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Go Wild · license year April 1 to March 31
Wisconsin Hunting License Guide
All 163 hunting, trapping and combination products on the DNR Go Wild resident and nonresident lists, with prices, the reduced-fee first-time and recruiter licenses, mentored and under-12 rates, applications, hunter education and the age rules.
$24.00Resident gun deer
$200.00Nonresident gun deer
$18.00Resident small game
$90.00Nonresident small game
Photo: Department of the Interior. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. National Conservation Training Center. 10/1997-8888 (Public domain)
Which Wisconsin license fits the hunt
Wisconsin sells a license per kind of hunting, then adds stamps and harvest authorizations on top: a gun deer license carries a buck authorization, a turkey license needs the wild turkey stamp, and duck hunters add two stamps and HIP.
Deer
Gun deer, archery or crossbow license plus valid harvest authorization. Gun deer license (firearm or airgun), archery license (bow) or crossbow license (crossbow), plus a valid unfilled harvest authorization; archery/crossbow upgrade ($3) to use both.
Bear
Class A bear license (drawing, Learn to Hunt Bear or transfer) and paper carcass tag; no license needed to bait bear, train dogs, or assist a licensed hunter by tracking/trailing.
Turkey
Spring or fall turkey license, wild turkey stamp (valid both seasons) and an unfilled zone/period harvest authorization. Possessing a weapon plus decoys or a call during an open season counts as turkey hunting.
Elk
Elk license, elk carcass tag (paper only), and completion of the Wisconsin Elk Hunter Education Course.
Upland birds and small game
Small game license; pheasant stamp for pheasant; sharp-tailed grouse permit when seasons are held.
Ducks, geese and other migratory birds
Small game license; Wisconsin waterfowl stamp and federal migratory bird stamp for waterfowl (not required under 16 or for coot, gallinule, rails, dove, woodcock); Canada goose permit (early and/or regular) for Canada geese; HIP registration for ducks, geese, rails, snipe, woodcock, dove, coot/moorhen, mergansers.
Furbearers
Resident small game license or nonresident furbearer license for hunting; bobcat permit/tag for bobcat; trapping license plus fisher/otter authorizations for trapping.
Unprotected species
Small game or trapping license (landowner exceptions).
Your own land
License needed to hunt deer, bear, turkey, game birds, migratory birds and bobcat even on own land. Owner/occupant and family may hunt or trap beaver, fox, coyote, raccoon, woodchuck, rabbit and squirrel year-round on their land without license (subject to all other rules except seasons) and unprotected species causing damage; nonresident-family siblings/children under 18 included.
Sources: licensing in the regulations; deer licenses; bear, as the DNR posted it on October 19, 2026.
All 163 Go Wild prices, resident and nonresident
163 rows in 20 groups, in the order Go Wild lists them, followed by the products that appear only in the regulations fee table.
Resident: First-time Buyer (10)
| Product | Residency | Price | Term | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gun Deer First-time Buyer | resident | $5.00 | License year April 1-March 31 | Reduced-rate license for first-time buyers or anyone who has not bought that license type in the last 10 years; under 12 not eligible (they use under-12 pricing with a mentor). |
| Junior Gun Deer First-time Buyer | resident | $5.00 | License year April 1-March 31 | Reduced-rate license for first-time buyers or anyone who has not bought that license type in the last 10 years; under 12 not eligible (they use under-12 pricing with a mentor). |
| Archer First-time Buyer | resident | $5.00 | License year April 1-March 31 | Reduced-rate license for first-time buyers or anyone who has not bought that license type in the last 10 years; under 12 not eligible (they use under-12 pricing with a mentor). |
| Junior Archer First-time Buyer | resident | $5.00 | License year April 1-March 31 | Reduced-rate license for first-time buyers or anyone who has not bought that license type in the last 10 years; under 12 not eligible (they use under-12 pricing with a mentor). |
| Small Game First-time Buyer | resident | $5.00 | License year April 1-March 31 | Reduced-rate license for first-time buyers or anyone who has not bought that license type in the last 10 years; under 12 not eligible (they use under-12 pricing with a mentor). |
| Junior Small Game First-time Buyer | resident | $5.00 | License year April 1-March 31 | Reduced-rate license for first-time buyers or anyone who has not bought that license type in the last 10 years; under 12 not eligible (they use under-12 pricing with a mentor). |
| Senior Small Game First-time Buyer | resident | $5.00 | License year April 1-March 31 | Reduced-rate license for first-time buyers or anyone who has not bought that license type in the last 10 years; under 12 not eligible (they use under-12 pricing with a mentor). |
| Trapping First-time Buyer | resident | $5.00 | License year April 1-March 31 | Reduced-rate license for first-time buyers or anyone who has not bought that license type in the last 10 years; under 12 not eligible (they use under-12 pricing with a mentor). |
| Spring Turkey First-time Buyer | resident | $5.00 | License year April 1-March 31 | Reduced-rate license for first-time buyers or anyone who has not bought that license type in the last 10 years; under 12 not eligible (they use under-12 pricing with a mentor). |
| Fall Turkey License & Harvest Authorization First-time Buyer | resident | $5.00 | License year April 1-March 31 | Reduced-rate license for first-time buyers or anyone who has not bought that license type in the last 10 years; under 12 not eligible (they use under-12 pricing with a mentor). |
Resident: combination (5)
| Product | Residency | Price | Term | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Conservation Patron | resident | $165.00 | License year April 1-March 31 | Includes annual fishing, Great Lakes and inland trout stamps, sturgeon hook & line, small game, pheasant stamp, gun deer, archery, crossbow, trapping, fisher application, spring turkey application/license/stamp, fall turkey license, early and regular goose permits (on request), waterfowl stamp, state park sticker and trail pass, Heritage Hill admission, Wisconsin Natural Resources magazine. |
