Madison Reporter

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is advising hunters and trappers to prepare for several hunting and trapping seasons that will begin throughout October. According to the DNR, there are five different opening dates during the month, and participants are encouraged to review both hunting season dates and trapping season dates. The agency also reminds individuals to ensure they have all required licenses and stamps before entering the field.

The first set of openings is scheduled for October 4, which includes duck and coot hunting in the Southern Zone as well as a gun deer hunt for hunters with disabilities on select properties. On October 11, the youth deer hunt will commence.

A range of additional seasons open on October 18. These include duck hunting in the Open Water Zone, cottontail rabbit hunting in the Southern Zone starting at 9 a.m., pheasant hunting at 9 a.m., ruffed grouse in Zone B, Hungarian partridge (opening at 9 a.m., but closed in Clark, Marathon, and Taylor counties), bobwhite quail (also opening at 9 a.m.), bobcat (Period 1 for both hunting and trapping), coyote (trapping), fisher (trapping), raccoon (resident hunting and trapping), fox (hunting and trapping), mink (Northern Zone, trapping only), and muskrat (Northern Zone, trapping only).

On October 25, mink and muskrat trapping will begin in the Central Zone.

The DNR highlights its mobile-friendly online resources where hunters can find regulations, season dates, hunting hours, pheasant stocking information, and more through its Hunting or Trapping webpages. Additional details are available in the agency’s Fall Hunting Forecasts.

For those seeking locations to hunt on public land, the DNR provides a Public Access Lands webpage that helps hunters plan their outings from home. This tool allows users to view available public lands across Wisconsin.

Firearm safety remains a key focus for the department. The DNR urges firearm users to adhere to these 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 and beyond it. K - Keep your finger outside the trigger guard until you are ready to shoot.”

Wisconsin law requires anyone born on or after January 1, 1973 to have hunter education certification before purchasing a license unless they qualify under the Mentored Hunting Law. Information about hunter education courses can be found on the DNR's Hunting Safety webpage.

First-time trappers must complete an approved trapper education course unless they meet certain exemptions such as participating under youth supervision or mentored programs. The course covers legal methods of trapping along with regulations, safety practices, ethics, and basic skills.

The department also advises hunters to be aware of ammunition content due to concerns about lead toxicity affecting wildlife. Lead is present in many types of ammunition and fishing tackle; wild birds may ingest lead accidentally while feeding. More information about this issue can be found on the DNR website.

Before heading out into the field, hunters should consult current consumption advisories provided by the DNR’s Consumption Advisories webpage.

In closing remarks from officials: “The DNR wishes all hunters and trappers a safe and successful hunting and trapping season.”