Wisconsin Deer Season runs from September 16, 2023 - January 7th, 2024. Whether you are a seasoned hunter, or this is your first time, it’s always smart to make sure you have a plan and understand the hunting regulations for the year. This blog will provide you with several resources so that you have all the information you need!

Wisconsin Deer Seasons

Archery & Crossbow* Sept. 16–Jan. 7, 2024 

Extended Archery Youth Deer Hunt Oct. 7–8 

Gun Deer Hunt For Hunters With Disabilities Oct. 7–15 Gun Nov. 18–26 

Metro Sub-Unit Gun Nov. 18–Dec. 6 

Muzzleloader Nov. 27–Dec. 6 

Statewide Antlerless Hunt Dec. 7–10 

Antlerless-only Holiday Hunt** Dec. 24–Jan. 1, 2024

Find special hunts and extended season information here.

Regulations

Bow and Crossbow Equipment Requirements in Wisconsin:

• A bow with a minimum draw weight of 30 pounds. 

• A crossbow with a minimum draw weight of 100 pounds. 

• An arrow or bolt with a sharpened broad-head blade.

Wisconsin Licensing Requirements:

What You Need To Hunt Deer: 

• Gun deer license, to harvest deer with a firearm; or 
•  Archery license, to harvest deer with a bow and arrow; or 
• Crossbow license, to harvest deer with a crossbow and arrow; and 
• A valid, unfilled harvest authorization. Note: The purchase of upgrade is required with either an archery or crossbow license in order to use both weapon types. 

You can purchase your Wisconsin License online here or find a Wisconsin License Sales Location here.

After You Harvest Your Deer: 

Registration of your deer harvest is required in Wisconsin and must be completed by 5 p.m. the day after the deer carcass is recovered. 

• Register online (fastest and easiest method): gamereg.wi.gov. 
• Register by phone: 1-844-426-3734 (1-844-GAMEREG) (available 24 hours). When prompted, use the numbers on your phone keypad to spell the first three letters of the county. For example, for Adams County, enter A-D-A by pressing “232.” 
• Register in person: Find a station that offers a phone or computer for registration at dnr.wi.gov and search “registration stations.” 

Need more information about Wisconsin's hunting regulations? Click here for the online Wisconsin Hunting Regulations.

Wisconsin Carcass Movement, Processing and Disposal

With CWD being a growing concern for deer hunters there's a lot of questions about how a hunter can safely and legally move a harvested deer. If you have questions regarding this, please review this Wisconsin DNR page regarding this issue.

New to Bowhunting?

Check out our blog about the 5 things to Know Before You Buy a Bow. Then we invite to make the drive and visit one of our 3 Minnesota locations (We know it's a haul but we promise, it's worth the drive!) Know which bows you want to try? We can save you time by setting up the bows ahead of time, just fill out this form!