Madison Reporter

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has issued a reminder for hunters and trappers regarding the upcoming application deadlines for special fall hunting and trapping seasons. Less than two weeks remain to apply for bobcat and fisher permits or to participate in the sharp-tailed grouse hunt this fall.

Bobcat and fisher harvests are managed through a special permitting system, with permits awarded via a preference point lottery. To secure a permit, hunters must apply by the August 1 deadline and be selected in the drawing.

Thanks to extensive habitat restoration efforts in the Northwest Sands region, hunters will have the opportunity to hunt sharp-tailed grouse in Wisconsin for the first time since 2018. The population of sharp-tailed grouse has been increasing annually since 2021 due to ongoing work to restore and reconnect their fragmented habitats.

Those interested in hunting sharp-tailed grouse this season must submit their applications by Friday, August 1, to enter a limited permit drawing. The hunting season is scheduled from October 18 to November 9, with preference points from previous years being honored. Applications are open to both residents and nonresidents.

Permits can be purchased online through Go Wild or at local DNR license sales locations. For more information on trapping regulations in Wisconsin, individuals can visit the DNR’s Trapping Regulations webpage. Details about sharp-tailed grouse hunting are available on the DNR’s Sharp-Tailed Grouse Hunting webpage.