WISCONSIN laws

Wisconsin Statutes 

Wisconsin Administrative Code

CAPTIVE WILD ANIMALS

 PERMIT or other approval required for all wild animals (mammal, bird, reptile, amphibian, mollusk, or arthropod). 

• EXCLUDES:
  
  • Fish
    
  • harmful wild animals (See section)
    
  • mollusks or arthropods that are plant pests, honeybee pests, general pests
    

• GRANDFATHERED: wild-caught white-tailed deer by rehabilitator in Walworth County taken before 8/1/03
  
  • NEED double fenced area, tag, notify DATCP of disease, send carcass for testing if dies and destroy all other deer if CWD found, AND NOT bred or removed from facility
    
  • Department may seize escaped ones if traveled more than 3 miles or not caught in 24 hours
    

• EXEMPT DOMESTIC ANIMALS:
  
  • Farmed raised deer
    
  • Livestock (bovine animals, equine animals, goats, poultry, sheep, swine other than wild hogs, farm-raised deer, farm-raised game birds, South American camelids, ratites, and fish)
    
  • Poultry (domesticated fowl like chickens, turkeys, and waterfowl bred for exhibition or eggs or meat)
    
  • Farm-raised game birds not released
    
  • Ratites
    
  • Farm-raised fish not released
    
  • Captive bred foxes, fitch, nutria, marten, fisher, mink, chinchilla, rabbit, or caracul not endangered or threatened
    
  • Pet birds
    
  • Animal species domesticated by humans
    

• EXEMPT ANIMALS 169.04(4)(a) – must not be endangered or threatened:
  
  • Arthropods
    
  • Chipmunks
    
  • Pocket gophers
    
  • Mice
    
  • Moles
    
  • Mollusks
    
  • Opossums
    
  • Pigeons
    
  • Porcupines
    
  • Rats
    
  • Shrews
    
  • English sparrows
    
  • Starlings
    
  • Ground squirrels
    
  • Red squirrels
    
  • Voles
    
  • Weasels
    

• EXEMPT NONNATIVE: ALL nonnative
  
  • EXCLUDES:
    
    • Endangered and threatened
      
    • Ring-necked pheasant, Reeve’s pheasant, chukar partridge, gray partridge, or red-legged partridge
      
      • LIMITED TO: bird hunting preserve license, a dog training license, a hound training license, a dog club training license, a dog trial license, or a hound trial license
        
    • Nonnative migratory birds (Anatidae)
      
    • Nonnative harmful wild animals (cougar, bear, wild swine, mute swan, wolf hybrids)
      

• OTHER EXEMPTIONS:
  
  • transferring to a vet or rehabilitator, transfer to more appropriate location, or holding for game censuses or surveys – must be less than 24 hours unless given extension
    
    • BANS removing scent glands from skunk unless person is Class A or B captive wild animal farm or is transporting to vet or is vet
      
  • animals brought in by nonresident up to 60 days with certificate of veterinary inspection
    
  • Veterinarian providing treatment
    
  • public zoos and aquariums
    
  • circuses or Circus World Museum
    
  • the department
    
  • animal markets and truckers
    
  • animal dealers who hold animals for less than 10 days for resale or slaughter
    
  • native wild reptiles and amphibians (regulated by 169.12)
    

PERMITS:

• Captive Wild Animal Farm License (possess, propagate, kill, exhibit, purchase and sell wild animals – required for skunks)
  
  • Classes:
    
    • Class A ($10,000+ annual sales)
      
    • Class B (less than $10,000)
      
  • Must notify department within 24 hours of escape of bears, felines, canines
    

• Wild Fur Farm License (possess, propagate and sell muskrat, beaver, coyote, raccoon, otter, and mink not in pens)
  
  • ALLOWS: take of beaver, coyote, mink, muskrat, otter, opossum, raccoon, skunk and weasel on own property
    
  • BANS: badger, bobcat, fisher, fox, lynx, marten, rabbit or wolf unless allowed; live skunks
    
  • Limited to 40-640 acres, single parcel, follow requirements for take of otter
    
  • Exempt from trapping approval and limits except otters
    

• Bird Hunting Preserve License (Possess, stock, propagate, release, sell, purchase listed birds for hunting on 40-640 acres)
  
  • CLASSES:
    
