hunter education course. There are a few exceptions for people who may apply for Wisconsin hunting education, and they are as follows:

Agents of law enforcement
Military personnel in the state
Wisconsin residents who serve in the Wisconsin National Guard

People That Need Hunter Education.

Wisconsin hunter education is compulsory for anyone that was given birth within 1st of August 1977 and now. The minimum age for anyone to apply for the course is 10 years old. But the person will not be needing it at that age, since the minimum age to apply for Wisconsin Hunting License is 16 years old. However, it is advised that you complete your Wisconsin hunter education course as early and you can.

Hunter Education Requirement Exceptions

An alternative to the Wisconsin hunting education course is provided by the state Wildlife Heritage Act enacted in 2007. This act provides those seeking a hunter’s license in the state to hunt under the supervision of a mentor to obtain the hunter education cost. License buyers that do not want to hunt under supervision will have no other option than to complete the required course.

For hunting under supervision, the act states that all hunters must adhere to voice commands and must not be more than 30 feet away from the supervisor. The supervisor in this case will be a licensed hunter that is at least 21 years old.

Understanding The Options for Wisconsin Hunter Education Course

You can apply for your hunter education by attending a physical class or an online class. Physical classes are always free of charge, but you will have to pay a provider’s fee for the online class. Successfully completing either the physical or virtual class will qualify you for a Wisconsin hunter’s license.

If you like a close-knit learning environment, a physical class is the way to go. The online solution, on the other hand, necessitates a functional internet network with adequate bandwidth.

Hunter Physical Education Course

This choice requires at least 8 hours of training and instruction, after which you must sit for a test. This training is overseen by the State Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division. The division will provide applicants with teachers. The minimum age to apply is ten years old, and there are no fees.

Some of the topics covered in a Wisconsin Physical Hunting Course are as follows:

Regulations and ethics in hunting
Hunting survival and first aid
Muzzleloading
Game maintenance
Wildlife identification
Conservation of wildlife
Safe firearm handling
Archery

If you have a disability and want to participate in Physical Hunter Education, please contact the Wisconsin Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fishery before applying.

Hunter Education Course Online

This choice provides you with some of the most instructional hunting movies, along with interactive activities and exercises. The course provider will also provide you with access to an all-inclusive hunter education course that will educate you with the required information and expertise to hunt responsibly and safely.

Wisconsin Hunting License Types

Wisconsin grants the following basic hunting licenses:

Residents’ Hunting Recreational License
Non-Resident Hunting Recreational License
Commercial Hunting Permit
Residents’ Hunting Recreational License

These licenses will only be issued to residents by the state. A state-accepted ID card or a state driver’s license is required to show Wisconsin residency. If you own property in Wisconsin, you can hunt on it without a hunting license, but you must have a driver’s license. The minimum age to apply for a recreational hunting license is 16 years old. The following licenses, permits, and tags are available under the Hunting Recreational License for Residents:

Licenses for all games
Small Game Permit
Privilege of an Exceptional License for Hunters
Privilege of DNR Registration
Privileges of Baiting
Permit for Commercial Fowl Hunting
Duck Stamps (both federal and state licenses are available)
Wildlife heritage permit
Wildlife Management Area Permit
Hunting Licenses for Life
Senior lifetime hunting permits
Hunting for Physically Disabled Residents
Hunting for 50% disabled military veterans
Hunting for 100% disabled military veterans
Hunting Disabled Military Veterans Appreciation 3-Day Event
Non-Resident Hunting Recreational License

Nonresidents of Wisconsin who want to hunt in the state must get a hunting recreational license that is distinct from the one provided to Wisconsin residents. The minimum age to apply for such a license is 16 years old. The following licenses, permits, and tags are classified as hunting recreational licenses for non-residents:

Licenses for all games
Small Game Permit
License for Baiting Privilege
License for Non-Resident College Students
Exempt Hunter’s License
DCNR Registration Advantage
License for Disabled Military Veterans
License for Commercial Fowl Hunting Preserve
Stamps with ducks
Harvest Information System
Wildlife Management Area Permit
Commercial Hunting Permit

This refers to commercial hunting licenses, permits, and tags issued in Wisconsin. Among them are the following:

Licenses for commercial fowl hunting
Residents and non-residents of the state can apply for furcatcher licenses.
Permission to practice falconry
Field trials are permitted.

