MADISON – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources reminds deer hunters that the archery and crossbow seasons open this Saturday, September 12, 2026 and run through Sunday, January 3, 2027. (*Archery/crossbow seasons will continue through Jan. 31, 2027 in select Metro subunits and select Farmland Zone counties.)

As hunters head out to the woods, be sure to make safety the number one priority and always use a harness, haul line and maintain three points of contact when getting in and out of a tree stand.

The DNR also reminds hunters that there were updates to several Deer Management Units (DMUs) in 2025. Refer to the updated Season Structure and Management Zone maps to see if the unit you hunt in has changed. Hunters will need to know their management zone and DMU number/county when purchasing an authorization/license and registering their deer.

Bonus antlerless harvest authorizations remain available in many units. Bonus antlerless harvest authorizations may be filled using any weapon type during the appropriate season with the appropriate license but must be filled in the designated zone, unit and land type (public or private).

The 2026 Deer Forecast provides chronic wasting disease (CWD) program updates, volunteer opportunities and district forecasts.

For more information on how to purchase a deer license, finding places to hunt and other hunting programs, please visit the DNR’s Deer Hunting webpage.

Around 95% of the funding for the DNR’s Bureau of Wildlife Management comes from the fees from hunting, trapping and fishing licenses and a federal tax on weapon and ammunition purchases. These funds directly support wildlife population surveys, habitat restoration projects, wildlife disease monitoring efforts, running of the hunting and trapping seasons, and the maintenance for 650,000 acres of public land managed for hunting, trapping and other outdoor recreation activities. Thank you to everyone who purchases a license each year and supports wildlife management in Wisconsin.

Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

Published on: Sep 8, 2026 at 12:07 pm