Hunt_Contact Page_Guidance on Possession_ Sale_Purchase_Trade_UseWildAnimals

Guidance on Possession, Sale, Purchase, Trade, and Use of Wild Animals

PUB-LE-685A-2021

This guidance assumes that the animals were legally obtained and possessed. Except as otherwise noted, these provisions will apply to wild animals harvested under authority of ch. 29, Wis. Stats., or DNR Administrative Code. Unless specifically noted, this information does not apply to the possession, purchase, sale or trade of live wild animals. This guidance does not apply to domestic animals or their parts.

Wildlife laws and management of wildlife in Wisconsin (and in most of the United States and Canada) are based on the seven principles of the “North American Model of Wildlife Conservation.” One of the major principles in the model is the “elimination of markets for game.” In other words, commercial hunting and sale are prohibited. Many of Wisconsin’s wildlife and fish laws reflect this principle. More information on the model may be found by searching the internet for “North American Model of Wildlife Conservation.”

Under s. 29.011, Wis. Stats., the state holds the title (ownership) to wild animals until they are legally harvested or possessed. If a wild animal is illegally taken or possessed, the ownership remains with the state as a result of the violation.

The law reads, 29.011 Title to wild animals.

  1. The legal title to, and the custody and protection of, all wild animals within this state is vested in the state for the purposes of regulating the enjoyment, use, disposition, and conservation of these wild animals.
  2. The legal title to a wild animal or carcass, taken or reduced to possession in violation of this chapter, remains in the state. The title to a wild animal or carcass, lawfully acquired, is subject to the condition that upon the violation of this chapter relating to the possession, use, giving, sale, barter or transportation of a wild animal or carcass by the owner, the ownership shall revert, as a result of the violation, to the state.

Questions? If you have any questions about the laws administered by the DNR, license requirements or the information provided here, please call the DNR Call Center toll-free at 888-WDNRINFO (888-936-7463) or TTY Access via relay – 711.

Report a violation. You can confidentially report a suspected wildlife, recreational or environmental violation by calling or texting the DNR’s Violation Hotline toll-free 800-647-9367.

This guidance is an interpretive summary of Wisconsin’s laws and regulations regarding the possession, purchase, sale, trade and bartering of wild animals and their parts. For complete information on laws and regulations, consult the Wisconsin Statutes, Chapter 29 or the DNR Administrative Code. Consult the legislative website for more information. Enforcement decisions will be based on the underlying statutory and administrative rule provisions and not on this document.

Notice: The Wisconsin DNR provides equal opportunity in its employment, programs, services and functions under an Affirmative Action Plan. If you have any questions, please write to Equal Opportunity Office, Department of the Interior, 1849 C St NW, Washington, D.C. 20240. This publication may be available in alternative format upon request. Please call (202) 208-2890 for additional information.

Definitions

Please review the following words and their meanings as used in this guidance.

Approval

Any type of approval, privilege or authorization issued or conferred by the department under this chapter, including any license, permit, certificate, card, stamp, preference point or tag. [s. 29.001(12), Wis. Stats.].

Captive

Has the meaning given in s. 169.01(2), Wis. Stats., which are animals that are:

  • Restrained by a cage, pen, fence or other enclosure.
  • Restrained by physical alterations that limit movement or facilitate capture.
  • Restrained by a leash or a tether or otherwise tied.
  • Held in a controlled environment that is designed to prevent the departure from the controlled environment.

Carcass

The dead body of any wild animal, including any part of the wild animal or the eggs of the wild animal. [s. 29.001(18), Wis. Stats.]

Commercialize or commercialization

Possessing or using the carcass or parts of a wild animal for one of the following purposes (also see s. 29.539, Wis. Stats. “Sale of wild animals”):

  • To sell, purchase, barter or trade, or
  • To offer to sell, purchase, barter or trade, or
  • Be in possession or under control for the purpose of sale, barter or trade.

 

DNR website

https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/

Dressed fur

The dressed or tanned skins of any fur-bearing animal but does not include fur in the manufactured article. [s. 29.501(1)(a), Wis. Stats.].

Farm-raised deer

…a cervid that is kept in captivity or a cervid that is present in the wild and that has an ear tag or other mark identifying it as being raised on a farm. [s. 95.001(1)(ag), Wis. Stats.] (Note: Pursuant to s. 169.01(7), Wis. Stats., farm-raised deer are considered domestic animals.).

Fur-bearing animals

Wisconsin fur-bearing animals include otter, beaver, mink, muskrat, marten, fisher, skunk, raccoon, fox, weasel, opossum, badger, wolf, coyote, bobcat, cougar and lynx. [s. 29.001 (30), Wis. Stats] (Note: Badger and lynx are also “protected wild animals” and marten is a protected threatened species).

Game animal

Includes deer, moose, elk, bear, rabbit, squirrel, woodchuck, fox and raccoon. [s. 29.001(36), Wis. Stats.].

Game bird

Birds that are in the wild and includes wild geese, brant, wild ducks, wild swan, rails, coots, gallinules, snipe, woodcock, plovers, sandpipers, ruffed grouse, prairie chicken, sharp-tailed grouse, pheasants, gray partridge, chukar partridge, bobwhite quail, crows and wild turkey. [s. 29.001(39), Wis. Stats.].

