Hunting small game in Wisconsin is a popular outdoor activity that requires proper licensing and adherence to state regulations. Whether you are a resident or a nonresident, understanding the specific license requirements is essential to ensure a legal and enjoyable hunting experience. This guide will walk you through the necessary permits, season dates, bag limits, and other important details related to obtaining a Wisconsin Small Game license.
To hunt small game in Wisconsin, you must have a valid Wisconsin small game hunting license (or another license that includes small game hunting privileges) issued by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Both residents and nonresidents are required to have a license that authorizes small game hunting to pursue these species legally within the state.
Residents can purchase a resident small game hunting license, or a qualifying combination license, which grants them the ability to hunt small game and certain other game species. Nonresidents must obtain a nonresident small game hunting license, or another nonresident license that includes small game hunting privileges, which is typically more expensive but provides similar legal permissions for hunting small game.
In addition to the general hunting license, some species may require additional permits or stamps, but for most small game species, no extra tags are necessary beyond the standard license.
In Wisconsin, anyone born on or after January 1, 1973 must have completed a certified hunter education course (or qualify for an exemption) to buy a regular hunting license and hunt independently. Hunters who have not yet completed hunter education may still hunt under Wisconsin’s Mentored Hunting Law using a mentored-only hunting license.
While the Wisconsin Small Game license covers the majority of small game species, certain hunting activities may require additional permits or stamps. For example, if you plan to hunt ducks or geese, you must have a Wisconsin small game hunting license, a Wisconsin waterfowl stamp, a federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp (“Duck Stamp”), and current HIP certification. For migratory birds such as mourning doves or woodcock, a small game license and HIP certification are required, but a federal Duck Stamp is not.
Small game hunting itself does not require entry into a lottery or draw system, nor does it typically require special season permits. However, hunters should always verify if any local or special regulations apply to the area where they intend to hunt.
Hunters pursuing migratory birds must also register with the Harvest Information Program (HIP), which is a federal requirement designed to collect data on migratory bird harvests. Registration is free and can be completed online or at license vendors.
In Wisconsin, small game seasons are set by species and zone rather than as one single “small game season.” For example, gray and fox squirrels and cottontail rabbits generally run from mid-September or October through late February, while upland game birds like pheasant, ruffed grouse and crow have their own season dates. Specific season dates vary by species such as rabbits, squirrels and grouse, and in some cases by zone (for example, northern vs. southern rabbit zones), so it’s important to check the current season tables for each species you plan to hunt.
For example, the squirrel hunting season often opens in early September and closes in late February, while ruffed grouse seasons may have slightly different start and end dates. For small game, Wisconsin does not create separate “archery-only” and “firearm” seasons; instead, the same season dates generally apply regardless of the legal weapon used, unless a property-specific rule says otherwise.
Because season dates can vary annually and by region, hunters should always consult the official Wisconsin DNR website for the most current and detailed season information. This ensures compliance with all regulations and helps plan a successful hunt.
Wisconsin enforces daily bag limits and harvest restrictions to maintain sustainable small game populations. For example, gray and fox squirrels and cottontail rabbits each have specific daily bag limits listed in the current Wisconsin Hunting Regulations booklet. Always check the most recent regulations for the exact daily bag and possession limits for the year and area you plan to hunt.
Legal hunting methods for small game include the use of firearms, archery equipment, and certain types of airguns. However, there are restrictions on the types of firearms and ammunition allowed, such as prohibitions on fully automatic weapons or certain calibers.
Hunters must also adhere to regulations regarding hunting hours, use of dogs, and baiting restrictions. It is important to review the Wisconsin DNR’s official hunting regulations to ensure all legal requirements are met before heading afield.
Small game hunting opportunities abound across Wisconsin’s diverse landscapes. Public lands such as Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs), state forests, and state parks offer accessible hunting grounds for small game species. These areas are managed to support healthy wildlife populations and provide quality hunting experiences.
Hunters can also pursue small game on private lands, but it is essential to obtain permission from landowners before hunting. Respect for private property and adherence to local regulations are critical components of responsible hunting.
The Wisconsin DNR provides detailed maps and tools to help hunters locate public hunting lands. These resources are invaluable for planning trips and understanding access points, boundaries, and permitted activities on public properties.
Hunter education is a cornerstone of safe and ethical hunting in Wisconsin. Anyone born on or after January 1, 1973 must either have completed a Wisconsin DNR-approved hunter education course (or qualify for an exemption) to hunt independently, or hunt under Wisconsin’s Mentored Hunting Law with a mentored-only license and a qualified mentor. This course covers firearm safety, wildlife conservation, hunting laws, and ethical hunting practices.
Under Wisconsin’s Mentored Hunting Law, people of any age, including those under 10, may hunt without having completed hunter education as long as they purchase a mentored-only hunting license, have all required approvals for the species they pursue and remain within arm’s reach of a qualified mentor. However, it is strongly encouraged that all hunters complete the education course to ensure safety and compliance.
Hunter education courses are offered in various formats, including in-person classes and online options, to accommodate different learning preferences. For more information and to find courses, visit https://recademics.com/hunting/Wisconsin.
You can purchase your Wisconsin hunting license for Small Game through the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources official website or authorized license vendors throughout the state. The process is straightforward and offers both online and in-person options to suit your convenience.
Online purchases allow you to quickly select the appropriate license type, add any necessary permits, and print your license immediately. In-person purchases can be made at DNR service centers, licensed retailers, and some sporting goods stores.
For detailed step-by-step instructions and additional tips on obtaining your hunting license, visit the comprehensive guide at https://recademics.com/blog/hunting/how-to-get-a-hunting-license-in-Wisconsin/.
No, you do not need a different license for each species. A Wisconsin small game hunting license (or another license that includes small game privileges) covers most small game species. For migratory birds, you must also meet migratory bird requirements: ducks and geese require a Wisconsin waterfowl stamp, a federal Duck Stamp and HIP certification, while mourning doves and woodcock require HIP certification but no federal Duck Stamp.
Hunters born on or after January 1, 1973 must either complete hunter education to buy a regular hunting license and hunt independently or hunt under Wisconsin’s Mentored Hunting Law. Individuals of any age may buy a mentored-only hunting license and hunt under close supervision of a qualified mentor; there is no general provision allowing youth to hunt without a license.
Yes, public lands such as WMAs and state forests are open to hunting, but you must follow all posted rules and regulations. Private land hunting requires landowner permission.
The Wisconsin DNR website provides the most up-to-date and official season dates for all small game species and hunting zones.
Yes. Nonresidents born on or after January 1, 1973 must have hunter education on file to purchase a regular Wisconsin hunting license and hunt independently. Nonresidents who have not completed hunter education may instead hunt under Wisconsin’s Mentored Hunting Law with a mentored-only license and a qualified mentor.
