Hunters Prepare as Fall Seasons Open Across Wisconsin in September

WISCONSIN – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is reminding hunters to prepare for the opening of multiple hunting seasons beginning in September. With several opportunities spread throughout the month, hunters are encouraged to review season dates, secure necessary licenses and stamps, and plan ahead before heading into the field.

Key September Hunting Openers:

• Sept. 1: Common gallinule, early Canada goose, early teal, mourning dove, rail, snipe
• Sept. 3: Bear (Zones C, E, and F with bait and other methods not using dogs; Zones A, B, and D with dogs only)
• Sept. 10: Bear (with the aid of dogs, bait, and all other legal methods)
• Sept. 13: Cottontail rabbit (Northern Zone), deer (archery and crossbow), ruffed grouse (Zone A), gray and fox squirrels, turkey
• Sept. 16: Regular goose (Northern, Southern, and Mississippi River zones)
• Sept. 20: Youth waterfowl, woodcock
• Sept. 27: Duck (Northern Zone)

The DNR offers a variety of online tools to help hunters plan their seasons. Resources include mobile-friendly regulations, hunting forecasts, season dates, and hours. The Public Access Lands webpage provides maps and details on hunting lands across the state, while the Fields and Forest Lands Interactive Game Bird Hunting Tool highlights managed dove fields and habitats for grouse and woodcock.
As hunting season ramps up, the DNR stresses the importance of firearm safety. All hunters should follow the four basic rules:

• Treat every firearm as if it is loaded.
• Always point the muzzle in a safe direction.
• Be sure of your target and what’s beyond it.
• Keep your finger outside the trigger guard until ready to shoot.

Anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 1973, must complete hunter education certification to purchase a hunting license unless hunting under Wisconsin’s Mentored Hunting Law.
For more information, visit the DNR’s hunting webpage.

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