Early Goose Hunting Season Opens Sept. 1

MADISON – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds hunters that the 2026 early goose season opens Tuesday, Sept. 1.

This early hunting opportunity is available to hunters throughout the state and will run through Sept. 15. The early goose season has an increased daily bag limit of five Canada geese and is uniformly regulated across Wisconsin.

The regular goose season will open in the Northern and Southern Goose Zones on Sept. 16. The Mississippi River Goose Zone will open Oct. 3.

The 2026 population estimate for Wisconsin-breeding Canada geese is slightly lower than the 5-year population estimate.

While afield, goose hunters must carry either an electronic or physical copy of their small game license, early Canada goose permit, Harvest Information Program (HIP) registration, as well as proof of purchase of a state waterfowl stamp and federal Duck Stamp at all times. Acceptable methods of proof include a paper copy, a DNR-approved PDF displayed on a mobile device or a Go Wild Conservation Card, along with a Wisconsin driver’s license.

More information on goose hunting in Wisconsin, including how to find places to hunt and regulations, can be found on the DNR’s Waterfowl Hunting webpage.

Photo Credit: Bob Haase

Published on: Sep 1, 2026 at 7:37 am