Gun Deer Is (Almost) Here, Are You Ready?

Wisconsin’s Nine-Day Gun Deer Season Kicks Off Saturday, Nov. 23

Wisconsin’s gun deer season opens tomorrow, Nov. 23. Here’s what you need to know. / Photo Credit: iStock.com/Michael-Tatman

It’s almost here! As we celebrate the eve of gun deer season, we hope you have your boots, blaze orange and binoculars ready to go. In case you’re not quite packed yet, below are some resources and reminders to help with last-minute preparations.  

Purchasing Your License

Proof of your license is required while you’re out hunting. If you don’t have a license yet, head over to Go Wild and purchase one before hunting.

Remember Regulations

Before you go into the field this year, be sure you’re familiar with this year’s shooting hours, season dates and other hunting regulations.

Registration Is Required

Deer registration is due by 5 p.m. the day after recovery. There are three ways to register your deer:

Use GameReg! It’s quick and easy.
Call 1-844-426-3734.
In-person at a deer registration station.

_{Photo Credit: iStock/mountainberryphoto}

Consider Testing Your Deer

Consider submitting a sample of your harvest for CWD testing, especially if you hunt in one of our priority areas. These are locations with newer detections of CWD. Additional samples will help us better understand disease levels and distributions in these areas.

Remember to properly dispose of your deer carcass waste this season. There are several disposal resources available, including deer carcass disposal dumpsters, landfills and transfer stations.

You can find the most convenient CWD sampling or disposal location for you using our CWD Sample and Disposal Locations map.

Use Your Harvest To Help Others

You have a chance to give back during the hunting season by doing what you love. Donate any Wisconsin harvested deer to the Deer Donation Program and help stock food pantry shelves in your community.

Make Safety Your Top Target

This season, remember the four basic rules of firearm safety: TAB-K:

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 what’s beyond it.

K = Keep your finger outside the trigger guard until ready to shoot.

Check out our online deer camp for even more great hunting resources to help you throughout the season!

Gun Deer Is (Almost) Here, Are You Ready?