Wisconsin Hunting Laws

Wisconsin hunting offers a variety of game, from white-tailed deer to black bears. Not only does Wisconsin offer a menagerie of hunting species, but also beautiful landscapes to hunt them on.

Initially when going to acquire your Wisconsin hunting license, you want to know what you are looking to hunt. Different game requires different license so you want to make sure you have the right licensing and steer clear with the law.

There is a new law which formulated a hunting mentorship program for novice hunters that will take effect September 1, 2009. Under the new law, a novice hunter must be at least 10 years of age, possess the appropriate hunting license, permits and tags, and must hunt with a mentor who is 18 years of age or older. The novice hunter need not first complete hunter education to obtain a hunting license or hunt, but may only hunt within arms reach of a mentor. The mentor must have a current valid hunting approval, and must have completed a hunter education course if born on or after January 1, 1973. The fee for hunting approvals issued to youth ages 10 and 11 will be reduced. Visit the DNR website or call 1-888-936-7463 for more information.

Anyone 12 years and older who graduates from a Wisconsin Hunter Education class after January 1, 2009 for the first time may receive a free special Antlerless Deer Carcass Tag. This carcass tag is valid for an antlerless deer in any DMU during any open deer season with the appropriate license and corresponding weapon. This tag is issued only through DNR offices that provide counter service. This tag may not be used for group hunting.

Wisconsin deer hunting prohibits the use of dogs in order to hunt. A dog that is actively engaged in a legal hunting activity, including training, is not considered to be running at large if the dog is monitored or supervised by a person and the dog is on land that is open to hunting or on land on which the person has obtained permission to hunt or to train a dog.

Unless you are a Class C holder (visually handicapped permit owners), it is illegal to use or possess laser sights while hunting. You are not allowed to hunt with an automatic firearm, nor could you use any firearm to hunt a deer within 100 yards of public, unless granted to do so on an individuals property.

It is illegal to sell, purchase, or barter any deer or deer part thereof except: the head, skin not in spotted coat, and antlers not in velvet of any deer lawfully killed, when severed from the rest of the carcass. It is unlawful to possess a deer carcass unless tagged and registered as required. You are allowed to transport another person’s unregistered deer only when accompanied by the person issued the carcass tag. Once registered, anyone may transport the deer.

Wisconsin deer hunting is very popular, at the same time, Wisconsin hunting likes to maintain a level of respect between fellow hunters as well as for the deer. One thing that is highly stressed is to not waste the game, and to not torture it by having it die slowly. You must make every reasonable effort to retrieve all game
killed or crippled. Until such effort is made, such game shall be included in the
daily bag. This rule does not allow you to trespass without permission of the landowner
nor shoot game beyond established shooting hours. Whether on a deer hunt, or hitting a deer with your vehicle by accident, you must request a tag for the carcass through the Sheriff’s Department.

As far as respect towards your fellow hunters, it is illegal to take someone else’s game without their consent… the chances of them giving you their game when they are out on the hunt is highly likely though. Another compliance which needs to be met is wearing a blazing orange color when going deer hunting. Not only does it prevent you from being fired at by accident, but it also takes away the suspense from fellow hunters if they feel a deer is approaching.

All in all, Wisconsin likes to keep their hunting clean, after all… it’s a sport. Even Internationally played sports have their own codes of conduct, which are solely there to keep the game fair. The essence of that fairness is implemented when these rules and regulations were created, in order to ensure safety and fair play, Hunt on!

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