Wisconsin's early goose hunting season opens Tuesday, Sept. 1, through Sept. 15, the Department of Natural Resources said. The early season offers an increased daily bag limit of five Canada geese and applies uniformly across the state.
The regular goose season will open Sept. 16 in the Northern and Southern Goose Zones, and Oct. 3 in the Mississippi River Goose Zone.
The 2026 population estimate for Wisconsin-breeding Canada geese is slightly lower than the 5-year population estimate, according to the DNR.
Goose hunters must carry either an electronic or physical copy of their small game license, early Canada goose permit, Harvest Information Program registration, and proof of purchase of a state waterfowl stamp and federal Duck Stamp at all times. Acceptable proof includes a paper copy, a DNR-approved PDF on a mobile device, or a Go Wild Conservation Card along with a Wisconsin driver's license.
More information is available on the DNR's Waterfowl Hunting webpage.