Hunting Regulations and Hours
Fall 2025 - Spring 2026 Combined Hunting Regulations
The regulations for small game, deer, migratory birds, bears and elk have all been combined into our Regulations booklet.
The deer Management Units (DMUs) in the Central Forest and Northern Forest Zones have been changed. For more details, see page 11 of the Hunting Regulations.
*These regulations are updated each June/July.
Additionally, the DNR shared the Fall 2025 - Spring 2026 season dates for hunters who want to plan ahead. Please be aware, however, that a few seasons still need to be approved. These dates will be updated as those approvals happen, so check back periodically for updates.
Season dates can also be found on the Hunting Season Dates webpage.
Shooting Hours
Hunting hours differ depending on the time of year and location (northern or southern half of the state, as well as latitude). Hunters can look up their appropriate hunting hours below:
Hunting Hours Map
Northern Area
- 2025 Northern Shooting Hours - For the deer, bear, small game and fall turkey seasons.
- 2025 Northern Shooting Hours - For the waterfowl and spring turkey seasons.
Southern Area
- 2025 Southern Shooting Hours - For the deer, bear, small game and fall turkey seasons.
- 2025 Southern Shooting Hours - For the waterfowl and spring turkey seasons.
Hunting Resources
Below are helpful guidance documents to supplement the information in the hunting regulations.