| Conservation Patron Junior (12-17 years old) | resident | $75.00 | License year April 1-March 31 | Ages 12-17; same as Patron except park sticker, trail pass, Heritage Hill and magazine. |
| Purple Heart Conservation Patron | resident | $10.00 | License year April 1-March 31 | – |
| Sports (Fishing, Small Game, & Deer Gun Hunting) | resident | $60.00 | License year April 1-March 31 | Includes fishing, small game and gun deer licenses. |
| Sports Junior (12-17 years old) (Fishing, Small Game, & Deer Gun Hunting) | resident | $35.00 | License year April 1-March 31 | Includes fishing, small game and gun deer licenses. |
Resident: general hunting (13)
| Product | Residency | Price | Term | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small Game | resident | $18.00 | License year April 1-March 31 | – |
| Small Game, Junior (12-17 years old) | resident | $9.00 | License year April 1-March 31 | – |
| Small Game, (under 12 years old) | resident | $7.00 | License year April 1-March 31 | Youth 11 and younger must hunt under the Hunting Mentorship Program unless hunter-education certified and accompanied as required. |
| Small Game, Senior Citizen (65 years & older) | resident | $9.00 | License year April 1-March 31 | – |
| HIP Certification | resident | $0.00 | License year April 1-March 31 | – |
| Federal Duck Stamp ($25 stamp fee, $4 fulfillment fee, and a $1.50 state processing fee) | resident | $30.50 | License year April 1-March 31 | $25 stamp fee + $4 fulfillment + $1.50 state processing (Go Wild). The 2026-27 regulations fee table lists the federal waterfowl stamp at $28.50 (see flags). |
| Waterfowl Stamp | resident | $12.00 | License year April 1-March 31 | – |
| Pheasant Stamp | resident | $10.00 | License year April 1-March 31 | – |
| Pheasant Stamp (under 12 years old) | resident | $4.50 | License year April 1-March 31 | Youth 11 and younger must hunt under the Hunting Mentorship Program unless hunter-education certified and accompanied as required. |
| Sharp-tailed Grouse Application | resident | $3.00 | License year April 1-March 31 | – |
| Bobcat Application | resident | $6.00 | License year April 1-March 31 | – |
| Elk Application – Bull and Antlerless | resident | $10.00 | License year April 1-March 31 | $10 each for bull and for antlerless applications (one each allowed); $7 of each goes to elk management. Elk license $49 for winners (residents; nonresident Armed Forces/Purple Heart exceptions). |
| Small Game, Armed Forces (not available for online purchase) * | resident | $0.00 | License year April 1-March 31 | Free for residents in active service on furlough or leave (state stamps included); not sold online. |
Resident: deer hunting (13)
| Product | Residency | Price | Term | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gun Deer | resident | $24.00 | License year April 1-March 31 | – |
| Jr. Gun Deer (12-17 years old) | resident | $20.00 | License year April 1-March 31 | – |
| Gun Deer (under 12 years old) | resident | $7.00 | License year April 1-March 31 | Youth 11 and younger must hunt under the Hunting Mentorship Program unless hunter-education certified and accompanied as required. |
| Archer | resident | $24.00 | License year April 1-March 31 | – |
| Jr. Archer (12-17 years old) | resident | $20.00 | License year April 1-March 31 | – |
| Archer (under 12 years old) | resident | $7.00 | License year April 1-March 31 | Youth 11 and younger must hunt under the Hunting Mentorship Program unless hunter-education certified and accompanied as required. |
| Crossbow | resident | $24.00 | License year April 1-March 31 | – |
| Jr. Crossbow (12-17 years old) | resident | $20.00 | License year April 1-March 31 | – |
| Crossbow (under 12 years old) | resident | $7.00 | License year April 1-March 31 | Youth 11 and younger must hunt under the Hunting Mentorship Program unless hunter-education certified and accompanied as required. |
| Crossbow/Archer upgrade | resident | $3.00 | License year April 1-March 31 | – |
| Antlerless Deer Carcass Harvest Authorization (Unit specific) | resident | $12.00 | License year April 1-March 31 | – |
| Antlerless Deer Carcass Harvest Authorization (under 12 years old) (Unit specific) | resident | $5.00 | License year April 1-March 31 | Youth 11 and younger must hunt under the Hunting Mentorship Program unless hunter-education certified and accompanied as required. |
| Farmer Antlerless Harvest Authorization | resident | $0.00 | License year April 1-March 31 | – |
Resident: turkey hunting (11)
| Product | Residency | Price | Term | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring Turkey Application | resident | $3.00 | License year April 1-March 31 | – |
| Spring Turkey License | resident | $15.00 | License year April 1-March 31 | – |
| Spring Turkey License (under 12 years old) | resident | $7.00 | License year April 1-March 31 | Youth 11 and younger must hunt under the Hunting Mentorship Program unless hunter-education certified and accompanied as required. |
| Turkey Stamp | resident | $5.25 | License year April 1-March 31 | – |
| Turkey Stamp (under 12 years old) | resident | $4.50 | License year April 1-March 31 | Youth 11 and younger must hunt under the Hunting Mentorship Program unless hunter-education certified and accompanied as required. |
| Spring Turkey harvest authorization bonus | resident | $10.00 | License year April 1-March 31 | – |
| Spring Turkey harvest authorization bonus (under 12 years old) | resident | $5.00 | License year April 1-March 31 | Youth 11 and younger must hunt under the Hunting Mentorship Program unless hunter-education certified and accompanied as required. |
| Fall Turkey License & harvest authorization | resident | $15.00 | License year April 1-March 31 | – |
| Fall Turkey License & harvest authorization (under 12 years old) | resident | $7.00 | License year April 1-March 31 | Youth 11 and younger must hunt under the Hunting Mentorship Program unless hunter-education certified and accompanied as required. |
| Fall Turkey harvest authorization bonus | resident | $10.00 | License year April 1-March 31 | – |