    • Class A (>1000 adult pheasants)
      
    • Class B (up to 1000 adult pheasants)
      
  • LIST: ring-necked pheasant, reeve’s pheasant, New World quail (Odontophorinae), gray partridge, chukar partridge, red-legged partridge, captive-bred mallard ducks, wild turkeys outside hunting zone
    

• Bird Dog Training License (purchase, possess, release, and hunt to train bird dogs to catch captive birds)
  
  • LIMITED TO: species listed under hunting preserves except turkeys
    
  • EXEMPT: bird hunting preserves and dog club training properties
    

• Hound Dog Training License (purchase, possess, release and hunt to train hound dogs to track captive game)
  
  • LIMITED TO: captive bobcat, coyote, fox, raccoon, rabbit along with American black bear under captive wild animal farm license
    

• Dog Club Training License (allows club or members to purchase, possess, release and hunt captive game to train dogs on club property)
  
  • BANS sales and competitive events under license
    
  • ALLOWS: same species as bird hunting preserve except turkeys
    

• Hound Dog Training Enclosure License
  

• Bird Dog Trial License (purchase, possess, release, and hunt captive birds for competitive events for sporting breeds)
  
  • ALLOWS: same species as bird hunting preserve except turkeys
    
  • BANS commercial shoots AND sale and breeding of bobwhite quail or mallards
    

• Hound Dog Trial License (purchase, possess, release and hunt with hound dogs for competitive events to track captive game)
  
  • LIMITED TO: rabbit, raccoon, American black bear, fox, coyote, bobcat
    

• Rehabilitation License (rehabilitate wild animals)
  
  • EXCLUDES: harmful wild animals
    

• Scientific Research License (take, possess, kill or propagate native wildlife to engage in study or research for increased, useful scientific knowledge)
  
  • EXEMPT: wild plants, unprotected wild animals, game farm/fish hatchery animals
    
  • Endangered and threatened require permission
    
  • May give to educational institution for exhibition or education or keep by environmental consulting organization after
    

• Nonprofit Educational Exhibiting License (exhibition of native animals, cougars and exotic bears and sale of excess animals)
  
  • LIMITED TO: nature centers, aquariums, and educational institutions
    
  • Must comply with handling, care, pen, exhibition and transport rules
    

• Nonresident Temporary Exhibiting License (possess and exhibit native animals and bears for motion pictures, TV, theatrical acts, carnivals or other displays)
  
  • Must comply with exhibition rule
    

(Wisconsin Statutes 29.875, 169.04, 169.085, 169.17 to 169.27, 169.31 to 169.46; Wisconsin Admin. Code DATCP Ch. 10, NR 16-18, 19.11, 19.70 to 19.83)

 

NATIVE SPECIES

PERMIT required for those not listed in 169.04(4)(a).

• EXEMPT:
  
  • transferring to another location or holding for censuses or surveys less than 24 hours
    
  • animals brought in for up to 60 days
    
  • vets
    
  • public zoos and aquariums
    
  • circuses or Circus World Museum
    
  • the department
    
  • licensed animal markets except propagation
    
  • animal truckers and licensed animal dealers (for possession and taking from the wild only) who hold animals for less than 10 days
    

• PERMITS:
  
  • Captive Wild Animal Farm License (possession, propagation, exhibiting, purchase and sale of wild animals, cougars and bears and is required for skunks)
    
    • Class A (over $10,000 annual sales)
      
    • Class B (less than $10,000)
      
  • Wild Fur Farm License (possessing and propagating certain furbearers on 40+ acres of land not in pens)
    
  • Nonprofit Educational Exhibiting License (exhibition of native animals, cougars and exotic bears and sale of excess animals for nature centers, aquariums, and educational institutions)
    
  • Nonresident Temporary Exhibiting License (possession and exhibition of native animals and bears for motion pictures, TV, theatrical acts, carnivals or other displays)
    
  • Rehabilitation License
    
  • Scientific Research License
    

(Wisconsin Statutes Ch. 169; Wisconsin Admin Code Nat. Res. 16)

WILD ANIMALS (cont.) – TAKE

BANS take of wild animals.

