September 9, 2026
The wait is over. Bear hunting season opens Wednesday, September 9, bringing hunters back into the Northwoods for one of Wisconsin’s most anticipated fall hunting traditions.
Here in Price County, the woods are already starting to feel like fall. Cooler mornings, changing leaves and long stretches of forest make this time of year a favorite for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
For those lucky enough to have a 2026 bear harvest authorization, opening day is a chance to get back in the woods, check those bait sites and put all that summer scouting to work.
Bear Season Begins September 9
Wisconsin’s 2026 black bear season runs from September 9 through October 13, with regulations varying by bear management zone.
Price County is located in Bear Management Zone A. From September 9–15, hunters in Zone A may hunt with the aid of bait and other legal methods that do not use dogs. Beginning September 16, hunters in Zones A, B and D may also hunt with the aid of dogs.
Hunters should know the regulations for the specific zone and area where they are authorized to hunt before heading into the woods.
The Wisconsin DNR has complete information on bear hunting regulations, season dates, hunting hours, management zones and registration requirements.
A Northwoods Tradition
Bear hunting has a long history in northern Wisconsin, and Price County offers the kind of landscape that makes the Northwoods such a popular destination for hunters.
With thousands of acres of forest, public hunting land and miles of backroads and trails, there is plenty of country to explore. Whether you’ve been hunting bear for years or are experiencing your first season, there’s something special about being in the woods before sunrise, listening to the forest wake up and waiting to see what comes in.
And while harvesting a bear may be the goal, the experience itself is a big part of what makes opening morning memorable.
Know Before You Go
Before heading out, hunters should make sure they have all required licenses and harvest authorizations and are familiar with the regulations for their management zone.
Shooting hours are especially important to keep in mind on opening morning. Bear hunting hours are 30 minutes before sunrise through 20 minutes after sunset. Hunters in Price County can check the 2026 Northern Shooting Hours to find the exact opening and closing times for each day of the season. (Wisconsin DNR)
The DNR also reminds successful hunters that harvested bears must be registered by 5 p.m. the day after recovery. Hunters should also review the current regulations for information on bear registration and required biological samples.
For complete and up-to-date information, visit the Wisconsin DNR Bear Hunting webpage, review the 2026 Northern Shooting Hours, and check the 2026–27 Wisconsin Hunting Regulations before heading into the field. (Wisconsin DNR)
Make a Trip of It
Bear season is another great reason to get outside and experience Price County in the fall.
After an early morning in the woods, grab breakfast at a local restaurant, stop into one of our local sporting goods stores, explore a trail or take a drive through the changing Northwoods. If you’re visiting from outside the area, make a weekend of it and enjoy everything Price County has to offer.
The hunt may be the reason you came, but it doesn’t have to be the only adventure.
Come See What Price County Has to Offer
Looking for your next Northwoods adventure? Whether you’re hoping to tag a bear, catch the biggest fish in Price County, discover a new favorite restaurant, experience one of our local festivals and events, explore miles of trails, spend a day on the water or simply get away from it all, there’s always something waiting for you here.
From Phillips and Park Falls to Prentice, Ogema, Fifield, Catawba, Kennan and beyond, every corner of Price County offers another reason to explore Wisconsin’s Northwoods.
Come see for yourself what Price County has to offer, make some memories and start planning your next adventure with Enjoy Price County.