Wisconsin Whitetail Hunting
Plan your Wisconsin whitetail hunt with season dates, license options, and hunting opportunities organized by unit. Browse available private-land hunts and book access directly from landowners.
Last updated by Aricin Rotarius
Find Hunts by Unit
Browse private-land whitetail hunts across Wisconsin, organized by unit, and book directly with landowners.
Wisconsin Whitetail Seasons
These dates represent the “general” season dates. Check the individual hunting unit regulations for the most accurate season dates and regulations.
Archery & Crossbow
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Archery/crossbow season closes on Jan. 31, 2026 in metro sub-units and select DMUs. See page 11 for participating counties.
Archery/crossbow
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Archery/crossbow season closes on Jan. 31, 2026, in metro sub-units and in DMUs with extended archery/crossbow season. No bucks may be harvested during the statewide antlerless-only hunt (Dec. 11-14) or in specific DMUs during the antlerless-only holiday hunt (Dec. 24–Jan. 1, 2026).
Extended Archery
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Crossbow
Applies to Red zones; extended archery season through Jan. 31, 2026
Gun Hunt For Hunters With Disabilities
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Hunt
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Youth hunters
Youth
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Youth hunters
See page 14 for more details.
Gun
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Metro Sub-unit Gun
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Muzzleloader
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Antlerless-only
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All weapon types are allowed. Only antlerless deer may be harvested.
Statewide Antlerless Hunt
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Antlerless-only Holiday Hunt
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Holiday Hunt
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Antlerless only
Wisconsin Whitetail Licenses
Resident Licenses
| License | Availability | Eligibility | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Archery license | — | — | $24.00 |
| Bonus antlerless harvest authorizations | — | — | $12.00 |
| Crossbow license | — | — | $24.00 |
| Gun deer license | — | — | $24.00 |
| Junior crossbow license | — | Youth hunters; Junior | $20.00 |
| Junior gun deer license | — | Youth hunters; Junior | $20.00 |
Nonresident Licenses
| License | Availability | Eligibility | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Archery license | — | — | $200.00 |
| Bonus antlerless harvest authorizations | — | — | $20.00 |
| Crossbow license | — | — | $200.00 |
| Gun deer license | — | — | $200.00 |
| Junior crossbow license | — | Youth hunters; Junior | $77.00 |
Purchase junior conservation patron license | |||
| Junior gun deer license | — | Youth hunters; Junior | $36.00 |
Purchase junior sports license | |||
Other Licenses
| License | Availability | Eligibility | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metro Sub-Unit Antlerless Deer Harvest Authorization | — | — | $0.00 |
Available in select metro sub-units. Issued upon request at no cost with the purchase of an archery/crossbow or gun deer license. Bonus authorizations may also be available for purchase in select metro sub-units and land types. Only valid within the metro sub-unit boundaries, within the DMU selected and on the land type (public-access or private) specified on the harvest authorization. | |||
| Archery or crossbow upgrade | — | — | $3.00 |
| Mentored gun deer, archery or crossbow | — | Mentored | $7.00 |
$7 for 11 years old or younger, regular price for ages 12 and up | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Whitetail season in Wisconsin runs approximately from September 13, 2025 through January 31, 2026, with multiple hunting phases including archery and crossbow (September 13 through January 4 in most areas, with extended seasons through January 31 in select metro sub-units and designated management units), gun hunts for hunters with disabilities and youth (October 4–12), general gun season (November 22–30), metro sub-unit gun season (November 22–December 10), muzzleloader season (December 1–10), and antlerless-only hunts (December 11–14 statewide and December 24–January 1 in select areas). Specific season dates and restrictions vary by location and weapon type, so consult the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources for details on your hunting area.
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