WISCONSIN HUNTING REGULATIONS

Use, or possess with the intent to use, lasersights while hunting except by Class C visuallydisabled permit holders. Use or hunt with a firearm equipped with asuppressor or silencer, unless the hunter possessesthe proper federal firearm license that authorizespossession and use of the device.Short-barreled shotgun or rifleRifles must have an overall minimum length of26 inches with a 16-inch minimum barrel length.Shotguns must have an overall minimum lengthof 26 inches with an 18-inch minimum barrellength unless the user has a federal license topossess a “short-barreled” rifle or shotgun.Hunting near roadwaysIt is illegal to: Hunt within 50 feet of the roadway’s center. Discharge a firearm, shoot an arrow from a bowor shoot a bolt from a crossbow: from or across a highway. within 50 feet of the roadway’s center.The above prohibition applies to all public roads.Note: Certain exceptions are allowed for Class Aand Class B shoot from vehicle disabled permitholders, and for hunting small game from dirt orgravel roads with shotguns loaded with fine shot.Visit dnr.wi.gov, keywords “disabled permits” formore information.Bows, arrows and crossbowsCrossbow and bow and arrows may be used byany person hunting under the authority of agun license during any firearm season (i.e. smallgame, gun deer or muzzleloader for deer season).Bows and crossbows are legal for any person touse for hunting wild turkey under the authorityof a turkey hunting license or hunting migratorybirds and small game under the authority of asmall game hunting license and nonresidentfurbearer license.A crossbow is not legal to hunt under theauthority of an archer license and bow and arrowis not legal to hunt under the authority of acrossbow license.Bow and arrow may be used to hunt small gameand migratory birds under the authority of anarchery license, and a crossbow may be used tohunt small game and migratory birds under theauthority of a crossbow license.Arms transportationAll firearms (excluding handguns) must beunloaded when inside any vehicle, whethermoving or stationary, and must be unloadedwhen inside or on any moving vehicle.Note: A loaded firearm may be placed on,but not inside, a vehicle which is stationary.All firearms, bows and crossbows must beunloaded when inside or on any motor-drivenboat while the motor is running.A firearm is considered unloaded if the shell orcartridge is removed from the chamber and anyclip, magazine or cylinder that is attached to thefirearm is empty, the cap or primer is removedfrom a percussion muzzleloader, the flashpan ofa flint lock muzzleloader is cleaned of powder orthe battery is disconnected and removed from anelectronic-ignition system muzzleloader.Qualified persons with disabilities with thepermit authority to shoot from a stationary vehiclemust have all firearms (other than handguns)unloaded while the vehicle is in motion.It is illegal to: Place, possess or transport a cocked crossbowinside or on a motorized vehicle unless it isunloaded (bolt removed). Load a firearm other than a handgun whileinside a vehicle or to discharge any firearm,including handguns, inside or from any movingor stationary vehicle except for certain disabledhunters with proper permits.Use of devicesIt is illegal to: Hunt any animal with the aid of any aircraft,including unmanned aircraft or drones.2020 Wisconsin Hunting RegulationsShiningIt is illegal to: Use or possess with intent to use, a lightincluding vehicle headlights for shining anywild animal while hunting or in possessionof a firearm, bow and arrow or crossbow.This includes laser sights on firearms, bowsand crossbows. Exceptions apply for Class Cdisabled permit holders and for hunting certainsmall game. See night hunting section below. Use or possess with intent to use, a lightincluding vehicle headlights for shining wildanimals between the hours of 10 p.m. and 7 a.m.from Sept. 15 through Dec. 31 whether or notin possession of a firearm, bow or crossbow.Note: Check with the local sheriff ’s departmentor local officials for local shining restrictions.Taking of gameIt is illegal to: Take or possess any deer or wild animal whichhas been