Wisconsin Offering Special Deer Hunt & Bonus Antlerless Tags Starting August 12th

If you're a deer hunter in Wisconsin, it's time to gear up for the 2024 season! With new opportunities, special hunts, and important dates coming up, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has laid out everything you need to make this hunting season a success, but I'll make it even easier for you in this article.

First things first—before heading out, hunters need to know the deer management zone and unit where they plan to hunt. Whether you're planning for the deep woods or setting up in farmland, understanding your location is crucial. Plus, make sure to decide whether you'll be hunting on public or private land, and of course, get that all-important deer hunting license approval and landowner permission (if needed).

Bonus Antlerless Harvest Authorizations: Dates & Information

The DNR is rolling out bonus antlerless harvest authorizations, giving hunters the chance to bring home even more deer this season. These authorizations are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and the number varies depending on local deer populations. If you're hunting in an area with plenty of deer, you could have some great harvest opportunities!

Here's the breakdown for the first three days of sales, which are management zone-specific:

• Aug. 12, 10 a.m.: Forest Zones (Northern and Central)
• Aug. 13, 10 a.m.: Central Farmland Zone
• Aug. 14, 10 a.m.: Southern Farmland Zone

And if you're a bit indecisive (or just love hunting all over the state), don't worry—the entire state opens up for bonus sales on August 15th!

One thing to remember: Ashland and Iron counties won’t have bonus authorizations available this year, but there’s plenty of deer-hunting action to be had in other areas. For more details on what's available in each deer management unit, be sure to check out the DNR’s Antlerless Deer Harvest Authorization webpage.

A Unique Opportunity: Special Firearm Deer Hunt at Sandhill Wildlife Area

If you're looking for something a little different this year, the DNR has just the thing. The Sandhill Wildlife Area is hosting a special firearm deer hunt on November 2nd & 3rd. This 9,150-acre property offers a one-of-a-kind experience for hunters, all while helping the DNR meet its deer management goals.

Only a limited number of hunters will get to participate, so if you're interested, make sure to apply by September 20th. Successful applicants will receive both an either-sex permit and an antlerless-only permit, allowing for a balanced harvest. It's a win-win—hunters get a unique experience, and the DNR gets the help it needs in managing the deer population. To apply, visit the Sandhill Outdoor Skills Center webpage, and don’t forget to review the special rules and regulations before you head out.

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Important Dates to Remember

• Aug. 12, 10 a.m.: Forest Zones Bonus Antlerless Sales Begin
• Aug. 13, 10 a.m.: Central Farmland Zone Bonus Antlerless Sales Begin
• Aug. 14, 10 a.m.: Southern Farmland Zone Bonus Antlerless Sales Begin
• Aug. 15, 10 a.m.: All Zones Bonus Antlerless Sales Open
• Sept. 20: Deadline to Apply for Sandhill Firearm Deer Hunt
• Nov. 2-3: Special Firearm Deer Hunt at Sandhill Wildlife Area

Additional food for thought, while hunting this year help your local DNR by keeping an eye out for deadly deer infections. Top of the list for Wisconsin include EHD & Blue Tongue Disease, Chronic Wasting Disease, and Bovine Tuberculosis, which can spread to humans. However, with tuberculosis it is highly unlikely a person would contract the disease from field dressing or eating the meat of an infected deer. However, it is always a good idea to wear gloves when field-dressing any animal. By the way, since 1996, more than 150,000 deer in Wisconsin have been screened for bovine TB and no evidence of the disease has been found.

The 2024 deer hunting season in Wisconsin is shaping up to be an exciting one, with plenty of opportunities to make this a season to remember. Whether you're heading out for a traditional hunt or looking to try something new, seems the Wisconsin DNR has you covered.