Firearms Deer Season 2026: Dates, Zones & Regulations
Season dates, zone maps, CWD rules, and muzzleloader info for all 5 Upper Midwest states.
By the NomadPath Team · Updated April 15, 2026 · Data sourced from MN DNR, WI DNR, MI DNR, ND GFP, and SD GFP
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RULE CHANGE ALERT — 2026 Minnesota Firearms Season
Minnesota’s shotgun-only zone has been repealed statewide effective January 1, 2026. Rifles are now legal in all deer permit areas during firearms season. Antlerless permit lottery deadline: September 10, 2026 (first Thursday after Labor Day — DNR publishes final 2026 details by Aug. 1).
🔔Get notified when MN deer license sales open for 2026.
Set Deer Season Alert →2026 Firearms Deer Season Dates — Upper Midwest
| State | Firearms Opens | Firearms Closes | Muzzleloader | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minnesota | Nov 7, 2026 (Zone 100) | Nov 22, 2026 | Nov 28 – Dec 13 | Shotgun-only zone repealed 2026 |
| Wisconsin | ~Nov 21, 2026 | ~Nov 29, 2026 | Dec 1 – Jan 3 | CWD zones active |
| Michigan | Nov 15 – 30, 2026 (LP) | Same (UP) | Dec 4 – 18 | APR in some units |
| North Dakota | Nov 6, 2026 (approx.) | Nov 22 (approx.) | Verify ND GFP | Draw-based most units |
| South Dakota | Nov 14, 2026 (approx.) | Dec 31 (approx.) | Verify SD GFP | Mostly OTC for residents |
Minnesota
Firearms Opens: Nov 7, 2026 (Zone 100)
Firearms Closes: Nov 22, 2026
Muzzleloader: Nov 28 – Dec 13
Notes: Shotgun-only zone repealed 2026
Wisconsin
Firearms Opens: ~Nov 21, 2026
Firearms Closes: ~Nov 29, 2026
Muzzleloader: Dec 1 – Jan 3
Notes: CWD zones active
Michigan
Firearms Opens: Nov 15 – 30, 2026 (LP)
Firearms Closes: Same (UP)
Muzzleloader: Dec 4 – 18
Notes: APR in some units
North Dakota
Firearms Opens: Nov 6, 2026 (approx.)
Firearms Closes: Nov 22 (approx.)
Muzzleloader: Verify ND GFP
Notes: Draw-based most units
South Dakota
Firearms Opens: Nov 14, 2026 (approx.)
Firearms Closes: Dec 31 (approx.)
Muzzleloader: Verify SD GFP
Notes: Mostly OTC for residents
All dates should be verified with your state DNR/GFP before the season. Some states publish final dates in summer.
Minnesota Firearms Deer Season
MNMinnesota Firearms — Zone 100: Nov 7 – 22, 2026
Shotgun-Only Zone Repealed: Minnesota’s shotgun-only zone has been repealed statewide effective January 1, 2026. Rifles are now legal in all deer permit areas during firearms season.
Zone 100
Nov 7 – 22, 2026
Zone 200/300 A-Season
Nov 7 – 15, 2026
Zone 300 B-Season
Nov 21 – 29, 2026
Muzzleloader
Nov 28 – Dec 13, 2026
Bag Limit
1 antlered deer per firearms license. Additional antlerless deer available through the antlerless permit lottery.
DPA Zones
130+ Deer Permit Areas (DPAs) across the state
Antlerless Permit Lottery Deadline: September 10, 2026 (first Thursday after Labor Day — DNR publishes final 2026 details by Aug. 1) — applications must be submitted by this date. Missing this deadline means no bonus antlerless tags for 2026.
License Costs
Small game license (required): $22 resident / $102 non-residentFirearms deer license: $34 resident / $185 non-residentAntlerless permit: $18 resident / $91 non-resident
Public Land Access
1,400+ Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs), Chippewa and Superior National Forests, state forest land, and Walk-In Access (WIA) parcels.
Wisconsin Gun Deer Season
WIWisconsin Gun Season — Nine-day gun season starting ~Nov 21, 2026
CWD Zone Alert: CWD management zones have carcass transport restrictions. Hunters must not transport whole carcasses out of CWD-affected counties. Check WDNR CWD zone maps before hunting.
Gun Season
Nine-day gun season starting ~Nov 21, 2026
Closing Date
~Nov 29, 2026
Muzzleloader
Dec 1 – Jan 3, 2027
Bag Limit
1 antlered deer + antlerless deer with harvest authorization tags.
DMU Changes: Wisconsin is restructuring Deer Management Units (DMUs) — verify your unit boundaries and antlerless harvest authorizations on the WDNR website for the 2026 season.
Earn-a-Buck History: Wisconsin’s earn-a-buck program has been discontinued statewide, but historical CWD management efforts shaped current antlerless harvest rules in affected counties.
