Wisconsin DNR Announces 2026 Gun Deer Hunt for Hunters with Disabilities

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is reminding eligible hunters with disabilities to confirm their hunting location with a sponsor by September 15, 2026 for the upcoming gun deer season. The 2026 season runs October 3–11, with nearly 70,000 acres across 47 counties already enrolled by generous sponsors.

Participants must hold a valid gun deer license and either a Class A, C, or D disability permit or a qualifying Class B permit. A new schedule feature allows the hunt to run statewide alongside the Youth Deer Hunt on October 10–11, permitting eligible hunters to use public land or any private property with permission without sponsor enrollment. For the first seven days (October 3–9), hunters must still use a sponsor‑enrolled property.

The DNR emphasizes that Wisconsin’s outdoors belong to everyone and aims to provide accessible hunting opportunities for people with disabilities.