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*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: *Sept. 26, 2025
*Contact: *DNR Office of Communications
[email protected]

Get Ready For Hunting And Trapping Seasons Opening In October

 

A person in silhouette sets decoys in a lake at sunset with vibrant colors in the sky.

Several hunting and trapping seasons open in October. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

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MADISON, Wis.* – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds hunters to prepare for the opening of several hunting and trapping seasons in October.

There are five dates throughout October when seasons open, so hunters are encouraged to double-check the hunting season dates [ [link removed] ] and trapping season dates  [ [link removed] ]and confirm that they have acquired all necessary licenses and stamps before heading into the field.

*Oct. 4*


* Duck (Southern Zone)
* Coot (Southern Zone)
* Gun deer hunt for hunters with disabilities (select properties only)

*Oct. 11*


* Youth deer hunt

*Oct. 18*


* Duck (Open Water Zone)
* Cottontail Rabbit (Southern Zone, opens at 9 a.m.)
* Pheasant (9 a.m.)
* Ruffed Grouse (Zone B)
* Hungarian partridge (opens at 9 a.m., closed in Clark, Marathon and Taylor counties)
* Bobwhite quail (opens at 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)

*Oct. 25*


* Mink (Central Zone, trapping only)
* Muskrat (Central Zone, trapping only)

The DNR also reminds hunters of mobile-friendly online resources, including regulations, season dates, hunting hours, pheasant stocking information [ [link removed] ] and more, available on the DNR’s Hunting [ [link removed] ] or Trapping [ [link removed] ] webpages. Hunters and trappers can also find information in the DNR’s Fall Hunting Forecasts [ [link removed] ].

A list of public lands open to hunting is available using the Public Access Lands webpage [ [link removed] ]. This web resource lets hunters plan their next adventure from the comfort of their home.

If you are using a firearm, it’s important to do your part to keep Wisconsin a safe place to hunt by following these firearm safety rules:


* 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 and beyond it.
* K - Keep your finger outside the trigger guard until you are ready to shoot.

Anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 1973, must have a hunter education certification to purchase a hunting license unless hunting under the Mentored Hunting Law [ [link removed] ]. Learn more about safe hunting in Wisconsin and register to take a hunter education course on the DNR's Hunting Safety webpage [ [link removed] ].

All first-time trappers must complete an approved trapper education course [ [link removed] ] unless trapping under the youth supervised option, mentored trapping program or other exemptions. Experienced trappers teach this comprehensive course that covers basic trapping skills, including legal methods, regulations, safety and ethics.

Be aware of what your ammunition is made out of. Lead is a highly toxic heavy metal that is found in many types of ammunition and fishing tackle. Wild birds can become toxicity-prone when they accidentally consume a source of lead through their normal feeding habits. Learn more about lead toxicity in wildlife on the DNR website [ [link removed] ].

The DNR also reminds hunters to always check the current consumption advisories on the DNR’s Consumption Advisories webpage [ [link removed] ] before going out into the field.

The DNR wishes all hunters and trappers a safe and successful hunting and trapping season.







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This email was sent to [email protected] using GovDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources · 101 S. Webster Street · Madison, WI 53707-7921 · 608-266-2621 GovDelivery logo [ [link removed] ]
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