lawfully obtained by someone elsewithout having that person’s consent. Not immediately kill all game takenand make it part of the daily bag. While afield, possess game killed by anotherunless accompanied by the holder of the harvestauthorization for the deer. Possess game taken by another unless able toprovide the registration confirmation number,or name and address or customer ID of theholder of the harvest authorization; Gift game to any person while afield. All gamegiven as a gift remains counted toward thedaily bag limit of the holder of the harvestauthorization; Carelessly waste game. The hunter must makeevery reasonable effort to retrieve all game thatis killed or crippled. Until such effort is made,the game shall be included in the daily bag.Note: This rule does not allow hunters totrespass without permission of the landownernor to shoot game beyond legal shooting hours.Night huntingUnprotected species (as well as coyote, foxand raccoon) may be hunted without shootinghour restrictions except if hunting with a bowor crossbow, the hours listed on pages 30–31apply for hunting all species during the bear andarchery/crossbow deer seasons. Use of lights: A flashlight or firearm-mountedlight may be used at the point of kill whilehunting on foot for coyote, raccoon, fox orunprotected species. Lights may not beused to shine for these animals while inpossession of firearm, bow or crossbow.Use of dogs for huntingDogs may not be used to hunt elk or deer.Dogs are legal to use for hunting smallgame mammals, game birds, furbearinganimals, migratory game birds andunprotected species. Dogs may be used forhunting wild turkeys only during the fallseason.Note: Dogs kept on a leash may be usedto follow a blood trail in order to locate awounded deer or elk as long as the trackersdo not possess a firearm, bow or crossbow.general huntingregulationsHandgunsIt is illegal to: Possess a concealed handgun unless authorizedby a Concealed Carry License or otherwiseauthorized to possess a concealed firearm Hunt with a handgun, including muzzleloadinghandguns, if under age 18. Dogs may not kill any wild animal. Dogs may not hunt or pursue any freeroaming wild animal from May 1 to June30 in the portion of the state north ofthe highways shown on the map below,except as authorized for raccoon and rabbit dogtrials or training under the authority of a dogtrial or training license. Dogs are considered private property and areprotected by law. Only conservation wardensmay kill dogs chasing deer. Owners may beheld responsible for damage their dogs cause. A dog that is actively engaged in a legalhunting activity, including training, is notconsidered to be running-at-large as long asthe dog is monitored or supervised by a personand the dog is on land that is open to huntingor on land on which the person has obtainedpermission to hunt or to train a dog. A dog allowed to run on lands withoutpermission is considered to be running-at-largeand may be taken into custody by a humaneofficer or law enforcement officer.DOG TRAININGRESTRICTIONS AREAHighly Visible Clothing RequirementWhen and where a firearm deer season (listedon page 3) is in progress, it is illegal to hunt anygame, except waterfowl, unless at least 50% of thehunter’s outer clothing above the waist is coloredblaze orange or fluorescent pink. A hat or otherhead covering, if worn, must be at least 50% blazeorange or fluorescent pink. Faded or stained blazeorange or fluorescent pink clothing is unsafeand may not meet law requirements. Althoughnot as visible, camo-blaze is legal if 50% of thematerial is blaze orange or fluorescent pink. TheDNR recommends 100% solid blaze orange orfluorescent pink.Note: Highly visible clothing requirements do notapply to those hunters participating in legal nighthunting (e.g., raccoon) from ½ hour after sunsetto ½ hour before sunrise.Protected speciesHunting protected species—such as badger,jackrabbit, moose and flying squirrel—isprohibited. See Ch. NR 10.02 for more details.5

