The Top 8 Reasons Wisconsin Is the Best State for Deer Hunting

There are many places to hunt deer in the United States, but not all can be the best. Many hunters believe that Wisconsin is the best state for deer hunting, and they have good reason to feel this way. The following information can help you prepare for your hunting season and understand why Wisconsin is the best state for it. 

1. Deer Quality 

Wisconsin boasts some of the biggest deer, ranking first for producing records. This ranking isn’t new, either, because it has historically been the case. The high-quality deer and large sizes draw hunters from other states, with Buffalo County having the best deer hunting nationwide. 

2. Habitat Quality

One of the reasons Wisconsin is the best state for deer hunting is because the state boasts diverse habitats. You can find forested areas near food plots, wetlands, open fields, and other places where deer spend their time. 

3. Access to Public Hunting Lands

Those with acres of hunting land in their backyard are lucky, but they’re not the only ones who can hunt in Wisconsin. You can find plenty of public hunting land, including over seven million acres. Some public land for hunting in Wisconsin includes conservation areas, national forests, state parks, and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers land. 

Wisconsin also has a program called the Voluntary Public Access (VPA), where the DNR gets USDA support in leasing private land for public hunting. Other programs open private forest land to the public for hunting, including the Managed Forest Law (MFL) and Forest Crop Law (FCL). These programs offer many hunting opportunities throughout the diverse habitats in the area. 

4. Season Date and Length

Hunters in Wisconsin have choices when it comes to when they can hunt deer. Archery and crossbow season begins on September 16th and doesn’t end until January 7th. In some areas, including Metro subunits and some Farmland Counties, archery and crossbow season continues later, until January 31st.

Hunting deer with a gun in Wisconsin is allowed from November 18-26, and a muzzleloader is allowed from November 27th until December 6th. Hunters also have other options in Wisconsin, including specific dates for youth, those with disabilities, and special holiday hunt dates. 

5. Weather Conditions 

When snow is on the ground, it’s easier to see deer. While you can’t always count on snow during hunting season in Wisconsin, it is a possibility.

Temperatures in Wisconsin are ideal for hunting deer, with the south seeing low temperatures in the 30s and only reaching the mid-50s as a high. The northern Wisconsin counties typically experience similar but a little colder temperatures during hunting season.

6. Hunting Regulations

One of the most essential hunting regulations in Wisconsin is that hunters must be at least 14 to hunt alone. They must also pass a hunter’s safety course before they can head out on a solo hunt. Those under 12 don’t have to pass the course if they have a mentored-only hunting license.

Wisconsin has many other fair and safe regulations to make the season enjoyable for everyone. Their regulations are straightforward to understand, so most hunters easily follow them. 

7. License Costs and Availability

Getting a hunting license in Wisconsin is relatively easy, making it a breeze to prepare for the season. You can purchase a license online on a state-permitted site called Go Wild. 

The cost varies based on the type of license you need, but Wisconsin residents can expect to pay around $24 for adult deer hunting with a gun. However, for first-time applicants, it only costs $5 to purchase a license for residents. Out-of-state residents can expect a higher price for a license.

8. Local Culture 

Hunting is a big deal in Wisconsin, as shown by it being a $2.5 billion industry. Local businesses sell everything a hunter could need and often focus specifically on hunting equipment. 

Hunting is such a big deal in Wisconsin that the Tomahawk Chamber of Commerce holds a “Venison Feed” in Lincoln County for families to eat free venison burgers. Area restaurants open early for hunters, businesses have special events, and some areas hang welcome banners for deer hunters.

Summary of Reasons Wisconsin is the Best State for Deer Hunting