The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources announced opening dates for multiple hunting seasons beginning in September, with six dates throughout the month when different species become available to hunters. The agency reminds hunters to verify season dates and acquire all necessary licenses and stamps before hunting.
Seasons open September 1 for common gallinule, early Canada goose, early teal, mourning dove, rail and snipe. Deer archery and crossbow seasons open September 12, along with cottontail rabbit hunting in the Northern Zone, ruffed grouse in Zone A, gray and fox squirrels, and turkey.
September 9 marks the opening of bear season in Zones A, B, C, D, E and F. Regular goose seasons begin September 16 in Northern and Southern zones, along with bear season in Zones A, B and D. Youth waterfowl and woodcock seasons open September 19, and duck hunting in the Northern Zone begins September 26.
The DNR published an online version of hunting regulations this fall with a drop-down filter to help hunters find information faster. The agency's website provides mobile-friendly resources including hunting regulations, season dates, hunting hours, species population levels and public lands open to hunting.
The agency emphasizes firearm safety, reminding hunters to treat every firearm as if it is loaded, always point the muzzle in a safe direction, be certain of the target and what lies before and beyond it, and keep fingers outside the trigger guard until ready to shoot. Anyone born on or after January 1, 1973, must have a hunter education certification to purchase a hunting license unless hunting under the Mentored Hunting Law.