• EXEMPT:
  
  • bird hunting preserve license
    
  • wild fur farm license
    
  • rehabilitation license
    
  • scientific research license
    
  • falconry
    
  • exempt animals 169.04(4)(a) above
    
  • veterinarian providing treatment
    
  • department
    

• BANNED: harmful wild animals
  
• EXCLUDES: native reptiles and amphibians regulated under 169.12
  

(Wisconsin Statutes Ch. 169.05)

WILD ANIMALS (cont.) – INTRODUCTION, STOCKING, RELEASE

BANS introduction, stocking and release and import for such purposes of wild animals.

• EXEMPT:
  
  • bird hunting preserve license
    
  • wild fur farm license
    
  • rehabilitation license
    
  • scientific research license
    
  • falconry
    
  • Accidentally trapped animals being released
    
  • Those given authorization
    

PERMIT (Stocking Permit) required to purchase and possess wild animals for stocking or introduction.

• EXEMPT: ring-necked pheasants and gray partridge on private land
  

REQUIREMENTS:

• birds must come from NPIP stock
  
• Need CVI if authorized animal is exposed to disease
  

(Wisconsin Statutes Ch. 169.06, 169.23; Wisconsin Admin. Code NR 16.23)

 

WILD ANIMALS (cont.) – EXHIBITION

BANS exhibition of harmful wild animals.

LIMITS exhibition of captive native animals or nonnative bears to:

• captive wild animal farm license (limited to animals on permit)
  
• rehabilitation license (limited to animals on permit)
  
• nonprofit educational exhibiting license
  
• nonresident temporary exhibiting license
  
• falconry
  

EXEMPT:

• exempt animals in 169.04(4)(a) and exempt nonnative animals under possession law
  
• public zoo or aquarium
  
• circus or the Circus World Museum
  
• department
  
• animal markets
  
• animal dealers who possess them less than 10 days for resale or slaughter
  

(Wisconsin Statutes Ch. 169.07)

WILD ANIMALS (cont.) – PROPAGATION

BANS propagation of harmful wild animals.

LIMITS propagation of native wild animals and nonnative bears to:

• captive wild animal farm license
  
• bird hunting preserve license
  
• wild fur farm license
  
• nonprofit educational exhibiting license
  
• scientific research license
  

EXEMPT:

• exempt animals in 169.04(4)(a) and exempt nonnative animals under possession law
  
• public zoo or aquarium
  
• circus or the Circus World Museum
  
• department
  

(Wisconsin Statutes Ch. 169.08)

 

WILD ANIMALS (cont.) – CAPTIVE HUNTING

LIMITS hunting of captive wild animals to:

• bird hunting preserve license
  
• bird dog training license
  
• hound dog training license
  
• dog club training license
  
• bird dog trial license
  
• hound dog trial license
  

BANS selling opportunity to hunt captive wildlife except bird hunting preserve license along with dog training license if not released into wild or shot or killed. 

• EXCLUDES: competitive field trials and dog club fees
  

(Wisconsin Statutes Ch. 169.09)

WILD ANIMALS (cont.) – SALE AND PURCHASE

EXCLUDES sales and purchase of harmful wild animals.

BANS sales of deer, elk, squirrel, game bird, game fish, bears and wild animals during closed season.

• EXEMPT: farm-raised deer/fish/game birds, fish produced in municipal fish hatchery, wild animal in Ch. 169; various parts, fur-bearing animals with registration tag
  

Sales of native and nonnative wild animals not exempt in 169.04(4)(a) and (b) LIMITED TO:

• captive wild animal farm license
  
• bird hunting preserve license
  
• wild fur farm license
  
• nonprofit educational exhibiting license
  
• falconry
  

Purchases of nonexempt native and nonnative animals LIMITED TO:

• captive wild animal farm license
  
• bird hunting preserve license
  
• bird dog training license
  
• hound dog training license
  
• dog club training license
  
• bird dog trial license
  
• hound dog trial license
  
• nonprofit educational exhibiting license
  
• stocking license or falconry
  

 
EXEMPT:

• Nonresidents purchasing if not in state more than 10 days
  
• public zoo or aquarium.
  
• circus or the Circus World Museum
  
• department
  
• animal markets and dealers
  
• Native reptiles and amphibians regulated by 169.12
  

(Wisconsin Statutes Ch. 29.539, 169.10; Wisconsin Admin Code NR 16-18)

CAPTIVE WILD ANIMAL FARMS (cont.)

