Apply Now for Wisconsin’s 2026 Bear and Turkey Seasons

By Blake Jackson

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is reminding hunters that applications for the 2026 black bear and spring turkey seasons must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2025.

Hunters can apply for harvest authorizations, buy preference points for future drawings, or update their applications through Go Wild or an authorized license agent before the deadline.

Black Bear Harvest Authorizations

The drawing for 2026 black bear harvest authorizations will take place in February. Those selected will be notified by email or postcard, based on their chosen communication preference, and will be able to purchase their Class A bear license beginning in March 2026. Applicants can also check their results online in mid-February through their Go Wild customer account.

Wisconsin law requires bear hunters to apply at least once during any three-year period to keep their accumulated preference points; failing to do so results in all points being lost. Once an applicant is drawn for a harvest authorization, their points reset to zero, regardless of whether they buy the license.

Interest remains high, with more than 32,000 applying for 13,110 available bear licenses this year. Nearly 114,000 others purchased preference points, bringing the total number of applicants and point buyers to more than 146,000 setting a new record.

The 2026 bear season dates are:

Zones A, B, D

• Sept. 9-15: bait and legal methods (no dogs)
• Sept. 16-Oct. 6: dogs, bait, and legal methods
• Oct. 7-13: dogs only

Zones C, E, F

• Sept. 9-Oct. 13: bait and legal methods (no dogs)

Turkey Harvest Authorizations

Turkey harvest authorizations are issued through a preference-based drawing. Applicants may select up to two preferred zone and period combinations, with an optional third choice allowing placement in any period of one zone. Hunters seeking only a preference point should avoid submitting a third choice.

The drawing occurs in late December, with notifications sent by email or postcard. Those not selected earn a preference point. Bonus authorizations not issued in the drawing will later be sold for $10 (residents) and $15 (nonresidents).

The 2026 spring turkey season includes:

• Youth Hunt: April 11-12
• Periods A-F: April 15-May 26

All hunters must hold a spring turkey license ($15 residents; $65 nonresidents) and a wild turkey stamp ($5.25).

Photo Credit: pexels-aaron-brewer