Wisconsin

Wisconsin Hunting License: Cost, Requirements & How to Apply (2026)

Complete guide to Wisconsin hunting license costs, requirements, seasons, and regulations for the Apr 1, 2025 – Mar 31, 2026 season.

Last updated: March 2026

Resident License $24 General hunting

Non-Resident License $200 General hunting

Hunter Education Required Born after 1973-01-01

Online Purchase Yes Apr 1, 2025 – Mar 31, 2026

LICENSE FEES

Wisconsin Hunting License Fees 2026

Current hunting license costs for residents and non-residents. License year: Apr 1, 2025 – Mar 31, 2026.

Resident Licenses

Resident Gun Deer $24 —

Resident Archery/Crossbow Deer $24 —

Resident Small Game $20 —

Resident Conservation Patron $175 —

Resident Youth Deer (Under 18) $10 —

Resident Senior (65+) $9 —

Resident Apprentice Hunter $7 —

Non-Resident Licenses

Non-Resident Gun Deer — $200

Non-Resident Archery/Crossbow Deer — $200

Non-Resident 5-Day Small Game — $85

Non-Resident Annual Small Game — $160

Non-Resident Youth Deer (Under 18) — $30

Tags & Permits

Deer (Antlerless Bonus Tag) $12 $20

Turkey (Spring) $15 $65

Turkey (Fall) $15 $65

Wild Turkey Stamp $5.25 $5.25

Bonus Turkey Harvest Authorization $10 $15

Bear $42 $251

Bobcat $10 $150

Endorsements & Stamps

Pheasant Stamp $7.25 Required for pheasant hunting statewide; funds habitat

Wisconsin Waterfowl Stamp $7 Required for waterfowl hunting

Federal Duck Stamp $25 Required for waterfowl hunters 16+; valid Jul 1 – Jun 30

HIP Certification Free Free; required for migratory bird hunters

Trout/Salmon Stamp $10 Required for inland trout and Great Lakes salmon

PURCHASE

How to Buy a Wisconsin Hunting License

Multiple convenient options to get your license quickly.

Buy Online (Recommended)

Visit gowild.wi.gov. Create a GoWild account or sign in with your customer ID. Select license type and any additional tags/stamps. Apply for turkey/bear lottery during application periods. Pay with credit/debit card ($2 service fee). Print license and tags; carry while hunting

Buy In Person

Walmart stores statewide, Fleet Farm, Bass Pro Shops / Cabela's, Kwik Trip (select locations), Local sporting goods and hardware stores

Buy By Phone

Call 888-936-7463. $2 service fee

Shop for hunting gear at our partners:

Bass Pro Shops → Cabela's → Amazon → Academy Sports →

Pro Tip

The easiest way to buy your Wisconsin hunting license is online through the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. You'll get your license instantly and can start hunting right away.

EDUCATION

Hunter Education Requirements in Wisconsin

Who needs it: All hunters born on or after January 1, 1973

Online course: Available — Cost: Free

Field day required: Yes, in-person field day required

Minimum age: 10 years old

Apprentice/deferral program: Available — hunt under supervision while completing education

Military exemption: Yes, active duty military may be exempt

Start Your Hunter Education Course

EXEMPTIONS

Who Can Hunt for Free (or at a Discount) in Wisconsin?

Mentored Youth (Any Age) Free with mentor Children of any age may hunt under mentored hunting program with licensed adult within arm's reach; no minimum age

Youth (10-17) $10 deer Discounted deer license; reduced small game fees; youth deer season weekend

Senior (65+) $9 combination Residents 65+ get combination license covering small game, deer, turkey, and fishing at deeply reduced rate

Disabled Veteran (70%+) Free Wisconsin residents with 70%+ service-connected disability get free hunting/fishing licenses

Active Military Resident rates Active duty military stationed in Wisconsin hunt at resident rates

Landowner with 50+ Acres Free small game/deer Resident landowners with 50+ contiguous acres receive free small game and deer hunting on own land

SEASONS

Wisconsin Hunting Seasons 2026-2027

Key hunting season dates and weapon restrictions.

