September is a busy month if you are a Wisconsin hunter. You’ll find six separate season-opening dates on the calendar.
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is also sharing some reminders. You should check your hunting seasons and each of the dates, make sure you have the required licenses and stamps, and review the regulations before heading into the field.
New online hunting regulations make it easier to find the rules
New this fall, the DNR is adding an online version of Wisconsin’s hunting regulations. This mobile-friendly resource includes a drop-down filter designed to help hunters quickly find information to plan your hunt.
You can also use the DNR’s hunting webpage to check season dates, hunting hours, regulations, and other information.
Mark these September hunting season openers
Here’s when Wisconsin hunting seasons get underway:
Sept. 1
- Common gallinule
- Early Canada goose
- Early teal
- Mourning dove
- Rail
- Snipe
Sept. 9
- Bear in Zones A, B, C, D, E and F with bait and other legal methods that don’t involve dogs
Sept. 12
- Cottontail rabbit in the Northern Zone
- Deer archery and crossbow
- Ruffed grouse in Zone A
- Gray and fox squirrels
- Turkey
Sept. 16
- Regular goose in the Northern and Southern zones
- Bear in Zones A, B and D with dogs, bait and other legal methods
Sept. 19
- Youth waterfowl
- Woodcock
Sept. 26
- Duck in the Northern Zone
Review the basics of firearm safety before you hunt
As more hunters will be heading into the woods and fields this fall, the DNR is also reminding you to follow the state’s basic firearm safety rules, known as TAB-K:
- 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 before and beyond it.
- K — Keep your finger outside the trigger guard until you’re ready to shoot.
Hunters born on or after Jan. 1, 1973, generally must have hunter education certification to purchase a hunting license unless they are hunting under Wisconsin’s Mentored Hunting Law.
With deer, turkey, waterfowl, small game and bear seasons getting underway, a little preparation now can help you spend more time enjoying the fall woods and less time sorting out regulations at the last minute.