Permits and Tags for Wisconsin Fishing

Fishing licenses in Wisconsin, like hunting licenses, have three fundamental classifications into which all additional permits, tags, and licenses are classified. They are as follows:

Residents’ Recreational Freshwater Fishing Licenses
Non-resident freshwater fishing recreational licenses
Commercial Licenses for Freshwater Fishing

Residents’ Recreational Freshwater Fishing License

These licenses are issued to persons who have documentation of Wisconsin residency. This kind of license includes the following licenses, permits, and tags:

Freshwater Fishing Permit
Freshwater Fishing License for Ages 65 and Up
Daily Freshwater Public Fishing License
Wildlife Heritage PeDaily Permit for spearfishing
license for a wire basket
Freshwater fishing license for life
Senior Lifetime Freshwater Fishing Option
Resident Freshwater Fishing License for the Physically Disabled
Military Veteran Appreciation for Disabled Freshwater Fishing
3-Day Disabled Freshwater Fishing Event License

Non-resident freshwater fishing recreational licenses

Non-residents who want to hunt in Wisconsin must obtain one of these permits. The following licenses, permits, and tags fall under this category:

Except for Louisiana and Mississippi, all states require an annual license.
Except for Florida and Georgia, all states have freshwater fishing licenses.
License for non-resident college students
License for Freshwater Public Fishing Lakes
Annual Permit
Daily License
License for spearfishing
Wirebasket authorization

Commercial Licenses for Freshwater Fishing

The following licenses, permits, and tags fall under this category:

Residents and non-residents alike can obtain a commercial freshwater fishing license.
Dealer license for nongame freshwater fish (retail and wholesale)
Nonresidents must get a Minnow and/or Live Fish Dealer license.
Permit for Stocking Public Water

Wisconsin Deer Season

Wisconsin’s shooting season for deer hunting in Wisconsin in 2020–21 includes the following:

Deer hunting season in Wisconsin

Period of Archery and Spear (15th October to 10th February)
Firearms (November 21st to February 10th)
Deer dog hunting is legal from November 7th to January 1st.
Muzzleloader and Rifle Deer Hunting (November 2nd to November 6th and November 16th to November 20th)‘

Seasons may fluctuate by zone in the state, and counties may have additional limitations for spear and do Turkey hunting in Wisconsin Season in Wisconsin

Hunting in the fall (November 21st to November 29th and December 12th to January 1st)
Spring hunting (20th of March to 2nd of May)
Youth Turkey Hunting (the weekend before the spring season begins)
Disabled Turkey Hunting (a day before the start of spring)

The dates for each season may alter depending on where you live in the state. Additionally, counties may have different bag limit restrictions.

Small Game Hunting Seasons in Wisconsin

The following dates are available for small game hunting in Wisconsin for the 2020–21 season:

Hunting for quail (7th November to 28th February)
Hunting for Rabbits and Squirrels (12th September to 7th March)
Raccoon, opossum, bullfrog, pig, frog, starlings, crows, English sparrows, open season hunting

The dates will differ depending on where you live in the state. Additionally, bag restrictions, rules, and special seasons will vary depending on the wildlife and season. Baiting is forbidden while hunting in Wisconsin, and there are restrictions on the types of species that can be hunted.

Wisconsin Game, Fish, and Wildlife

In terms of hunting opportunities, Wisconsin is well-endowed. It is one of the states in the United States where hunters can shoot at least one wildlife species per month.

Among its most popular wildlife are the following:

Wisconsin deer hunting

Deer, particularly white-tailed deer, are the most frequent animal accessible for shooting in Wisconsin. Deer hunting has a significant economic impact in Wisconsin.

Wisconsin Turkey Hunting

After deer hunting, turkey hunting is the most popular game in Wisconsin. The state contains some of the most dedicated deer hunters in the country, and they enjoy more than a month of turkey hunting each year.

Duck hunting in Wisconsin

Duck hunting is popular in Wisconsin, and many hunters participate during the duck hunting season. The Mobile-Tensaw Delta and the Tennessee River are home to a significant number of ducks and waterfowl. The wood duck is another popular duck species in the state.

Hunting for Quail in Wisconsin

Over the last ten years, there has been a substantial shift in Wisconsin quail hunting. This is owing to the state’s farming culture and habitat conditions, which have significantly reduced the number of quail in the state. Quail hunting is now restricted to commercial quail hunting reservations in Wisconsin.

Dove hunting in Wisconsin

In Wisconsin, dove hunting is only permitted during the fall season. Most hunters use this time as a social and recreational occasion to gather with their hunting buddies and families. Dove hunting in Wisconsin varies by zone.

Coyote hunting in Wisconsin

Coyotes are one of the animal species that can be hunted all year in Wisconsin, provided you have a state license.

Rabbit hunting in Wisconsin

Small game hunting is one of the ways hunters socialize and introduce young children to hunting in Wisconsin.

