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Hunting Seasons in Wisconsin 2025: Big Game and Small Game, Licenses, and Regulations Guide
Plan your 2025–26 WI hunt with our state‑by‑state guide—season dates, bag limits, licenses, bow & rifle rules, and key game species from whitetail deer to ducks to black bear.
Wisconsin’s landscape—from the oak‑lined fields of the Driftless Area to the dense northern forests and expansive marshes of the Great Lakes region—offers year‑round hunts for every style of outdoorsman. In early autumn, you might slip through hardwood ridges for a trophy whitetail deer buck at first light; by late November, flooded marshes brim with ducks and geese under frosty skies. Whether you’re drawing a recurve bow for turkey in oak clearings or shouldering a rifle for the winter bear hunt, this guide lays out Wisconsin’s 2025–26 seasons, bag limits, license details, weapon rules, and game species so you can plan the perfect hunt.
What Is There to Hunt in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin supports a rich variety of game:
Big Game: Whitetail deer, wild turkey, black bear, wolf (limited zones), elk and moose (special permits)
Small Game & Upland Birds: Cottontail rabbit, snowshoe hare, gray and fox squirrels, ruffed and sharp‑tailed grouse, bobwhite quail, pheasant
Waterfowl & Migratory Birds: Ducks (teal, mallard, wood duck), geese, brant, coots, rails, snipe, mourning dove
Furbearers & Predators: Coyote, raccoon, fox, beaver, muskrat, mink, bobcat, otter, fisher
Several furbearers—coyote, raccoon, fox, and muskrat—carry no closed season on private land, providing off‑season opportunities and aiding nuisance control.
Wisconsin Big Game Hunting Seasons 2025–26
Whitetail Deer
Archery & Crossbow: Sept 13 – Jan 4, 2026 (extended to Jan 31 for metro sub‑units)
Gun Hunt (Disability): Oct 4 – 12 (select zones)
Youth Deer Hunt: Oct 11 – 12
General Gun: Nov 22 – 30
Muzzleloader: Dec 1 – 10
4‑Day Antlerless-Only: Dec 11 – 14
Holiday Antlerless (Zone 2 only): Dec 24 – Jan 1, 2026
Black Bear
Zone A, B, D (dogs allowed): Sept 3 – 9 (dogs only); Sept 10 – 30 (all methods)
Zone C, E, F (no dogs): Sept 3 – Oct 7 (all methods)
Elk & Moose
Elk (special permit): Season dates vary by zone; apply Dec 10, 2024 deadline
Moose (limited draw): Varies by unit; same application deadline
Wisconsin Small Game & Waterfowl Seasons 2025–26
Upland Birds & Small Mammals
Cottontail Rabbit: Sept 13 – Feb 28, 2026 (Milwaukee Co. year‑round)
Squirrels: Sept 13 – Feb 28, 2026
Ruffed Grouse: Sept 13 – Jan 4, 2026; Sharp‑tailed: dates vary by county
Bobwhite Quail & Pheasant: Oct 18 – Jan 4, 2026 (pheasant closed in select counties)
Migratory Birds
Early Teal: Sept 1 – 9
Early Goose: Sept 1 – 15
Rail, Snipe & Gallinule: Sept 1 – Nov 9
Mourning Dove: Sept 1 – Nov 29
Woodcock: Sept 20 – Nov 3
Youth Waterfowl: Sept 20 – 21
Northern Duck Zone: Sept 27 – Nov 25; Southern & Open‑Water Zones: Oct 4 – Dec 16
Canada Geese Zones: Sept 16 – Dec 16 (North) and split dates South.
