Waiting until the autumn or winter months is not always necessary for hunting in Wisconsin. Several species can be hunted year-round in the state. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources simply requires the purchase of a small-game permit and hunting license first.
Many animals that can be hunted throughout the year have rapidly growing populations or are considered a nuisance. Hunters can go after these animals at any time as long as they abide by other state hunting laws and regulations.
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Wisconsin is home to several small game species that can be hunted year-round:
1. Coyote
This cousin of the wolf, coyotes can grow as long as 52 inches and weigh as much as 42 pounds. Coyotes are considered a nuisance to livestock and domestic pets, so there is an unlimited daily bag limit.
There are also no restrictions on hunting hours for coyotes except during deer season when all hunting must follow the sunrise to sunset standard. As many as 20,000 coyotes reside in Wisconsin – mostly in the northern part of the state.
2. Snowshoe Hare
This type of hare is known for its long legs and large feet that also for easy movement across deep snow. Adults grow to as much as 20 inches long and weigh up to four pounds.
Snowshoe hares favor a diet of green vegetation and tree bark and can be destructive to young forests. Hunting with dogs is often the most effective way to bag a snowshoe hare. Carcasses and skins of these hares can be solid throughout the year.
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3. Skunk
A smelly reputation precedes skunks. These animals grow to the size of a large house cat. They have black and white fur and long bushy tails. Skunks spray a foul odor as a defense against predators. They eat insects, small rodents, and plants. There is no bag limit on skunks.
4. Porcupine
A large rodent, porcupines are covered from head to tail with thousands of quills. These animals can be found throughout northern Wisconsin and have few natural predators. Porcupines make nests out of trees and can make quick work of a garden – eating various fruits and vegetables. There is no bag limit on porcupines.
This article is for information only. Please check current regulations before hunting.
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