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.

Registration

Register That Deer- It's Required!

Register your deer through GameReg by 5 p.m. the day after recovery. All registration is electronic.

  • Register online: (fastest and easiest method): gamereg.wi.gov.
  • Register by phone: 1-844-426-3734 (1-844-GAMEREG) (available 24 hours). When prompted, use the numbers on your phone keypad to spell the first three letters of the county. For example, for Adams County, enter A-D-A by pressing “232.”
  • Register in person: Find a station that offers a phone or computer for registration at dnr.wi.gov and search “registration stations.”

Have your deer harvest authorization number available to enter at the start of the registration process.

You will receive a 10-character confirmation number for your records once your deer has been successfully registered. For white-tailed deer, all confirmation numbers begin with “W” and are issued in the format W12-345-6789.

To learn more about GameReg, visit the GameReg - Electronic Game Registration webpage. 

Registration

Turkey Registration is Mandatory

All harvested turkeys must be registered either online via GameReg or by phone at 844-426-3734 (844-GAME-REG) by 5 p.m. on the day after recovery.

  • Hunters will need to use their authorization number to register a turkey.
  • No in-person registration stations are available.
  • Hunters will be given a harvest registration confirmation number for their records when registration is complete.

Registration

Registration

  • In-person registration may be required. 
  • All harvested elk must be presented in-person at a designated location. Location and hours of operation will be shared prior to the start of the elk hunting season.
  • Each elk must be registered by 5 p.m. the day after recovery of the carcass and prior to its removal from the county of harvest or adjoining county. 
  • At the time of registration, hunters shall provide the DNR with information about the location of the kill. If requested, you must allow the DNR to collect tissue or other samples.