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.
Shining and Night Hunting
Shining
It is illegal to:
- Use or possess with intent to use, a light, including vehicle headlights, for shining any wild animal while hunting or in possession of a firearm, bow and arrow or crossbow. This includes laser sights on firearms, bows and crossbows. Exceptions apply for Class C disabled permit holders and for hunting certain small game. See “Night Hunting” section below.
- Use or possess with intent to use, a light, including vehicle headlights, for shining wild animals between the hours of 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. from Sept. 15 to Dec. 31 whether or not in possession of a firearm, bow or crossbow.
Note: Check with the local sheriff’s department or local officials for local shining restrictions.
Night Hunting
Unprotected species (as well as coyote, fox and raccoon) may be hunted without shooting hour restrictions except if hunting with a bow or crossbow during certain times of the year. If hunting for these species with a bow or crossbow during the bear and archery/crossbow deer seasons, shooting hours apply. Visit the Calculating Shooting Hours webpage for more information, as well as links to the base shooting hours for each species.
Use of lights: A flashlight or firearm-mounted light may be used at the point of kill while hunting on foot for coyote, raccoon, fox or unprotected species. Lights may not be used to shine for these animals while in possession of firearm, bow or crossbow.