Nov. 7, 2025
It’s almost here! The 2025 gun deer season opens on Saturday, Nov. 22, and runs through Sunday, Nov. 30.
Similar to last year, this year’s gun deer season runs later in the month. Fewer deer may be on the move relative to years with earlier openers. Other factors could create better deer hunting conditions, such as colder temperatures and snow cover.
Through Oct. 31, 2025, year-to-date sales for gun, bow, crossbow, sports and patron licenses reached 463,983. Of that total, 137,394 are for gun privileges only.
Deer Management Units Have Changed For 2025
Hunters should be aware of updates to some of the Deer Management Units (DMUs) for the 2025 deer season. DMUs in the Northern Forest Management Zones have been converted to habitat-based units, as opposed to county-based units. Review the map of the new DMUs to double-check you know which DMU you are hunting in. You can also see a breakdown of the season structure by county and DMU.
Please note that Forest Zone DMUs are now referred to by a number. Hunters will need to know their DMU name or number when requesting antlerless permits.
Register Your Harvest
All harvested deer must be registered electronically by 5 p.m. the day after the deer is recovered. Hunters will need the unique harvest authorization number associated with each permit. Proper registration provides accurate harvest data for DNR wildlife managers and County Deer Advisory Councils for the management of Wisconsin’s deer herd.
The three options to register a deer are:
- Online with GameReg
- By phone at 1-844-426-3734
- Electronically at a participating in-person registration station
Know Your Target
Elk sometimes move outside of the elk management zones, especially during the fall breeding season, so hunters are reminded to properly identify their target. Any elk taken without a tag may result in a fine and a revocation of your hunting license.
Although many hunters can tell the difference, it doesn’t hurt to freshen up your skills before you hunt. Use this comparison guide to test yourself on the differences between elk and white-tailed deer.
Hunt Safely
It’s important for all hunters to do their part and keep Wisconsin a safe place to hunt by following the four basic rules of firearm safety, TAB-K:
- T – Treat every firearm as if it is loaded.
- A – Always point the muzzle in a safe direction.
- B – Be certain of your target, what’s before and beyond it.
- K – Keep your finger outside the trigger guard until you are ready to shoot.
Hunters must ensure that at least 50% of outer clothing above the waist is blaze orange or fluorescent pink. Hats or head coverings, if worn, must also be at least 50% blaze orange or fluorescent pink. Faded or stained clothing is unsafe and should be replaced.
Additionally, anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 1973, must have a hunter education certification to purchase a hunting license unless hunting under the Mentored Hunting Law. Learn more about safe hunting in Wisconsin and register to take a hunter education course on the DNR’s Firearm Safety webpage.
Help Fellow Wisconsinites Experiencing Food Insecurity
The DNR encourages hunters to donate Wisconsin-harvested deer through the DNR’s Deer Donation Program. The program helps stock food pantries and supports residents in need throughout the state.
Mobile-Friendly Hunter Resources
The DNR’s Online Deer Camp is a one-stop shop for everything a hunter needs to know before heading out this season. It contains helpful links and information regarding purchasing a license, regulations, shooting hours, public land maps and more.
Gales Of November RememberedOn Nov. 9, 1975, loaded with more than 26,000 long tons of taconite iron ore and carrying 29 crew, the SS Edmund Fitzgerald set sail from Superior for what was to be a five-day journey to a steel mill near Detroit.The 729-foot Fitzgerald had made this trip on hundreds of occasions before. This time, the ship never made it.The day after the Fitzgerald’s departure, on Nov. 10, “the gales of November came early” to Lake Superior. The storm unleashed winds of up to 70 knots (80 mph) and relentless waves reaching as high as 35 feet.Fifty years later, the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald remains one of the most memorable and impactful shipwrecks in Great Lakes history.Learn more about the Edmund Fitzgerald and the 50th anniversary of the tragedy in the latest issue of Wisconsin Natural Resources magazine.Photo Credit: Bob Campbell via Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum
DNR Merch Is HereShowing your love for Wisconsin and its amazing natural resources just got easier, thanks to the DNR’s new online merch store. Store offerings include some favorites from the Wisconsin State Park System’s 125th Anniversary and brand-new items that celebrate the state’s fish, wildlife, plants and recreation opportunities. Feel good about your purchase; proceeds from DNR merchandise sales directly support conservation and environmental education and outreach initiatives across Wisconsin. That means every sale helps preserve the outdoor traditions you love. Proceeds from Smokey Bear merchandise directly support the National Fire Prevention Program. The merchandise line includes the following items: Musky teeHunt Wisconsin beanieHunt Wisconsin teeSmokey Bear teeSmokey Bear mugFlora & Fauna of Wisconsin mugFlora & Fauna of Wisconsin teeWisconsin Loon and Trees tee2025 Wisconsin State Park System commemorative ornamentWisconsin State Park System posterPosters of Interstate, Peninsula, Devil’s Lake and Wyalusing state parksSet of four coasters – one of each for Interstate, Peninsula, Devil’s Lake and Wyalusing state parksMagnets of Interstate, Peninsula, Devil’s Lake and Wyalusing state parks Additional items will be added in the coming months, so check back for more natural resources- and Wisconsin-themed gear. All merchandise will be available online and shipped to your door within 3-5 business days. Sign up for DNR email alerts to receive communications about new items and promotions as they become available.
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