Local News
Wisconsin Hunting: Youth Deer Hunt Set for Oct. 10-11
Madison, WI – Wisconsin’s 2026 Youth Deer Hunt is less than two weeks away, giving young hunters a dedicated weekend in the field before the state’s traditional nine day gun deer season.
By Rachel Monroe · 2026-09-29T20:56:56.207Z
Madison, WI – Wisconsin’s 2026 Youth Deer Hunt is less than two weeks away, giving young hunters a dedicated weekend in the field before the state’s traditional nine day gun deer season.
According to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, this year’s youth deer hunt will be held Saturday, Oct. 10, and Sunday, Oct. 11 . The special season is open to hunters age 15 and younger , including both Wisconsin residents and nonresidents.
The DNR says the youth hunt is designed to give newer hunters an opportunity to learn hunting techniques, spend time with experienced mentors and become more familiar with deer hunting before increased hunting pressure arrives later in the season.
Officials are also reminding hunters that the youth hunt is considered an open firearm season .
That means hunters in the field, except for waterfowl hunters, are required to wear blaze orange during the youth hunt even if they are not using a firearm or specifically hunting deer.
The requirement is intended to improve visibility and safety while firearm hunting activity is underway across the state.
Wisconsin wildlife officials are encouraging experienced hunters to consider mentoring a young person during the Oct. 10 11 weekend and helping introduce them to hunting traditions, safety practices and responsible wildlife management.
The DNR’s youth hunting program allows young hunters to participate under specific licensing, education and supervision requirements. Families planning to take part should review current licenses, harvest authorizations and other applicable deer regulations before heading into the field.
The youth weekend comes ahead of Wisconsin’s traditional nine day gun deer season, giving younger participants a chance to hunt before the woods become more crowded later in the fall.
Additional youth hunting and mentoring information is available through the Wisconsin DNR.