FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Dec. 8, 2022
Contact:?Scott Karel, DNR Wildlife Rules and Regulation Specialist
[email protected] or 608-206-0222

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Plenty Of Time Left To Harvest
Wild Game In Wisconsin

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Plenty of unique hunting and trapping opportunities are still available this fall and winter. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

MADISON, Wis.?? While the gun deer season has drawn to a close, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds hunters that plenty of unique hunting and trapping opportunities are still available this fall and winter.

Whether hunters prefer large game, small game, waterfowl or gamebirds, Wisconsin has something for everyone. Hunting and trapping provide a way for families to put local, lean protein on their tables while aiding the DNR in important species management efforts.

Be sure to consult the 2022 combined rules and regulations and season dates and deadlines webpage before heading out on your next adventure.

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DEER

• Archery and Crossbow:?Now?Jan. 8, 2023

  • No bucks may be harvested during the antlerless-only hunts identified below.

  • Extended season through Jan. 31, 2023 in certain counties
• Statewide 4-Day Antlerless Only Hunt:?Dec. 8?11, 2022
• Antlerless Only?Holiday Hunt:?Dec. 24, 2022?Jan. 1, 2023*
  • Open only in select Farmland (Zone 2) counties. Please see page 12 of combined hunting regulations for valid counties.

*Hunters may use any unfilled antlerless harvest authorization during any of these hunts, but they must be used in the zone, county and land type designated on the harvest authorization. The DNR also encourages hunters to consider donating their deer to families in need through our Deer Donation Program. More information regarding hunts offered in each county and an interactive deer map are available on the DNR website.

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MIGRATORY BIRDS

• Open Water Duck Zone:?Now?Dec. 13
• Coot:?Same as Wild Duck Zone you are hunting
• Northern Goose Zone:?Now?Dec. 16
• Southern Goose Zone:?Dec. 18?Jan. 3, 2023
• Mississippi River Goose Zone:?Now?Jan. 3, 2023

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FALL TURKEY

• Zones 1 - 5:?Now?Jan. 8, 2023

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SMALL GAME

• Cottontail rabbit
  • Northern zone:?Now-Feb. 28, 2023
  • Southern zone:?Now-Feb. 28, 2023
• Squirrels (gray and fox)
  • Statewide:?Now-Feb. 28, 2023

Hunting protected species, such as badger, jackrabbit, moose and flying squirrel are prohibited.

Check the small game hunting regulations?for a complete set of rules.

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OTHER GAME BIRDS

• Pheasant (Statewide):?Now?Jan. 8, 2023
• Ruffed grouse
  • Zone A:?Now?Jan. 8, 2023
  • Zone B:?Closes Dec. 8
• Crow (Statewide):?Jan. 18, 2023?Mar. 20, 2023
• Hungarian partridge (Statewide except in Clark, Marathon and Taylor counties):?Now?Jan. 8, 2023

OTHER HUNTING AND TRAPPING OPPORTUNITIES

• Coyote
  • Hunting:?Year-round
  • Trapping:?See coyote trapping seasons.
• Fox, red and gray
  • Hunting:?Now?Feb. 15, 2023
  • Trapping:?See fox trapping seasons.
• Beaver:?See beaver trapping seasons.
• Mink:?See mink trapping seasons.
• Muskrat:?See muskrat trapping seasons.
• Bobcat
  • Hunting: Now-Dec. 25, 2022 and Dec. 26-Jan. 31, 2023
  • Trapping:?See bobcat trapping seasons.
• Fisher:?See fisher trapping seasons.
• Otter:?See otter trapping seasons.
• Racoon:
  • Resident:?Now?Feb. 15, 2023
  • Non-Resident:?Now?Feb. 15, 2023
  • Trapping:?See raccoon trapping seasons.

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DNR VIOLATION HOTLINE

Anyone with information regarding natural resource violations may confidentially report by calling or texting: 1-800-TIP-WDNR or 1-800-847-9367. The hotline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Trained staff relay the information to conservation wardens.?File a report online.