The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources reminds hunters to prepare for the opening of several hunting seasons in September.

There are several dates throughout September when seasons open. Hunters are encouraged to double-check season dates and that they have acquired all necessary licenses and stamps before going out for a hunt.

The 2025 bear hunting season opened Sept. 3. With diligent scouting and preparation efforts, bear hunters should expect another year of quality bear hunting this fall.

In the mid-1990s, I was hunting from a portable tree stand on private land in northern Illinois near Coal Valley. At quitting time, I climbed down my screw-in tree steps after lowering my bow and arrows with a haul line, as we still teach in hunter safety class.

When a boot found the next-to-last step closest to the ground, I shifted my weight and snap.

Crossbows have surpassed vertical bows in popularity for hunting deer in Wisconsin and other states. Crossbows are easier to shoot accurately, offer a bit more range (up to 100 yards, vs. a maximum of about 50 yards with a vertical bow) and are ideal for young and older hunters who may not have the strength to pull a vertical bowstring (the minimum draw weight for deer hunting in Wisconsin is 30 pounds).

Tuesday, Sept. 2

T-Bird Invitational

Bonduel’s Mariah Wondra had the fastest time among 123 runners at Iola-Scandinavia. Her time of 18.44.1 was also a personal record.

Three Wittenberg-Birnamwood runners placed in the top 10.

Rory Salvesen finished third in 21.04.3, Nora Bushman was fourth in 21.07.1, and Harper Krull was ninth in 21.57.3.

Tuesday, Sept. 2

Blackwolf Run Invitational

Pulaski golfers notched a 454 and placed 15th among 17 teams at Kohler. Hartford Union won the meet with a 356.

Leading the Red Raiders was Grace Melzer with a 105. She was joined by Charlie Lasecki with 112, Taylor Murphy with 113 and Morgan Schuh with 124.

Ellie Mork carded a 128.