The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) encourages deer hunters to take advantage of late-season hunting opportunities. Although the 2024 nine-day gun deer season has ended, several harvest options remain through late fall and early winter.
Late Season Firearm Hunting Opportunities
- Muzzleloader: Dec. 2-11
- Statewide Antlerless-Only Hunt: Dec. 12-15
- Antlerless-Only Holiday Hunt: Dec. 24-Jan. 1, 2025, in select Farmland Zone units
Hunters may use unfilled antlerless harvest authorizations during these hunts. However, authorizations must match the zone, county, and land type specified. Only antlerless deer may be harvested during the statewide antlerless-only and holiday hunts, regardless of weapon type.
Archery and Crossbow Seasons
Wisconsin’s statewide archery and crossbow seasons remain open through Jan. 5, 2025. In metro subunits and certain deer management units, these seasons extend through Jan. 31, 2025. Hunters should review the hunting regulations and consult the season structure map on page 11 to confirm details for their hunting areas.
Deer Harvest Registration
All harvested deer must be electronically registered by 5 p.m. the day after recovery. Hunters can use the GameReg system, which prompts a series of questions and requires the unique harvest authorization number tied to each permit.
Registration options include:
- Online through GameReg
- By phone at 1-844-426-3734
- At participating in-person registration stations
Proper registration ensures accurate harvest data for wildlife managers and County Deer Advisory Councils.
Hunter Resources
The DNR offers several online tools to support hunters. The Online Deer Camp includes hunting regulations, shooting hours, and other resources. Hunters can also find public hunting lands using the Public Access Lands webpage.
Hunter Safety
The DNR urges hunters to prioritize safety by following the TAB-K firearm safety rules:
- T: Treat every firearm as if it is loaded.
- A: Always point the muzzle in a safe direction.
- B: Be certain of your target and what’s beyond it.
- K: Keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot.
Additionally, hunters must wear at least 50% blaze orange or pink above the waist during firearm deer seasons. This rule includes archery and small game hunters but excludes waterfowl hunters.
Deer Hunter Wildlife Survey
The Deer Hunter Wildlife Survey remains open until all deer seasons conclude. Hunters are encouraged to report observations from the field, providing critical data for improving population estimates of Wisconsin’s deer herd and other species.
By staying informed and following regulations, hunters can enjoy a successful and safe late-season hunt.