| Fall Turkey harvest authorization bonus (under 12 years old) | resident | $5.00 | License year April 1-March 31 | Youth 11 and younger must hunt under the Hunting Mentorship Program unless hunter-education certified and accompanied as required. |
Resident: goose hunting (5)
| Product | Residency | Price | Term | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Early Goose Permit | resident | $3.00 | License year April 1-March 31 | – |
| Statewide Regular Goose Permit | resident | $3.00 | License year April 1-March 31 | – |
| HIP Certification | resident | $0.00 | License year April 1-March 31 | – |
| Waterfowl Stamp | resident | $12.00 | License year April 1-March 31 | – |
| Federal Duck Stamp ($25 stamp fee, $4 fulfillment fee, and a $1.50 state processing fee) | resident | $30.50 | License year April 1-March 31 | $25 stamp fee + $4 fulfillment + $1.50 state processing (Go Wild). The 2026-27 regulations fee table lists the federal waterfowl stamp at $28.50 (see flags). |
Resident: bear hunting (3)
| Product | Residency | Price | Term | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bear Hunting (Class A) | resident | $49.00 | License year April 1-March 31 | Class A bear license; only for drawing winners (or Learn to Hunt Bear / transfer). |
| Bear Hunting (Class A) (under 12 years old) | resident | $7.00 | License year April 1-March 31 | Class A bear license; only for drawing winners (or Learn to Hunt Bear / transfer). |
| Bear Application | resident | $4.50 | License year April 1-March 31 | – |
Resident: wolf harvesting (2)
| Product | Residency | Price | Term | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wolf harvest license | resident | $49.00 | License year April 1-March 31 | Listed in Go Wild but no wolf season or applications while wolves are federally endangered. |
| Wolf harvest application | resident | $10.00 | License year April 1-March 31 | Listed in Go Wild but no wolf season or applications while wolves are federally endangered. |
Resident: trapping (5)
| Product | Residency | Price | Term | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trapping | resident | $20.00 | License year April 1-March 31 | – |
| Youth Trapping | resident | $10.00 | License year April 1-March 31 | – |
| Bobcat Application | resident | $6.00 | License year April 1-March 31 | – |
| Fisher Application | resident | $3.00 | License year April 1-March 31 | – |
| Otter Application | resident | $3.00 | License year April 1-March 31 | – |
Resident: Recruiter licenses (12)
| Product | Residency | Price | Term | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small Game Recruiter | resident | $10.75 | License year April 1-March 31 | Reduced fee for residents who recruit three first-time hunters, trappers or anglers. |
| Small Game Junior Recruiter | resident | $6.75 | License year April 1-March 31 | Reduced fee for residents who recruit three first-time hunters, trappers or anglers. |
| Senior Citizen Small Game Recruiter | resident | $6.75 | License year April 1-March 31 | Reduced fee for residents who recruit three first-time hunters, trappers or anglers. |
| Trapping Recruiter | resident | $10.75 | License year April 1-March 31 | Reduced fee for residents who recruit three first-time hunters, trappers or anglers. |
| Gun Deer Recruiter | resident | $13.75 | License year April 1-March 31 | Reduced fee for residents who recruit three first-time hunters, trappers or anglers. |
| Junior Gun Deer Recruiter | resident | $11.75 | License year April 1-March 31 | Reduced fee for residents who recruit three first-time hunters, trappers or anglers. |
| Archery Recruiter | resident | $13.75 | License year April 1-March 31 | Reduced fee for residents who recruit three first-time hunters, trappers or anglers. |
| Junior Archery Recruiter | resident | $11.75 | License year April 1-March 31 | Reduced fee for residents who recruit three first-time hunters, trappers or anglers. |
| Fall Turkey License & harvest authorization Recruiter | resident | $9.75 | License year April 1-March 31 | Reduced fee for residents who recruit three first-time hunters, trappers or anglers. |
| Spring Turkey License Recruiter | resident | $9.75 | License year April 1-March 31 | Reduced fee for residents who recruit three first-time hunters, trappers or anglers. |
| Sports Recruiter | resident | $40.00 | License year April 1-March 31 | Includes fishing, small game and gun deer licenses. |
| Conservation Patron Recruiter | resident | $105.00 | License year April 1-March 31 | Includes annual fishing, Great Lakes and inland trout stamps, sturgeon hook & line, small game, pheasant stamp, gun deer, archery, crossbow, trapping, fisher application, spring turkey application/license/stamp, fall turkey license, early and regular goose permits (on request), waterfowl stamp, state park sticker and trail pass, Heritage Hill admission, Wisconsin Natural Resources magazine. |
Nonresident: First-time Buyer (7)
| Product | Residency | Price | Term | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gun Deer First-time Buyer | nonresident | $99.75 | License year April 1-March 31 | Reduced-rate license for first-time buyers or anyone who has not bought that license type in the last 10 years; under 12 not eligible (they use under-12 pricing with a mentor). |
| Archer First-time Buyer | nonresident | $99.75 | License year April 1-March 31 | Reduced-rate license for first-time buyers or anyone who has not bought that license type in the last 10 years; under 12 not eligible (they use under-12 pricing with a mentor). |
| Small Game First-time Buyer | nonresident | $44.75 | License year April 1-March 31 | Reduced-rate license for first-time buyers or anyone who has not bought that license type in the last 10 years; under 12 not eligible (they use under-12 pricing with a mentor). |
| Trapping First-time Buyer | nonresident | $75.75 | License year April 1-March 31 | Reduced-rate license for first-time buyers or anyone who has not bought that license type in the last 10 years; under 12 not eligible (they use under-12 pricing with a mentor). |