Game fish

Includes all varieties of fish except rough fish and minnows. [s. 29.001(41), Wis. Stats.].

Green skin

The skin or pelt of a fur-bearing animal that has not been stretched and dried (often preserved by freezing until sold to a fur buyer).

Migratory bird

A species of bird listed in federal law 50 CFR § 10.13 – List of Migratory Birds.

Minnow

Includes a sucker not listed as endangered or threatened under s. 29.604 (3), central mudminnow, tadpole madtom, stonecat, banded killifish, blackstripe topminnow, brook silverside, brook stickleback, ninespine stickleback, trout−perch, darter, log perch, sculpin. “Minnow” includes any minnow family cyprinid that is not listed as endangered or threatened under s. 29.604 (3) and that is not a goldfish, grass carp, common carp or rudd…. [s. 29.001(54), Wis. Stats.].

Parts

Parts of an animal include the flesh, claws, antlers, teeth, clean skull, clean bones, etc. “Parts” does not include any of an animal’s glands.

Protected wild animal

Any wild animal for which the season is closed, or there is no open season, or the person has no authorization to possess. Wisconsin protected wild animals that have no open season include cougar, Canada lynx, badger, moose, wolverine, flying squirrel, albino and white deer, threatened and endangered species, prairie chicken, Canada spruce grouse (spruce hen), swans, cranes, bitterns, plovers, kingfishers, cormorants, herons, sandpipers and grebes, eagles, hawks, falcons, owls, hen pheasants, all other wild birds not specified in ch. 29, Wis. Stats., timber rattlesnakes, gopher snakes, gray ratsnakes, North American racers and Blanding’s turtles. No person may take, attempt to take, transport or possess any protected wild animal at any time unless expressly authorized by the department (DNR). (s. NR 10.02, Wis. Adm. Code).

Raw fur

The undressed skins or pelts of any fur-bearing animal. [s. 29.501(1)(e), Wis. Stats.].

Rough fish

…includes suckers not listed as endangered or threatened species, common carp, Asian carp, goldfish, freshwater drum, burbot, bowfin, garfish, sea lamprey, alewife, gizzard shad, rainbow smelt and mooneye. [s. 29.001(74), Wis. Stats.].

Wild or wild animal

An animal that came from the wild and the animal is not from a legal captive source as allowed or licensed under chs. 95 & 169, Wis. Stats.

Unprotected wild animal

Unprotected wild animals in Wisconsin are the opossum, skunk, weasel, starlings, English sparrows, coturnix quail, chukar partridge and any other wild animal not specified in ch. NR 10, Wis. Adm. Code (s. NR 10.04, Wis. Adm. Code).

License and Permit Information

Reminder: In reading and understanding this section, be sure to review the meaning of the words listed in the Definitions section.

Information on Laws and Approval Requirements

Depending upon the species of wild animal, parts of the animal or the circumstances, an approval may be required to take, kill, possess, sell, buy, barter, trade or otherwise commercialize the animal or its parts. The following annual regulation pamphlets are excellent sources for information on approval (license) requirements, seasons, daily bag limits, possession limits and methods of taking wild animals in Wisconsin by hunting, sport fishing or trapping. These publications are available at DNR service centers and sales locations. Electronic copies can be found by searching for the title on the DNR website. Information and answers to questions can also be obtained by calling the DNR Call Center at 888-936-7463.

  • Wisconsin Hunting Regulations. Laws and approvals for hunting wild animals including deer, elk, small game, upland birds, bears and migratory birds.
  • Guide to Wisconsin Hook and Line Fishing Regulations. Laws and approvals to fish on both inland and outlying waters.
  • Guide to Wisconsin Trout Fishing Regulations. Laws and approvals (including stamps) to fish for trout or salmon on both inland and outlying waters including the tributary streams to the Great Lakes.
  • Setline, Set and Bank Pole Regulations. Laws and approvals required to harvest fish with these 3 types of fishing gear.
  • Guide to Wisconsin Spearing, Netting, and Bait Harvest Regulations. Laws and approvals required to harvest turtles, frogs, crayfish and minnows.
  • Wisconsin Trapping Regulations. Laws and approvals for using traps and cable restraints to take fur-bearing animals.

Additional information relating to required approvals and laws with the harvest, possession or commercialization of certain wild animals is available by searching for the following titles or topics on the DNR website.