License Costs
Resident base license: ~$24Deer gun license: ~$24Non-resident deer: ~$165
Michigan Firearms Deer Season
MIMichigan Firearms — Nov 15 – 30, 2026
Lower Peninsula Firearms
Nov 15 – 30, 2026
Upper Peninsula Firearms
Nov 15 – 30, 2026
Muzzleloader
Dec 4 – 18, 2026
Antler Point Restrictions (APR): Antler Point Restrictions (APR) are in effect in some Deer Management Units. Check MI DNR for unit-specific APR requirements before hunting.
Bag Limit: Varies by DMU. Check MI DNR for antler point restrictions and antlerless quotas in your area.
License Costs
Resident base license: $15Resident deer license: $20Non-resident deer: $185
North Dakota & South Dakota Firearms Deer
NDNorth Dakota Firearms — Nov 6 – Nov 22, 2026 (approx.)
Season
Nov 6 – Nov 22, 2026 (approx.)
System
Draw-based for most units. Application deadlines typically in early summer.
Bag Limit
Varies by license type — check ND GFP for unit-specific bag limits.
River bottom whitetails along the Missouri, James, and Sheyenne Rivers. Western ND offers mule deer in badlands habitat.
License Costs
Resident rifle deer: ~$28Non-resident rifle deer: ~$225
SDSouth Dakota Firearms — Nov 14, 2026 – Dec 31, 2026 (approx.)
Season
Nov 14, 2026 – Dec 31, 2026 (approx.)
System
Over-the-counter for most units — one of the easiest states to secure a rifle deer tag for residents.
Bag Limit
Varies by unit. OTC tags typically allow 1 deer.
License Costs
Resident rifle deer: ~$28Non-resident rifle deer: ~$225
Muzzleloader Season by State — 2026
| State | Season | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota | Nov 28 – Dec 13, 2026 | Follows firearms season |
| Wisconsin | Dec 1 – Jan 3, 2027 | Statewide after gun season |
| Michigan | Dec 4 – 18, 2026 | Statewide; regular firearm deer license required |
| North Dakota | Verify with ND GFP | Dates vary by unit |
| South Dakota | Verify with SD GFP | Dates vary by unit |
Minnesota
Season: Nov 28 – Dec 13, 2026
Notes: Follows firearms season
Wisconsin
Season: Dec 1 – Jan 3, 2027
Notes: Statewide after gun season
Michigan
Season: Dec 4 – 18, 2026
Notes: Statewide; regular firearm deer license required
North Dakota
Season: Verify with ND GFP
Notes: Dates vary by unit
South Dakota
Season: Verify with SD GFP
Notes: Dates vary by unit
Antlerless Permits
Minnesota Antlerless Permit Lottery
Deadline: September 10, 2026 (first Thursday after Labor Day — DNR publishes final 2026 details by Aug. 1). Minnesota distributes antlerless permits through a lottery system across 130+ Deer Permit Areas (DPAs). Permits cost $18 for residents and $91 for non-residents. Missing this deadline means no bonus antlerless tags for the 2026 firearms season.
WIWisconsin
Antlerless harvest authorizations are available through the WDNR. Availability varies by Deer Management Unit. CWD-affected units may have additional antlerless tag opportunities. Check the WDNR website for unit-specific antlerless tag availability.
MIMichigan
Antlerless deer licenses are available as part of the combination deer license or through additional antlerless-only licenses. Antler point restrictions (APR) apply in some DMUs. Check MI DNR for unit-specific regulations.
ND / SDNorth Dakota & South Dakota
Antlerless availability varies by unit and license type. North Dakota uses a draw-based system for most units. South Dakota is mostly OTC for residents. Verify with ND GFP and SD GFP for unit-specific regulations and tag availability for the 2026 season.
🔔NomadPath sends you a notification before the September 10 antlerless lottery deadline.
Set Reminder →Firearms Deer Season Tips
01 Safety first — blaze orange is required
All 5 Upper Midwest states require hunters to wear a minimum amount of blaze orange (or blaze pink in some states) during firearms deer season. This is non-negotiable — it saves lives. Check your state’s specific requirements for square inches and placement before heading to the field.
02 Stand placement for firearms differs from archery
Firearms hunters can take ethical shots at significantly longer ranges than bowhunters. Place stands overlooking larger openings, field edges, power line corridors, and CRP grass transitions. Consider shooting lanes of 100–200 yards rather than the 20–30 yard setups used for archery.
03 Wind and thermals still matter
Just because you’re hunting with a rifle doesn’t mean scent control is irrelevant. Deer will still bust you at 200 yards if the wind is wrong. Hunt the wind first — set up with prevailing wind carrying your scent away from expected deer travel corridors. Morning thermals drop downhill; evening thermals rise.
04 Shot placement at distance
At firearms distances, the margin for error is smaller than many hunters realize. A deer at 200 yards can move significantly between trigger pull and bullet arrival. Practice at your maximum expected range before the season. Know your rifle’s zero, your holdover at distance, and only take shots you are confident in.