Bag Limits by Species
Whitetail Deer: 1 antlered buck per season; antlerless tags as authorized
Black Bear: 1 per permit (some zones allow 2)
Turkey: 2 per season (1 per day)
Ducks: 3 daily aggregate limit for all migratory birds; Canada goose limits per zone
Quail & Rabbits: 15 quail; 10 rabbits daily
Squirrels: 10 per day
Coyote & Furbearers: No daily limit; season or trapping methods vary
License & Tags Information for Wisconsin Hunters (2025–26)
All hunters must hold a valid Wisconsin hunting license plus any required permits:
Deer & Bear Tags: Over‑the‑counter after drawing system; bear permit application by Dec 10
Elk & Moose Permits: Limited‑entry draw with Dec 10 application deadline
HIP Registration & Federal Duck Stamp: Required for all migratory‑bird hunters
Hunter Safety Certification: Required for new hunters and youth under 16
Hunting Methods: Bow, Rifle, Muzzleloader
Wisconsin authorizes:
Archery: Compound, recurve, crossbows during archery seasons
Firearms: Center‑fire rifles, shotguns (buckshot & slugs) in gun seasons
Muzzleloaders: Dec 1 – 10 deer season; vary by game
Trapping & Dogs: Allowed for furbearers and bear (zones A, B, D) under rules
Regulations & Resources
Stay compliant by consulting Wisconsin DNR regulations:
Shooting Hours: Sunrise – sunset for most seasons; half‑hour exceptions for migratory birds
Zone Maps & County Extensions: Check extended archery counties map
Harvest Reporting: Required for deer, bear, turkey, elk, and moose
Season Changes: All dates subject to rulemaking; verify before you hunt
Always verify season dates, bag limits, and license requirements on the official Wisconsin DNR website before heading afield to ensure a legal, ethical hunt.
Before you head out, always verify season dates, bag limits, and license requirements on the official Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources website to stay compliant and ensure a legal, ethical hunt.
This guide was created based on information from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR): https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/hunt/dates
Hunting Seasons in Massachusetts 2025–26: Big Game and Small Game, Licenses, and Regulations Guide
Plan your 2025–26 MA hunt with our comprehensive guide—season dates, bag limits, license requirements, bow & rifle rules, and key game species from whitetail deer to wild turkey to waterfowl. Whether you’re drawing an arrow for a rutting buck at dawn, setting shotgun decoys for teal in coastal marshes, or tracking coyote in winter woodlands, the Bay State offers well‑timed seasons and clear regulations across its varied habitats.
What Is There to Hunt in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts supports a variety of game:
Big Game: Whitetail deer, wild turkey, black bear (limited draw)
Small Game & Upland Birds: Cottontail rabbit, gray squirrel, pheasant (stocked), ruffed grouse (WMAs)
Waterfowl & Migratory Birds: Ducks (mallard, teal), geese, coots, rails, mourning dove
Furbearers & Predators: Coyote, raccoon, fox, bobcat (with permit)
From coastal salt marshes to Berkshire forests, hunters pursue big game and small game year‑round under clear guidelines.
What Animals Can You Hunt Year‑Round in Massachusetts?
On private lands, unprotected species like coyote, raccoon, and opossum carry no closed season and no bag limits, providing off‑season predator‑control opportunities. Public‑land and WMA hunts must adhere strictly to posted season dates and method restrictions.
Massachusetts Big Game Hunting Seasons 2025–26
Whitetail Deer
Archery (Zone A): Sept 20 – Nov 1, 2025
Archery (Zone B): Oct 1 – Nov 8
Shotgun: Nov 11 – Nov 29
Rifle: Dec 1 – Dec 10
Youth Hunt: Oct 18 – 19 (Zones A & B)
Muzzleloader: Dec 1 – Dec 10
Archery and firearm windows offer diverse weapon options; bag limit is 2 deer per season (max 1 buck).
Wild Turkey (Spring)
Season: Apr 8 – May 18, 2026
Youth: Apr 3 – 5, 2026
Fall Youth & Apprentice: Sept 1 – Oct 31, 2025
Spring turkey hunts blend bow and shotgun seasons. Young hunters get dedicated days, and fall archery seasons provide extra opportunity.
Black Bear
Limited Entry: Oct 15 – Nov 15, 2025 (draw only)
Bear permits are issued by lottery; strict tagging and reporting maintain healthy populations in Berkshire zone.
Massachusetts Small Game & Waterfowl Seasons 2025–26
Small Game & Upland Birds
Rabbit & Squirrel: Oct 1 – Feb 28, 2026
Pheasant: Oct 15 – Nov 14, 2025 (WMAs only)
Ruffed Grouse: Oct 1 – Nov 30, 2025 (WMAs)
Walk CRP fields and woodland edges for small game; shotguns with non‑toxic shot are required.
