The Wisconsin 2025 gun deer season opens Nov. 22 and runs through Nov. 30.
Similar to last year, this year’s gun deer season runs later in the month. Fewer deer may be on the move relative to years with earlier openers. Other factors such as colder temperatures and snow cover could create better deer hunting conditions
Through Oct. 31, year-to-date sales for gun, bow, crossbow, sports and patron licenses reached 463,983. Of that total, 137,394 are for gun privileges only.
Hunters should be aware of updates to some of the Deer Management Units for the 2025 deer season. DMUs in the Northern Forest Management Zones have been converted to habitat-based units, as opposed to county-based units.
Forest Zone DMUs are now referred to by a number. Hunters will need to know their DMU name or number when requesting antlerless permits.
All harvested deer must be registered electronically by 5 p.m. the day after the deer is recovered. Hunters will need the unique harvest authorization number associated with each permit. Proper registration provides accurate harvest data for Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources wildlife managers and County Deer Advisory Councils for the management of Wisconsin’s deer herd.
The three options to register a deer are online with GameReg, by phone at 844-426-3734 or electronically at a participating in-person registration station.
Elk sometimes move outside of the elk management zones, especially during the fall breeding season, so hunters are reminded to properly identify their target. Any elk taken without a tag may result in a fine and a revocation of a hunting license.
Although many hunters can tell the difference, it doesn’t hurt to freshen up your skills before you hunt.
Hunters must ensure that at least 50% of outer clothing above the waist is blaze orange or fluorescent pink. Hats or head coverings, if worn, must also be at least 50% blaze orange or fluorescent pink. Faded or stained clothing is unsafe and should be replaced.
Additionally, 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.
The DNR encourages hunters to donate Wisconsin-harvested deer through the DNR’s Deer Donation Program. The program helps stock food pantries and supports residents in need throughout the state.
The DNR’s Online Deer Camp is a one-stop shop for everything a hunter needs to know before heading out this season. It contains helpful links and information regarding purchasing a license, regulations, shooting hours, public land maps, and more.
