Hunting and trapping forecasts highlight fall expectations

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) released the 2023 fall forecast series detailing the coming seasons’ hunting outlook for a variety of popular game species.

These forecasts outline what hunters and trappers across the state can expect this year while pursuing their favorite game species. Forecasts also include reminders about public land access opportunities, game registration requirements and season dates.

“The DNR’s species forecasts are the result of a thorough analysis of federal and local surveys, the findings of research projects, weather patterns and the on-the-ground information we receive from our advisory committees and staff,” said Shawn Rossler, DNR wildlife biologist. “They are based on a good mix of hard science and the observations of DNR professionals and experienced outdoorspeople from across Wisconsin.”

Hunters and trappers can explore fall forecasts for deer hunting, upland game birds, migratory bird hunting, bear and furbearer hunting and trapping.

For more resources and information about many of Wisconsin’s most popular game species — including current regulations, season dates, hunting hours as well as public and private hunting lands — check out the DNR’s new hunting webpages at https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/Hunt.