Wisconsin DNR Says Deer Populations Expected to Mirror 2025 Levels

Wisconsin hunters will face familiar herd densities when the state’s nine-day gun deer season opens on Nov. 21, according to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

The upcoming season, running through Nov. 29, arrives with a distinct set of environmental variables that could alter the traditional hunting experience. While deer populations are expected to mirror the levels seen in 2025, the timing of the season and current weather patterns are creating unique conditions for hunters.

A later start to the season means hunters are currently further away from the rut, the period of intense deer activity and mating behavior. This shift typically results in a decrease in the daytime movement that many hunters rely on to locate deer.

However, other environmental factors may compensate for that lack of activity. WEAU reported that corn harvest activity is currently running ahead of the five-year average, a factor that tends to increase visibility in agricultural areas across the state.

The forecast for the season holds a potential trade-off between hunting success and comfort. If the current trend of above-average November temperatures continues, the state may see a lack of the snow cover and biting cold that usually defines this time of year.

For some, the lack of traditional weather might make tracking more difficult, but for others, it offers a practical advantage.

“If the above-average November temperatures persist, we’re unlikely to see snow cover or truly brisk temperatures that typically favor hunter success. The silver lining in that is that a warmer gun season, hunters may be able to spend increased time in the field,” said Steven Burns, DNR deer specialist.

While warmer weather might not provide the tactical advantages of fresh snow tracks, the ability to remain outdoors for longer durations could change the math for many hunters. The absence of extreme cold can mitigate the physical toll of long days in the woods, potentially allowing for more extended scouting or sitting periods.

Beyond the immediate hunt, the state continues to prioritize long-term herd health through disease monitoring. CWD sampling remains available to hunters statewide, a critical component of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources efforts to manage Chronic Wasting Disease within local populations.

The upcoming window from Nov. 21 to Nov. 29 serves as a primary period for the state’s hunting economy and wildlife management cycle.