The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has announced preliminary deer harvest and license sales totals for the opening weekend of the 2025 gun deer season.

Preliminary License Sales Data

Preliminary figures indicate that the number of gun deer hunters in Wisconsin stayed nearly constant compared to 2024. As of 11:59 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 23, sales for deer hunting privileges (which include gun, archery, crossbow, conservation patron and sports licenses) reached 777,843, down 0.03% from the same time last year. Of those, 538,865 were for gun privileges only (which include gun, conservation patron and sports licenses).

Final license sales figures will be available in January, at which time DNR staff will perform a thorough analysis and interpretation.

Preliminary Registration Totals And Future Outlook

In total, hunters registered 90,671 deer statewide during the opening weekend of the 2025 gun deer hunt, compared to 87,248 registered for the same period in 2024. This is a 3.9% increase from a year ago and 1.1% below the 5-year average.

Hunters registered a total of 48,748 antlered deer on opening weekend, compared to 48,063 in 2024, a 1.4% increase. The antlerless harvest was 41,923, which is up 7% from last year.

Conditions for the opening weekend were pretty favorable for hunters. Mornings were cool and quiet, with gusty winds reported in the afternoon in some areas of western Wisconsin. The only factors that might have impacted deer sightings were a lack of snow cover and warmer temperatures in the afternoons across the southern half of the state.

There were some reports of bucks still on the move in search of does across the state. However, for the most part, breeding activity, which can enhance daytime deer movement, declined noticeably in the days leading up to the weekend. Overall, opening day action was described as average to somewhat better than average. Sunday was generally quiet, with comfortable weather resulting in less hunter and deer movement.

Snow is in the forecast for northern Wisconsin this week, along with some very high winds. Colder temperatures will keep snow cover in place, which could set things up for a very good second weekend.

Opening Weekend Hunting Incidents

At the time of this release, the DNR reports the following firearm-involved hunting incidents on the opening day of the 2025 nine-day gun deer season. Season runs from Nov. 22-30.

Grant County, North Lancaster Township: On Nov. 22, 2025, in the afternoon hours, a 57-year-old male was a victim of a gunshot to his buttock while walking to a field to go deer hunting. The victim was transported to the hospital and treated for injury. Investigation pending.
Fond du Lac County, Oakfield Township: On Nov. 22, 2025, in the evening hours, a 24-year-old male deer hunter was a victim of a self-inflicted gunshot to the chest. The victim was found deceased several hours after the close of hunting hours by family on private property. Preliminary investigation reflects the victim was in a tree, gun deer hunting from a saddle stand, when the unintentional discharge of their firearm occurred. Investigation pending.

Comparatively, during the 2024 nine-day gun deer season, the DNR reported one firearm-involved hunting incident resulting in injury.

The DNR reminds hunters to always follow the four rules of firearm safety, TAB-K, as a cornerstone for safe and successful hunting:

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 it and what’s beyond it.
K – Keep your finger outside your trigger guard until you are safe to shoot.

Learn more about safe hunting in Wisconsin and register to take a hunter education course on the DNR’s Hunting Safety webpage.

Donate Deer To Fight Food Insecurity In Wisconsin

The DNR encourages hunters to donate Wisconsin-harvested deer through the Deer Donation Program. This program helps stock food pantries and supports residents in need throughout the state. Gov. Tony Evers has proclaimed November as Wild Game Meat Donation Month in Wisconsin, imploring Wisconsinites to consider helping feed their communities this hunting season.

Photo credit: iStock/Brian Woolman