Understanding Wisconsin Gun Laws for Hunters and Sportsmen

Wisconsin residents who partake in hunting or sport shooting should familiarize themselves with the state’s firearm laws and hunting regulations to ensure they do not inadvertently violate the law. Violations may result in consequences such as loss of hunting licenses, fines, or, in some cases, criminal charges.

Firearm Licenses and Permits

In Wisconsin, an individual 18 or older may lawfully own or possess a firearm. A person does require a license or permit to purchase a firearm for hunting or sport shooting. However, a person purchasing a firearm from a federally licensed firearms dealer must submit to a background check. Furthermore, a person must obtain a license to carry a concealed weapon in Wisconsin.

Firearms Allowed for Hunting

Under Wisconsin law, a person may not hunt with weapons other than a rifle, shotgun, handgun, bow and arrow, or crossbow. However, hunters may not use a machine gun or a fully automatic weapon. Hunters may not use or possess a shotgun larger than 10 gauge when hunting game birds. Furthermore, deer hunters may not hunt with any gun other than a muzzle-loading firearm during a muzzleloader-only hunt. Finally, hunters may not hunt migratory birds with a shotgun that can hold more than three shells unless they have modified the shotgun with a plug unremovable without disassembling the weapon to prevent the shotgun from accepting more than three shells in the magazine and chamber combined. 

Open Carry vs. Concealed for Hunters

Hunters who wish to concealed carry their firearms must possess a concealed carry license. Wisconsin only issues concealed carry licenses to people 21 and older and not otherwise prohibited from possessing firearms. Furthermore, only people 18 and older may lawfully open carry firearms in Wisconsin.

Hunting Season Restrictions

Wisconsin sets specific date ranges for when hunters may hunt specific types of game and the specific weapons they may use. Hunting a specific type of game or using a weapon outside the prescribed hunting season may lead to penalties for hunters. The state also sets aside designated periods for hunters with disabilities to hunt, as they may use accommodations not permitted for other hunters. 

Hunting on Private vs. Public Lands

Wisconsin allows hunting on many state-owned lands. Public lands either have signage permitting hunting, or hunters can contact the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Furthermore, some private landowners have opened their property to the public for recreation, including hunting. The state operates the Voluntary Public Access and Turkey Hunter Access programs to create a directory of private lands where the public may hunt without specific permission from the property owner. Otherwise, hunters wishing to hunt on other private lands must obtain permission from the property owner. 

Contact a Criminal Defense Attorney Today

If you are arrested and charged with a weapons crime while hunting or sport shooting, you need experienced legal guidance from Attorney Cohen and his team to defend your rights, reputation, and future. Contact Cohen Law Offices by calling us today at (715) 514-5051 for a confidential consultation with a weapons defense lawyer to discuss your options for resolving your charges.