  • Wildlife-Vehicle Collisions. How to register a vehicle-killed deer or turkey, obtain a tag for a vehicle-killed black bear and possession of other vehicle-killed species.
  • Carcass Movement, Processing and Disposal. Laws and information to reduce or prevent the spread of chronic wasting disease (CWD). This includes the possession and transportation of whole carcasses or parts of carcasses of deer, elk, moose, caribou and other cervids within, into, or out of Wisconsin.
  • Wisconsin’s Endangered and Threatened Species Laws. Lists of the species and the permit requirements for taking, possessing and transporting endangered and threatened species.
  • Fish Related Licenses and Permits. Requirements on fish and fishing-related activities including Bait Dealer Licenses, Wild Bait Harvest Permits, Fish Farms, Wholesale Fish Dealer Licenses. Fish Stocking and Transportation permits, Setline and Set/Bank pole licenses and Mississippi River Net Licenses.
  • Clamming (Mussel) Regulations. Laws and information on the harvest of clams (freshwater mussels) in Wisconsin.
    Professional and Occupational Licenses. Requirements on Bait Dealer licenses, Fur Dealer licenses, Guides and Taxidermists.
  • Wisconsin Wholesale Fish Dealer Program. License and requirements to buy, sell, barter, obtain or possess fish for sale to anyone other than a final consumer.
  • Captive Wildlife Regulations and Licenses. Requirements for Captive Wild Animal Farms, Wild Fur Farms, Deer Farms, Dog Training/Trialing and the standards and licenses for possession of live wild animals.
  • Wisconsin’s Amphibian and Reptile Regulations. Requirements for licenses and possession of native Wisconsin amphibian and reptile species.
  • Wisconsin Taxidermy Regulations. Includes when a taxidermist permit is required.
  • Bait Dealer License. Required to buy for resale, sell, give for resale or barter any species of frog, crayfish or minnow used for fishing purposes.
  • Fur Dealer License. Required of a person engaged in the business of buying, bartering, trading or otherwise obtaining raw or dressed furs.
  • Guide License. Required to guide, direct or assist other persons in hunting, trapping or fishing in Wisconsin in return for any form of payment or other compensation.
  • Sport Trolling License. Required for guiding any person in sport trolling for trout or salmon on Lake Superior, Lake Michigan and the Bay of Green Bay.

Approvals for Landowners and Occupants of Land

The landowner or occupants of land are exempt from having a license to hunt or trap the wild animal species listed in s. 29.337, Wis. Stats., which reads, …the owner or occupant of any land, and any member of his or her family, may hunt or trap beaver, coyotes, foxes, raccoons, woodchucks, rabbits, and squirrels on the land without a license issued under this chapter or ch. 169… The phase in this statute, …any member of his or her family… means:

  • Included. A family member 12 years of age or older and living with the owner or occupant may hunt or trap the above listed species without a license on the owned or occupied land. A family member who is age 11 or younger may hunt on that land but only if in compliance with the mentored hunting requirements (s. 29.592, Wis. Stats.).
  • Not included. This license exemption does not include grown children, sons-in-law or daughters-in-law who live separate from the occupant or owner. It does not include blood relatives who are only temporarily living as visitors with the owner or occupant of the land. In addition, a landowner or occupants of any land and any member of their family are required to have the appropriate license or approvals to hunt deer, bear, turkey, game birds, migratory game birds and bobcats on that land.

General Information

Reminder: In reading and understanding this section, be sure to review the meaning of the words listed in the Definitions section.

Proof of Source (wild animal’s origin)

During any enforcement action involving a wild animal, the state does not have to prove that the animal came from the wild. Rather, the person claiming that the animal came from a legal source must prove that it was legally obtained. This is required by s. 29.971(14) Wis. Stats. which reads, In any prosecution under this section it is not necessary for the state to allege or prove that the animals were not farm-raised deer, farm-raised fish, farm-raised game birds, wild animals subject to regulation under ch. 169, or domestic animals, that they were not taken for scientific purposes, or that they were taken or in possession or under control without a required approval. The person claiming that these animals were farm-raised deer, farm-raised fish, farm-raised game birds, wild animals subject to ch. 169, or domestic animals, that they were taken for scientific purposes or that they were taken or in possession or under control under the required approval, has the burden of proving these facts.

Wisconsin Protected Wild Animals

It is illegal for a person to kill, take, attempt to take, transport or possess any Wisconsin-protected wild animal at any time unless expressly authorized by the DNR (s. NR 10.02, Wis. Adm. Code). With “proof of source,” it is legal to: 

  • Possess a Wisconsin-protected wild animal if legally killed, taken or obtained in another state or province (examples: a badger, timber rattlesnake, cougar, etc.).
  • Sell tanned hides from “non-Wisconsin” specimens that have been legally obtained.

Wild Animals from Outside Wisconsin

Any wild animal carcass or parts transported or possessed in Wisconsin must follow the laws of the state, province or country in which the wild animal was taken. This includes that jurisdiction’s approval requirements, open and closed seasons, daily bag limits, possession limits and size limits. It is illegal to possess or to transport into or through Wisconsin any wild animal or its parts that were taken in violation of any law of another state (ss. 29.043, 29.047 and 29.055, Wis. Stats.). 

Federally Protected Wild Animals

Numerous species of wild animals are protected or regulated by both state and federal law. This publication provides information on a very limited number of federally protected species. Federally protected wild animals include, but are not limited to, ducks, geese, swans, cranes, shore birds and other migratory birds; songbirds; owls, eagles, hawks and all other raptors; federally listed endangered and threatened species; and animals protected under international treaties. For additional information on federal laws and associated federally protected animals, see the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service website.

Endangered and Threatened Species

It is illegal to take, transport, possess, process or sell any wild animal that is included on the federal or Wisconsin Endangered and Threatened Species List without a valid Endangered and Threatened Species Permit. For information relating to both federal and Wisconsin endangered and threatened species, search the DNR website for “Wisconsin’s Endangered and Threatened Species List.”

Reporting and Registration of Wild Animals

All deer, bear, turkey, sharp-tailed grouse, bobcat, fisher and otter harvests must be reported (registered) to the DNR before 5:00 pm of the day after the animal was recovered. The harvested animal must be reported to the DNR before it is moved from the county of kill or an adjoining county. This report can be made either by phone at 1-8444-426-3734 or online through the GameReg – Electronic Game Registration.

