Wisconsin Hunting Regulations, Fall 2026-Spring 2027
The Fall 2026-Spring 2027 Wisconsin Hunting Regulations are now available for hunters to look through. In addition to this web version of the regulations, a print copy is available at most license agent locations. Both versions contain the same information.
To use the online regulations, you must first choose a Section or click the "View All Regulations" button to see everything. You may then choose a Subsection to narrow your search and then press the View Regulation button to display the regulatory information you selected. If you'd like to see all info related to a section, select the first option ("-") to see everything under that section. You may also press Reset for a brand new search.
Please be aware that hunters are responsible for reading and following all the hunting regulations. Regulations that apply to all species are found within the "General Hunting" and "Licensing Requirements" sections, meanwhile species-specific regulations are found in the respective species sections.
Small Game Season Dates and Bag Limits
| Species | Daily Bag | Area | Dates (except as noted) |
| Squirrels: gray and fox | 5 | Statewide | Sept. 12- Feb. 28, 2027 |
| Snowshoe hare | Unlimited | Statewide | Year-round open season |
| Cottontail rabbit | 3 | Northern Zone (North of U.S. Hwy. 10 to Waupaca and north of State Hwy. 54 to Algoma) | Sept. 12-Feb. 28, 2027 |
| Cottontail rabbit | 3 | South Zone (South of U.S. Hwy. 10 to Waupaca and south of State Hwy. 54 to Algoma) | Oct. 17 (9 a.m.)-Feb. 28, 2027 |
Licensing Requirements
Small Game Licenses/Stamps/Permits
What You Need to Hunt Small Game:
A small game hunting license is required. See the Landowner Exceptions webpage for details and exceptions for qualified individuals and landowners.
Small Game Regulations
*Be aware that the general hunting regulations also apply, in addition to the species-specific regulations below. Read the info in the General and Licensing Requirements section in the Wisconsin Hunting Regulations.
Small Game
- Possession limits: Three times the daily bag limit.
- Possession and sale: The tails, skins and skulls of lawfully taken squirrels may be bought and sold if severed from the rest of the carcass. Carcasses and skins of rabbits and hares can be sold but only during their open season.
It is illegal to bait any small game (including coyote and bobcat) for the purpose of hunting.
Highly Visible Clothing Requirement
Hunters of unprotected species are exempt from the blaze clothing requirement if hunting 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise.
Unprotected Species
Unprotected Species
In addition to the general hunting regulations, the following regulations are specific to unprotected species:
- Unprotected Species: Refer to the definition of Unprotected Species on the General Hunting Definitions webpage for a list.
- Season: Open year-round.
- Possession Limits: None
- Possession And Sale: It is legal to sell the carcass, skins or feathers of legally harvested unprotected species.
- Licenses, Stamps And Permits: A small game hunting license or trapping license is required, except that:
- Landowners do not need a license to shoot or trap unprotected species causing damage or nuisance. See the Landowner Exceptions webpage for details and exceptions for qualified individuals and landowners.
- Persons, including landowners, hunting or trapping unprotected species must comply with all methods of taking requirements and restrictions unless otherwise authorized by a permit from the DNR.