Wisconsin’s 2024 nine-day gun deer season opens Nov. 23

It’s almost time for hunters across Wisconsin to head out for the 2024 nine-day gun deer season, opening Nov. 23 and running through Dec. 1. This is the latest nine-day window within which the season may occur, as established by state law. With this year’s season starting further removed from the peak of breeding activity, fewer deer may be on the move relative to recent years with earlier openers. Still, there is reason for optimism, as other factors like colder temperatures and snow cover could still create excellent deer hunting conditions. Furthermore, last year’s mild winter means fawn production and antler development will likely be better than in recent years. As of midnight on Oct. 29, year-to-date sales for gun, bow, crossbow, sports and patron licenses reached 444,743. Of that total, 123,861 are for gun privileges only. All harvested deer must be registered electronically by 5 p.m. the day after the deer is recovered. Hunters will need the unique harvest authorization number associated with each permit. The three options to register a deer are: • Online with GameReg. • By phone at 844-426-3734. • Electronically at a participating in-person registration station. Elk sometimes venture outside of the elk management zones, especially during the fall breeding season, so hunters are reminded to properly identify their target. Any elk taken without a tag may result in a fine and a revocation of a hunting license. Hunters should be sure of their target to avoid an accidental shooting of non-target animals. Hunters must ensure at least 50% of outer clothing above the waist is blaze orange or fluorescent pink. Hats or head coverings, if worn, must also be at least 50% blaze orange or fluorescent pink. Faded or stained clothing is unsafe and should be replaced. Additionally, 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. The DNR’s Online Deer Camp (https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/GoHunting) is a one-stop shop for everything a hunter needs to know before heading out this season. It contains helpful links and information regarding purchasing a license, regulations, shooting hours, public land maps and more.