Bear hunting in Wisconsin

Black bear hunting in Wisconsin is only available in the state’s southwest and northeast. There is no open season for bear hunting in Wisconsin, and citizens are encouraged to report any bear sightings to the DNR.

Shooting ranges in Wisconsin

In Wisconsin, there is a public shooting range. Include the following items:

hollow for sports.
The West Bend Barton Sportsman’s Club is located in West Bend, Wisconsin.
Range at the Twin City Rod & Gun Club.
The Westby Rod and Gun Club
Rifle and pistol range in Wood County
The Wisconsin Sportsman’s Association is a non-profit organization.
4th Sportsman’s Club, B16
Caywood Arbor Vitae
Recreational acres.
Beaver Dam environmentalists
Beechwood Sportsman’s Club is a private club in Beechwood, Ontario.
The Balsam Lake Rod and Gun Club
Campbellsport Sportsman’s Club is a sports club in Campbellsport, Scotland.
Cassville Conservation Association.
Bristol Shooting Ranges are operated by the Kenosha County Conservation Club.
The Dalton Rod and Gun Club
The Cudahy Sportsmen’s Club is located in Cudahy, Wisconsin.
Dunbar Shooting Range
Fishbowl United Sportsmen Club is a sports club in Fishbowl, California.
Range at the Flambeau Area Sportsman’s Club.

Hunting Lands in Wisconsin for Sale and Lease

Wisconsin hunting lands are for sale. Include the following items:

40.05 acres in Pembina, Wisconsin (Marinette County), with a nice little cabin that provides a warm and cozy location to conclude your day of hunting.
96 acres in North Prairie, Wisconsin (Waukesha County).
203.79 acres in Butternut, Wisconsin (Ashland County).
120 acres in Hewitt, Wisconsin (Marathon County).
82 acres in Warrens, Wisconsin (Jackson County).
61 acres in Bristol, Wisconsin (Kenosha County).
263.5 acres in Richland Center, Wisconsin (Richland County).

Wisconsin hunting lands for lease include the following:

250 acres of hunting ground for lease in Outagamie County, north of Shiocton, are ideal for deer, turkey, ducks, geese, and some bears.
A 32-acre hunting lease is available in Croix County, Somerset, Wisconsin. all wooded and suitable for deer and turkey hunting.
220 acres of mixed farming and forest high deer density wildlife pond QDM in Trempealeau County for 25 years.
A 1500-acre hunting preserve teems with the best trophy whitetail bucks in the country. Oconto County hunting packages include hotels and meals.
100 acres for excellent deer hunting near the town of Hamburg, Vernon County, about three miles south and east of Chaseburg.
20 acres of wooded and partially fielded land perfect for hunting, secluded, easy access, deer, turkey, and no duck in Rusk County
Marathon County Trophy Whitetail and Elk Hunting Preserve with a Variety of Game Opportunities
Private whitetail hunting excursions are available on the reserve. Owners should be contacted for specifics on land size.
Rusk County has no ducks; however, there is a 40-acre woodlot with road access and logging road parking.
In Iowa County, a 700-acre private hunting reserve with a ranch and club available to the public specializes in corporate-hunt expeditions. On the club premises, hunting licenses are not necessary.
Bremer Creek is a Wisconsin deer hunting outfitter that specializes in Wisconsin-guided whitetail deer hunts. Along the Mississippi River in Buffalo County, Wisconsin

Public Hunting Lands in Wisconsin

Wisconsin’s public hunting lands include the following:

Calumet County has 1187 acres for hunting Whitetail Deer, Elk, Turkey, Doves, Ducks, Predators, and Exotics.
237 acres in Milwaukee County for whitetail deer, turkey, and exotic hunting.
Waupaca County has 1500 acres for hunting whitetail deer, elk, turkey, ducks, predators, and exotics.
Dane County has 2296 acres for hunting whitetail deer, turkey, ducks, and exotics.
702 acres in Ozaukee County for duck and exotic hunting.
5350 acres in Iowa County for duck, predator, and exotic hunting.
Sawyer County has 90147 acres for hunting Whitetail Deer, Elk, Turkey, Quail, Duck, Predator, and Exotics.
Burnett County has 30000 acres for hunting whitetail deer, ducks, and exotics.
Dane County has 1970 acres for hunting whitetail deer, turkey, ducks, and exotics.
Lincoln County has 27000 acres for hunting whitetail deer, turkey, ducks, and exotics.
1860 acres in Waushara County for turkey, dove, duck, and exotic hunting.
Burnett County has 30000 acres for hunting whitetail deer, ducks, and exotics.