Wisconsin Hunting Seasons Kick Off This September

By Blake Jackson

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is reminding hunters to get ready for the start of several hunting seasons opening throughout September.

As the month unfolds, sportsmen and women will have multiple opportunities to head outdoors and enjoy Wisconsin’s diverse hunting traditions.

There are six different dates in September when seasons officially open. The DNR encourages hunters to carefully review season schedules, confirm regulations, and make sure they have the proper licenses and stamps before heading into the field.

Season Openers in September

• Sept. 1: Common gallinule, early Canada goose, early teal, mourning dove, rail, and snipe.
• Sept. 3: Black bear - Zones C, E, and F with bait or other legal methods (not using dogs); Zones A, B, and D with dogs only.
• Sept. 10: Black bear hunting expands to include dogs, bait, and all legal methods statewide.
• Sept. 13: Cottontail rabbit (Northern Zone), deer (archery and crossbow), ruffed grouse (Zone A), gray and fox squirrels, and turkey.
• Sept. 16: Regular goose season begins in the Northern, Southern, and Mississippi River zones.
• Sept. 20: Youth waterfowl and woodcock seasons open.
• Sept. 27: Northern Zone duck season begins.

To help hunters prepare, the DNR offers several online tools. The Hunting webpage provides regulations, hours, and season dates, along with fall hunting forecasts that highlight game populations and opportunities.

The Public Access Lands webpage allows hunters to locate public properties open for recreation, while the Fields and Forest Lands Interactive Game Bird Hunting Tool gives details on managed dove fields and upland bird habitat.

As the state’s busiest hunting seasons approach, safety remains a top priority. The DNR stresses following the four key firearm safety rules:

• T: Treat every firearm as if it’s loaded.
• A: Always keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction.
• B: Be certain of your target and what lies beyond.
• K: Keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot.

Additionally, anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 1973, must complete hunter education to purchase a license unless participating under the Mentored Hunting Law. Details on courses are available on the DNR’s Hunting Safety webpage.

Photo Credit: pexels-jim-fawns