Hunting season is back in Wisconsin, and September brings the first opportunities of the fall to get outside and enjoy the Northwoods.
Wisconsin’s 2026 early Canada goose and early teal seasons open September 1, giving hunters a chance to dust off the decoys, grab their gear and head afield before the regular duck season gets underway later this fall.
Here in Price County, early September is a great time to be outdoors. The forests are still green, cooler mornings are beginning to arrive and the first hints of fall are starting to show across the Northwoods.
Whether you’re setting decoys before sunrise, calling geese over an open field or watching teal zip across the water, there’s something special about that first hunt of the season.
Early Goose Season: September 1–15
Wisconsin’s early Canada goose season runs September 1 through September 15 statewide, with a daily bag limit of five Canada geese.
The early season provides additional hunting opportunities for Wisconsin’s abundant resident Canada goose population. According to the Wisconsin DNR, Wisconsin’s breeding Canada goose population was estimated at approximately 122,922 birds in 2026, and the DNR expects another strong goose season.
Early goose season also offers a different experience from those chilly hunts later in the fall. September mornings are often comfortable, the landscape is still green and there’s something hard to beat about hearing geese overhead as another day begins in the Northwoods.
Whether you’re an experienced waterfowl hunter or heading out with friends and family, it’s a great excuse to spend a September morning outside in Price County.
Early Teal Season: September 1–9
Wisconsin’s early teal season runs September 1 through September 9, with a daily bag limit of six teal.
These small, fast-moving ducks can make for an exciting hunt and an early taste of the waterfowl season to come.
Hunters should take extra care with bird identification during the early season. Only teal may be harvested during the early teal season, so hunters need to positively identify their target before taking a shot.
Early teal also has different shooting hours than other waterfowl seasons, so be sure to check the Wisconsin DNR’s current early teal shooting hours and regulations before heading out.
Find Your Hunting Spot in Price County
One of the best parts about hunting in Price County is simply having room to explore.
From forests and wetlands to lakes, rivers and backroads, the county offers a variety of landscapes for hunters to experience. The Price County Forest includes approximately 92,000 acres, providing plenty of public land and opportunities for outdoor recreation.
If you’re looking for a place to start, Enjoy Price County has Price County Forest Hunting Maps available online to help you explore public land and plan your next outing.
Explore Price County Hunting & Recreational Maps
The Wisconsin DNR also provides its Public Access Lands resources for hunters looking for additional public hunting opportunities throughout Wisconsin.
Wisconsin DNR Public Access Lands
Hunters should always confirm property boundaries and whether hunting is permitted before entering an area.
Know Before You Go
Before heading into the field, make sure you have the licenses, stamps, permits and registrations required for your hunt.
Wisconsin waterfowl hunters generally need a small game license, Wisconsin Waterfowl Stamp and Federal Migratory Bird Hunting Stamp. Hunters pursuing Canada geese also need a Canada Goose Permit, and migratory bird hunters must complete Harvest Information Program (HIP) registration. Requirements can vary based on age and the species being hunted, so always double-check current Wisconsin DNR regulations before heading afield.
Need a Hunting License?
If you still need to pick up your license before opening morning, there are several local options throughout Price County.
Phillips Area
- Ross’s Sport Shop
- Bader’s Sports Center
- Phillips Cenex
- Flambeau Sports General Store
Park Falls
- Park Falls True Value
- Park Falls R Store
- St. Croix Rods
Ogema
These are the same local license locations featured in other Enjoy Price County hunting and fishing resources. Local sporting goods shops can also be a great stop for last-minute gear, supplies and local knowledge before heading into the field.
You can also purchase Wisconsin hunting licenses, stamps and permits online through the DNR’s Go Wild system.
Purchase a Wisconsin Hunting License Through Go Wild
Check the Regulations Before You Hunt
Waterfowl hunting regulations cover everything from licenses and permits to bag limits, shooting hours and legal hunting methods.
Hunters should remember that regulations can change and should always review the current rules before heading into the field. Non-toxic shot is also required when hunting waterfowl in Wisconsin.
For complete and up-to-date information, visit:
Wisconsin DNR Waterfowl Hunting Information
Wisconsin DNR Hunting Regulations
Early teal hunters should pay particular attention to the DNR’s designated early teal shooting hours and species-identification requirements.
Make a Weekend of It
A morning in the field doesn’t have to be the end of the adventure.
Grab breakfast or lunch at a local restaurant, stop into one of our sporting goods stores, explore another corner of Price County or settle in for another early morning hunt.
If you’re traveling to Price County for hunting season, turn the trip into a Northwoods getaway.
Find Places to Stay in Price County
Find Places to Eat & Drink in Price County
Fall Starts Here
For many hunters, opening morning is about much more than filling a limit.
It’s loading up the truck while it’s still dark. It’s that first cup of coffee before sunrise. It’s watching the sky, listening for geese in the distance and spending a morning outdoors with friends and family.
And sometimes, the best part of the hunt is simply having another reason to get outside.
Early goose and teal season are just the beginning of another fall of hunting in Price County.
So dust off the decoys, grab your gear and set the alarm a little earlier.
Hunting season is back in Wisconsin. Come experience it in Price County.
Find Your Adventure in Price County
Ready to get outside? With hundreds of lakes, winding rivers, forests and miles of trails, Price County, Wisconsin is made for exploring. Head into the woods or wetlands for your next hunt, cast a line and see if you can catch the biggest fish in Price County, launch the boat for a day on the water, hike through the Northwoods, explore our forests or find a quiet spot where the only thing on the schedule is enjoying the view.
Before heading out, hunters and anglers can check the latest Wisconsin hunting regulations and Wisconsin fishing regulations from the Wisconsin DNR.
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 experience it for yourself and discover your next outdoor adventure with Enjoy Price County.