Gifting Wild Animals or Their Meat 

Legally harvested wild animals or their meat may be given (gifted) to another person as follows: 

  • Gifting of deer or elk meat. A hunter may give (gift) deer or elk meat to another person. The person receiving the gift of meat is not required to have an approval or tag. The person who gifts the meat must retain all required approvals, permits and registration confirmation numbers until the meat is consumed. (s. 29.347, Wis. Stats.).
  • Gifting of game animals or game birds. A licensed hunter may gift legally taken game animals and game birds to another person. The person receiving the game is not required to have an approval to possess game animals or game birds that have been gifted if person does not possess such game birds or game animals in the field in a hunting situation.
    • Migratory game birds (ducks, geese, woodcock, snipe, etc.) must be tagged by the hunter with the hunter’s signature, hunter’s address, total number of birds gifted by species and the dates the birds were killed [s. NR 10.12(6), Wis. Adm. Code].
    • The person receiving the game still must comply with the possession limit for the species of wild animal that they receive (s. 29.055, Wis. Stats.).
  • Gifting of fish. A licensed sport fisher may give their catch to another person. The person receiving the fish is not required to have a fishing license but still must comply with the possession limit for the species of fish that they receive (s. 29.055, Wis. Stats.).

Mounted Wild Animals

Animals mounted in a life-like manner which are part of a private collection may be sold at any time [s. 29.354(3), Wis. Stats. and s. NR 19.001(13)(a), Wis. Adm. Code].

  • Exception. This does not include mounted federally protected wild animals which are illegal to purchase or sell under federal law.

Glands, Gland Lures, Gland Attractants

May be bought, sold, or possessed without a license at any time. [Note: A gallbladder is an organ and not a gland; therefore it is illegal to sell or buy a bear gallbladder per s. 29.539(1)(a), Wis. Stats.].

Vehicle-Killed Wild Animals 

Wisconsin laws allow the operator of a motor vehicle that accidentally kills certain wild animals or another person who comes on the scene (if the operator does not want the carcass), to take possession of the carcass. For information on reporting, claiming and/or registering a vehicle-killed deer, bear, turkey, small game animal or fur-bearing animal, see “Wildlife- Vehicle Collisions” on the DNR website. 

Please note that: 

  • A person may not simply cut off the head or antlers of a vehicle-killed deer, elk or bear without first obtaining authorization or a permit from the DNR.
  • It is illegal to pick up the carcass of any elk, bobcat, fisher, otter, wolf, migratory bird or any endangered or threatened species without prior written authorization (tag or permit) from the DNR. The person wishing to claim one of these vehicle-killed animals should contact the DNR law enforcement non-emergency number at 1-608-267-7691 for information on how to obtain a tag or possession authorization.

Used of Naturally Deposited Animal Carcasses as Bait for Hunting or Trapping Purposes

State law prohibits the use of bait for hunting any wild animal other than deer and bear. It is the position of the DNR Division of Public Safety and Resource Protection that a naturally deposited animal carcass resulting from a naturally occurring event (including from animal/vehicle collisions and non-recovered hunting-killed animals) is not considered bait for the purpose of hunting fox, coyote, raccoon, crows and unprotected species. Therefore, a person may legally hunt these species over a naturally deposited animal carcass. The naturally deposited carcass cannot be manipulated or moved from its original location by the hunter or other individual.

  • Bear. It is illegal to hunt bear over or with the use of a naturally deposited animal carcass. [s. NR 10.07(2m)(f)92), Wis. Adm. Code].
  • Trapping. Trappers may trap adjacent to a “naturally deposited’ animal carcass, but traps must be set at least 25 feet from any such “sight-exposed” animal carcasses to protect hawks, eagles and other raptors that may be feeding on the carcass. [s. NR 10.13(1)(b)2., Wis. Adm. Code].

Salvage of Wild Animal Parts Found in the Field (antlers, skulls, bones, feathers, etc.)

Legal to collect and possess. Persons may collect and keep shed antlers and the clean skulls and bones of deer, elk, and unprotected wild animals as follows:

  1. Meaning of “clean.” A clean skull or bones means such parts from which the fleshy material has undergone complete or near complete normal decomposition in the field. There is very little or no meat, hide or other fleshy material attached to the bones or skull.
  2. Must be legal. There must be no evidence that the animal was killed by a person in violation of state law.
  3. Shed antlers, skulls and bones of deer and elk. A license, tag or permit is not required from the DNR to collect or possess the “clean” skulls, bones or shed antlers of deer or elk found on private or public lands, including State Park properties.
  4. Skull and bones of unprotected wild animals. No license, tag or permit is required from the DNR to collect or possess the “clean” skulls or bones of unprotected wild animals found private or public lands, including State Park properties.
  5. Note: Permission is required from the landowner to collect shed antlers, skulls or bones of any wild animal from private property.