BANS wild or feral swine under captive wild animal farm license.

• GRANDFATHERED: those who held them 7/1/10 that obtained license and possess them for producing human food
  

REQUIREMENTS:

• Pens and proper care
  
• Waterfowl must be kept in covered pens during open season
  
• Mute swans need covered pen
  
  • EXCEPTION: ones pinioned by 4 weeks of age if confined in pen OR those sexually neutered and pinioned by 4 weeks of age if confined to property and not on waters of state unless completely bordered by land on owner’s property
    

WOLF HYBRIDS

BANS taking wolf hybrids to dog parks or similar public areas. 

Wolf hybrids are considered captive wildlife.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Meet wild animal requirements except allowed to be walked on leash and kept in homes instead of meeting pen standards
  
• Outdoor ones must meet timber wolf requirements
  
• altered by 6 months and have a tattoo, microchip or other permanent identification. 
  

(Wisconsin Admin. Code NR 16.15)

FISH

BANS transporting live Asian carp (bighead, black, grass, silver and other nonnative) over land. 

• EXEMPT: common carp, goldfish, koi
  

BANS sale, barter and trade of fish taken by hook and line from outlying waters.

• EXEMPT: rough fish, eggs from trout/salmon not farm-raised fish if removed in buyer’s presence, taxidermy school permit
  

BANS transporting live fish or eggs away from inland or outlying waters, banks or shores.

• EXEMPT:
  
  • Export in compliance with APHIS
    
  • Those tested free of VHS using DATCP methods
    
  • Prior written approval
    
  • Minnows harvested by bait dealer under wild bait harvest permit
    
  • Minnows from state bait dealer while on such water if not exposed to the water or fish there
    
  • Minnows from state bait dealer for use as bait while on such water
    

PERMITS issued:

• Fish Stocking Permit
  
  • EXEMPT: civic organizations, newspapers or television stations or sport shows promoters while publicly showing fishing of fish for up to 10 days if in tank or artificially constructed pond and certified
    

• Bait Dealer License (buy for resale or sells bait)
  
  • TYPES:
    
    • Class A (sales $2000+/year)
      
    • Class B (sales less than $2000/year)
      
  • EXEMPT: those under 16 selling to consumer, fish produced in state or municipal fish hatchery, farm-raised fish
    

• Wild Bait Harvest Permit (bait dealers to collect minnows for sale as bait)
  
  • ALSO NEED: Bait Dealer’s License
    
    • EXEMPT: those under 16 with 5000/species and sales up to $500/year
      
  • May NOT mix with farm-raised
    

• Wholesale Fish Dealer License (buys, barters, sells for sale except to consumer)
  
  • BANS lake sturgeon
    
  • EXEMPT: those produced in state or municipal fish hatchery and farm-raised by fish farm
    
  • Required for wild-caught rough fish from WI-MN or WI-IA boundary waters sold to anyone except final consumer
    

• Scientific Collectors Permit (collect live fish and wild animal nest/carcass for scientific purposes)
  
  • EXEMPT: wild plants, unprotected wild animals, game farm/fish hatchery animals
    
  • Endangered and threatened require permission
    
  • May give to educational institution for exhibition or education or keep by environmental consulting organization after
    

REQUIREMENTS:

• Wild-caught game fish from inland waters transported by common carrier must only have 1 owner per container, and those with minimum size may only be transported dead
  
  • EXEMPT: farm-raised fish or produced in municipal fish hatchery, taxidermist
    
• Wild-caught game fish from outlying waters may only be shipped from port during open season or 3 days after (excludes suckers), and those with minimum size may only be transported dead
  
  • EXEMPT: farm-raised fish or produced in municipal fish hatchery, taxidermist
    
• department may furnish fish from state hatcheries to private ponds, clubs, corporations or preserves with agreement
  
• approval needed to catch fish from state waters for propagation
  
• health certificate to introduce in waters of state except import of 600 for personal use bait not VHS-susceptible
  
• health certificate to transport VHS susceptible from Class 3 farm
  
  • EXCLUDES: between Class 3; food processing plant, retail food establishment, or restaurant; to location for direct sale to consumer
    
• Health certificate for bait dealer distributing VHS-susceptible fish for bait if wild-caught in last 12 months or from Type 3 farm
  
• Sales of wild-caught from WI-MN or WI-IA boundary waters limited to rough fish during open season
  
• MN and IA residents may transport fish and turtles caught in boundary waters with WI to land in WI and transport back to state of residence
  

(Wisconsin Statutes 29.407, 29.503, 29.509, 29.539, 29.614, 29.701 to 29.707, 29.733, 29.735 to 29.736; Wisconsin Admin. Code DATCP 10.63 to 10.67; NR 19.05, 19.057, 19.11, 20.14, 21.05, 21.14, 22.05, 22.14, 25.17, 25.19)

ROUGH FISH

PERMIT required to import and transport live rough fish.

