Hunting Regulations

Wisconsin Hunting Regulations, Fall 2026-Spring 2027

Cover of the 2026-2027 Wisconsin Hunting Regulations

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.

Validation and Tagging

Validation And Tagging

  • The hunter is required to possess a paper carcass tag while bear hunting. Electronic copies of carcass tags are not accepted.
  • Immediately upon killing a bear, validate the paper carcass tag by removing the bottom portion (the “validation stub”).
  • If you leave it, tag it! You may not leave the bear carcass unless the validated carcass tag is attached to it. In other words, attach the tag with string or other fastener as soon as you plan to leave the carcass.
  • Carcass tags must be kept intact and legible; consider protecting the tag inside a zip-top plastic bag.
  • It is illegal to:
    • Possess or transport a bear carcass unless also in possession of the validated carcass tag.
    • Possess while afield a validated bear carcass tag unless that person is also in possession of the legally killed bear corresponding to it.
    • Possess while hunting or afield more than one copy of a unique carcass tag.
    • Possess, borrow or loan another’s license, permit or tag.
  • If a backup shooter kills a bear that was shot, but not killed, by the Class A bear license holder, it is still the Class A bear license holder’s responsibility to validate that carcass tag.