Bonus Antlerless Deer Tags Are Now Available In Wisconsin
In Wisconsin, deer season isn't just a hunt — it's practically a holiday. The state consistently harvests more deer than any other state, a track record that's earned it a reputation as the deer hunting capital of America.
The numbers back up the bragging rights. Wisconsin reportedly sells hundreds of thousands of licenses every year, and the sport pumps an estimated $2.5 billion into the state's economy while supporting more than 34,000 jobs.
For a lot of hunters, the November gun season is as much about deer camp, card games, and continuity as it is about filling a tag.
With that tradition ramping up, the Wisconsin DNR has kicked off one of the first big steps of the year. Bonus antlerless deer harvest authorizations went on sale beginning Monday, August 17, rolling out zone by zone over four days. If you're planning to fill the freezer, this is where it starts.
When Bonus Antlerless Authorizations Go On Sale, By Zone
The DNR is staggering the release, with each zone opening at 10 a.m.:
- Monday, Aug. 17 — Northern and Central Forest Zones
- Tuesday, Aug. 18 — Central Farmland Zone
- Wednesday, Aug. 19 — Southern Farmland Zone
- Thursday, Aug. 20 — All remaining zones
To keep things fair when demand spikes, everyone who logs in between 9:45 and 10 a.m. is randomly assigned a spot in line — so refreshing early won't jump you ahead of the pack.
What The Authorizations Cost
Pricing stays affordable, especially for the next generation of hunters:
- Wisconsin residents — $12 each
- Nonresidents — $20 each
- Youth ages 11 and under — $5 each
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Hunters in Farmland Zone units get a head start, too: at least one Farmland Zone antlerless harvest authorization comes included with every deer license purchased there. Authorizations are sold through the Go Wild license portal and at license agents across the state.
Mark The Rest Of The Season On Your Calendar
The antlerless sale is just the opening act. Here's how the rest of the 2026 season shapes up:
- Archery and crossbow — Sept. 12 through Jan. 3, 2027
- Youth deer hunt — Oct. 10-11
- Nine-day gun deer season — Nov. 21-29
- Muzzleloader — Nov. 30 through Dec. 9
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Whether you're a lifelong member of the orange army or heading out for the very first time, the season Wisconsin treats like a holiday will officially be back on before we know it.
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Gallery Credit: Lauren Wells