Wisconsin’s 2026 white-tailed deer bowhunting seasons starts on September 12, according to the DNR.
The state’s crossbow and archery seasons run until at least January 7. To January 31st, the seasons continue in 31 counties. About 252,000 of Wisconsin’s 600,000 deer hunters use vertical bows or crossbows, making bowhunting a common hobby there.
Bowhunting Fast Facts:
- 42% of Wisconsin deer hunters use bows or crossbows
- State record crossbow buck scored 192 5⁄8 inches
- Licenses cost $24 for state residents; $165 for non-residents
- Free CWD testing is available for hunter-harvested deer
- No bucks may be harvested during antlerless-only hunts (Dec. 10-13, 2026)
- Metro subunits and select Deer Management Units (DMUs) have extended seasons through January 31, 2027
- Check official regulations at dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/hunt/deer
Mark your calendar: September 12, 2026 is touchdown day for Wisconsin bowhunters!
The deer herd is anticipated to increase in fall.
Yes, Wisconsin’s deer herd is predicted to be larger in fall 2026, according to the Wisconsin DNR. Here are the key details:
Key Facts About Wisconsin’s Growing Deer Population
| Metric | Data |
|---|---|
| 2024 Post-Hunt Population | 1.825 million deer (record high) |
| 2025 Post-Hunt Population | ~1.825-2 million deer (about the same or slightly higher) |
| 2026 Anticipated Population | Larger herd (predicted to increase) |
| Year-over-Year Increase | 12% increase in most recent statewide estimate |
| 2011 Comparison | Significant increase from historical levels |
Reasons for Population Growth
- Mild winters – Recent mild winters in central and southern farmland areas
- Above-average fawn survival – Fawn productivity and survival rates are above average
- Record populations in key regions – Unprecedented numbers in central and southern agricultural regions
- Growing forested areas – Population increase in the state’s forested areas
Harvest vs. Population Trend
| Year | Harvest | Population |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 300,651 deer | 1,628,500 deer |
| 2024 | 327,950 deer (+27K) | 1,825,000 deer |
| 2025 | 182,084 (gun season only) | ~1.825-2 million deer |
Despite increased harvests, the population continues to grow because fewer hunters are in the field.
Expert Quote: “Across the state, winter is the biggest issue that could influence the deer population. And it’s been really mild. So fawn productivity, fawn survival, it’s probably above average. And that equates to more deer on the landscape.” — Jeff Pritzl, Wisconsin DNR State Deer Specialist
Top Deer for the Season last season
In Wisconsin, the highest scoring buck was shot with a crossbow in Trempealeau County and scored 13 points. According to the Wisconsin Buck and Bear Club, the enormous whitetail scored 192 5/8 inches, establishing a new state record for the crossbow category.
Where to Hunt and the Price of a License?
Bowhunting is accessible via regional deer management programs in a number of cities and counties. At approved sales locations or online at the DNR’s Go Wild website (gowild.wi.gov), licenses may be bought. An archery or crossbow license costs $24 for state residents. $165 is the non-resident rate.
Important Safety Advice for Bowhunters
- When climbing trees, always use a complete body safety harness.
- Climb with three points of contact and avoid ash trees, which may fracture from emerald ash borer infestation.
- Inform someone of your intended hunting locations and return time.
- Available CWD Testing
For deer killed by hunters this season, the DNR will once again provide free testing for chronic wasting disease. To monitor CWD prevalence and provide families health information, hunters are urged to submit samples.
Baiting Is Prohibited in More Counties
Due to the recent detection of CWD in elk from a breeding farm, deer baiting and feeding are now forbidden in the counties of Barron, Burnett, Polk, and Washburn. Baiting prohibitions are in force in a number of other northern counties as well.
Antlerless Bonus Permits Go On Sale On August 14
Beginning on August 14, hunters may acquire bonus antlerless deer licenses via the DNR’s online licensing portal or sales representatives. Three zone-specific days precede permit sales in all zones on August 17.
Top FAQs
When is the season?
- Archery: Sept. 16 – Jan. 7 (extended to Jan. 31 in some counties)
- What safety tips should I follow?
- Use a full-body safety harness in tree stands
- Tell someone your hunting plans and return time
- Avoid diseased ash trees that may snap
Where can I hunt?
- Public land like state and county forests
- Private land with landowner permission
- Some city bowhunts to reduce deer numbers
What else do I need?
- Deer license and harvest tags
- Blaze orange when required in seasons like gun deer hunts
- Equipment tuned and ready to go
So prepare your equipment and begin looking for the big one. The bowhunting seasons in Wisconsin will be here before you know it!
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