The Wisconsin DNR reminds hunters to prepare for the opening of several hunting and trapping seasons this month.
There are four dates throughout October when seasons open, so hunters are encouraged to double-check these dates. Below is a list of hunting seasons:
Oct. 7
- Gun Hunt For Hunters With Disabilities
- Youth Deer Hunt
Oct. 14
- Bobcat (Period 1 Hunting And Trapping)
- Bobwhite Quail (Opens At 9 a.m)
- Cottontail Rabbit (Southern Zone)
- Coyote (Trapping)
- Duck (Open Water Zone)
- Elk
- Fisher (Trapping Only)
- Fox (Hunting And Trapping)
- Hungarian Partridge (Opens At 9 a.m.; Closed In Clark, Marathon And Taylor Counties)
- Pheasant (Opens At 9 a.m.)
- Raccoon (Resident, Hunting And Trapping)
- Ruffed Grouse (Zone B)
Oct. 21
- Mink And Muskrat (Northern Zone, Trapping Only)
Oct. 28
- Mink And Muskrat (Central Zone, Trapping Only)
- Raccoon (Non-Resident, Hunting And Trapping
Check season end dates on the DNR’s Season Dates webpage: https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/hunt/dates
As Wisconsin’s most popular hunting seasons ramp up, it’s important for all hunters to do their part to keep Wisconsin a safe place to hunt by following these firearm safety rules:
- T – Treat every firearm as if it is loaded
- A – Always point the muzzle in a safe direction
- B – Be certain of your target, what’s before it and what’s beyond it
- K – Keep your finger outside your trigger guard until you are safe to shoot
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. Learn more about safe hunting in Wisconsin and register to take a hunter education course on the DNR website. The DNR wishes our hunters a safe and successful hunting season.
See a recent story from Mid-West Farm Report on Wisconsin’s trapping tradition: https://www.midwestfarmreport.com/2023/08/07/trappers-association-educates-others/