With the turn of the seasons, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has announced the commencement of the archery and crossbow deer hunting seasons, starting from Saturday. The seasons extend until Jan. 4, 2026, with certain counties enjoying an extended period till Jan. 31, 2026, as noted in a recent release by the DNR.
Hunters are encouraged to utilize the early archery and crossbow seasons as opportunities to strategically harvest antlerless deer. The DNR highlights that this time frame allows hunters to avoid the changing patterns and increased hunting pressure that typically arises during the gun deer season. As per the DNR, bonus antlerless harvest authorizations are still available to be claimed in numerous counties.
Emphasizing safety, the DNR has reiterated a set of guidelines for hunters planning to aim their arrows or bolts this season. The essential safety measures to be taken include adherence to the TAB-K practice, wearing a safety harness while using a tree stand, maintaining triple points of contact during ascents and descents of the stand, the use of a haul line for bringing the bow or crossbow into the stand, informing someone about the hunting location and expected return time, and to responsibly operate any ATV or UTV under sober conditions.
There's also a reminder for the successful hunters to register their harvest by the specified time. The DNR requires that all harvested deer are registered by 5 p.m. the day after recovery. The registration can be conveniently completed using GameReg's online platform, by phone, or at a registered and participating registration station. This rule intends to not only to maintain oversight of the deer population but also to ensure that the harvest complies with the stipulated regulations.