| Furbearer First-time Buyer | nonresident | $82.75 | License year April 1-March 31 | Reduced-rate license for first-time buyers or anyone who has not bought that license type in the last 10 years; under 12 not eligible (they use under-12 pricing with a mentor). |
| Spring Turkey First-time Buyer | nonresident | $32.75 | License year April 1-March 31 | Reduced-rate license for first-time buyers or anyone who has not bought that license type in the last 10 years; under 12 not eligible (they use under-12 pricing with a mentor). |
| Fall Turkey License & Harvest Authorization First-time Buyer | nonresident | $32.75 | License year April 1-March 31 | Reduced-rate license for first-time buyers or anyone who has not bought that license type in the last 10 years; under 12 not eligible (they use under-12 pricing with a mentor). |
Nonresident: combination (8)
| Product | Residency | Price | Term | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Conservation Patron | nonresident | $620.00 | License year April 1-March 31 | Includes annual fishing, Great Lakes and inland trout stamps, sturgeon hook & line, small game, pheasant stamp, gun deer, archery, crossbow, trapping, fisher application, spring turkey application/license/stamp, fall turkey license, early and regular goose permits (on request), waterfowl stamp, state park sticker and trail pass, Heritage Hill admission, Wisconsin Natural Resources magazine. |
| Conservation Patron Junior (issued to 12 – 17 year olds) | nonresident | $77.00 | License year April 1-March 31 | Ages 12-17; same as Patron except park sticker, trail pass, Heritage Hill and magazine. |
| Conservation Patron Military (not available for online purchase) | nonresident | $165.00 | License year April 1-March 31 | Not available online; for qualified nonresident Armed Forces members or nonresident students at resident rates (see license_requirements). |
| Purple Heart Conservation Patron (not available for online purchase) | nonresident | $161.00 | License year April 1-March 31 | – |
| Sports (Fishing, Small Game and Deer Gun Hunting) | nonresident | $295.00 | License year April 1-March 31 | Includes fishing, small game and gun deer licenses. |
| Sports Junior (issued to those 12-17 years old) (Fishing, Small Game and Deer Gun Hunting) | nonresident | $36.00 | License year April 1-March 31 | Includes fishing, small game and gun deer licenses. |
| Student Sports (not available for online purchase) | nonresident | $60.00 | License year April 1-March 31 | Not available online; for qualified nonresident Armed Forces members or nonresident students at resident rates (see license_requirements). |
| Military Sports (not available for online purchase) | nonresident | $60.00 | License year April 1-March 31 | Not available online; for qualified nonresident Armed Forces members or nonresident students at resident rates (see license_requirements). |
Nonresident: hunting, general (15)
| Product | Residency | Price | Term | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small Game | nonresident | $90.00 | License year April 1-March 31 | – |
| Small Game, 5-day | nonresident | $60.00 | 5 consecutive days | – |
| Small Game (under 12 years old) | nonresident | $7.00 | License year April 1-March 31 | Youth 11 and younger must hunt under the Hunting Mentorship Program unless hunter-education certified and accompanied as required. |
| WI Student Small Game (not available for online purchase) | nonresident | $18.00 | License year April 1-March 31 | Not available online; for qualified nonresident Armed Forces members or nonresident students at resident rates (see license_requirements). |
| HIP Certification | nonresident | $0.00 | License year April 1-March 31 | – |
| Waterfowl Stamp | nonresident | $12.00 | License year April 1-March 31 | – |
| Federal Duck Stamp ($25 stamp fee, $4 fulfillment fee, and a $1.50 state processing fee) | nonresident | $30.50 | License year April 1-March 31 | $25 stamp fee + $4 fulfillment + $1.50 state processing (Go Wild). The 2026-27 regulations fee table lists the federal waterfowl stamp at $28.50 (see flags). |
| Pheasant Stamp | nonresident | $10.00 | License year April 1-March 31 | – |
| Pheasant Stamp (under 12 years old) | nonresident | $4.50 | License year April 1-March 31 | Youth 11 and younger must hunt under the Hunting Mentorship Program unless hunter-education certified and accompanied as required. |
| Furbearer | nonresident | $165.00 | License year April 1-March 31 | – |
| Furbearer (under 12 years old) | nonresident | $7.00 | License year April 1-March 31 | Youth 11 and younger must hunt under the Hunting Mentorship Program unless hunter-education certified and accompanied as required. |
| Sharp-tailed Grouse Application | nonresident | $3.00 | License year April 1-March 31 | – |
| Bobcat Application | nonresident | $6.00 | License year April 1-March 31 | – |
| Purple Heart Elk Application | nonresident | $10.00 | License year April 1-March 31 | $10 each for bull and for antlerless applications (one each allowed); $7 of each goes to elk management. Elk license $49 for winners (residents; nonresident Armed Forces/Purple Heart exceptions). |
| Military Elk Application | nonresident | $10.00 | License year April 1-March 31 | $10 each for bull and for antlerless applications (one each allowed); $7 of each goes to elk management. Elk license $49 for winners (residents; nonresident Armed Forces/Purple Heart exceptions). |
Nonresident: hunting, deer (18)
| Product | Residency | Price | Term | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gun Deer | nonresident | $200.00 | License year April 1-March 31 | – |
| Gun Deer (under 12 years old) | nonresident | $7.00 | License year April 1-March 31 | Youth 11 and younger must hunt under the Hunting Mentorship Program unless hunter-education certified and accompanied as required. |
| Student Gun Deer (not available for online purchase) | nonresident | $24.00 | License year April 1-March 31 | Not available online; for qualified nonresident Armed Forces members or nonresident students at resident rates (see license_requirements). |
| Student Gun Deer (12-17 years old – not available for online purchase) | nonresident | $20.00 | License year April 1-March 31 | Not available online; for qualified nonresident Armed Forces members or nonresident students at resident rates (see license_requirements). |
