Wisconsin

Check out the latest info for Wisconsin. Image by Tony Campbell

Season Dates (2024):

Archery and crossbow season is Sept. 14 to Jan. 5, but it runs through Jan. 31 in some metro units. Youth season is Oct. 5 and 6, and the gun season for hunters with disabilities is runs Oct. 5-13. Gun season is Nov. 23 through Dec. 1, and muzzleloader season is Dec. 2-11. Check the Wisconsin DNR website TO CONFIRM dates and additional opportunities.

The Grade: A

Chronic wasting disease prevalence has historically kept Wisconsin’s Antler Nation grade at a B, and it continues to plague many of the southern counties where the best hunting is found. Still, Wisconsin manages to produce more trophy whitetails than any other state in the nation, including in recent years. Combine that with ample public land and extremely affordable licenses, and it’s difficult to justify not giving the Badger State an A, particularly when 35 other states are now CWD positive.

“Be aware of county-level regulations regarding baiting and carcass transport,” said Wesley Ellarson, a deer biologist with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. “Use DNR dumpsters for butchered carcass disposal. Wisconsin continues to grow trophy bucks and supply hunters with a classic deer hunting experience. We also have several programs and price incentives for first-time hunters.”

Wisconsin is home to the Johnny King buck, which some claim is the rightful world-record typical white-tailed deer. But because of a scoring technicality, the deer didn’t dethrone the Milo Hanson buck, and many hunters were upset about that.

Antler Nation Knowledge:

When it comes to record deer, the entire state lights up like a Christmas tree, but Buffalo County is the crown jewel. Dane, Richland, Sauk, Shawano, Trempealeau, Vernon, Waupaca and others are right at the top, too.

Although the farmlands in southern Wisconsin post solid pre-hunt populations each year, northern county deer densities are way down from historical figures. Fortunately for deer hunters, Wisconsin biologists estimate, forecast and publish data on deer populations IN EACH MANAGEMENT UNIT. This provides insight that you don’t get from many other states.

Wisconsin offers more than 5 million acres of public land. Annually, about 10% to 15% of the deer harvest comes from those properties. Hunters enjoy a wide range of PUBLIC ACCESS, including U.S. Army Corps of Engineer land, conservation areas, county forests, national forests, restoration areas, state forests, state parks, state natural areas, state wildlife areas, and more.

Looking for a really tough but fun backwoods adventure? Don’t just think agriculture. Check out properties that are difficult to access. These often hold better populations of deer because of it. There are hilly and marshy areas throughout Wisconsin that deter hunters.

Regardless of the area you choose, use the DNR’s extensive online map system to locate potential spots for YOUR NEXT HUNT.