Washington Co., Wi – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced preliminary deer harvest and license sales totals for the opening weekend of the 2025-gun deer season.
Preliminary License Sales Data
Preliminary figures indicate the number of gun deer hunters in Wisconsin stayed nearly constant compared to 2024. As of 11:59 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 23, sales for deer hunting privileges (which include gun, archery, crossbow, conservation patron and sports licenses) reached 777,843, down 0.03% from the same time last year. Of those, 538,865 were for gun privileges only (which include gun, conservation patron and sports licenses).
Final license sales figures will be available in January, at which time DNR staff will perform a thorough analysis and interpretation.
Preliminary Registration Totals and Future Outlook
In total, hunters registered 90,671 deer statewide during the opening weekend of the 2025 gun deer hunt, compared to 87,248 registered for the same period in 2024. This is a 3.9% increase from a year ago and 1.1% below the 5-year average.
Hunters registered a total of 48,748 antlered deer on opening weekend, compared to 48,063 in 2024, a 1.4% increase. The antlerless harvest was 41,923, which is up 7% from last year.
Conditions for the opening weekend were pretty favorable for hunters. Mornings were cool and quiet, with gusty winds reported in the afternoon in some areas of western Wisconsin. The only factors that might have impacted deer sightings were a lack of snow cover and warmer temperatures in the afternoons across the southern half of the state.
There were some reports of bucks still on the move in search of does across the state. However, for the most part, breeding activity, which can enhance daytime deer movement, declined noticeably in the days leading up to the weekend. Overall, opening day action was described as average to somewhat better than average. Sunday was generally quiet, with comfortable weather resulting in less hunter and deer movement.
Snow is in the forecast for northern Wisconsin this week, along with some very high winds. Colder temperatures will keep snow cover in place, which could set things up for a very good second weekend.
Opening Weekend Hunting Incidents
At the time of this release, the DNR reports the following firearm-involved hunting incidents on the opening day of the 2025 nine-day gun deer season. Season runs from Nov. 22-30.
* Grant County, North Lancaster Township: On Nov. 22, 2025, in the afternoon hours, a 57-year-old male was a victim of a gunshot to his buttock while walking to a field to go deer hunting. The victim was transported to the hospital and treated for injury. Investigation pending.
* Fond du Lac County, Oakfield Township: On Nov. 22, 2025, in the evening hours, a 24-year-old male deer hunter was a victim of a self-inflicted gunshot to the chest. The victim was found deceased several hours after the close of hunting hours by family on private property. Preliminary investigation reflects the victim was in a tree, gun deer hunting from a saddle stand, when the unintentional discharge of their firearm occurred. Investigation pending.
Comparatively, during the 2024 nine-day gun deer season, the DNR reported one firearm-involved hunting incident resulting in injury.
The DNR reminds hunters to always follow the four rules of firearm safety, TAB-K, as a cornerstone for safe and successful hunting:
* T – Treat every firearm as if it is loaded.
* A – Always point the muzzle in a safe direction.
* B – Be certain of your target, what’s before it and what’s beyond it.
* K – Keep your finger outside your trigger guard until you are safe to shoot.
The gun-deer season runs through Nov. 30.
Similar to last year, this year’s gun deer season runs later in the month. Fewer deer may be on the move relative to years with earlier openers. Other factors could create better deer hunting conditions, such as colder temperatures and snow cover.
Through Oct. 31, 2025, year-to-date sales for gun, bow, crossbow, sports and patron licenses reached 463,983. Of that total, 137,394 are for gun privileges only.
Submit your photos to judy@washingtoncountyinsider.com
Deer Management Units Have Changed For 2025
Hunters should be aware of updates to some of the Deer Management Units (DMUs) for the 2025 deer season. DMUs in the Northern Forest Management Zones have been converted to habitat-based units, as opposed to county-based units. Review the map of the new DMUs to double-check you know which DMU you are hunting in. You can also see a breakdown of the season structure by county and DMU.
Please note that Forest Zone DMUs are now referred to by a number. Hunters will need to know their DMU name or number when requesting antlerless permits.
Register Your Harvest
All harvested deer must be registered electronically by 5 p.m. the day after the deer is recovered. Hunters will need the unique harvest authorization number associated with each permit. Proper registration provides accurate harvest data for DNR wildlife managers and County Deer Advisory Councils for the management of Wisconsin’s deer herd.
The three options to register a deer are:
Online with GameReg
By phone at 1-844-426-3734
Electronically at a participating in-person registration station
Know Your Target
Elk sometimes move outside of the elk management zones, especially during the fall breeding season, so hunters are reminded to properly identifytheir target. Any elk taken without a tag may result in a fine and a revocation of your hunting license.
Although many hunters can tell the difference, it doesn’t hurt to freshen up your skills before you hunt. Use this comparison guideto test yourself on the differences between elk and white-tailed deer.
Hunt Safely
It’s important for all hunters to do their part and keep Wisconsin a safe place to hunt by following the four basic rules of firearm safety, TAB-K:
T – Treat every firearm as if it is loaded.
A – Always point the muzzle in a safe direction.
B – Be certain of your target, what’s before and beyond it.
K – Keep your finger outside the trigger guard until you are ready to shoot.
Hunters must ensure that at least 50% of outer clothing above the waist is blaze orange or fluorescent pink. Hats or head coverings, if worn, must also be at least 50% blaze orange or fluorescent pink. Faded or stained clothing is unsafe and should be replaced.
Additionally, anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 1973, must have a hunter education certification to purchase a hunting license unless hunting under the Mentored Hunting Law. Learn more about safe hunting in Wisconsin and register to take a hunter education course on the DNR’s Firearm Safety webpage.
Help Fellow Wisconsinites Experiencing Food Insecurity
The DNR encourages hunters to donate Wisconsin-harvested deer through the DNR’s Deer Donation Program. The program helps stock food pantries and supports residents in need throughout the state.
Mobile-Friendly Hunter Resources
The DNR’s Online Deer Camp is a one-stop shop for everything a hunter needs to know before heading out this season. It contains helpful links and information regarding purchasing a license, regulations, shooting hours, public land maps and more.