MADISON, Wis. —
Wisconsin hunters are getting ready for fall as several hunting seasons open across the state beginning Sept. 1.
3 Things To Know
- The first seasons open Sept. 1, including early Canada goose, early teal, mourning dove, rail, snipe and common gallinule.
- Archery and crossbow deer season opens Sept. 12, along with several other popular fall hunting seasons.
- Check before heading out. Hunters should verify season dates, licenses, stamps, hunting hours and regulations for the species and area they plan to hunt.
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is reminding hunters to check season dates, regulations and licensing requirements before heading into the field. Six opening dates are scheduled throughout September for species ranging from mourning dove and early teal to deer, bear, turkey and waterfowl.
New for the 2026 season, the DNR has published an online version of Wisconsin’s regulations with a drop-down filter designed to make it easier to find information for specific seasons.
Wisconsin’s September Hunting Season Openers
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 the aid of bait and other legal methods not using 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 season 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 season in the Northern Zone
Check Hunting Regulations Before You Go
The DNR is encouraging hunters to double-check the rules before each hunt because dates, regulations and requirements can vary by species and location.
Hunters can use the DNR’s online resources to find current hunting regulations, season dates, hours and other information. The agency also publishes fall hunting forecasts with information about wildlife populations and hunting opportunities around Wisconsin.
Those looking for places to hunt can use the DNR’s Public Access Lands resources to locate public property open to hunting.
The Fields and Forest Lands Interactive Game Bird Hunting Tool, known as FFLIGHT, provides additional information about managed dove fields, stocked pheasant properties and habitat for ruffed grouse and woodcock.
DNR Reminder: Safety First When Hunting
With some of Wisconsin’s most popular seasons approaching, the DNR is also reminding hunters to follow the four basic rules of firearm safety, remembered by the acronym 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 is before and beyond it.
- K: Keep your finger outside the trigger guard until you are ready to shoot.
Anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 1973, must have hunter education certification to purchase a Wisconsin hunting license unless hunting under the state’s Mentored Hunting Law.
Hunters can find regulations, safety information, hunter education courses and other resources through the Wisconsin DNR before heading into the field this fall.
Watch our Forecast Page for the hunting outlook.
Source: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