| Military Gun Deer (not available for online purchase) | nonresident | $24.00 | License year April 1-March 31 | Not available online; for qualified nonresident Armed Forces members or nonresident students at resident rates (see license_requirements). |
| Archer | nonresident | $200.00 | License year April 1-March 31 | – |
| Archer (under 12 years old) | nonresident | $7.00 | License year April 1-March 31 | Youth 11 and younger must hunt under the Hunting Mentorship Program unless hunter-education certified and accompanied as required. |
| Student Archer (not available for online purchase) | nonresident | $24.00 | License year April 1-March 31 | Not available online; for qualified nonresident Armed Forces members or nonresident students at resident rates (see license_requirements). |
| Student Archer (12-17 years old – not available for online purchase) | nonresident | $20.00 | License year April 1-March 31 | Not available online; for qualified nonresident Armed Forces members or nonresident students at resident rates (see license_requirements). |
| Crossbow | nonresident | $200.00 | License year April 1-March 31 | – |
| Crossbow (under 12 years old) | nonresident | $7.00 | License year April 1-March 31 | Youth 11 and younger must hunt under the Hunting Mentorship Program unless hunter-education certified and accompanied as required. |
| Student Crossbow (not available for online purchase) | nonresident | $24.00 | License year April 1-March 31 | Not available online; for qualified nonresident Armed Forces members or nonresident students at resident rates (see license_requirements). |
| Student Crossbow (12-17 years old – not available for online purchase) | nonresident | $20.00 | License year April 1-March 31 | Not available online; for qualified nonresident Armed Forces members or nonresident students at resident rates (see license_requirements). |
| Crossbow and Archer Upgrade | nonresident | $3.00 | License year April 1-March 31 | – |
| Military Archer (not available for online purchase) | nonresident | $24.00 | License year April 1-March 31 | Not available online; for qualified nonresident Armed Forces members or nonresident students at resident rates (see license_requirements). |
| Antlerless Deer Carcass Harvest Authorization (Unit specific) | nonresident | $20.00 | License year April 1-March 31 | – |
| Antlerless Deer Carcass Harvest Authorization (under 12 years old) (Unit specific) | nonresident | $5.00 | License year April 1-March 31 | Youth 11 and younger must hunt under the Hunting Mentorship Program unless hunter-education certified and accompanied as required. |
| Military Antlerless Bonus (not available for online purchase) | nonresident | $12.00 | License year April 1-March 31 | Not available online; for qualified nonresident Armed Forces members or nonresident students at resident rates (see license_requirements). |
Nonresident: turkey (15)
| Product | Residency | Price | Term | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring Turkey Application | nonresident | $3.00 | License year April 1-March 31 | – |
| Spring Turkey License | nonresident | $65.00 | License year April 1-March 31 | – |
| Spring Turkey License (under 12 years old) | nonresident | $7.00 | License year April 1-March 31 | Youth 11 and younger must hunt under the Hunting Mentorship Program unless hunter-education certified and accompanied as required. |
| Military Spring Turkey License (not available for online purchase) | nonresident | $15.00 | License year April 1-March 31 | Not available online; for qualified nonresident Armed Forces members or nonresident students at resident rates (see license_requirements). |
| Turkey Stamp | nonresident | $5.25 | License year April 1-March 31 | – |
| Turkey Stamp (under 12 years old) | nonresident | $4.50 | License year April 1-March 31 | Youth 11 and younger must hunt under the Hunting Mentorship Program unless hunter-education certified and accompanied as required. |
| Spring Turkey harvest authorization bonus | nonresident | $15.00 | License year April 1-March 31 | – |
| Military Spring Turkey harvest authorization bonus (not available for online purchase) | nonresident | $10.00 | License year April 1-March 31 | Not available online; for qualified nonresident Armed Forces members or nonresident students at resident rates (see license_requirements). |
| Spring Turkey harvest authorization bonus (under 12 years old) | nonresident | $5.00 | License year April 1-March 31 | Youth 11 and younger must hunt under the Hunting Mentorship Program unless hunter-education certified and accompanied as required. |
| Fall Turkey License & harvest authorization | nonresident | $65.00 | License year April 1-March 31 | – |
| Fall Turkey License & harvest authorization(under 12 years old) | nonresident | $7.00 | License year April 1-March 31 | Youth 11 and younger must hunt under the Hunting Mentorship Program unless hunter-education certified and accompanied as required. |
| Military Fall Turkey License & harvest authorization (not available for online purchase) | nonresident | $15.00 | License year April 1-March 31 | Not available online; for qualified nonresident Armed Forces members or nonresident students at resident rates (see license_requirements). |
| Fall Turkey harvest authorization bonus | nonresident | $15.00 | License year April 1-March 31 | – |
| Fall Turkey harvest authorization bonus (under 12 years old) | nonresident | $5.00 | License year April 1-March 31 | Youth 11 and younger must hunt under the Hunting Mentorship Program unless hunter-education certified and accompanied as required. |
| Military Fall Turkey harvest authorization bonus (not available for online purchase) | nonresident | $10.00 | License year April 1-March 31 | Not available online; for qualified nonresident Armed Forces members or nonresident students at resident rates (see license_requirements). |
Nonresident: goose (5)
| Product | Residency | Price | Term | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Early Goose Permit | nonresident | $3.00 | License year April 1-March 31 | – |
| Regular Statewide Goose Permit | nonresident | $3.00 | License year April 1-March 31 | – |
| HIP Certification | nonresident | $0.00 | License year April 1-March 31 | – |
