Wisconsin’s goose hunting season offers some of the best waterfowl hunting opportunities in the Midwest. The state splits its seasons into two parts: an early season and a regular season, each with different dates and bag limits across various hunting zones.
The early goose season runs from September 1-15 with a daily bag limit of five Canada geese, while the regular season opens September 16 and extends through early January in some zones with varying bag limits. Understanding when and where you can hunt is critical for planning successful trips throughout the fall and winter months.
Whether you’re new to goose hunting or a seasoned hunter, you need to know the specific regulations for your zone, what licenses and permits you must carry, and where to find the best hunting spots. This guide breaks down everything from season dates and bag limits to required documentation and top hunting locations across Wisconsin’s three goose hunting zones.
Goose Hunting Season Dates in Wisconsin
Wisconsin offers two distinct goose hunting opportunities each year. The early goose season runs from September 1-15 with an increased daily bag limit of five Canada geese. This season is available statewide and gives you a chance to hunt before the regular season begins.
The regular goose season starts on September 16 and extends through different dates depending on your hunting zone. The Northern Goose Zone runs from September 16 through December 16.
If you hunt in the Southern Goose Zone or Mississippi River Goose Zone, your season is split into three segments: September 16 through October 12, October 18 through December 7, and December 20 through January 2, 2026.
During the regular season, your daily bag limit drops to three Canada geese for the first portion. The split seasons in the southern zones give you multiple opportunities to hunt throughout fall and into winter.
Season Overview:
| Season Type | Dates | Daily Bag Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Early Goose (Statewide) | Sept. 1-15 | 5 Canada geese |
| Northern Goose Zone | Sept. 16-Dec. 16 | 3 Canada geese* |
| Southern Goose Zone | Sept. 16-Oct. 12, Oct. 18-Dec. 7, Dec. 20-Jan. 2 | 3 Canada geese* |
| Mississippi River Goose Zone | Sept. 16-Oct. 12, Oct. 18-Dec. 7, Dec. 20-Jan. 2 | 3 Canada geese* |
*Daily bag limit applies to first portion of season
You need to check which zone you plan to hunt in before heading out. Zone boundaries are clearly marked on the official goose hunting zone map.
Goose Hunting Regulations and Bag Limits in Wisconsin
Wisconsin divides its waterfowl hunting seasons into early and regular goose periods with different bag limits for each. The early goose season runs from September 1-15 statewide, allowing you to harvest five Canada geese per day.
The regular goose season opens September 16 and extends through different dates depending on your hunting zone. You can take three Canada geese daily during the first portion of the regular season. This limit increases to five birds during the holiday hunt period in the Southern and Mississippi River zones.
Required Licenses and Permits
You need several items to hunt geese legally in Wisconsin:
- Small Game License
- State Waterfowl Stamp (age 16 and older)
- Federal Migratory Bird Hunting Stamp (age 16 and older)
- Early Canada Goose Permit or Regular Canada Goose Permit
- Harvest Information Program (HIP) Registration
The state divides goose hunting into three zones: Northern Goose Zone, Southern Goose Zone, and Mississippi River Goose Zone. Each zone has specific season dates you must follow.
Zone-Specific Season Dates
| Zone | Season Dates |
|---|---|
| Northern Goose Zone | Sept. 16 – Dec. 16 |
| Southern Goose Zone | Sept. 16 – Oct. 12, Oct. 18 – Dec. 7, Dec. 20 – Jan. 2 |
| Mississippi River Goose Zone | Sept. 16 – Oct. 12, Oct. 18 – Dec. 7, Dec. 20 – Jan. 2 |
You must carry all required licenses, stamps, and permits while hunting. Keep your HIP registration accessible as well.
Required Licenses and Permits for Goose Hunting in Wisconsin
To hunt geese legally in Wisconsin, you need several licenses and permits. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources requires specific documentation based on your age and the season you plan to hunt.
Basic Requirements for All Goose Hunters:
- Small Game License
- Harvest Information Program (HIP) Registration
- Early Canada Goose Permit (for early season only)
- Regular Canada Goose Permit (for regular season only)
Additional Requirements for Hunters Age 16 and Older:
- Wisconsin State Waterfowl Stamp
- Federal Migratory Bird Hunting Stamp (Federal Duck Stamp)
You can purchase your licenses through the Go Wild system or at license vendors throughout the state. The Federal Duck Stamp costs $25 at U.S. Post Offices or through Go Wild with an additional $3.50 processing fee.
The HIP registration is free and connects you to federal wildlife surveys. You must complete this registration before hunting any migratory game birds. The DNR uses this data to track harvest numbers and manage waterfowl populations.
Important Notes:
Your goose permit depends on when you hunt. The early season runs from September 1-15, while the regular season varies by zone. Each season requires its specific permit.
If you graduated from hunter safety this year, your certificate serves as both your Small Game License and State Waterfowl Stamp for that year only. You must carry all required licenses and permits while hunting.
Best Locations and Zones for Goose Hunting in Wisconsin
Wisconsin divides goose hunting into three distinct zones. The Northern Goose Zone runs from September 16 through December 16 with a continuous season. The Southern Goose Zone and Mississippi River Goose Zone share the same split season dates: September 16 through October 12, October 18 through December 7, and December 20 through January 2, 2026.
West Central Wisconsin offers excellent opportunities for Canada goose hunting. You’ll find larger numbers of resident geese and much lower hunting pressure compared to other areas. The state’s position along major migration routes brings thousands of geese through each fall season.
Prime Hunting Locations Include:
- Agricultural fields near wetlands
- Public access lands throughout the state
- Green Bay and its surrounding areas
- Major river systems, especially the Mississippi River corridor
- Marshes and wetlands with nearby grain fields
You can hunt on all legally accessible bodies of water in Wisconsin. The DNR’s public access lands mapping system helps you locate hunting spots in your chosen zone. Many hunters target areas where feeding fields meet roosting waters.
Wisconsin’s geography creates a waterfowl hunter’s dream. Abundant wetlands provide roosting areas while local farmers’ fields offer perfect feeding grounds. This combination draws geese naturally and consistently throughout the season.
If you hunt on Green Bay, be aware of the new PFAS advisory for harvested mallards and wood ducks. You should check current advisories before consuming any waterfowl from this area.
