MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds hunters that the 2026 bear hunting season opens on Wednesday, Sept. 9. With diligent scouting and preparation efforts, bear hunters should again expect a quality hunting experience this fall. 

This year, over 34,000 people applied for one of the 15,245 bear licenses available, and 106,000 more people opted to purchase a preference point to improve their chances of drawing a license in a future lottery.

The 2026 bear season is open from Sept. 9 to Oct. 13, with specific regulations based on a hunter’s bear management zone (please reference the bear hunting zones map). Hunters must know the management zone in which they are licensed to hunt and the specific bear hunting regulations within that zone.

Zones A, B and D – Where dogs are permitted:

Sept. 9-15 – with the aid of bait and all other legal methods not using dogs

Sept. 16 to Oct. 6 – with the aid of dogs, the aid of bait and all other legal methods

Oct. 7-13 – with the aid of dogs only, no other methods

Zones C, E and F – Where dogs are not permitted:

Sept. 9 to Oct. 13 – with the aid of bait and all other legal methods not using dogs

Wisconsin has a thriving bear population estimated at around 24,000 animals. The resident bear population covers more than half the state, primarily in the forested regions of northern and central Wisconsin, with a continued trend of slow southward expansion.

Careful and regulated public hunting of bears is the primary tool used to help keep bear numbers in balance with available habitat across the state. Hunting also plays a critical role in black bear research. All bears taken must be registered with the DNR and a variety of data is collected that supports the science behind bear management. 

The DNR reminds hunters that all bears must be registered by 5 p.m. the day after recovery, and they must submit two upper premolar teeth to the department. These samples provide important data used to monitor and ensure the health of Wisconsin’s bear population into the future.

The DNR’s Bear Hunting webpage provides general information about hunting bears, regulations and hunting hours, and how to complete the mandatory registration and tooth submission processes.