JULIE WIDHOLMlicensingrequirementsResidentNon-resident 18 85WATERFOWL HUNTINGSmall game hunting license(see small game section for juniorand mentored hunting options)State waterfowl stampFederal waterfowl stampEarly goose permitRegular goose permit 7 28 3 3TURKEY HUNTINGFall turkey hunting licenseSpring turkey hunting licenseBonus harvest authorizationsWild turkey stamp 15 60 15 60 10 15 5.25Bonus antlerless harvest authorizationsMentored gun deer, archer or crossbow(11 years old or younger) 24 20 24 160 36* 160 24 20 160 77** 3 12Non-resident 18 9 85 36SMALL GAME ANDUPLAND GAME BIRDSSmall game hunting licenseJunior small game age 12-17Mentored small gameSenior citizen small game (65 )Resident armed forcesmembers fishing/small game license5-day small gamePheasant stampMentored pheasant stampBobcat application 7 9Free*** 55 10 4.50 6 160Nonresident furbearerhunting licenseDEER HUNTINGGun deer licenseJunior gun deer licenseArchery licenseCrossbow licenseJunior crossbowArcher or crossbow upgradeResident 20 7All license, stamps and permits can be purchasedat gowild.wi.gov.Please see the individual species sections for moreinformation on specific licensing requirements.* Purchase junior sports license**Purchase junior conservation patron license*** Available to Wisconsin residents, active duty armed forces stationedin or outside of Wisconsin, on furlough or leaveBEAR HUNTINGBear applicationHunting license for thosedrawn in limited draw 4.50 49 251ELK HUNTING 10Elk applicationHunting license for thosedrawn in limited draw 49COMBINATION LICENSESConservation patron licenseConservation patron junior licenseConservation patron Purple Heart licenseSee page 8 for full list of items includedwith a patron license.Sports licenseJunior sports license(Sports license includes fishing,small game and gun deer hunting licenses) 165 600 75 77 10 161 60 35 275 36REDUCED LICENSE FEESYouth ages 11 and younger, first-time hunters and those who have not huntedin the preceding 10 years are eligible to purchase hunting licenses at a reducedfee. Resident hunters who recruit three first-time hunters, trappers or anglersare also eligible for reduced fees. For more information on license options, visitdnr.wi.gov, keyword “license.”62020 Wisconsin Hunting Regulations

Persons born on or after January 1, 1973 mustpresent their Wisconsin Hunter EducationCertificate or proof of a hunter safety courserecognized by the department from anotherstate, province or country; or a Wisconsinhunting license from a previous year that hasthe hunter safety number printed on it; or proofof successful completion of basic training in theU.S. Armed Forces, Reserves or National Guardto purchase any hunting license. If a person hasnot completed hunter education, that huntermay only obtain a license that requires huntingwith a mentor in compliance with the HuntingMentorship Program.A parent or guardian who is at least 18 years ofage must accompany hunters who are ages 12 to13 and who have completed Hunter Education.Accompanied means within sight and voicecontact without the aid of any mechanical orelectronic amplifying device other than a hearingaid. Persons under the age of 12 may not huntunless participating in a DNR Learn to Huntevent or the Hunting Mentorship Program.Persons under age 18 may not possess firearmsfor non-hunting purposes unless accompaniedby an adult, except that persons ages 14–17who have completed Hunter Education canpossess legal shotguns and rifles without beingaccompanied by an adult.Hunting Mentorship ProgramThe Hunting Mentorship Program allowshunters of any age to obtain a huntinglicense and hunt without first completing aHunter Education Course, with the followingrequirements: The hunter must: 1) hunt within arm’s reachof a mentor, regardless of age; 2) possessappropriate hunting license(s), permit(s) andtag(s); and 3) comply with all hunting laws,seasons and bag limits. The mentor must: 1) be at least 18 years old;2) be a hunter education graduate, unlessborn before Jan. 1, 1973 or have completedbasic training with the Armed Forces; 3) bethe hunter’s parent or guardian or have thepermission of the hunter’s parent or guardianbefore acting as a mentor for the hunter if thehunter is under the age of 18; and 4) possessa current Wisconsin hunting license (the typeof license does not matter unless