2024 Nine-Day Gun Deer Season Opens Saturday

Wednesday, November 20th, 2024 -- 10:54 AM

It’s almost time for hunters across Wisconsin to head out for the 2024 nine-day gun deer season, opening this Saturday, Nov. 23 and running through Sunday, Dec. 1. This is the latest nine-day window within which the season may occur, as established by state law.

With this year’s season starting further removed from the peak of breeding activity, fewer deer may be on the move relative to recent years with earlier openers. Still, there is reason for optimism, as other factors like colder temperatures and snow cover could still create excellent deer hunting conditions. Furthermore, last year’s mild winter means fawn production and antler development will likely be better than in recent years.

All harvested deer must be registered electronically by 5 p.m. 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
• Electronically at a participating in-person registration station

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds hunters to make safety their number one target as they head out into the field this gun deer season, Nov. 23 through Dec. 1.

Hunters can do their part to reduce the number of hunting incidents by following the four basic rules of firearm safety:

T – Treat every firearm as if it is loaded.

A – Always point the muzzle in a safe direction.

B – Be certain of your target, what’s before it and what’s beyond it.

K – Keep your finger outside your trigger guard until you are ready to shoot.

In addition to TAB-K, hunters must follow all hunting regulations and only take aim during legal shooting hours.

Hunters are also reminded of the blaze orange or fluorescent pink requirement that applies during any open statewide firearm season (such as the upcoming nine-day gun deer season).

You must be wearing at least 50% blaze orange or fluorescent pink from the waist up. Any hats or hoodies worn must also be at least 50% blaze orange or fluorescent pink.

The DNR also encourages the non-hunting public and their pets to wear blaze orange or fluorescent pink during the gun deer season if they plan to recreate on public land that allows for hunting.

Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.