DNR reminders as hunting season draws near

MADISON, Wis. (CIVIC MEDIA) – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds hunters that the 2025 gun deer season opens Saturday (Nov. 22) and runs through Sunday, November 30. 

Similar to last year, this year’s gun deer season runs later in the month. Fewer deer may be on the move relative to years with earlier openers. Other factors could create better deer hunting conditions, such as colder temperatures and snow cover. Through October 31, year-to-date sales for gun, bow, crossbow, sports and patron licenses reached 463,983. Of that total, 137,394 are for gun privileges only.

Hunters should be aware of updates to some of the Deer Management Units (DMUs) for the 2025 deer season. DMUs in the Northern Forest Management Zones have been converted to habitat-based units, as opposed to county-based units. Review the map of the new DMUs to double-check you know which DMU you are hunting in. You can also see a breakdown of the season structure by county and DMU. Please note that Forest Zone DMUs are now referred to by a number. Hunters will need to know their DMU name or number when requesting antlerless permits.

All harvested deer must be registered electronically by 5:00 PM the day after the deer is recovered. Hunters will need the unique harvest authorization number associated with each permit. Proper registration provides accurate harvest data for DNR wildlife managers and County Deer Advisory Councils for the management of Wisconsin’s deer herd. The three options to register a deer are:  Online with GameReg; by phone at 1-844-426-3734; or electronically at a participating in-person registration station 

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