Wisconsin's 9 Day Gun Deer Season Begins

Saturday, November 18th, 2023 -- 7:36 AM

It’s time for hunters across Wisconsin to gear up and head out for the state’s famed gun deer season, officially starting today and running through Sunday Nov. 26.   Wisconsin is a nationally-recognized state for hunting white-tailed deer with an abundant herd and a proven reputation for producing some of the largest bucks in the world. 

”Hunters’ goals are as diverse as the Wisconsin landscape. Some enjoy the challenge of pursuing a specific deer, while others find fulfillment in providing wild-sourced meat for themselves, family and friends,” said DNR Deer Program Specialist Jeff Pritzl.

As of 10 a.m. Friday, year-to-date sales for gun, bow, crossbow, sports and patron licenses reached 659,302. Of that total, 309,520 are for gun privileges only.  Many counties still have bonus antlerless harvest authorizations available on a first come, first-served basis.

It’s important for all hunters to do their part to keep Wisconsin a safe place to hunt by following these firearm safety rules:

T - Treat every firearm as if it is loaded.

A - Always point the muzzle in a safe direction.

B - Be certain of your target, what’s before it and what’s beyond it.

K - Keep your finger outside your trigger guard until you are safe to shoot.

Anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 1973, must have a hunter education certification to purchase a hunting license, unless hunting under the Mentored Hunting Law. Learn more about safe hunting in Wisconsin and register to take a hunter education course on the DNR website.

Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.