Hunting License Wisconsin- Steps to Buy in WI

David Harrison  ·  Updated on May 18, 2025

Hunting LicenseGuidesHunter Education

Follow these straightforward steps to obtain a Wisconsin hunting license:


WI Hunter Education Certification

Skip having to attend an in-person field-day course with our 3 hour interactive Hunter Safety course.

We provide all the resources to get you fully certified online, and your hunter education certificate is accepted by Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources for use in Wisconsin for WI residents and non-residents alike.

After completing the Hunter Ed course and passing the final exam, you’ll receive your temporary Hunter Education Certificate.

We submit your course results to the state. The state will issue and email you your permanent Hunter Education Certificate (Card). This is valid for use in all 50 USA States (including Wisconsin), Mexico, Canada, and any other country or US Territory that has reciprocity with IHEA-USA & State Issued Hunter Education Certificates.


Select Your WI Hunting License

Wisconsin offers a variety of hunting licenses for different age groups, residency statuses, and hunting preferences.

Wisconsin residents and non-residents under the age of 10 may not hunt or obtain a hunting license. Residents and non-residents ages 10 to 17 must have a hunting license. Additional licenses may be required.

Non-residents ages 10 to 17 may purchase a hunting license at the resident rate if they have a parent who is a Wisconsin resident.

Below is an overview of the primary license types available:​

Resident Licenses

A resident is a person who has lived in Wisconsin for at least 30 days. All Wisconsin residents age 10 or older must have a resident hunting license. Additional licenses may be required. Discounted rates are available for first-time buyers.

  • Annual Small Game License – Required for Wisconsin residents aged 10 and older to hunt small game species.
  • Gun Deer License – Required to hunt deer with a firearm; includes one antlered deer tag.
  • Archery or Crossbow Deer License – Required to hunt deer with archery equipment or crossbow; includes one antlered deer tag.
  • Conservation Patron License – Offers comprehensive privileges, including hunting, fishing, and trapping licenses, along with various stamps and permits.
  • Sports License – Combines fishing, small game, and gun deer hunting privileges.
  • First-Time Buyer License – Available at a reduced rate for residents who have not purchased a license in the past 10 years.
  • Mentored Hunting License – Allows individuals aged 10 and older to hunt under the supervision of a qualified mentor without prior hunter education certification.

Non-Resident Licenses

All non-residents age 10 or older must have a non-resident hunting license. Additional licenses may be required. Discounted rates are available for first-time buyers.

Non-resident full-time students who attend a college or university in Wisconsin may purchase a hunting license at the resident rate.

  • Annual Small Game License – Required for non-residents aged 10 and older to hunt small game species.
  • Gun Deer License – Required to hunt deer with a firearm; includes one antlered deer tag.
  • Archery or Crossbow Deer License – Required to hunt deer with archery equipment or crossbow; includes one antlered deer tag.
  • Conservation Patron License – Offers comprehensive privileges, including hunting, fishing, and trapping licenses, along with various stamps and permits.
  • Sports License – Combines fishing, small game, and gun deer hunting privileges.
  • First-Time Buyer License – Available at a reduced rate for non-residents who have not purchased a license in the past 10 years.
  • Mentored Hunting License – Allows individuals aged 10 and older to hunt under the supervision of a qualified mentor without prior hunter education certification.

Youth Licenses & Requirements

  • Junior Hunting License – Available for residents and non-residents aged 10 to 17; allows hunting of small game species.
  • Youth Deer License – Allows youth hunters to hunt deer; includes one antlered deer tag.
  • Hunter Education Requirement – Individuals born on or after January 1, 1973, must complete a certified hunter education course before purchasing a hunting license.
  • Mentored Hunting Program – Allows individuals aged 10 and older to hunt under the supervision of a qualified mentor without prior hunter education certification.

Senior Licenses & Discounts

  • Senior Citizen Small Game License – Available at a reduced fee for residents aged 65 and older; allows hunting of small game species.
  • Senior Citizen Fishing License – Available at a reduced fee for residents aged 65 and older; provides fishing privileges.

Lifetime Licenses

Wisconsin does not currently offer lifetime hunting licenses.

Disability & Military Licenses

  • Disabled Veteran Recreation Card – Available to resident veterans with a service-connected disability rating of 50% or more; provides free hunting and fishing licenses, state park admission, and trail passes.
  • Active-Duty Military Privileges – Active-duty military members stationed in Wisconsin may purchase hunting licenses at resident rates. Wisconsin residents on active duty but stationed elsewhere may receive a free small game and fishing license while on leave.
  • Disabled Hunting Permits – Available for individuals with qualifying disabilities; allows for accommodations such as hunting from a stationary vehicle.

Required Endorsements & Tags

  • Antlerless Deer Tag – Required to harvest antlerless deer; tags are unit-specific and may be obtained through bonus harvest authorizations.
  • Turkey Harvest Authorization – Required to hunt turkeys; separate authorizations are needed for spring and fall seasons.
  • Bear Harvest Permit – Required to hunt black bears; available through a drawing system.
  • Elk Harvest Permit – Required to hunt elk; available through a drawing system.
  • Migratory Bird Harvest Information Program (HIP) Registration – Required to hunt migratory birds; hunters aged 16 and older must also possess a Federal Duck Stamp.
  • State Waterfowl Stamp – Required to hunt waterfowl species.
  • Federal Duck Stamp – Required for all waterfowl hunters aged 16 and older.

WI Hunting licenses, which comply with state regulations, are good from April 1 to March 31 of the next year.


Where to buy your Wisconsin Hunting License

To hunt in Wisconsin, you can buy your license and pay the associated fees either online through the licensing platform Go Wild Wisconsin.

Below are some suggested authorized in-person hunting license agents in the state of Wisconsin where you can submit your application: