Wisconsin Archery & Crossbow Deer Hunting Seasons Open September 16th

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds hunters that their first chance this year to pursue deer begins September 16th with the opening of archery and crossbow seasons.

The two seasons run through January 7th, 2024, except in the 31 counties that have extended seasons open until January 31st, 2024.

The early archery and crossbow seasons are a great opportunity for hunters to harvest antlerless deer before they change their patterns and experience additional hunting pressure during the gun deer season. Bonus antlerless harvest authorizations remain available in many counties. Just like hunting with a firearm, archery and crossbow hunters should always employ good hunting safety practices.

All harvested deer must be registered electronically by 5:00pm the day after the deer is recovered using GameReg online, by phone or at a participating registration station.

The DNR reminds hunters of the online resources available on the DNR’s Hunting webpage. In addition to hunting regulations, season dates, hunting hours and other useful resources, the public can find a list of the public lands open to hunting using the Public Access Lands webpage.