The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources reminds hunters to prepare for the opening of several hunting seasons in September. New this fall, the DNR published an online version of the hunting regulations, including a drop-down filter that can help people navigate to the info they need faster. It can be viewed at https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/Hunt/regulations/OnlineHuntingRegulations.
There are six dates throughout September when seasons open. Hunters are encouraged to double-check season dates and that they have acquired all necessary licenses and stamps before going out for a hunt.
Opening on Sept. 1 were seasons for the common gallinule, early Canada goose, early teal, mourning dove, rail and snipe.
Opening on Sept. 9 was bear season in Zones A, B, C, D, E and F with aid of bait and all other legal methods not using dogs.
Opening on Sept. 12 will be seasons for cottontail rabbit (Northern Zone), deer (archery and crossbow), ruffed grouse (Zone A), squirrels (gray and fox) and turkey.
Coming up Sept. 16 is opening day for regular goose (Northern and Southern zones) and bear (Zones A, B, D with the aid of dogs, the aid of bait and all other legal methods).
Youth waterfowl and woodcock seasons open Sept. 19, and duck season (Northern Zone) opens Sept. 26.
The DNR also reminds hunters of mobile-friendly online resources, including hunting regulations, season dates, hunting hours and more, available on the DNR’s Hunting webpage. Hunters can find information on species population levels and hunting opportunities on the DNR’s fall hunting forecasts.
A list of public lands open to hunting is available using the Public Access Lands webpage.
The Fields and Forest Lands Interactive Game Bird Hunting Tool provides hunters information on managed dove fields, stocked pheasant properties, as well as habitat for hunting ruffed grouse and woodcock.
This information and more can be found at https://dnr.wisconsin.gov.
As a reminder, anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 1973, must have a hunter education certification to purchase a hunting license unless hunting under the Mentored Hunting Law.