| Waterfowl Stamp | nonresident | $12.00 | License year April 1-March 31 | – |
| Federal Duck Stamp ($25 stamp fee, $4 fulfillment fee, and a $1.50 state processing fee) | nonresident | $30.50 | License year April 1-March 31 | $25 stamp fee + $4 fulfillment + $1.50 state processing (Go Wild). The 2026-27 regulations fee table lists the federal waterfowl stamp at $28.50 (see flags). |
Nonresident: bear (4)
| Product | Residency | Price | Term | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bear Hunting License (Class A) | nonresident | $251.00 | License year April 1-March 31 | Class A bear license; only for drawing winners (or Learn to Hunt Bear / transfer). |
| Military Bear Hunting License (Class A) (not available for online purchase) | nonresident | $49.00 | License year April 1-March 31 | Class A bear license; only for drawing winners (or Learn to Hunt Bear / transfer). |
| Bear Hunting (Class A) (under 12 years old) | nonresident | $7.00 | License year April 1-March 31 | Class A bear license; only for drawing winners (or Learn to Hunt Bear / transfer). |
| Bear Application | nonresident | $4.50 | License year April 1-March 31 | – |
Nonresident: wolf (2)
| Product | Residency | Price | Term | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wolf harvest license | nonresident | $251.00 | License year April 1-March 31 | Listed in Go Wild but no wolf season or applications while wolves are federally endangered. |
| Wolf harvest application | nonresident | $10.00 | License year April 1-March 31 | Listed in Go Wild but no wolf season or applications while wolves are federally endangered. |
Nonresident: trapping (2)
| Product | Residency | Price | Term | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trapping License | nonresident | $150.00 | License year April 1-March 31 | – |
| Military Trapping License | nonresident | $20.00 | License year April 1-March 31 | Not available online; for qualified nonresident Armed Forces members or nonresident students at resident rates (see license_requirements). |
From the regulations fee table (8)
| Product | Residency | Price | Term | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elk Hunting License | resident | $49.00 | Season; one per lifetime | Drawing winners only, after the mandatory elk hunter education course. Nonresidents may apply only when more than 100 licenses are issued (exceptions for Purple Heart recipients and Armed Forces members). |
| Mentored gun deer, archery or crossbow license (age 11 or younger) | resident/nonresident | $7.00 | License year | Regulations fee table: $7 for 11 years old or younger, regular price for ages 12 and up. |
| Mentored small game license | resident/nonresident | $7.00 | License year | Regulations fee table. |
| Mentored pheasant stamp | resident/nonresident | $4.50 | License year | Regulations fee table. |
| Junior gun deer license (nonresident) | nonresident | $36.00 | License year | Regulations fee table: nonresident juniors purchase the junior sports license ($36). |
| Junior crossbow license (nonresident) | nonresident | $77.00 | License year | Regulations fee table: nonresident juniors purchase the junior Conservation Patron license ($77). |
| Junior small game license (nonresident, ages 12-17) | nonresident | $36.00 | License year | Regulations fee table: purchase junior sports license. |
| Hunter education certificate (first-time graduates, residents) | resident | $0.00 | Issue date to March 31 following | A first-time Wisconsin hunter education graduate may use the certificate in lieu of a small game license (and pheasant and state waterfowl stamps) until March 31 of the following year; goose permits and federal stamp still required. |
The federal duck stamp is $30.50 in Go Wild (stamp, fulfillment and processing fees); the regulations fee table prints $28.50. Sources: Go Wild resident list; Go Wild nonresident list; regulations fee table, as the DNR posted it on October 19, 2026.
First-time buyer and recruiter prices
A resident first-time gun deer license is $5.00, against $24.00 full price; a nonresident first-time gun deer buyer pays $99.75 instead of $200.00.
Youth 11 and younger, first-time hunters and those who have not hunted in the preceding 10 years may buy at reduced fees; residents who recruit three first-time hunters, trappers or anglers also get reduced fees (recruiter licenses).
| Reduced-fee product | Residency | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Gun Deer First-time Buyer | resident | $5.00 |
| Junior Gun Deer First-time Buyer | resident | $5.00 |
| Archer First-time Buyer | resident | $5.00 |
| Junior Archer First-time Buyer | resident | $5.00 |
| Small Game First-time Buyer | resident | $5.00 |
| Junior Small Game First-time Buyer | resident | $5.00 |
| Senior Small Game First-time Buyer | resident | $5.00 |
| Trapping First-time Buyer | resident | $5.00 |
| Spring Turkey First-time Buyer | resident | $5.00 |
| Fall Turkey License & Harvest Authorization First-time Buyer | resident | $5.00 |
| Small Game Recruiter | resident | $10.75 |
| Small Game Junior Recruiter | resident | $6.75 |
| Senior Citizen Small Game Recruiter | resident | $6.75 |
| Trapping Recruiter | resident | $10.75 |
| Gun Deer Recruiter | resident | $13.75 |
| Reduced-fee product | Residency | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Junior Gun Deer Recruiter | resident | $11.75 |
| Archery Recruiter | resident | $13.75 |
| Junior Archery Recruiter | resident | $11.75 |
| Fall Turkey License & harvest authorization Recruiter | resident | $9.75 |
| Spring Turkey License Recruiter | resident | $9.75 |
| Sports Recruiter | resident | $40.00 |
| Conservation Patron Recruiter | resident | $105.00 |
| Gun Deer First-time Buyer | nonresident | $99.75 |
| Archer First-time Buyer | nonresident | $99.75 |
| Small Game First-time Buyer | nonresident | $44.75 |
| Trapping First-time Buyer | nonresident | $75.75 |
| Furbearer First-time Buyer | nonresident | $82.75 |
| Spring Turkey First-time Buyer | nonresident | $32.75 |
| Fall Turkey License & Harvest Authorization First-time Buyer | nonresident | $32.75 |
Sources: fees in the regulations; resident products; nonresident products, as the DNR posted it on October 19, 2026.