Illegal to collect, possess, sell, buy or trade:

  1. Moose, bear and other protected wild animals. It is illegal to collect, possess, buy, sell or trade the antlers, skulls or bones of moose, bear or other protected wild animals found in the field unless otherwise specifically authorized by the DNR. A person finding these items should contact the local conservation warden to inquire if it might be possible to obtain a tag or permit to acquire legal title. [s. 29.539, Wis. Stats. and
    s. NR 10.02, Wis. Adm. Code].
  2. Wild birds. It is illegal to collect or possess the feathers, skulls, bones, eggs or nests of protected wild birds. This includes songbirds, hawks, owls, eagles, raptors, jays or any other state or federally protected bird species. [s. 29.354(2), Wis. Stats. & s. NR 10.02, Wis. Adm. Code].

Sale, purchase or trade in salvaged parts [s. 29.539(1m), Wis. Stats.]:

  1. Deer and elk. It is legal to sell shed antlers and clean skulls of deer and elk found in the field. Bones other than the skulls and antlers from deer or elk found in the field may not be sold.
  2. Other animals (except bear). It is legal to sell the following when found in the field: Skulls from squirrels when not attached to the rest of the carcass (other bones of a squirrel are illegal to buy or sell).
    • Skulls and bones of unprotected wild animals.
    • Skulls and bones of wild animals which have an open season with no bag limit or possession limit (examples: foxes, coyotes).
    • Skulls or bones from other wild animals during the open season for that species. (Note: It is illegal to sell, buy or trade the bones, skulls or other parts of a game bird, game fish, protected species, or a threatened or endangered species.).

Carcasses of Hunter or Trapper Killed Animals 

A person may find the carcass of a deer, bear, wolf, turkey or other game which they are reasonably sure they had legally killed during the open season but were simply unable to locate at that time. Even though the carcass may be unsalvageable for any number of reasons, the hunter may take possession of the carcass provided the season is still open and they are still able to comply with any and all permit, tagging, bag limit and registration requirements. If the animal was shot and then found after the season or registration period has closed, the person should contact the local conservation warden for instructions on how to handle or claim the animal.

  • Example: A hunter kills a deer and finds it is diseased, or the deer runs off and is found later in the season after the carcass has been partially eaten by scavengers. The hunter must still claim and register the deer, no matter what the condition of the carcass [s. 29.347(2), Wis. Stats. and s. NR 10.103(2), Wis. Adm. Code]. A deer license provides an opportunity to harvest a deer and not a promise of edible meat or any meat at all.

Dog Training and Dog Trials

Dog owners should be aware that restrictions do apply to the dates when a person may train dogs on either captive or free-roaming wild animals. For dog training regulations and requirements with purchasing and possessing live game birds and certain other live animals for dog training, please see “Dog Training and Trialing” on the DNR website.

Specific Wild Animal Information

This section attempts to provide information or directions on where to find the answers to common questions regarding the possession or commercialization of wild animals or their parts by species, which may not have been answered earlier in this booklet. Electronic copies of listed DNR publications can be found by searching for the title on the DNR website.

Reminder: In reading and understanding this section, be sure to review the meaning of the words listed in the Definitions section.

Amphibians (frogs, toads, newts and salamanders)

See the DNR’s Guide to Wisconsin Spearing, Netting, and Bait Harvest Regulations and Wisconsin’s Amphibian and Reptile Regulations for information on required approvals, commercialization, seasons, possession limits and legal methods of collecting native Wisconsin frogs and other amphibians (includes collecting live amphibians). 

Clams

All Wisconsin waters are closed to both personal and commercial harvest or collecting of clams. In addition, several species of clams are also protected state endangered or threatened species. For additional information, see the DNR’s Clamming (Mussel) Regulations. 

Crayfish

See the DNR’s Guide to Wisconsin Spearing, Netting, and Bait Harvest Regulations for information on required approvals, commercialization, seasons and legal methods of harvesting or collecting crayfish. There is no daily bag limit or possession limits for legally taken crayfish. 

Fish

It is illegal to sell, buy, barter or trade any game fish or any parts of a game fish taken by sport fishing. An exception is that the eggs from sport-caught trout and salmon may be sold or purchased provided the eggs/roe are first removed from the whole fish in the presence of the buyer who may be required to have a Wholesale Fish Dealer license depending upon the intended use of the eggs.

  • Harvesting and selling commercial fish. For commercial fishing licenses and regulations on the Mississippi River and St. Croix River, see the DNR’s Fish Related Licenses and Permits. For commercial fishing licenses and regulations on Lake Superior, Lake Michigan and the Bay of Green Bay, contact the commercial fish specialist with the DNR Bureau of Fisheries Management (contact DNR Call Center toll-free at 1-888-936-7463 for name and phone number). 
  • Buying and selling commercial fish. See the DNR’s Wisconsin Wholesale Fish Dealer Program booklet. For further assistance with related questions, contact the administrative warden for commercial fish and wholesale fish with the DNR Division of Public Safety and Resource Protection (contact the DNR Call Center toll-free at 888 936-7463 for name and phone number).
  • Rough fish. It is legal to buy and sell legally taken rough fish. A Wholesale Fish Dealer license is required to “sell” or to “purchase rough fish for sale” to someone other than the final consumer (s. 29.503, Wis. Stats.).
    • Smelt taken by a nonresident may not be sold, traded or bartered in any manner. (s. 29.228(1)(c), Wis. Stats.].
    • Asian carp (black, bighead, grass, or silver carp) may not be possessed, transported or sold unless the gill coverings have been completely severed and/or the fish have been completely eviscerated or gutted. [s. NR 19.05(4), Wis. Adm. Code].
  • Minnows. See the DNR’s Guide to Wisconsin Spearing, Netting, and Bait Harvest Regulations and Bait Dealer Licenses. Minnows taken by a nonresident may not be sold, traded or bartered in any manner.

