Wisconsin Hunting and Trapping Seasons Expand in October 2025

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has announced multiple hunting and trapping season openings throughout October 2025. Hunters and trappers are urged to review regulations, confirm dates, and secure all required licenses and stamps before heading into the field. Key October Hunting and Trapping Dates The DNR highlights five major opening dates in October, covering a wide range of game species across the state: October 4 - Duck (Southern Zone) - Coot (Southern Zone) Gun deer hunt for hunters with disabilities (select properties only) October 11 - Youth deer hunt October 18 - Duck (Open Water Zone) - Cottontail rabbit (Southern Zone, opens 9 a.m.) Pheasant (opens 9 a.m.) Ruffed grouse (Zone B) Hungarian partridge (opens 9 a.m.; closed in Clark, Marathon, and Taylor counties) Bobwhite quail (opens 9 a.m.) - Bobcat (Period 1, hunting and trapping) - Coyote (trapping) - Fisher (trapping) - Raccoon (resident, hunting and trapping) - Fox (hunting and trapping) - Mink (Northern Zone, trapping only) - Muskrat (Northern Zone, trapping only) October 25 Additional trapping and hunting opportunities continue, with details available through the DNR’s official resources. Resources for Hunters and Trappers The Wisconsin DNR reminds participants that mobile‑friendly online tools are available to help plan the season. These include: - Hunting and trapping regulations - Season dates and hunting hours - Pheasant stocking information - Fall hunting forecasts - Public Access Lands database, which lists state lands open to hunting and helps hunters plan trips in advance All resources can be accessed through the DNR’s official Hunting and Trapping webpages. Preparing for Wisconsin’s Fall Hunting Season With a wide variety of species available this fall, from pheasants and grouse to bobcats and coyotes, October marks one of the busiest months of the year for Wisconsin hunters and trappers. The DNR emphasizes that careful planning, adherence to regulations, and awareness of public land opportunities will ensure a safe and successful season.