Wisconsin Hunting License

How Do I Get My State Hunting License?

Depending on your age, you may be required to have the Hunter Education Safety Certificate in order to legally buy a license or permit to hunt.

1. Complete the Wisconsin hunter education certification requirements.
2. Choose the correct license type.
3. Buy the license through the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources website or a Wisconsin–approved agent.

Types of Wisconsin Hunting Licenses

Wisconsin Resident

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.

Non-Resident

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.

Youth Hunting License

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.

Visit the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources for more information about youth hunting licenses.

Senior Hunting License

Wisconsin residents age 65 or older may purchase the Senior Citizen Small Game License. Additional licenses may be required.

Disability License

Wisconsin residents and non-residents with a disability may be eligible for disabled hunting permits. Visit the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources website for more details.

Military and Veteran License

Active-duty military members who are stationed in Wisconsin may purchase a hunting license at the resident rate. In addition, active-duty military members who are Wisconsin residents but stationed elsewhere may receive a free small game and fishing license while on leave.

Non-resident active-duty military members who are not stationed in Wisconsin but were previously Wisconsin residents may purchase a hunting license at the resident rate.

Resident veterans who have at least 50% disability may be eligible for the annual Disabled Veteran Recreation Card. The privileges are for fishing, small game, state park admission, and trail pass.

Migratory Waterfowl Requirements

All hunters age 16 or older must purchase the Wisconsin Waterfowl Stamp and the Federal Duck Stamp when hunting migratory waterfowl. In addition, hunters are required to have proof of their participation in the Harvest Information Program (HIP).

License Expiration

Hunting licenses are good from April 1 to March 31 of the next year.

Where to Buy a Wisconsin Hunting License

• Visit the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources website.
• Call 1-888-WDNRINFo (1-888-936-7463).
• Visit a Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources office or an approved license sales location.