Snakes

See the DNR’s Wisconsin’s Amphibian and Reptile Regulations for information on seasons, possession limits and legal methods of collecting native Wisconsin snakes.

Turtles

See the DNR’s Guide to Wisconsin Spearing, Netting, and Bait Harvest Regulations and Wisconsin’s Amphibian and Reptile Regulations for information on required approvals, commercialization, seasons, daily bag limits, possession limits, size requirements and legal harvest methods for Wisconsin turtles (includes collecting of live turtles). Wisconsin turtles may be bought and sold during the open season.

Fur-Bearing Animals (General Information)

  • Trapping. See the DNR’s Wisconsin Trapping Regulations for detailed information on the required approvals and laws for taking and possession of fur-bearing animals with traps and cable restraints.
  • Hunting. See the DNR’s Wisconsin Hunting Regulations for detailed information on the required approvals and laws for harvesting and possessing bobcat, raccoon, foxes, skunks, weasels and opossums by hunting.
  • Landowners and occupants of land. The approval requirements and season restrictions do not apply to beaver, coyotes, foxes or raccoons taken by hunting or trapping by landowners or the occupants of the land on which the animals were harvested (see the section titled, APPROVALS FOR LANDOWNERS AND OCCUPANTS OF LAND).
  • Approval for the business of buying or selling green or raw fur. A Fur Dealers License or a Taxidermy License is required to engage in the business of buying, bartering, trading and otherwise obtaining raw or dressed furs, including from a licensed Wild Animal Fur Farm [ss. 29.501 & 29.506(4), Wis. Stats.].
  • Vehicle-killed fur-bearing animals. For information on reporting or claiming a vehicle-killed fur-bearing animal, search for Wildlife-Vehicle Collisions on the DNR website.
  • Dressed or tanned pelts. It is the department’s policy that tanned hides of fur-bearing animals are considered articles of commerce. These tanned hides can be possessed, purchased, sold or traded at any time without a license, even if a protected species under s. NR 10.02, Wis. Adm. Code. This does not include the tanned hides of fur-bearing animals that are an endangered or threatened species listed under s. NR 27.03 (1) & (2), Wis. Adm. Code (example; American martin, which is a Wisconsin endangered species – see section on ENDANGERED AND THREATENED SPECIES for requirements to import, transport or possess such animal in Wisconsin).
  • Licensed wild fur farm animals. It is legal to buy, sell and possess the hides or parts of wild fur farm animals at any time with proper proof of source. A Fur Dealer’s License is required to sell raw and dressed hides of fur-bearing animals obtained from a wild fur farm.
  • Bones and skulls. It is legal to buy and sell the bones and skulls of fur-bearing animals during the closed season including items such as artifacts and art works containing these bones.

Handling Incidentally Trapped Species

On occasion, a trapper may find a non-targeted or protected species caught in their trap or cable restraint. It is in the best interest of trappers and the department to work together to resolve these incidents and to successfully release non-target wild animals. If it can be done safely, the trapper should immediately release all alive, uninjured animals. If the trapped animal is injured, dead or cannot be safely released (examples: wolf, badger, etc.) or is a raptor, the trapper should immediately contact the DNR Call Center toll-free at 1-(888)-WDNRINFO (1-888-936- 7463) for instructions or assistance with releasing, handling or disposing of the animal. 

  • Trapped birds. Hawks, eagles and other raptors should always be considered “injured” when caught in a foot-hold trap and should be reported to the DNR without delay. The trapped bird should be examined and treated at an appropriate facility by a veterinarian or wildlife rehabilitator prior to release back to the wild.
  • Endangered or threatened species. Trappers should report all trapping incidents involving a threatened or endangered species to the DNR Call Center.

Beaver, Coyotes, Foxes, Raccoons, Skunks, Weasels, and Opossum

The laws for possessing, buying, selling or trading the fur and parts of legally taken beaver, coyotes, foxes, raccoons, skunks, weasels and opossum are identical. These fur-bearing animals may be taken by either trapping or hunting with the appropriate approval.

Raw fur (includes fur in the round, green skin/pelt, and stretched/dried fur)

  1. Possession. No approval is required to possess the raw fur of beaver, coyotes, foxes, raccoons, skunks, weasels and opossum. It is legal to possess the raw fur at any time.
  2. Sale. Legal to sell raw fur at any time.
  3. Buy. Legal to buy raw fur at any time.

Parts (other than the fur/hides)

  1. Possession. No approval is required to possess the parts of beaver, coyotes, foxes, raccoons, skunks, weasels and opossum. It is legal to possess the parts at any time.
  2. Sale. Legal to sell parts at any time.
  3. Buy. Legal to buy parts at any time.

Bobcat

Bobcat may be taken by either trapping or hunting with the appropriate approval and a valid bobcat pelt tag.

