Don't Miss Wisconsin's Youth Deer Hunt Oct. 10-11, 2026

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MADISON – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources encourages experienced hunters to introduce the rich tradition of deer hunting to the next generation during Wisconsin’s annual youth deer hunt. The 2026 youth deer hunt runs from Saturday, Oct. 10 through Sunday, Oct. 11.

The youth hunt offers hunters 15 years old and younger the chance to learn hunting techniques and develop a connection to nature at a time when deer are less pressured than during the traditional nine-day gun season. Wisconsin residents and nonresidents may participate in the youth hunt.

Youth hunters, with or without hunter education certification, are eligible to hunt while under the supervision of a mentor. For all hunters younger than 11 years old or hunters between ages 12-15 who have not completed hunter education, the mentor must be at least 18 years old, be a hunter education graduate, hold a current hunting license and always remain within arm’s reach of the youth hunter.

For hunters ages 12-15 who have completed hunter education, the mentor must be at least 18 years old but does not need to be a hunter education graduate or a licensed hunter. The mentor must always be in both visual and voice contact with the youth hunter.

One mentor may not accompany more than two youths at the same time. Be sure to review DNR’s Youth Hunt webpage for full details.

Practice Safe Firearm Handling

The youth hunt is an excellent opportunity to teach and practice safe firearm handling. Remember the rules of TAB-K:

  • 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 and beyond it.
  • K – Keep your finger outside the trigger guard until you are ready to shoot.

Wear Blaze Orange

Any time a firearm deer season is taking place, including the youth deer hunt, all hunters’ clothing above the waist must be at least 50% blaze orange or fluorescent pink. This requirement applies to archery hunters and small game hunters. Waterfowl hunters are exempt from this rule.

New hunters can celebrate this experience with a first harvest certificate. Follow the instructions on the DNR’s First Harvest Certificate webpage to upload information about the experience.

Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

Published on: Sep 30, 2026 at 4:42 pm

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