It’s almost here! The 2025 gun deer season opens on Saturday, Nov. 22, and runs through Sunday, Nov. 30.

Similar to last year, this year’s gun deer season runs later in the month. Fewer deer may be on the move relative to years with earlier openers. Other factors could create better deer hunting conditions, such as colder temperatures and snow cover.

Through Oct. 31, 2025, year-to-date sales for gun, bow, crossbow, sports and patron licenses reached 463,983. Of that total, 137,394 are for gun privileges only.

Deer Management Units Have Changed For 2025

Hunters should be aware of updates to some of the Deer Management Units (DMUs) for the 2025 deer season. DMUs in the Northern Forest Management Zones have been converted to habitat-based units, as opposed to county-based units. Review the map of the new DMUs to double-check you know which DMU you are hunting in. You can also see a breakdown of the season structure by county and DMU.

Please note that Forest Zone DMUs are now referred to by a number. Hunters will need to know their DMU name or number when requesting antlerless permits.

Register Your Harvest

All harvested deer must be registered electronically by 5 p.m. the day after the deer is recovered. Hunters will need the unique harvest authorization number associated with each permit. Proper registration provides accurate harvest data for DNR wildlife managers and County Deer Advisory Councils for the management of Wisconsin’s deer herd.

The three options to register a deer are:

Online with GameReg
By phone at 1-844-426-3734
Electronically at a participating in-person registration station

Know Your Target

Elk sometimes move outside of the elk management zones, especially during the fall breeding season, so hunters are reminded to properly identify their target. Any elk taken without a tag may result in a fine and a revocation of your hunting license.

Although many hunters can tell the difference, it doesn’t hurt to freshen up your skills before you hunt. Use this comparison guide to test yourself on the differences between elk and white-tailed deer.

Hunt Safely

It’s important for all hunters to do their part and keep Wisconsin a safe place to hunt by following the four basic rules of firearm safety, 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.

Hunters must ensure that at least 50% of outer clothing above the waist is blaze orange or fluorescent pink. Hats or head coverings, if worn, must also be at least 50% blaze orange or fluorescent pink. Faded or stained clothing is unsafe and should be replaced.

Additionally, anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 1973, must have a hunter education certification to purchase a hunting license unless hunting under the Mentored Hunting Law. Learn more about safe hunting in Wisconsin and register to take a hunter education course on the DNR’s Firearm Safety webpage.

Help Fellow Wisconsinites Experiencing Food Insecurity

The DNR encourages hunters to donate Wisconsin-harvested deer through the DNR’s Deer Donation Program. The program helps stock food pantries and supports residents in need throughout the state.

Mobile-Friendly Hunter Resources

The DNR’s Online Deer Camp is a one-stop shop for everything a hunter needs to know before heading out this season. It contains helpful links and information regarding purchasing a license, regulations, shooting hours, public land maps and more.

Photo credit: WI DNR