Hunt_Content Page_Regs_General Hunting Regulations_Use of Dogs For Hunting

Use of Dogs For Hunting

General Hunting Regulations 

Dogs may not be used to hunt elk or deer. Dogs are legal to use for hunting small game mammals, game birds, furbearing animals, bears, migratory game birds and unprotected species. Dogs may be used for hunting wild turkeys only during the fall season.

Note: Dogs kept on a leash may be used to follow a blood trail in order to locate a wounded game animal as long as the trackers do not possess a firearm, airgun, bow or crossbow.

  • Dogs may not kill any wild animal.
  • Dogs may not hunt or pursue any free-roaming wild animal from May 1 – June 30 in the portion of the state north of the highways shown on the map below, except as authorized for raccoon and rabbit dog trials or training under the authority of a dog trial or training license.
  • Dogs are considered private property and are protected by law. Only conservation wardens may kill dogs chasing deer. Owners may be held responsible for damage their dogs cause.
  • A dog that is actively engaged in a legal hunting activity, including training, is not considered to be running at-large as long as the dog is monitored or supervised by a person and the dog is on land that is open to hunting or on land on which the person has obtained permission to hunt or to train a dog.
  • A dog allowed to run on lands without permission is considered to be running at-large and may be taken into custody by a humane officer or law enforcement officer.

Dog Training Restrictions Area

A map of the restricted areas for hunting dog training. A line separates a southern and northern zone of the State of Wisconsin. The line follows Highway 8, Highway 53, Highway 64, Highway 13, Highway 29, and Highway 22.