White-tailed Deer Youth Gun Deer Oct 4 – Oct 5 Rifle, shotgun, muzzleloader, bow

White-tailed Deer Archery/Crossbow Sep 13 – Jan 4 Bow and crossbow

White-tailed Deer 9-Day Gun Season Nov 22 – Nov 30 Rifle, shotgun, muzzleloader, handgun

White-tailed Deer Muzzleloader Dec 1 – Dec 10 Muzzleloader only

White-tailed Deer 4-Day Antlerless Dec 11 – Dec 14 Rifle, shotgun, muzzleloader, bow; antlerless only

White-tailed Deer Antlerless Holiday Hunt Dec 24 – Jan 1 Rifle, shotgun, bow, muzzleloader; antlerless only

Turkey Youth Spring Apr 12 – Apr 13 Shotgun, bow

Turkey Spring (6 Periods) Apr 16 – May 27 Shotgun, bow

Turkey Fall Sep 13 – Jan 4 Shotgun, bow, rifle

Bear Regular (Zones A-D) Sep 3 – Oct 7 Rifle, shotgun, bow, muzzleloader

Pheasant Regular Oct 11 – Dec 31 Shotgun

Duck/Waterfowl North Zone Sep 27 – Nov 30 Shotgun (non-toxic shot)

Duck/Waterfowl South Zone Oct 4 – Dec 7 Shotgun (non-toxic shot)

Rabbit Regular Oct 11 – Feb 28 Shotgun, rifle, bow

Ruffed Grouse Regular Sep 13 – Jan 4 Shotgun

Squirrel Regular Sep 13 – Jan 31 Shotgun, rifle, bow

BAG LIMITS

Wisconsin Bag Limits

Daily and seasonal harvest limits for major game species.

White-tailed Deer 1 1 buck + antlerless with bonus tags CWD management zones have increased antlerless tags; CWD testing mandatory in some counties

Turkey (Spring) 1 1 Gobblers only (bearded); 6 alternating time periods

Turkey (Fall) 1 1 Either sex in designated zones

Bear 1 1 Lottery draw required; multi-year wait; zones A-D

Pheasant 2 No season limit Roosters only; Pheasant Stamp required

Ruffed Grouse 5 No season limit One of the best grouse states; northern forests

Duck 6 No season limit Species-specific limits within daily bag

Rabbit 3 No season limit Cottontail rabbit; dogs permitted

COMPARE

How Wisconsin Compares to Neighboring States

See how hunting license costs stack up in the region.

Wisconsin $24 $200

Michigan $15 $200 Minnesota $34 $185 Iowa $22 $131 Illinois $12.50 $57.75

Compare All 50 States

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions About Wisconsin Hunting Licenses

How much is a hunting license in Wisconsin?

Resident gun deer: $24. Non-resident: $200. The Conservation Patron license ($175) includes all hunting, fishing, stamps, deer, turkey, and Great Lakes — best value. Seniors 65+ get a $9 combo. Youth deer: $10.

How does the Wisconsin 9-day gun deer season work?

Wisconsin's iconic 9-day season runs Saturday before Thanksgiving through the following Sunday (Nov 22-30). Over 600,000 hunters participate — one of the largest hunting events in North America. It's deeply embedded in Wisconsin culture.

How much is a non-resident deer tag in Wisconsin?

Non-resident gun deer: $200 (increased from $160 in 2024-25 budget). NR archery/crossbow: $200. Bonus antlerless tags are $20 (NR). Legislative proposals could increase NR fees further in future seasons.

What is the Conservation Patron license in Wisconsin?

The Conservation Patron ($175) is Wisconsin's all-inclusive package: hunting + fishing + all stamps (waterfowl, pheasant, turkey, trout/salmon) + deer tags + Great Lakes privileges. Far cheaper than buying everything separately — saves over $100.

What is CWD in Wisconsin and how does it affect hunting?

Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is present in many Wisconsin counties, especially southern units. CWD zones have mandatory sampling, increased antlerless tags, and special registration requirements. Always check WDNR's CWD map before hunting.

Is there a minimum age to hunt in Wisconsin?

No minimum age. Wisconsin's mentored hunting program allows children of ANY age to hunt with a licensed adult mentor who stays within arm's reach. Youth 10+ can get their own license after completing free hunter ed.

How does the Wisconsin bear draw work?

Black bear hunting requires a lottery draw. Residents pay $42, non-residents $251. Wait times range from 3-10+ years because preference points accumulate. Zones A-D cover northern Wisconsin, with season running Sep-Oct.

Can I buy a Wisconsin hunting license online?

Yes, through GoWild at gowild.wi.gov. The GoWild system manages all licenses, tags, registrations, and game harvest reporting. Also available at Walmart, Fleet Farm, Kwik Trip, and sporting goods stores.