Wisconsin · Deer · 2026–27 Edition
Wisconsin Deer Season 2026–27: Dates, Zones & Bag Limits
Sep 12 — mark it
Mark it.
2026–27 Edition
01 — Seasons by method
| Method | Zones | Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Archery & Crossbow | Statewide | Sep 12 – Jan 3 |
| Gun (disability hunt) | Statewide | Oct 3 – Oct 11 |
| Youth gun | Statewide | Oct 10 – Oct 11 |
| Gun (9-day firearm) | Statewide | Nov 21 – Nov 29 |
| Muzzleloader | Statewide | Nov 30 – Dec 9 |
| Antlerless-only | Statewide | Dec 10 – Dec 13 |
| Antlerless holiday hunt | Select DMUs | Dec 24 – Jan 1 |
02 — Bag limits
| Statewide | Set by carcass tag and Deer Management Unit — see WI DNR deer regulations |
|---|
03 — Shooting hours
Legal light on opening day (September 12, 2026) 06:04 — 19:43
Rule: 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset (standard) — confirm with WI DNR. (Shooting-hours rule not yet independently verified against the agency.) Sunrise/sunset shift daily — the times above are computed for opening day; use your local Wisconsin sun times for any other date.
04 — License
A Wisconsin hunting license and deer permit are required. A dedicated Wisconsin license page — costs, age rules and where to buy — is coming; for now, buy and read the rules straight from the agency.
Wisconsin licenses & permits — Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources →
05 — FAQ
When does deer season start in Wisconsin?
The earliest 2026–27 opener is September 12, 2026 (archery). Gun and muzzleloader dates differ — see the table above.
When does deer season end in Wisconsin?
The latest 2026–27 closing date is January 3, 2027. Individual methods and zones close on their own dates.
Verified · Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources · Last verified 2026-08-01
Publisher's note. Dates as published by the Wisconsin DNR for the 2026 seasons. Archery/crossbow runs later (to Jan. 31, 2027) in metro subunits and select farmland counties. Tags/bag are set by Deer Management Unit — see WI DNR.