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DNR: 2024 gun-deer season saw higher harvest and the lowest nonfatal hunting incidents in decades
Summary
The Department of Natural Resources reported a 7% increase in total deer harvest in 2024, excellent safety results with a single nonfatal hunting incident recorded, and highlights from license sales and hunter demographics.
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources released a summary of the 2024 deer season: total reported harvest rose to about 320,000 animals, up roughly 7% from 2023. The department reported especially strong archery-season results and noted a stable pattern in license sales. Importantly, the agency recorded just one nonfatal hunting incident during the nine-day 2024 firearm season—the fewest in the department's 40-year record of tracking incidents.
Why it matters: Harvest levels and safety statistics are primary measures of wildlife program performance. An increase in harvest — driven in part by archery participation and an extra week of archery opportunities in the calendar year — can affect future quota-setting and management decisions. The low incident total draws attention to the role of hunter education, outreach, and enforcement in supporting public safety.
License and participation figures: The DNR said about 793,880 hunting licenses were sold across categories, a small increase overall. About 68% of licenses were purchased online; the remainder at agents and service centers. The department reported growth in patron sales and noted continued interest from out-of-state and international license buyers.
Public-safety and outreach: The DNR credited hunter-education courses, expanded outreach and public information campaigns, and the efforts of volunteer instructors for the outstanding safety record. The agency’s law enforcement (Conservation Warden Service) reported extensive patrol contacts and hotline tips during the season.
What’s next: Department staff said they will use the harvest data to inform quota-setting and management discussions for the 2025 season and will continue outreach and hunter-education efforts.