attempting toharvest game).Note: Mentors are exempt from the need for ahunting license if: 1) hunting on a licensed birdor deer hunting preserve; 2) hunting on land thementor owns or occupies.For a species the mentor does not require alicense to hunt both the hunter and the mentormay possess a weapon while participating in thehunting mentorship program. Adults may nothunt waterfowl during the youth waterfowl hunt.WISCONSIN RESIDENCYA person must have maintained a permanentresidence in Wisconsin for 30 consecutivedays immediately before purchasing a license.Domiciliary intent is required. Evidence ofdomiciliary intent includes where the personvotes, pays personal state income taxes or obtainsa driver’s license. Mere presence in the state fora 30-day period and/or ownership of property isnot sufficient to establish residency.Note: Non-residents under 18 who havea parent that is a Wisconsin resident maypurchase licenses at resident prices.Non-resident students attendingschool in Wisconsin or armed forcesmembersIf you are a non-resident attending highschool or a university in Wisconsin, or yuoare a non-resident who is an active memberof armed forces stationed in Wisconsin,please contact your nearest DNR servicecenter for more information on licensesthat may be available to you.permit application deadlinesApplication DateDrawing DateElkMay 31Early JuneBobcatAugust 1Mid-SeptemberSpring TurkeyDecember 10Early JanuaryBearDecember 10Early FebruarySpecieslicensingrequirementsHUNTER EDUCATIONREQUIREMENTSTo check on your drawing status, visit gowild.wi.govFORM OF PROOF AND REPRINTSThe following are considered forms of proof of licenses, state stamps, permits and harvestauthorizations: a paper copy, an authenticated Wisconsin driver’s license, a DNR-issuedGoWild Conservation Card or a digital PDF file issued by the department and displayedon an electronic device. For more information about acceptable forms of proof, visit dnr.wi.gov,keywords “prove it.”For more information on the HunterMentorship Program, visit dnr.wi.gov, keywords“mentored hunting.”Armed Forces MembersPeople who provide proof of successfullycompleting basic training in the U.S. ArmedForces, Reserves or National Guard are exemptfrom hunter education requirements.2020 Wisconsin Hunting RegulationsNote: Viewing licenses and harvest authorizations in the Hunt Wild app or photo images ofpaper licenses on a cell phone do not serve as a valid proof of license.It is illegal to use or carry another hunter’s license, tags, permits or harvest authorizationswhile engaged in hunting.7

TRANSFERS OF APPROVALS AND PREFERENCE POINTSCONSERVATION PATRON LICENSEConservation Patron License includes: Annual Fishing License Great Lakes Trout & Salmon Stamp Inland Trout Stamp Sturgeon Hook & Line InlandTransferrableTransferableTransferable Sturgeon Hook & Line WI-MITransferable toto persons with to active duty / upon death to a Small Game LicenseType of approvalsa minorminorpurple heartdisabilities Pheasant Stamp Gun Deer Hunting LicenseBear licenseYesYesYesYes Archery License Crossbow License Trapping LicenseSpring turkey licenseYesYesNoYes Fisher Application Spring Turkey ApplicationSharp-tailed grouse permitYesYesNoYes Spring Turkey License (permit required) Turkey StampBobcat permitYesYesNoYes Fall Turkey License (permit required) Early Goose Permit (upon request)Elk licenseYesYesNoYes Regular Goose Permit (upon request) Waterfowl StampPreference pointsNoNoNoYes Annual Park Sticker* Annual State Parks Trail Pass*Approvals not listed in the table are not eligible for transfer. For more information on these types of Admission to Heritage Hill State Park*transfers, including eligibility requirements and deadlines, go to dnr.wi.gov, keywords “permit transfer.” Subscription to Wisconsin Natural Resources Magazine**Not included with the Conservation Patron JuniorLicenseLANDOWNER EXCEPTIONS A landowner is required to have a license to hunt deer, bear, turkey, game birds, migratory game birds and bobcats. The owner or occupant of any land andmembers of their family may, without a license and subject to all other restrictions except seasons, hunt or trap on their own property