Wisconsin’s September hunting season will open in stages from Tuesday, September 1, with the state Department of Natural Resources urging hunters to check the dates, zones, permits and stamps applying to their chosen game before heading into the field. ([dnr.wisconsin.gov](https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/newsroom/release/129846?utm_source=openai))
Six separate opening dates have been scheduled during the month, covering migratory birds, black bear, deer, turkey, small game and waterfowl.
Wisconsin hunting season dates for September
The first seasons begin on September 1, when hunters can pursue common gallinule, early Canada goose, early teal, mourning dove, rail and snipe.
Black bear hunting opens on September 9 in all six management zones, using bait and other legal methods that do not involve dogs. In Zones A, B and D, hunting with dogs is permitted from September 16.
September 12 marks the opening of several further seasons, including archery and crossbow deer hunting, fall turkey, northern-zone cottontail rabbit, grey and fox squirrel, and ruffed grouse in Zone A.
Regular goose hunting begins on September 16 in the Northern and Southern zones. The same date also marks the next stage of the bear season in Zones A, B and D, when hunters may use dogs, bait and other legal methods.
Youth waterfowl and woodcock seasons open on September 19, followed by duck hunting in the Northern Zone on September 26. The Northern Zone duck season runs until November 24, while the dates for other duck zones vary. ([dnr.wisconsin.gov](https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/hunt/dates?utm_source=openai))
Bear licences remain subject to the state’s lottery system. The DNR said 15,245 licences were awarded for the 2026 season after more than 34,000 people applied, with a further 106,000 people choosing to buy a preference point for a future drawing. ([dnr.wisconsin.gov](https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/hunt/FallForecasts?utm_source=openai))
Online resources for Wisconsin hunters
The DNR has introduced an online version of its hunting regulations for the new season, with a drop-down filter intended to help users find information about particular species, rules and hunting areas more quickly. ([dnr.wisconsin.gov](https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/newsroom/release/129846?utm_source=openai))
Hunters can also use the department’s fall forecast pages to review information about wildlife populations and hunting opportunities. Its Public Access Lands resources provide details of public property open to hunting, while a separate Fields and Forest Lands tool identifies managed dove fields, stocked pheasant properties and habitat for ruffed grouse and woodcock. ([dnr.wisconsin.gov](https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/newsroom/release/129846?utm_source=openai))
The department said hunters should confirm they have the necessary licences and stamps before setting out, and check the regulations for the specific zone in which they plan to hunt.
Firearm users have been reminded to follow the DNR’s TABK safety guidance: treat every firearm as loaded; always point the muzzle in a safe direction; be certain of the target and what lies beyond it; and keep a finger outside the trigger guard until ready to shoot.
Anyone born on or after January 1, 1973, must hold hunter education certification to purchase a Wisconsin hunting licence, unless hunting under the state’s Mentored Hunting Law. ([dnr.wisconsin.gov](https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/newsroom/release/129846?utm_source=openai))
