DNR reminds hunters, trappers of October season openers

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is reminding hunters to check season dates as a number of hunting and trapping seasons open throughout October.

There are six opening dates during the month, and the DNR says hunters and trappers should make sure they have the required licenses and stamps.

October season openers include:

Oct. 3

• Duck – Southern Zone
• Coot – Southern Zone
• Goose – Mississippi Goose Zone
• Gun Deer Hunt for Hunters with Disabilities – sponsored properties only, Oct. 3-9
• Falconry: ducks, mergansers and coots – South Zone

Oct. 7

• Bear – Zones A, B and D, where dogs are permitted; hunting with dogs only

Oct. 10

• Youth Gun Deer Hunt – statewide, Oct. 10-11
• Gun Deer Hunt for Hunters with Disabilities – statewide, Oct. 10-11

Oct. 17

• Duck – Open Water Zone
• Cottontail rabbit – Southern Zone, opens at 9 a.m.
• Pheasant – opens at 9 a.m.
• Ruffed grouse – Zone B
• Hungarian partridge – opens at 9 a.m.; closed in Clark, Marathon and Taylor counties
• Bobwhite quail – opens at 9 a.m.
• Bobcat – Period 1, hunting and trapping
• Coyote – trapping
• Fisher – trapping
• Raccoon – resident hunting and trapping
• Fox – hunting and trapping
• Falconry: ducks, mergansers and coots – Open Water Zone

Oct. 24

• Mink – Northern Zone, trapping only
• Muskrat – Northern Zone, trapping only

Oct. 31

• Mink – Central Zone, trapping only
• Muskrat – Central Zone, trapping only
• Raccoon – nonresident hunting and trapping

License and Safety Requirements

Anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 1973, must have hunter education certification to purchase a hunting license unless hunting under the Mentored Hunting Law.

First-time trappers must complete an approved trapper education course unless trapping under the youth supervised option, mentored trapping program or another exemption.

The DNR is also reminding hunters using firearms to follow the TAB-K safety rules: treat every firearm as if it is loaded, always point the muzzle in a safe direction, be certain of the target and what is before and beyond it, and keep your finger outside the trigger guard until ready to shoot.

Hunters and trappers can find regulations, season dates, hunting hours and information on public hunting lands on the DNR website.