Zones must be selected before the hunt can begin

As Wisconsin hunters prepare to head out for the nineday gun deer season, opening Saturday, Nov. 21, the Wisconsin DNR reminds hunters that registration is mandatory and easier than ever before. Hunters should be aware of the zone, deer management unit and land type on their antlerless deer harvest authorizations, and be prepared to follow all regulations.

Each deer hunting license comes with a buck harvest authorization, valid for harvesting one buck in any Deer Management Unit (DMU) statewide. Hunters who wish to hunt antlerless deer must possess an unused, valid antlerless harvest authorization.

Hunters under age 18, are issued one antlerless harvest authorization with their deer license, valid statewide on the land type designated.

Although each deer license includes one or more antlerless harvest authorizations valid in a Farmland Zone DMU, hunters must select the zone, DMU and land type (public or private) at the time of purchase, or before hunting.

Also, bonus antlerless harvest authorizations may be available for sale.

Hunters are not required to validate or attach a paper harvest authorization to the deer, but must carry proof of their license and harvest authorization. Hunters must carry one or more: a paper copy; a department-approved PDF displayed on a mobile device; an authenticated Wisconsin driver’s license; or a Go Wild Conservation Card.

All deer harvested must be registered by 5 p.m., the day after recovery. To find an in-person electronic registration station that provides one of these methods, visit GameReg. Wi.Gov.

Hunters must have their deer harvest authorization number to begin the registration process. Those who do not have their authorization number may access it from their online Go Wild account.