Madison Reporter

As several hunting seasons prepare to open in Wisconsin throughout September, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is advising hunters to ensure they are ready and properly licensed. The DNR has announced that six separate opening dates for various species will occur during the month, with specific regulations and requirements for each.

On Sept. 1, hunting opens for common gallinule, early Canada goose, early teal, mourning dove, rail, and snipe. Just two days later on Sept. 3, bear season begins in Zones C, E and F with the aid of bait using all legal methods except dogs; in Zones A, B and D only hunting with dogs is permitted at this time.

Bear hunting expands further on Sept. 10 when all legal methods—dogs included—are allowed statewide. Additional opportunities begin on Sept. 13: cottontail rabbit season opens in the Northern Zone; archery and crossbow deer hunting starts; ruffed grouse may be hunted in Zone A; squirrel season opens for both gray and fox squirrels; and turkey season commences.

Goose hunting across the Northern, Southern and Mississippi River zones launches on Sept. 16. On Sept. 20, youth waterfowl hunters can participate in a special hunt alongside woodcock season’s start date. Finally, duck hunting begins in the Northern Zone on Sept. 27.

The DNR urges hunters to double-check all opening dates as well as confirm they have secured required licenses and stamps before heading out into the field.

For those seeking more information or assistance planning their outings, mobile-friendly online resources are available through the DNR’s Hunting webpage (https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/hunt). Here hunters can access up-to-date regulations—including specific season dates—and find links to additional materials such as population forecasts for game species (https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/hunt/forecast).

A comprehensive list of public lands available for hunting can be found via the Public Access Lands webpage (https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/lands/pal), which helps users identify accessible locations throughout Wisconsin from home.

The Fields and Forest Lands Interactive Game Bird Hunting Tool (https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/hunt/FFLIGHT.html) offers targeted information about managed dove fields along with suitable habitats for ruffed grouse and woodcock hunts.

Safety remains a central focus as participation increases during these peak seasons. The DNR emphasizes four fundamental firearm safety rules:

“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 the trigger guard until you are ready to shoot.”

In addition to following safety practices, individuals born on or after Jan. 1, 1973 must possess hunter education certification unless they qualify under Wisconsin's Mentored Hunting Law provisions. Details about certification courses are provided through the DNR's Hunting Safety webpage (https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/Education/OutdoorSkills/safetyEducation).

“The DNR wishes all hunters a safe and successful hunting season,” stated agency representatives.