Prepare For Hunting And Trapping Seasons Opening In November

Prepare For Hunting And Trapping Seasons Opening In November

The DNR wishes Wisconsin hunters and trappers a safe and successful season. 

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources reminds hunters and trappers to prepare for the opening of hunting and trapping seasons in November.

There are four important dates throughout November when seasons open. Hunters and trappers are encouraged to double-check the regulations and confirm that they have all the necessary licenses before heading into the field.

Nov. 7

• Beaver (Zones A, B and C, trapping only)
• Mink (Southern Zone, trapping only)
• Muskrat (Southern Zone, trapping only)
• Otter (trapping only)

Nov. 9

• Mink (Mississippi River Zone, trapping only)
• Muskrat (Mississippi River Zone, trapping only)

Nov. 21

• Crow
• Gun Deer

Nov. 30

• Muzzleloader

The DNR also reminds hunters and trappers that mobile-friendly resources are available, including regulations, season dates, hunting hours, pheasant stocking and more, on the DNR’s Hunting or Trapping webpages. Hunters and trappers can also find information on species population levels and hunting opportunities in the DNR’s 2026 Fall Forecasts.

Find public lands open to hunting using the DNR’s Public Access Lands webpage. These resources let hunters and trappers plan their next adventure from the comfort of their homes.

It takes everyone to ensure Wisconsin remains a safe place to hunt and trap. When hunting or trapping alone, always let someone know your plan; if your plans change, keep them updated. Hunters should also remember to follow the basic rules of firearm safety:

• 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.

Anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 1973, must have a hunter education certification to purchase a hunting license unless hunting under the Mentored Hunting Law. Learn more about safe hunting in Wisconsin or register to take a hunter education course on the DNR’s Hunting Safety webpage.

All first-time trappers must complete an approved trapper education course unless they are trapping under the youth-supervised option, mentored trapping program or other exemptions. Experienced trappers teach this comprehensive course, which covers basic trapping skills, including legal methods, regulations, safety and ethics.

The DNR wishes all hunters and trappers a safe and successful season.

Wisconsin income taxes are not used to directly fund any wildlife projects or to facilitate the hunting/trapping seasons. Instead, 95% of the funding for the Wildlife Management Program comes from two sources: revenue from the sale of hunting, fishing and trapping licenses and a federal tax on firearm and ammunition purchases. 

The Wildlife Management Program directly supports key wildlife projects, including population surveys, habitat restoration, wildlife disease monitoring and the maintenance for 650,000 acres of public land managed for hunting, trapping and other outdoor recreation. 

Wisconsin has seen the number of purchased licenses drop over the last 20 years, which directly limits available funding for current and future wildlife projects and limits the department’s ability to absorb rising costs from inflation.