Hunting News

Important Changes For 2018 Wisconsin Waterfowl Seasons

Important Changes For 2018 Wisconsin Waterfowl Seasons

 

Important Changes For 2018 Wisconsin Waterfowl Seasons

There were several significant changes to the 2018 waterfowl hunting seasons structure. The first of the 2018 migratory game bird seasons will open with the early Canada Goose. Mourning Dove and early Teal seasons will start on Sept. 1. Regular waterfowl hunting seasons will include a 60-day duck season which will start with a statewide opener on Sept. 29th. A 92-day regular goose season with two splits to allow hunting during the Christmas and New Year’s holidays.

Highlights from the 2018 season structure include:

North duck zone will open one week later than in previous years.  This will result in a single statewide opener for the North, South and Mississippi zones on Sept. 29.

Elimination of the Horicon Canada goose Management Zone. (resulting in a single statewide regular goose zone)

Increase in the daily Canada goose bag limit to three birds per day.

A second split in the South Canada goose zone resulting in a goose season that is open during the Christmas and New Year’s holidays.

Increase in the pintail daily bag limit (from one to two) based on US Fish and Wildlife Service season framework.

As a reminder to Canada goose hunters, registration of Canada geese and in-field validation of the Canada goose hunting permit is no longer required.

Important Changes For 2018 Wisconsin Waterfowl Seasons

As always, all hunters are required to take a state endorsed hunter education course.  These courses are encouraged for seasoned hunters as well.  Keeping up to date on safety and regulations is always a good idea for sportsmen.  Courses are offered throughout the state.  Summer is an ideal time to schedule your course.  The kids are also out of school which makes including your young adult children in training opportunities easier.  We all know the most important part of spending time with family outdoors isn’t bagging a bird.  It’s spending that mutually rewarding quality time in nature.

Below are a few links to help get your waterfowl season off to a good start:

2018 Wisconsin Migratory Bird Regulations

Sign up for a safety education course

https://dnr.wi.gov/education/outdoorSkills/safetyEducation.html