Wisconsin applications and bonus tags
Applications buy a chance or a preference point; bonus authorizations are sold over the counter until the unit runs out.
Application fees
Bear $4.50; spring turkey $3; bobcat $6; fisher $3; otter $3 (listed, but no otter drawing since 2020); sharp-tailed grouse $3; elk $10 per application (bull and antlerless); wolf $10 (no season).
Bonus harvest authorizations
Antlerless deer bonus $12 resident / $20 nonresident / $5 under 12; spring and fall turkey bonus $10 resident / $15 nonresident / $5 under 12.
| Application or bonus product | Residency | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharp-tailed Grouse Application | resident | $3.00 | – |
| Bobcat Application | resident | $6.00 | – |
| Elk Application – Bull and Antlerless | resident | $10.00 | $10 each for bull and for antlerless applications (one each allowed); $7 of each goes to elk management. Elk license $49 for winners (residents; nonresident Armed Forces/Purple Heart exceptions). |
| Antlerless Deer Carcass Harvest Authorization (Unit specific) | resident | $12.00 | – |
| Antlerless Deer Carcass Harvest Authorization (under 12 years old) (Unit specific) | resident | $5.00 | Youth 11 and younger must hunt under the Hunting Mentorship Program unless hunter-education certified and accompanied as required. |
| Spring Turkey Application | resident | $3.00 | – |
| Spring Turkey harvest authorization bonus | resident | $10.00 | – |
| Spring Turkey harvest authorization bonus (under 12 years old) | resident | $5.00 | Youth 11 and younger must hunt under the Hunting Mentorship Program unless hunter-education certified and accompanied as required. |
| Fall Turkey harvest authorization bonus | resident | $10.00 | – |
| Fall Turkey harvest authorization bonus (under 12 years old) | resident | $5.00 | Youth 11 and younger must hunt under the Hunting Mentorship Program unless hunter-education certified and accompanied as required. |
| Bear Application | resident | $4.50 | – |
| Bobcat Application | resident | $6.00 | – |
| Fisher Application | resident | $3.00 | – |
| Otter Application | resident | $3.00 | – |
| Sharp-tailed Grouse Application | nonresident | $3.00 | – |
| Bobcat Application | nonresident | $6.00 | – |
| Purple Heart Elk Application | nonresident | $10.00 | $10 each for bull and for antlerless applications (one each allowed); $7 of each goes to elk management. Elk license $49 for winners (residents; nonresident Armed Forces/Purple Heart exceptions). |
| Military Elk Application | nonresident | $10.00 | $10 each for bull and for antlerless applications (one each allowed); $7 of each goes to elk management. Elk license $49 for winners (residents; nonresident Armed Forces/Purple Heart exceptions). |
| Antlerless Deer Carcass Harvest Authorization (Unit specific) | nonresident | $20.00 | – |
| Antlerless Deer Carcass Harvest Authorization (under 12 years old) (Unit specific) | nonresident | $5.00 | Youth 11 and younger must hunt under the Hunting Mentorship Program unless hunter-education certified and accompanied as required. |
| Military Antlerless Bonus (not available for online purchase) | nonresident | $12.00 | Not available online; for qualified nonresident Armed Forces members or nonresident students at resident rates (see license_requirements). |
| Spring Turkey Application | nonresident | $3.00 | – |
| Spring Turkey harvest authorization bonus | nonresident | $15.00 | – |
| Military Spring Turkey harvest authorization bonus (not available for online purchase) | nonresident | $10.00 | Not available online; for qualified nonresident Armed Forces members or nonresident students at resident rates (see license_requirements). |
| Spring Turkey harvest authorization bonus (under 12 years old) | nonresident | $5.00 | Youth 11 and younger must hunt under the Hunting Mentorship Program unless hunter-education certified and accompanied as required. |
| Fall Turkey harvest authorization bonus | nonresident | $15.00 | – |
| Fall Turkey harvest authorization bonus (under 12 years old) | nonresident | $5.00 | Youth 11 and younger must hunt under the Hunting Mentorship Program unless hunter-education certified and accompanied as required. |
| Military Fall Turkey harvest authorization bonus (not available for online purchase) | nonresident | $10.00 | Not available online; for qualified nonresident Armed Forces members or nonresident students at resident rates (see license_requirements). |
| Bear Application | nonresident | $4.50 | – |
Sources: application fees; bonus availability; Go Wild, as the DNR posted it on October 19, 2026.
