Wisconsin Holiday Hunt: A Winter Tradition for Deer Hunters
The Wisconsin Holiday Hunt is a cherished extension of deer hunting season that allows hunters to continue filling their freezers during the festive winter weeks. Beginning after the regular gun season ends, this special antlerless-only hunt offers an opportunity to manage deer populations while spending quality time in the woods among snow-covered landscapes. Whether you’re aiming to make the most of late-season whitetail activity or create family memories in the field, the Wisconsin Holiday Hunt is an event not to be missed.
What is the Wisconsin Holiday Hunt?
The Wisconsin Holiday Hunt is a late-season deer hunting opportunity created by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Officially introduced as part of the state’s Deer Management Program, this hunt takes place during the closing days of December and targets antlerless deer only. This allows for a focused effort on balancing deer populations in specific areas.
One important distinction is that the Wisconsin Holiday Hunt is not held statewide. Instead, participation is determined at the county level and based on recommendations made by County Deer Advisory Councils (CDACs). These local councils assess herd levels and habitat concerns and decide whether their counties will opt into the hunt.
The purpose of this hunt is two-fold: to give hunters additional time in the field and to help manage rapidly growing deer numbers, especially in agricultural zones where overpopulation can lead to crop damage. It’s also a chance for more antlerless harvests, further promoting conservation and sustainable wildlife practices.
2024 Wisconsin Holiday Hunt Dates and Regulations
The Wisconsin Holiday Hunt for 2024 is expected to take place from December 24 through January 1, although exact dates and participation vary by county. The hunt is antlerless-only, meaning hunters are restricted from harvesting bucks during this time.
You’ll need a valid Wisconsin hunting license, and antlerless tags specific to the Deer Management Unit (DMU) and land type (public or private) are required. You can purchase remaining tags through the Go Wild system provided by the Wisconsin DNR.
Legal weapon types vary and typically include rifles, shotguns, muzzleloaders, and archery equipment, depending on the county’s designated zone. Be sure to consult the most current DNR deer hunting regulations and check which counties are participating on the Wisconsin DNR’s Holiday Hunt information page.
Related Resource: For more on licensing and season requirements, read the article Everything You Need to Know About Wisconsin Hunting Seasons.
Best Public Hunting Lands for the Holiday Hunt in Wisconsin
One of the advantages of the Wisconsin Holiday Hunt is the availability of public land. While much of the participation is on private properties, several public-access areas across open counties offer great late-season opportunities.
In central Wisconsin, areas like the Mead Wildlife Area and parts of the Clark County Forest offer expansive terrain and good visibility in snow-covered conditions. Southern Wisconsin hunters often head to the Horicon Marsh State Wildlife Area or the Kettle Moraine State Forest. Meanwhile, northern counties participating in the hunt offer access to the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, which transforms into a quiet haven during the late season.
Be sure to consult the Wisconsin Hunt Zone Maps provided by the DNR and check land access via onX Hunt – a top-rated digital mapping app that helps hunters navigate property boundaries and public land access during hunts like this.
Tips for a Successful Holiday Hunt
Success during the Wisconsin Holiday Hunt depends on understanding how whitetails behave during winter months. Cold temperatures and snow alter deer movement significantly. With the rut over and pressured bucks seeking solitude, focus your scouting on thick bedding areas and travel corridors near food sources such as winter wheat, hay fields, or leftover corn.
Look for tracks and browse lines in the snow to determine recent deer activity. Scouting midday can reveal prime bedding areas without disturbing deer movement. It’s also helpful to hunt early morning or late afternoon during this short-window daylight period.
Layer your clothing appropriately. Start with moisture-wicking base layers and don’t forget insulated boots and gloves. Packing essentials like hand warmers and windproof outer shells can make long sits more comfortable.
Related Reading: For details on how to scout post-rut deer movement, review our article How to Find Late-Season Bucks in Wisconsin.
Gear Guide for Cold Weather Hunts
Late December and January in Wisconsin often mean sub-zero temperatures. Choosing the right gear is critical to enjoying and succeeding during the Wisconsin Holiday Hunt. Start with high-quality thermal base layers and wind-resistant outer layers to protect against freezing winds.
Boots like the Lacrosse Alphaburly Pro or the Irish Setter Ravines are designed for hunters braving extreme winter conditions. Gloves with removable liners and mitts that allow shooting access are ideal for keeping hands warm while maintaining dexterity.
Consider portable ground blinds for added concealment and wind protection. Those like the Ameristep Caretaker or the Barronett Big Mike allow space for youth hunters or heaters like the Buddy Heater from Mr. Heater, which provides extra warmth when stationary.
Optics matter even during snowy conditions—low-light binoculars with large objective lenses (around 50mm) are excellent for spotting deer at a distance during dusk and dawn when activity peaks.
The Community and Tradition of the Holiday Hunt
For many Wisconsin families, the Wisconsin Holiday Hunt has evolved into a seasonal tradition woven into holiday celebrations. It’s not uncommon to find families gathering at their hunting cabins after Christmas, combining holiday feasts with winter hunting excursions. For others, it’s a convenient way to mentor youth hunters while school is out for break.
Some Wisconsin communities even host events or “deer camps” to unite hunters, promote ethical harvest, and pass down stories from season to season. Hunting stories shared around the fireplace have become just as important as the hunt itself—a powerful part of Wisconsin’s cultural fabric.
Conservation and Population Management Benefits
The Wisconsin Holiday Hunt plays a pivotal role in local deer management strategies. By focusing solely on harvesting antlerless deer, the hunt helps stabilize growing populations without heavily impacting the antlered segment of the herd. That’s especially relevant in over-browsed habitats where deer pressure can alter forest composition.
Additionally, each hunting license and tag purchased during the Wisconsin Holiday Hunt contributes funds through the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act (Pittman-Robertson Act). These dollars are invested back into wildlife research, habitat improvement, and conservation programs across the state.
By participating in this hunt, you’re not merely enjoying the outdoors—you’re actively contributing to ecological balance and ensuring healthy deer herds for generations.
Conclusion
The Wisconsin Holiday Hunt remains one of the best-kept secrets in the state’s hunting calendar. Whether you view it as a strategic opportunity to fill your antlerless tags or a treasured annual tradition with family, it is a testament to Wisconsin’s commitment to conservation, accessibility, and community. Understanding the zones, preparing for cold weather, and leveraging smart tactics in snowy habitats sets you up for success.
Plan ahead, check county-specific guidelines through the Wisconsin DNR, and don’t forget to introduce someone new to the field this season. The memories made during the Wisconsin Holiday Hunt often last as long as the venison in your freezer—and sometimes longer.
External Resources Referenced
- Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/): For licensing, county participation, and up-to-date regulations
- onX Hunt App (https://www.onxmaps.com/hunt): A trusted GPS and mapping tool for identifying public/private land boundaries and planning hunting routes
Internal Articles Referenced
- Best Deer Hunting Seasons and Regional Strategies
- Top 7 Expert Tips for Successful Late Season Deer Hunting 2024
Let the snow guide your steps, the holiday spirit warm your heart, and the white-tailed deer fill your sights during this year’s Wisconsin Holiday Hunt.
