Wisconsin has a rich tradition of regulated hunting for white-tailed deer dating to 1851.

The 171-year history includes a world-record whitetail shot in Burnett County in 1914, closed or buck-only seasons during times of public concern about deer numbers and a state-record gun kill of 528,494 deer in 2000.

The firearm deer season remains the most popular hunting opportunity in the Badger State, according to the Department of Natural Resources. This agency expects to sell about 550,000 firearm deer licenses this year.

Similar to past seasons, the DNR anticipates hunters from all 50 states and more than a dozen foreign countries will hunt deer this year in Wisconsin.

State wildlife managers say the deer population varies locally but overall is robust and hunters prospects are good for the 2022 gun deer season.

Here are answers to some of the most common questions about the annual deer hunt.

When is opening day of the 2022 gun deer hunting season in Wisconsin?

This year’s gun deer hunting season opens Saturday, Nov. 19.

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When does the Wisconsin deer season run?

The Wisconsin gun deer hunting season traditionally begins on the Saturday before Thanksgiving and runs for nine days.

That means the start date ranges from as early as Nov. 17 to as late as Nov. 23.

What is the rut? And does it affect deer hunting?

The rut is the annual mating period for deer. In Wisconsin it peaks in early November and is associated with increased deer activity, including during daylight hours, as bucks pursue does.

This increased deer activity definitely favors hunters, and data show gun deer harvests are typically higher when the season starts earlier in November rather than later.

In 2019 the season began on the latest possible date and the deer harvest was the lowest in many years.

While hunter effort, weather, local deer populations and other factors are at play each season, this year’s Nov. 19 start should provide a moderate amount of rut-related deer movement.

What are deer hunting regulations set by the Wisconsin DNR?

Deer hunting regulations are set by seasons, land type and geographical areas in Wisconsin.

For example, deer season are set each year for archery, crossbow, youth, nine-day gun deer, muzzleloader and December antlerless-only. Antlerless deer tags are issued for public or private land. And counties serve as deer management units.

The number of antlerless deer tags in each county is determined through a process that starts with recommendations from the County Deer Advisory Council, followed by review and potential changes by the DNR and the Natural Resources Board.

In general, each deer hunting license authorizes a hunter to kill one buck and at least one doe.

How much does a deer hunting license cost?

A resident gun deer hunting license is $24; $20 for those aged 12-17; and $7 for those under 12.

A non-resident gun deer hunting license is $160.

To buy a license, visit gowild.wi.gov or go to a sporting goods store or other license sales outlet. The DNR has an interactive map of license sales locations on its website.

If I shoot a deer, do I have to register it?

Yes, all harvested deer must be registered by 5 p.m. the day after the animal is recovered.

Hunters can register deer online at GameReg.WI.Gov or by phone at (844) 426-3734.

Can you bait deer in Wisconsin?

Baiting deer is legal in 17 counties and prohibited in 55 for the 2022 gun deer season. The prohibitions are due to a state law that bans baiting and feeding deer in areas where chronic wasting disease has been found.

In counties where baiting is legal, hunters are limited to two gallons of corn or other bait at a site. Check dnr.gov.wi for details.

What county in Wisconsin has the most deer?

In recent years Marathon County has produced the highest deer harvests, with Shawano and Waupaca typically in the top five.

Is it true Wisconsin has the biggest deer?

Wisconsin has more whitetail trophies than any other state, according to records kept by the Boone and Crockett Club.

Wisconsin is the top-ranked state with 1,822 total entries as well as six counties in the top 20 U.S. counties. Illinois is second with 1,445 entries.

Among counties in the U.S., Buffalo County is first with 150 entries in the Boone and Crockett record book, Crawford County ranks No. 9 with 58 entries, Trempealeau County ranks No. 11 with 55 entries, Vernon County ranks No. 14 with 54 entries, Richland County ranks No. 18 with 48 entries and Sauk County ranks No. 19 with 47 entries.

In addition, the Jordan Buck, a massive whitetail shot in 1914 in Burnett County by James Jordan, held the world record from 1978 to 1993. It is now third in Boone and Crockett’s world rankings.

How safe is it to hunt deer?

There has been a long-term trend toward fewer shooting incidents in Wisconsin gun deer hunting seasons, especially since hunter safety education and blaze orange clothing were required decades ago.

The shooting incident rate in recent years in Wisconsin’s gun deer season has been about 1 per 100,000 participants.

Additionally, trends toward the increased use of tree stands and reduced use of deer drives has proven safer to hunters.

To help prevent shooting accidents and injuries, hunter safety experts recommend the following:

• Follow the cardinal rules (TAB-K) of firearm safety: Treat every firearm as if it is loaded; always point the muzzle in a safe direction; be certain of your target and what’s beyond it; keep your finger out of the trigger guard until ready to shoot.
• Plan your hunt and hunt your plan. Hunters have to know where they are going and when they’ll be back. Tell someone where you’ll be hunting and when you plan to be done.
• Follow safe practices when using a tree stand, including a full-body harness and maintaining three points of contact (two hands and one foot, for example) when climbing or descending.
• If erecting a tree stand or using a climber stand, state forestry officials advise hunters to avoid ash trees. Many thousands of ash trees in Wisconsin are dead or dying from emerald ash borer infestation and may unexpectedly snap or drop large branches.