The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds hunters to submit applications for the 2025 black bear and spring turkey hunting seasons by 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2024. Hunters can apply for harvest authorizations or purchase preference points through Go Wild or authorized license agents.
Black Bear Harvest Authorizations
The 2025 black bear harvest authorization drawing occurs in February. Selected applicants will receive notification by mail and may purchase their Class A bear license beginning in March 2025. Hunters can check their application status online via their Go Wild customer account.
To retain accumulated preference points, applicants must apply at least once every three years. Failure to do so results in the loss of all preference points. Once an applicant is selected in the drawing, their points reset to zero, even if they do not purchase the harvest permit.
In 2024, nearly 135,000 hunters applied for a bear hunting license or preference point. Hunters can access the 2024 bear license drawing results and wait time data online to plan for future hunts.
The 2025 black bear season is structured as follows:
Zones A, B, and D
- Sept. 3–9: With the aid of dogs only.
- Sept. 10–30: With all legal methods, including bait and dogs.
- Oct. 1–7: With bait and other legal methods not using dogs.
Zones C, E, and F
- Sept. 3–Oct. 7: With bait and other legal methods not using dogs.
Visit the DNR’s Bear Hunting webpage for detailed information.
Turkey Harvest Authorizations
Turkey harvest authorizations use a preference-based drawing system. Applicants can select up to two combinations of time periods and zones, plus an optional third-choice zone for any period. Those seeking a preference point for future hunts should avoid selecting a third choice.
The spring turkey harvest authorization drawing occurs in late January. Successful applicants will receive notification by mail. Hunters can also check their application status via their Go Wild customer account. Unselected applicants will earn a preference point for the next season.
Any unallocated harvest authorizations will be sold as bonus harvest authorizations. Bonus authorizations cost $10 for residents and $15 for nonresidents.
The 2025 spring turkey season is structured as follows:
- Youth Hunt: April 12–13
- Period A: April 16–22
- Period B: April 23–29
- Period C: April 30–May 6
- Period D: May 7–13
- Period E: May 14–20
- Period F: May 21–27
Turkey hunters must hold a valid spring turkey license and wild turkey stamp. A 2025 spring turkey license costs $15 for residents and $60 for nonresidents, while the 2024 wild turkey stamp costs $5.25.
For more information on turkey hunting, visit the DNR’s Turkey Hunting webpage.