Raw fur (includes fur in the round, green skin and stretched/dried fur) 

No license required to possess the raw fur of legally taken bobcat. However, a validated pelt (carcass) tag must be immediately affixed to the animal upon being harvested. The harvest of the bobcat must be reported to the DNR by 5 p.m. of the day following recovery of the carcass by either phone at 844-426-3734 or online through the GameReg – Electronic Game Registration. In addition, in-person certification of the pelt with a conservation warden or authorized DNR personnel is required for attachment of a certification seal (CITES tag).

  1.  Possession. It is illegal to possess the raw fur of a bobcat at any time without a validated pelt (carcass) tag attached. It is illegal to possess the carcass, green skin or raw fur of a bobcat that has not been reported to the DNR by 5:00 pm of the day following recovery of the carcass. It is illegal to possess the green skin or raw pelt of a bobcat without a certification seal attached after the 7th day following the closure of the bobcat season. It is legal to possess raw fur at any time which has both a valid pelt tag and certification seal attached. The pelt tag and certification seal must remain attached to the pelt until removed by a fur dresser or taxidermist at the time of preparation.
  2. Sale. Legal to sell the raw fur at any time. The fur must have a valid pelt tag and certification seal attached.
  3. Buy. Legal to buy the raw fur at any time. The fur must have a valid pelt tag and certification seal attached.

Parts (Other than the fur/hides)

  1. Possession. Legal to possess at any time.
  2. Sale. Legal to sell parts only during the animal’s open season.
  3. Buy. Legal to buy parts only during the animal’s open season.

Fisher

Fisher may only be taken by means of trapping.

Raw fur (includes fur in the round, green skin and stretched/dried fur) 

A valid scientific collector permit, fur dealer license, trapping license or resident conservation patron license is required to possess raw fur of a fisher. In addition, a valid Fisher Harvest Authorization is required to harvest a fisher. Subsequently, the harvest of the fisher must be reported (registered) to the DNR by 5 p.m. of the day following recovery of the carcass by either phone at 844-426-3734 or online at GameReg – Electronic Game Registration.

  1. Possession. It is illegal to possess the green skin or raw fur of a fisher that has not been reported (registered) to the DNR by 5:00 p.m. of the day following recovery of the carcass. It is illegal to possess the skin of any fisher showing that the animal was shot.
  2. Sale. Legal to sell the raw fur at any time.
  3. Buy. Legal to buy the raw fur at any time.

Parts (Other than the fur/hide)

  1. Possession. Legal to possess at any time.
  2. Sale. Legal to sell only during the open season.
  3. Buy. Legal to buy only during the open season.

Muskrat and Mink

Muskrat and mink may only be taken by means of trapping.

Raw fur (includes fur in the round, green skin and stretched/dried fur) 

  1. Possession. Legal to possess at any time. A valid scientific collector permit, fur dealer license, trapping license or resident conservation patron license is required to possess the raw fur of muskrat or mink. It is illegal to possess the skin of any mink or muskrat showing that the animal was shot.
  2. Sale. Legal to sell the raw fur at any time.
  3. Buy. Legal to buy the raw fur at any time.

Parts (Other than the fur/hides)

  1. Possession. Legal to possess at any time.
  2. Sale. Legal to sell only during the open season.
  3. Buy. Legal to buy only during the open season.

Otter

Otter may only be taken by means of trapping.

Raw fur (includes fur in the round, green skin and stretched/dried fur)

A valid scientific collector permit, fur dealer license, trapping license or resident conservation patron license is required to possess raw fur of an otter. In addition, a valid Otter Harvest Authorization is required to harvest an otter. Subsequently, the harvest of the otter must be reported (registered) to the DNR by 5 p.m. of the day following recovery of the carcass by either phone at 844-426-3734 or online at GameReg – Electronic Game Registration. Subsequently, a certification seal (CITES tag) will be mailed to the trapper who must affix the certification seal to the otter pelt upon receiving it.

  1. Possession. Possession of the green skin or fur in the round of an otter without the certification seal (tag) affixed is legal only during the open season and 7 days thereafter. It is legal to possess the raw fur at any time with a valid certification seal attached. It is illegal to possess the green skin or raw fur of an otter that has not been reported to the DNR by 5:00 p.m. of the day following recovery of the carcass. It is illegal to possess the skin of any otter showing that the animal was shot. 
  2. Sale. Legal to sell at any time. The fur must have a valid certification seal (tag) affixed to the pelt.
  3. Buy. Legal to buy at any time. The fur must have a valid certification seal (tag) affixed to the pelt.

Parts (Other than the fur/hide)

  1. Possession.  Legal to possess at any time.
  2. Sale. Legal to sell only during the open season.
  3. Buy. Legal to buy only during the open season.

Bear

  1. Possession. It is legal to possess the following at any time:
    • Bear claws, head, teeth, bones and tanned hides.
    • Jewelry, artifact, art or other items containing bear claws, bear teeth or bear bones that were legally acquired from outside of Wisconsin.
  2. Legal to sell, buy or trade. It is legal to commercialize in the following at any time:
    • Raw bear hides with the claws, head and teeth attached (Note. a USFWS CITES certification will be required for international sale or shipment such as to/from Canada).
    • Tanned bear hides (including portions of tanned hides) without claws and teeth attached.
  3. Illegal to sell, buy or trade. It is illegal to commercialize at any time in the following:
    • A raw bear hide without the claws, head and teeth attached.
    • The meat or bones of a bear.
    • Any jewelry, artifact, art or other item containing bear claws, bear teeth or bear bones (examples: bear claw necklace, knife with bear bone handle, bear tooth tie clasp).
  4. Vehicle-killed bear. For information on reporting or claiming a vehicle-killed bear, see “Wildlife- Vehicle Collisions” on the DNR website.

