Madison Reporter

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has announced that the 2025 bear hunting season will begin on Wednesday, September 3. The department encourages hunters to prepare thoroughly and expects another year of quality hunting opportunities this fall.

This year saw a record number of applicants for bear hunting in Wisconsin. More than 32,000 people applied for one of the 13,110 available bear licenses. In addition, nearly 114,000 individuals purchased a preference point to increase their chances in future license lotteries. Combined, over 146,000 people either applied for a license or bought a preference point this year.

The upcoming season will run from September 3 through October 7. Hunters are required to know both their assigned bear management zone and the regulations specific to that area. The rules vary depending on whether dogs are permitted as part of the hunt.

For Zones A, B, and D—where hunting with dogs is allowed—the season is divided into three periods:

- From September 3 to September 9, only hunting with the aid of dogs is permitted.

- From September 10 to September 30, hunters may use dogs, bait, or any other legal method.

- From October 1 to October 7, only bait and other legal methods not involving dogs may be used.

In Zones C, E, and F—where dogs are not allowed—hunters can use bait and all other legal methods except for using dogs throughout the entire season from September 3 to October 7.

Wisconsin’s black bear population continues to grow and now numbers about 24,000 animals. The species’ range covers more than half the state’s area, mostly in northern and central regions with gradual expansion southward.

Regulated public harvest remains the main approach for keeping bear numbers aligned with available habitat across Wisconsin. Hunting also provides important data that supports ongoing research into black bears and informs management strategies.

According to the DNR: "Careful and regulated public harvest of bears is the primary tool used to help keep bear numbers in balance with available habitat across the state. Hunting also plays a critical role in black bear research, the science behind bear management."

Hunters are reminded by the DNR that all harvested bears must be registered by 5 p.m. on the day after recovery. Additionally, hunters must submit two upper premolar teeth from each animal they harvest; these samples help biologists monitor population health over time.

"The DNR reminds hunters that all bears must be registered by 5 p.m. the day after recovery, and they must submit two upper premolar teeth to the department. These samples provide important data used to monitor and ensure the health of Wisconsin’s bear population into the future."

More information about regulations and hunting hours can be found on the DNR’s Bear Hunting webpage at https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/hunt/bear.