Waterfowl & Migratory Birds
Duck: Oct 25 – Jan 10, 2026
Goose: Oct 1 – Jan 15, 2026
Youth Waterfowl Day: Sept 27 – 28, 2025
Rails & Coots: Sept 1 – Dec 31, 2025
Dove: Sept 1 – Nov 20, 2025
Hours: Sunrise – sunset; Federal Duck Stamp & HIP registration required
Coastal impoundments and tidal flats host peak waterfowl migrations; hunters must carry the proper license and approvals.
Bag Limits by Species
Whitetail Deer: 2 total; max 1 buck
Wild Turkey: 2 per spring; 1 fall youth
Duck: 6 per day; species sub‑limits apply
Goose: 3 per day
Coot & Rail: 15 per day each
Dove: 15 per day
Rabbit & Squirrel: 8 per day each
Coyote & Furbearers: No limits on private land
Bag limits ensure sustainable harvests of big game, small game, and waterfowl across varied habitats.
License & Tags Information for Massachusetts Hunters (2025–26)
All hunters must carry a valid MassWildlife hunting license and applicable permits:
Resident Annual License: $57
Nonresident License: $122
Deer & Turkey Permits: Included with base license; bear permit by lottery
Migratory Bird Permit & Federal Duck Stamp: Required for ducks and doves
Hunter Education: Certification required for first‑time hunters
Licenses fund wildlife conservation; applications for draw hunts open online in early summer.
Hunting Methods: Bow, Rifle, Muzzleloader
Massachusetts permits:
Archery: Compound, recurve, crossbows (archery seasons)
Firearms: Shotguns (migratory birds) and center‑fire rifles (deer)
Muzzleloaders: Permitted in designated window
Dogs & Bait: Allowed for waterfowl and upland hunts in WMAs
Ensure compliance with caliber and draw weight requirements for each season and zone.
Regulations & Resources
MassWildlife regulations outline:
Shooting Hours: ½ hour before sunrise to sunset
WMA & Zone Maps: Available online for deer, turkey, and waterfowl areas
Harvest Reporting: Mandatory for deer and turkey within 48 hrs
Special Areas: Deer yard closures, sanctuary zones, and migratory‑bird refuges
Always verify season dates, bag limits, and license requirements via the official Season Summary PDF before every hunt.
Before you head out, always verify season dates, bag limits, and license requirements on the official Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife website to stay compliant and ensure a legal, ethical hunt.
This guide was created based on information from the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife): https://www.mass.gov/hunting-regulations
With clear seasons, defined bag limits, and accessible license structures, Massachusetts offers memorable hunting across woodlands, fields, and coastal marshes. Prepare your bow or rifle, secure the proper permits, and enjoy a safe, ethical 2025–26 hunting season in the Bay State.
Hunting Seasons in Alberta, Canada 2025–26: Big Game and Small Game, Licenses, and Regulations Guide
Plan your 2025–26 Alberta hunt with our province‑by‑province guide—season dates, bag limits, licenses, bow & rifle rules, and key game species from mule deer to ducks.
Alberta’s vast landscapes—from boreal forests and foothills to prairie grasslands—offer premier deer seasons, elk hunts, moose stalking and small‑game pursuits. Hunters will find diverse habitat, robust provincial regulations and ample opportunity for big game and small game across multiple Wildlife Management Units (WMUs). This guide covers 2025–26 season windows, license requirements, bag limits and provincial regulations to ensure a compliant, ethical hunt of whitetail deer, elk, moose, black bear, upland birds and waterfowl.
What Is There to Hunt in Alberta?
Big Game: Whitetail deer, mule deer, elk, moose, black bear
Small Game & Upland Birds: Sharp‑tailed grouse, Hungarian partridge, snowshoe hare, wild turkey
Waterfowl & Migratory Birds: Ducks, geese, swans, doves (federal permit required)
Furbearers & Predators: Coyote, wolf, fox, beaver, muskrat
Alberta’s varied terrain supports year‑round opportunity—from archery deer seasons to late‑fall waterfowl wingshooting.
What Animals Can You Hunt Year‑Round in Alberta?
Unprotected species such as coyote and fox may be taken any time on private land with landowner permission. Public‑land restrictions require licence and may limit methods outside established seasons; always confirm WMU‑specific rules before targeting unclassified predators.
