Wisconsin’s early goose hunting season starts September 1 and runs through September 15, the Wisconsin DNR announced. Hunters can take up to five Canada geese per day. The daily limit was increased to help manage the goose population, which remains above the long-term average despite a slight drop from last year.
The Wisconsin DNR estimates there are 131,567 Canada geese in the state, slightly down from 2024 but still about 20% above the long-term average. The early goose hunt is part of a managed effort, and hunters must carry a small game license, an early Canada goose permit, HIP registration, and proof of state and federal waterfowl stamps.
The Wisconsin DNR website provides information on hunting locations and the 2025–2026 hunting regulations. Hunters can show proof of license and permits with paper copies, a DNR-approved PDF on a mobile device, or a Go Wild Conservation Card paired with a Wisconsin driver’s license.
