Resident deer tag or permit entry cost.
WI
Deer Hunting in Wisconsin: Tags, Seasons & Regulations (2026)
Deer hunting in Wisconsin starts with the current deer cost entries, season dates, bag limits, and CWD rules.
Resident Tag $24 Deer tag/permit
Non-Resident Tag $200 Non-resident deer tag
Primary Season Oct 10 – Oct 11 Youth Gun Deer
Draw Required? No (OTC) Over-the-counter tags
DEER QUICK ANSWER
Wisconsin Deer Tag Cost, Season & Rules: Quick Answer
Start here for Wisconsin deer tag cost, primary season timing, draw status, and CWD planning before using the full tables below.
Use this before adding the base license and trip permits.
Most hunters can start from the state license portal and available deer permits.
Youth Gun Deer; also check Archery/Crossbow.
For Wisconsin deer hunting, use the listed resident and non-resident deer cost entries together with the note: Separate deer tags per season. Because this page lists over-the-counter access, the main risk is choosing the correct weapon season, zone, and add-on permit. CWD has been detected in Wisconsin, so carcass movement and testing rules deserve an early check.
OVERVIEW
Deer Hunting in Wisconsin
Wisconsin deer planning should start with the license type and Deer Management Unit. The resident gun deer license is $24, while the non-resident gun deer license is $200 in the state data used here. Bonus antlerless authorizations are sold separately when available and must match the zone, unit, and land type. CWD testing is not required statewide, but Wisconsin DNR recommends testing and enforces carcass movement rules for CWD-affected counties and adjacent counties. Check the current DNR deer page for the season dates, DMU, carcass movement, and CWD sampling locations before travel.
Species present: White-tailed Deer
SEASONS
Wisconsin Deer Season Dates (2026)
All archery, firearm, and muzzleloader season dates.
Multiple Seasons
Wisconsin offers 6 distinct deer seasons. Check specific zone dates with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources — dates and bag limits may vary by management unit.
COSTS
Wisconsin Deer Tag Fees
Resident vs. non-resident tag and permit costs.
Resident
$24
Deer tag / permit
Non-Resident
$200
Over-the-counter tag available
Separate deer tags per season
PLAN YOUR NEXT STEP
Choose the right Wisconsin deer planning path
Jump into the state hub, shortlist pages, and deer-planning tools before you work through every remaining section.
Check the full Wisconsin license setup
Move back to the main state hub when you need the base license, non-resident options, or add-on permits outside deer tags.
Compare Wisconsin with other deer options
Use shortlist pages when you are deciding between states instead of reviewing each deer page one by one.
Use deer-planning tools next
Shift from deer-tag detail into season timing, trip budgeting, and cross-state deer planning helpers.
Add a wider 2026 cost view
Check benchmark and non-resident premium reports before you commit to one deer state or trip budget.
REGULATIONS
CWD & Deer Hunting Regulations in Wisconsin
Chronic Wasting Disease status, antler restrictions, and weapon rules.
CWD Status
Detected
Southern Farmland Zone is the epicenter (87% of all positive cases), with localized prevalence exceeding 20%.
CWD Testing / Transport
CWD detected
Zones: Southern Farmland Zone is the epicenter (87% of all positive cases), with localized prevalence exceeding 20%.
Strict carcass transport restrictions apply. Whole carcasses generally cannot leave CWD zones or be imported from positive states.
Bag Limit
Daily: 1 · Season: 1 buck + antlerless with bonus tags
CWD testing is recommended but not required statewide; antlerless authorizations vary by DMU
Allowed Weapons
Bow, rifle, shotgun, muzzleloader
Official Source
Always verify current regulations with the official source: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources . Season dates, bag limits, and CWD regulations may change annually.
FAQ
Deer Hunting in Wisconsin — FAQ
Is CWD testing mandatory in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin does not have a statewide mandatory CWD testing requirement, but voluntary testing kiosks are widely available across the state. The DNR has over 240 voluntary sampling stations and dedicated carcass disposal dumpsters. However, you CANNOT transport a whole, intact deer carcass (with head, brain, or spinal column attached) out of a CWD-affected county. Hunters must debone or quarter the meat before leaving affected areas. Check the DNR's CWD county map before your hunt at dnr.wi.gov.
What are the antler point restrictions in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin does not have a statewide Antler Point Restriction (APR). A legal buck is defined as any deer with at least one antler measuring 3 inches or longer. This makes Wisconsin more flexible than neighboring states like Michigan and Indiana, which have APR in some zones. However, individual counties or special management areas may have different rules — always verify zone-specific regulations before your hunt.
Do I need a draw to hunt deer in Wisconsin?
No statewide deer draw is required for the main deer license, but antlerless authorizations are unit- and land-type specific. Residents pay $24 for the regular deer license in this dataset, and non-resident gun deer is listed at $200. Check Go Wild and the current DMU rules before buying bonus authorizations.
When is the Wisconsin 9-day gun deer season?
The 2026 Wisconsin 9-day gun deer season runs November 21–29. Rifle, shotgun, muzzleloader, and handgun are all legal weapons where otherwise allowed. This is followed by muzzleloader season, the 4-day antlerless season, and the antlerless holiday hunt in participating units. Archery and crossbow dates should be checked against the current DNR season calendar.
How much does it cost to deer hunt in Wisconsin?
Residents pay $24 for the regular gun deer license in this dataset. Non-resident gun deer is listed at $200, and bonus antlerless authorizations are separate when available. Confirm the current Go Wild checkout price and DMU authorizations before purchasing.
Can non-residents hunt deer in Wisconsin?
Yes. Non-residents can buy Wisconsin deer licenses without a statewide deer draw, but the non-resident gun deer license is listed here at $200 and antlerless options depend on the DMU. Plan around the current Wisconsin DNR season calendar and Go Wild authorizations.