Updated as of 10/14/2025 - "Muzzleloaders may be used statewide during any firearm deer season.
• Wisconsin muzzleloader regulations require shoulder-fired guns to be at least .45 caliber if smoothbore or .40 caliber if rifled, with handguns needing to be .44 caliber or larger with a 7-inch minimum barrel. Scopes are permitted, and in-line muzzleloaders are legal. As of 2024, encapsulated propellant charges, like those used in Federal Firestick systems, are now permitted for muzzleloader-only season hunting in Wisconsin
• Telescopic sights may be used during all firearm deer seasons.
• During the muzzleloader-only deer season, all muzzleloaders must have a solid threaded breech plug making them capable of being loaded only from the muzzle.
• You may not hunt Elk with a muzzleloader that is less than .45 caliber or a muzzleloading handgun."
WISCONSIN MUZZLELOADER HUNTING SEASONS
Muzzleloader Deer Season
| Season Dates | Bag Limit | Weapon | Notes |
| Dec 1st - Dec 10th | See Page 8 Of Deer Regs. | Muzzleloader Only |
Muzzleloader Bear Season
| Season Dates | Bag Limit | Weapon | Zone(s) | Notes |
| Sept. 3 – 9 | See Bear Regs | Muzzleloader Allowed | A, B & D |
dogs only |
| Sept. 10 – 30 | See Bear Regs | Muzzleloader Allowed | A, B & D | bait or dogs |
|
Oct. 1 – 7 |
See Bear Regs | Muzzleloader Allowed | A, B & D | bait |
| Sept. 3 – Oct. 7 | See Bear Regs | Muzzleloader Allowed | C, E & F | no dogs |
WISCONSIN MUZZLELOADER HUNTING SEASON REGULATIONS
- In-line muzzleloaders are legal
- Muzzleloading long guns must be .45 cal or larger if smooth bored
- Muzzleloading long guns must be .40 cal or larger if rifled
- Muzzleloading handguns must be .44 cal or larger
- Muzzleloading handguns must have a barrel 7" or longer
- Handgun projectiles must be 138-grains or heavier
- Black powder revolvers or NOT legal during the muzzleloader only deer season
- Scopes are legal during muzzleloader hunts
- Muzzleloaders must have a solid threaded breech plug during muzzleloader season
- To hunt elk Muzzleloaders must be .45 cal or larger
- Muzzleloading handguns are prohibited during elk season
This information is subject to change, for more information visit: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
HAVE WISCONSIN MUZZLELOADER HUNTING SEASON QUESTIONS?
Muzzleloader Hunting season is the best for low-pressure hunting and plentiful wildlife. If you are new to muzzleloaders or would like more information on your state's muzzleloader hunting regulations, make sure to give us a call. Muzzle-Loaders.com is focused on promoting black powder hunting in all 50 states and can help you determine when your particular state's hunting season starts. If you have questions about Wisconsin Muzzleloader Hunting Season, please call us at 1-855-236-5000 or email us at sales@muzzle-loaders.com.