05 Tag your deer immediately
All 5 states require you to immediately attach your tag to a harvested deer before moving it. Failure to do so can result in citations and confiscation. Carry a pen, your tag, and zip ties in the field. Register your harvest through the state’s telecheck or online system as required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When does firearms deer season open in Minnesota in 2026?
Minnesota’s firearms deer season opens Saturday, November 7, 2026 for Zone 100 (most of the state). Zone 200/300 A-season also opens November 7 but closes November 15, while Zone 300 B-season runs November 21–29.
Q: When is Wisconsin’s gun deer season in 2026?
Wisconsin’s nine-day gun deer season is expected to start around November 21, 2026 (the Saturday before Thanksgiving) and run through approximately November 29. Verify exact dates with WDNR as they are typically confirmed by summer.
Q: What changed with Minnesota’s shotgun-only zone?
Minnesota’s shotgun-only zone was repealed statewide effective January 1, 2026. Rifles are now legal in all deer permit areas during firearms season. This is a significant change for hunters in formerly restricted southeastern Minnesota DPAs.
Q: When is the Minnesota antlerless permit lottery deadline?
The antlerless permit lottery deadline for Minnesota in 2026 is September 10 (first Thursday after Labor Day — DNR publishes final 2026 details by Aug. 1). Applications must be submitted by this date to be included in the lottery. Missing this date means no bonus antlerless tags for the firearms season.
Q: What are the CWD rules for Wisconsin gun season?
Wisconsin’s CWD management zones carry carcass transport restrictions during gun season. Hunters must not transport whole carcasses out of CWD-affected counties. Mandatory sampling may be required in some units. Check the WDNR CWD zone map before you hunt.
Q: Are Michigan LP and UP firearms dates the same?
Yes. Michigan’s regular firearms deer season runs November 15–30 for both the Lower Peninsula and Upper Peninsula. However, antler point restrictions (APR) apply in some DMUs, so check unit-specific rules. Muzzleloader season follows December 4–18.
Q: How much do nonresident deer licenses cost?
Nonresident firearms deer license costs vary by state: Minnesota ~$185 (plus $102 small game base), Wisconsin ~$165, Michigan ~$185, North Dakota ~$225, South Dakota ~$225. Prices are approximate — check each state’s DNR or GFP website for current fees.
When does firearms deer season open in Minnesota in 2026?
Minnesota’s firearms deer season opens Saturday, November 7, 2026 for Zone 100 (most of the state). Zone 200/300 A-season also opens November 7 but closes November 15, while Zone 300 B-season runs November 21–29.
When is Wisconsin’s gun deer season in 2026?
Wisconsin’s nine-day gun deer season is expected to start around November 21, 2026 (the Saturday before Thanksgiving) and run through approximately November 29. Verify exact dates with WDNR as they are typically confirmed by summer.
What changed with Minnesota’s shotgun-only zone?
Minnesota’s shotgun-only zone was repealed statewide effective January 1, 2026. Rifles are now legal in all deer permit areas during firearms season. This is a significant change for hunters in formerly restricted southeastern Minnesota DPAs.
When is the Minnesota antlerless permit lottery deadline?
The antlerless permit lottery deadline for Minnesota in 2026 is September 10 (first Thursday after Labor Day — DNR publishes final 2026 details by Aug. 1). Applications must be submitted by this date to be included in the lottery. Missing this date means no bonus antlerless tags for the firearms season.
What are the CWD rules for Wisconsin gun season?
Wisconsin’s CWD management zones carry carcass transport restrictions during gun season. Hunters must not transport whole carcasses out of CWD-affected counties. Mandatory sampling may be required in some units. Check the WDNR CWD zone map before you hunt.
Are Michigan LP and UP firearms dates the same?
Yes. Michigan’s regular firearms deer season runs November 15–30 for both the Lower Peninsula and Upper Peninsula. However, antler point restrictions (APR) apply in some DMUs, so check unit-specific rules. Muzzleloader season follows December 4–18.
How much do nonresident deer licenses cost?
Nonresident firearms deer license costs vary by state: Minnesota ~$185 (plus $102 small game base), Wisconsin ~$165, Michigan ~$185, North Dakota ~$225, South Dakota ~$225. Prices are approximate — check each state’s DNR or GFP website for current fees.
Related Guides on NomadPath
- →
The full 2026 Minnesota picture — both rule changes, all season frames, the Sept. 10 deadline, and CWD zones
Minnesota deer season 2026 hub - →
Rut timing, weather triggers, and CWD awareness in depth
whitetail biology and rut-timing guide - →
First year of statewide MN rifles — what caliber actually fits
rifle caliber comparison - →
Where to aim with a rifle, read angles, and interpret the blood trail
rifle shot placement guide - →
Step-by-step field dressing for after the harvest
field dressing guide
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