Get ready for hunting and trapping seasons opening in October
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds hunters to prepare for the opening of several hunting and trapping seasons in October.
There are four dates throughout October when seasons open, so hunters are encouraged to double-check these dates.
On Saturday, Oct. 7, the gun hunt for hunters with disabilities begins and runs through Sunday, Oct. 15. Also, the statewide youth deer hunt begins and lasts for two day.
Saturday, Oct. 14 is a big day in Wisconsin’s hunting season. It marks the opening of the bobcat harvest season (Period 1 hunting and trapping), the bobwhite quail season (opens at 9 a.m.), the cottontail rabbit season in the Southern Zone as well as the coyote trapping season.
Duck hunting also begins in the Open Water Zone, the elk hunting season starts for the handful of lucky hunters who received permits this fall, the fisher season gets underway (trapping only) along with the raccoon hunting and trapping season for Wisconsin residents.
The ruffed grouse hunting season opens in Zone B, the pheasant season opens statewide at 9 a.m. and the hungarian partridge season opens at 9 a.m., except in Clark, Marathon and Taylor counties, where the season is closed.
On Saturday, Oct. 21, the mink and muskrat trapping season begins in the Northern Zone.
On Saturday, Oct. 28, the mink and muskrat trapping season begins in the Central Zone and the non-resident raccoon hunting and trapping season opens . Check season end dates on the DNR’s Season Dates webpage (https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/hunt/ dates).
The DNR also reminds hunters of the online resources available on the hunting webpage (https://dnr. wisconsin.gov/topic/Hunt). In addition to hunting regulations, seasons dates, hunting hours and other useful resources, the public can find a list of public lands open to hunting using the Public Access Lands webpage (https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/lands). This resource lets hunters plan their next adventure from the comfort of home.
As Wisconsin’s most popular hunting seasons ramp up, it’s important for all hunters to do their part to keep Wisconsin a safe place to hunt by following these firearm safety rules.
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 it and what’s beyond it.
K: Keep your finger outside your trigger guard until you are safe to shoot.
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 website. The DNR wishes our hunters a safe and successful hunting season.