Deer

Possession

It is legal to possess the following parts in compliance with CWD regulations (see Carcass Movement, Processing and Disposal  on the DNR website for CWD regulations):

  1. All heads, hides, tails and antlers from legally taken wild deer. This includes antlers in velvet and skins in the spotted coat from wild deer legally harvested during an open deer season or incidental to a shooting permit. (NOTE: The hunter may not transfer, give or sell the antlers in velvet or the spotted wild deer skins to another person).
  2. All other parts from legally taken wild deer. The meat may be given to another person, but the person registering the deer must retain the registration confirmation number until the meat from the deer is consumed.
  3. All skins and parts from farm-raised deer with proper proof of source.

Legal to buy, sell or trade

It is legal to commercialize at any time in the following:

  1. All deer heads, hides, tails and antlers (including their sheds) from legally taken wild deer (excluding antlers in the velvet and spotted skins of wild deer).
  2. Shed antlers found in the field.
  3. All carcasses, skins and parts from farm-raised deer with proper proof of source.

Illegal to buy, sell or trade

It is illegal to commercialize at any time in the following:

  1. The meat or bones (other than the head bones) of a wild deer.
  2. Antlers in the velvet from wild deer.
  3. Skins of wild deer that are in the spotted coat.
  4. Any jewelry, artifact, art or other item containing bones (other than head bones) of wild deer (example: knives with handles made from the bones of wild deer).

Albino deer and white deer

Wild albino and white deer are protected wild animals [s. NR 10.02(3), Wis. Adm. Code]. It is illegal to possess, take or harvest a wild albino or white deer unless authorization is first received from the DNR.

Vehicle-killed wild deer 

For information on reporting or claiming a vehicle-killed deer (including an albino deer or white deer), see “Wildlife-Vehicle Collisions” on the DNR website.

Other Wild Animals

Possession

Non-Wisconsin animals. It is legal to possess a wild animal carcass or parts that have been legally purchased, harvested or obtained from outside of Wisconsin.

  • Endangered and threatened species. A DNR permit is required to bring an endangered or threatened species into Wisconsin and to possess it in the state.

It is illegal to possess or to transport into or through Wisconsin any wild animal or its parts that was taken or possessed in violation of any law of another state (s. 29.047, Wis. Stats.).

Protected wild birds. It is illegal to collect or possess the carcasses, feathers or any parts including the eggs or nests of songbirds, hawks, owls, eagles, raptors, jays, crows or any other state or federally protected bird species [s. 29.354(2), Wis. Stats.].

Elk, moose and caribou. It is legal to possess the skins, heads, antlers and meat (with no bones attached) of elk, moose and caribou obtained legally from outside Wisconsin and in compliance with CWD-related regulations. Heads and skulls must not have any brain or lymphoid tissue attached. (NOTE: See “Carcass Movement, Processing and Disposal” on the DNR website for CWD regulations).

Legal to Possess and to Buy, Sell or Trade

It is legal to possess and commercialize in the following wild animals or parts in Wisconsin [s.29.539(1m), Wis. Stats.].

  1. Squirrel hides and tails.
  2. Feathers and parts from captive wild birds (with proof of source).
  3. Porcupine quills.
  4. Rabbit skins and parts may be sold only during the open season. (NOTE: Landowners and occupants of lands may sell rabbit skins and parts from rabbits harvested on their land at any time.).
  5. The feathers of a lawfully taken grouse, partridge, pheasant, quail or wild turkey.
  6. The naturally shed feathers of a partridge, pheasant, quail or wild turkey.
  7. The naturally shed feathers of a grouse that is not listed as endangered or threatened and that is not a sharp-tailed grouse.
  8. The naturally shed feathers of a sharp-tailed grouse collected from an area where there is an open season for hunting sharp-tailed grouse.
  9. Any jewelry, artifact, art or other item containing the feathers of lawfully taken or shed feathers of a partridge, pheasant, quail or turkey (examples: wild turkey tail feathers fan mount, paintings with these bird feathers mounted on the border).

Illegal to Buy, Sell or Trade

It is illegal to commercialize in any of the following wild animals or their parts in Wisconsin [s. 29.539(1), Wis. Stats.].

  1. Feathers from wild songbirds, raptors, ducks, geese, brant, swans and other migratory game birds including jewelry, artifacts or art containing the feathers of these birds (examples: fishing flies, wild goose feather hand dip ink pens, paintings with wild duck or goose feathers mounted on the border, etc.).
  2. Bones and skulls of any Wisconsin protected species; the skull, bones or antlers of a moose; bones of a squirrel; or the skulls or bones of wild game birds. This includes items such as jewelry, artifacts and art works containing these skulls, bones or antlers. (examples: knives with handles made from such bones, a bone turkey call, turkey wing hand fan, grouse or pheasant wing hand fan, turkey spur tie clasp, turkey spur necklace, cribbage board made of a moose antler, etc.).
  3. The skull, bones, teeth, tusks or other parts of a federally protected wild animal or any jewelry, artifact, art or other item containing these or other parts of a federally protected wild animal.