Hunters across Wisconsin are gearing up for the annual nine-day gun deer season, slated to begin on Nov. 23 and extend through Dec. 1. As dictated by state law, this late-season start could imply fewer deer on the move due to its distance from peak breeding activity, reported by Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Despite this, optimistic hunters can anticipate potentially favorable hunting conditions, given the possibility of colder temperatures and snow.
License sales have been robust leading up to the season. As of yesterday, Wisconsinites have purchased a total of 444,743 licenses spanning various categories, including gun, bow, and crossbow, with 123,861 designated for gun privileges only. Harvested deer must be registered electronically by the next day at 5 p.m., and each permit comes with a unique harvest authorization number critical for this process.
Confirming one’s target is crucial, especially because elk have been known to wander out of the managed zones during the breeding season. To mitigate the risk of mistaken identity, hunters are urged to use the DNR’s comparison guide to distinguish between elk and white-tailed deer. Those who fail to comply may be subjected to fines and revocation of their hunting licenses, should an elk be taken without a tag.
In the interest of safety, the Wisconsin DNR reminds hunters of the four basic rules of firearm safety, known as TAB-K: Treat every firearm as if it is loaded, always point the muzzle in a safe direction, be certain of your target and its surroundings, and keep your finger outside the trigger guard until ready to shoot. At least 50% of outer clothing above the waist, including hats or head coverings, must be blaze orange or fluorescent pink, and not faded or stained to maintain safety visibility, as detailed by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
Education remains a cornerstone of responsible hunting. Wisconsin mandates that anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 1973 partake in hunter education certification to purchase a license unless they are participating under the Mentored Hunting Law. Aiming to make resources more accessible, the DNR has also curated an Online Deer Camp, offering hunters a one-stop shop with information on licensing, regulations, shooting hours, public land maps, and related essentials.