Wisconsin hunter education and age rules
Anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 1973 needs a hunter education certificate before buying a regular license. Without one, the mentored license is the way in.
| Topic | Wisconsin rule |
|---|---|
| Who must have it | Anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 1973 must present a Wisconsin hunter education certificate (or recognized out-of-state/provincial/country course, a prior Wisconsin license showing the hunter-safety number, or proof of U.S. Armed Forces/Reserve/Guard basic training) to buy any hunting license. Otherwise only a mentored license may be bought. |
| Bowhunter education | A bowhunter education certificate authorizes only archery/crossbow approvals. |
| Age rules | No minimum hunting age. Under 12 may hunt only under the Hunting Mentorship Program or a Learn to Hunt event. Ages 12-13 with hunter education must be accompanied by a parent/guardian 18+. Handguns may not be used for hunting under 18. |
| Hunting Mentorship Program | Hunting Mentorship Program: mentee of any age may hunt without hunter education within arm's reach of a mentor; mentor 18+, hunter-ed graduate or exempt, parent/guardian or with their permission if mentee under 18, holds any current Wisconsin hunting license, one mentee at a time; mentor may not use mentee's deer authorizations. |
| Course options | Traditional classroom (up to 19 hours, $10); Internet + Field Day (free online + $10 field day, required for under 18); online-only for 18+ ($28.95 or $49.95 interactive, + $10 state fee); online bowhunter course. |
| First-time graduates | First-time resident graduates may use the certificate as a small game license (plus pheasant and state waterfowl stamps) until March 31 of the following year. |
| Armed Forces | Proof of basic training exempts from the requirement. |
| Other states | Wisconsin certificate accepted in every U.S. state, Canada and Mexico. |
Sources: hunter education; safety education; mentored hunting, as the DNR posted it on October 19, 2026.
Buying and carrying a Wisconsin license
Go Wild sells online, and 680 license agents plus the 12 DNR service center counters sell in person; a few military, student and Purple Heart products are sold only at agents or service centers.
License year
April 1 through March 31 of the following year.
Where to buy
All licenses, stamps and permits via Go Wild (gowild.wi.gov) or license agents; some military/student/Purple Heart products only at agents or DNR service centers.
Residency
Permanent Wisconsin residence for 30 consecutive days immediately before purchase, with domiciliary intent (voting, state income taxes, driver's license/ID). Property ownership alone is not residency. Nonresidents under 18 with a Wisconsin-resident parent may buy at resident prices.
Students and service members
Nonresident full-time college students in Wisconsin and certain foreign high-school/short-course students may buy at resident rates; qualified nonresident Armed Forces members (active duty stationed in WI, WI Guard/Reserve, or WI residents at entry) buy nonresident military licenses at resident rates.
Proof in the field
Paper copy, Go Wild-authenticated Wisconsin driver's license, Go Wild Conservation Card, or DNR-issued PDF on a device; photos of paper licenses not valid; bear and elk carcass tags and bobcat permits must be paper.
Transfers
Bear, spring turkey, sharp-tailed grouse and elk approvals may be transferred to a minor or to persons with Class A-D disability permits; bear also to active-duty/Purple Heart; all including preference points upon death to a minor.
Sources: purchase; residency and proof; service centers, as the DNR posted it on October 19, 2026.
Wisconsin license and fee questions
How much is a Wisconsin gun deer license?
$24.00 for residents, $20.00 for juniors 12 to 17 and $7.00 under 12. Nonresidents pay $200.00.
What does the Conservation Patron license cover?
$165.00 for residents and $620.00 for nonresidents. Includes annual fishing, Great Lakes and inland trout stamps, sturgeon hook & line, small game, pheasant stamp, gun deer, archery, crossbow, trapping, fisher application, spring turkey application/license/stamp, fall turkey license, early and regular goose permits (on request), waterfowl stamp, state park sticker and trail pass, Heritage Hill admission, Wisconsin Natural Resources magazine.
Can I use both a bow and a crossbow?
Yes, with the $3.00 upgrade added to an archer or crossbow license.
Is there a cheaper license for new hunters?
Youth 11 and younger, first-time hunters and those who have not hunted in the preceding 10 years may buy at reduced fees; residents who recruit three first-time hunters, trappers or anglers also get reduced fees (recruiter licenses).
When does a Wisconsin license expire?
April 1 through March 31 of the following year. The elk license is the exception: one season, once in a lifetime.
Do I need a license to hunt my own land?
License needed to hunt deer, bear, turkey, game birds, migratory birds and bobcat even on own land. Owner/occupant and family may hunt or trap beaver, fox, coyote, raccoon, woodchuck, rabbit and squirrel year-round on their land without license (subject to all other rules except seasons) and unprotected species causing damage; nonresident-family siblings/children under 18 included.
What does a duck hunter buy?
A small game license, the $12.00 state waterfowl stamp, the federal duck stamp ($30.50 in Go Wild) and free HIP certification; Canada geese also need a $3.00 goose permit.
Is a photo of my license valid?
Paper copy, Go Wild-authenticated Wisconsin driver's license, Go Wild Conservation Card, or DNR-issued PDF on a device; photos of paper licenses not valid; bear and elk carcass tags and bobcat permits must be paper.
What does a nonresident pay for turkey?
$65.00 for the spring license and the $5.25 turkey stamp, plus the $3.00 application; fall is $65.00.
Who counts as a Wisconsin resident?
Permanent Wisconsin residence for 30 consecutive days immediately before purchase, with domiciliary intent (voting, state income taxes, driver's license/ID). Property ownership alone is not residency. Nonresidents under 18 with a Wisconsin-resident parent may buy at resident prices.
Check the DNR text before you go
Wisconsin rules change at Natural Resources Board meetings and through CDAC recommendations, so a fact on this page can be overtaken. Open the linked DNR source before you build a trip around it.
Other photos on this page: Social Geek (CC BY 2.0); Charles Patrick Ewing (CC BY 2.0); USFWSmidwest (Public domain); YellowstoneNPS (Public domain); USFWS Headquarters (CC BY 2.0).