Alberta Big Game Hunting Seasons 2025–26
Whitetail Deer
Archery: Sep 1 – Oct 15
Rifle/Muzzleloader: Oct 1 – Dec 15
WMUs: 102–166, 200–260, 300–446, 500–544
Licences: OTC in most units
Mule Deer
Archery: Sep 1 – Oct 15
Rifle/Muzzleloader: Oct 1 – Nov 30
WMUs: 300–360, 400–446
Licences: OTC only
Elk
Archery: Sep 1 – Oct 31
Rifle/Muzzleloader: Oct 25 – Dec 7
Licences: Archery OTC; Rifle draw required in WMUs 212, 247, 248, 300–308
Moose
Archery: Sep 3 – Oct 31
Rifle/Muzzleloader: Oct 25 – Nov 30
Licences: Archery OTC in WMU 410; Rifle draw only in WMUs 102–166, 200–260
Black Bear
Fall: Aug 25 – Aug 31; Sep 3 – Oct 31 (WMUs 326–360, 410–442)
Spring: Apr 1 – May 31 (WMUs 212, 410)
Licences: OTC in all WMUs; cub harvest prohibited citeturn1search1
Note: Special licences (antlerless, youth, MSL) required where indicated by small “box” in official tables—applications May 27 – June 19, 2025
Alberta Small Game & Waterfowl Seasons 2025–26
Upland Birds & Small Game:
Sharp‑tailed Grouse, Ptarmigan: Sep 1 – Dec 15 (daily limit 5)
Hungarian Partridge: Sep 1 – Dec 15 (daily limit 5)
Snowshoe Hare: Sep 1 – Mar 31 (daily limit 3)
Wild Turkey: Apr 1 – May 15; Sep 1 – Dec 15 (daily limit 1; draw for spring hunt)
Waterfowl & Migratory Birds:
Ducks (all species): Aug 23 – Dec 31; Jan 1 – Jan 15 (daily limit 5)
Canada Geese: Aug 23 – Dec 31; Jan 1 – Jan 15 (daily limit 5)
Mourning Dove: Sep 1 – Nov 30 (daily limit 15)
Requirements: Federal Migratory Game Bird Hunting Permit & Conservation Stamp
Bag Limits by Species
Whitetail/Mule Deer: 1 antlered or antlerless per season
Elk & Moose: 1 legal antlered or antlerless (where drawn)
Black Bear: 1 (cub harvest prohibited)
Wild Turkey: 1 (per licence period)
Grouse/Partridge: 5 daily; possession 10
Snowshoe Hare: 3 daily; possession 6
Ducks/Geese: 5 daily; possession 15
Mourning Dove: 15 daily; possession 45
Coyote/Fox (nuisance): no limit on private land; season applies on public land
License & Tags Information for Alberta Hunters (2025–26)
Resident Licence: $25 (annual); tags $10/species
Non‑Resident Licence: $150 (annual); tags $10/species; draw application fee $20
Additional Permits:
Federal Migratory Bird Permit & Habitat Stamp (free; required)
Special MSL Licence draws (elk, antlered deer, mountain goat, etc.)
Hunter Education: Mandatory Certified Hunter Education Course for all first‑time hunters.
Hunting Methods: Bow, Rifle, Muzzleloader
Bow: Compound, recurve, longbow; crossbows allowed only Dec 1 – Jan 31 in most WMUs; broadhead minimum 7/8″ cutting diameter.
Rifle: Centrefire calibres ≥ .24 cal; straight‑wall pistols prohibited; shotguns permitted for muzzleloader context when using single‑projectile conversion.
Muzzleloader: Must be .40 cal or larger, patched round ball or conical bullet; approved ignition systems only; shotgun 12‑, 16‑, 20‑gauge with muzzleloader conversion and single‑projectile only.
Regulations & Resources
Shooting Hours: ½ hour before sunrise to ½ hour after sunset
Zone Maps & WMU Boundaries: Available at AlbertaREL M.org
Harvest Reporting: Mandatory within 24 hours of kill (online or phone)
Special Areas: Provincial Parks/Rec Areas require firearm discharge permit
Verification Reminder:
Before you head out, always verify season dates, bag limits, and license requirements on the official Alberta Guide to Hunting Regulations website to stay compliant and ensure a legal, ethical hunt.
This guide was created based on information from Alberta Guide to Hunting Regulations: https://open.alberta.ca/guide-to-hunting-regulations
