The short answer
Wisconsin's 2026 gun deer season runs Nov. 21–29, with archery and crossbow Sept. 12–Jan. 3, 2027, muzzleloader Nov. 30–Dec. 9 and the youth hunt Oct. 10–11 (Wisconsin DNR). It overlaps the peak for deer crashes: WisDOT says more than one-third of 2024's 17,000-plus deer crashes happened in October and November.
WisDOT's advice if a crash can't be avoided: brake firmly and stay in your lane; swerving can turn it into a worse crash. Preliminary 2025 data show 17,795 deer crashes statewide.
2026 deer season dates
| Season | 2026 dates |
|---|---|
| Archery and crossbow | Sept. 12 – Jan. 3, 2027 |
| Youth/disabled gun deer hunt | Oct. 10–11 |
| Gun | Nov. 21–29 |
| Muzzleloader | Nov. 30 – Dec. 9 |
| December 4-day antlerless-only | Dec. 10–13 |
Deer crashes: the numbers and what to do
- Use headlights at dusk and dawn; if one deer crosses, watch for more.
- If you can't avoid it: brake firmly and stay in your lane.
- After a crash: get the vehicle safely off the road, and report it (WisDOT).
Hit a deer? Have the vehicle checked before the next trip; call our service departments: Swant Graber Motors (Chevrolet, Ram, Dodge), 1690 E Division Ave, Barron, 715-537-5657; Swant Graber Ford, 1697 E Division Ave, Barron, 715-537-9500.
Truck setup for camp and hauling
- Payload: people, gear, a deer and a hitch-mounted carrier all count against the door-jamb payload, and a hitch carrier also counts against the receiver's tongue-weight rating.
- Lights: check headlights and aim before the gun season's early sunsets.
- Tires and 4WD: forest roads in late November can be frozen ruts or snow; check tread depth and engage 4WD before you need it.
- Recalls: run your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls before a long trip.
Before you head to camp
Deer camp truck checklist
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Questions
When is the 2026 Wisconsin gun deer season?
Nov. 21–29, 2026, statewide (Wisconsin DNR). Metro subunits run Nov. 21–Dec. 9.
What should I do if a deer runs in front of me?
WisDOT says to brake firmly and stay in your lane; avoid sudden swerving, which can cause a more serious crash.
When are deer crashes most common?
WisDOT says more than one-third of 2024's deer crashes happened in October and November, and deer are most active in early morning and evening.
Next steps at Swant Graber
Swant Graber Motors (Chevrolet, Ram, Dodge): 1690 E Division Ave, Barron, WI 54812, 715-537-5657. Swant Graber Ford: 1697 E Division Ave, 715-537-9500. Search new or used inventory, or see shop near you for model-by-model answers.