for beaver, fox, coyote,raccoon, woodchuck, rabbit and squirrel yearround, and unprotected species causing damage or a nuisance, and may sell the skins of these species. Family members who do not live with the owner or occupant of the land may also hunt or trap certain species without a license on this land only ifthey are siblings and/or children of the owner or occupant and are under the age of 18. Mentorship rules apply to youth ages 11 and under; see page 7 for more details. Grackles, red-winged blackbirds and cowbirds are protected species and may not be hunted for recreational purposes. They may be killed on private lands withouta hunting license or federal permit only if they are causing damage or are about to cause damage to trees, crops, livestock, or wildlife, or if they are concentratedin large numbers that may constitute a health hazard or other nuisance. Crows may also be killed without a federal permit and outside the normal crow seasonin these situations. Non-toxic shot is required when shooting crows outside the normal season and when shooting grackles, red-winged blackbirds and cowbirdswhich are causing damage or a nuisance.) For more information, visit dnr.wi.gov, keywords "nuisance wildlife."A person who has been awarded certain hunting approvals may transfer the approvals in certaincircumstances. The graph below outlines what types of approvals are eligible to be transferredand the circumstances in which each may be transferred.JERRY DAVISLEARN TO HUNTHunters interested in learning more about huntingare encouraged to participate in one of the “Learnto Hunt” events. To learn more, visit dnr.wi.gov,keyword “LTH.”DOES YOUR DEER HAVE A COLLAR OR EAR TAGS?Any wild animal wearing tracking collars or ear tags is part of a DNR research project in Wisconsin. They are legal for harvest.If you harvest or find a marked deer, please call 608-935-1940 and leave a message regarding the ear tag numbers or collarnumber and your contact information. For bobcats and coyotes, please call 715-577-6288.82020 Wisconsin Hunting Regulations

recruitment, retention,and reactivation (r3)Wisconsin has been a treasured home to hunters throughout history. Huntingremains a strong part of our identity because hunters like you have passed onWisconsin’s hunting heritage. Whether you learned to hunt as a family traditionpassed down through generations, or are hunting for the very first time, you aresupporting game and non-game species every time you purchase a firearm, ammunition or a hunting license. Wisconsin DNR staff thanks you for providingthe foundation for wildlife management in our great state.What is R3? R3 stands for the Recruitment, Retention, and Reactivation of hunters, anglers, trappers and shooting sports enthusiasts.Though hunting plays a vital role in Wisconsin’s heritage and economy,the number of people hunting each year is steadily declining. Wisconsin DNR’s R3 Program is tasked with finding and implementing effective solutions to address declining numbers of hunters and anglers. Formore information, visit dnr.wi.gov, keyword “R3.”WHAT CAN YOU DO?LEARN TO HUNTWeekend-long Learn to Hunt programs are run bylocal groups and teach novices hunting skills andtechniques. Participants receive four hours ofclassroom/field instruction followed by a one-onone hunt with an experienced mentor. No licenses,stamps* or Hunter Education Certification is neededto participate. Visit dnr.wi.gov, keyword “LTH.”LEARN TO HUNT FOR FOODHunt for Food is an extended Learn to Hunt programfor novice adults that provides additional discussion,demonstrations and hands-on field instructionbefore hunting one-on-one with an experiencedmentor. No licenses, stamps* or Hunter EducationCertification is needed to participate. Visit dnr.wi.gov, keyword “Hunt for Food.”BE A LOCAL LEARN TO HUNT ORHUNT FOR FOOD COORDINATORAre you an experienced hunter with the skillsand network to host a progr

Crow Statewide Sept. 12–Nov. 19 & Jan. 25–March 20, 2021 elk Clam Lake Elk Management Zone Oct. 17–Nov. 15; Dec. 10–18 *Only bull elk may be harvested. See dnr.wi.gov, keyword “elk” for details. small game Cottontail Rabbit Northern Zone Sept. 12