• EXEMPT:
  
  • goldfish, dace, suckers
    
  • State contract to remove rough fish
    

(Wisconsin Statutes 29.407)

DETRIMENTAL FISH

Department may remove certain detrimental fish from listed waters.

LIST: for waters listed in code only

• Bullheads
  
• Catfish
  
• Panfish
  
• White bass
  
• Nonindigenous and hybrids (all waters except where permitted)
  

(Wisconsin Statutes 29.424(1); Wisconsin Admin. Code NR 20.38)

 

OTHER PERMITS

• Falconry Permit (use raptors in falconry)
  
• Fur Dealer License (business of buying, bartering, trading furs)  
  
• Taxidermist Permit
  

(Wisconsin Statutes 29.319, 29.501; Wisconsin Admin. Code NR 18)

NONGAME ANIMALS

Department has authority to limit take, possession, transport, processing, sale, and offer for sale of nongame.

(Wisconsin Statutes 29.039)

 

PROTECTED AND UNPROTECTED WILD ANIMALS

BANS take, transport and possession of these protected wild animals unless authorized.

• cougar, Canada lynx, badger, moose, gray wolf, wolverine and flying squirrel
  
  • EXCLUDES: take cougar or wolf to protect domestic animal
    
• Endangered or threatened species
  
• Albino and white deer all white (head may be different)
  
• Prairie chicken, Canada spruce grouse (spruce hen), swans, cranes, bitterns, plovers, kingfishers, cormorants, herons, sandpipers and grebes
  
• Eagles, hawks, falcons, and owls except falconry
  
• Hen pheasants except as allowed by regulations
  
• Wild birds not covered in Ch. 10
  
• Timber rattlesnake
  
  • GRANDFATHERED: wild-caught owned 4/1/98
    
  • EXEMPT:
    
    • protect person or domestic animal
      
    • captive born and imported
      
• Gophersnake, gray ratsnake, and North American racer
  
• Blanding's turtle
  

EXEMPT ABOVE: dog training and dog trials

LEGAL WITHOUT LIMIT is all unprotected wild animals listed:

• Opossum, porcupine, skunk, weasel, and woodchuck
  
• Chukar partridge, coturnix quail, English sparrow, Eurasian collared dove, and starlings
  
• wild animals not listed in Ch. 10
  

(Wisconsin Admin Code NR 10.03 to 10.04, 19.25)

ENDANGERED AND THREATENED SPECIES

BANS take, transport, possession, processing, sale, introduction, stocking, release, exhibition, propagation, rehabilitation, purchase, and transfer of federal foreign and native and state endangered and threatened species.

• PERMIT (Endangered and Threatened Species Permit) issued for educational, zoological, scientific and propagation for preservation purposes
  
• PERMIT (Incidental Take Permit) issued for incidental takings
  

• GRANDFATHERED: no permit needed for species owned before being added with proof and permanent marking
  
• EXEMPT:
  
  • Federal only species if allowed under federal law
    
  • possession, sale or transport of federal foreign endangered species
    
  • Native American Indian with bald eagles for religious purposes with federal permit
    
  • zoological societies, municipal zoos, and officers or employees
    
  • bulk sampling activities if not injured or wounded
    
  • state agencies for allowed activities
    
  • imported carcasses, furs and parts with permanent locked seal
    
  • imported articles of clothing made from fur or hide
    

LIST: (Also includes plants)

Endangered:

• US native and foreign endangered
  
• Mammals:
  
  • American Marten
    
• Birds:
  
  • Piping Plover
    
  • Black Tern
    
  • Peregrine Falcon
    
  • Worm-Eating Warbler
    
  • Caspian Tern
    
  • Loggerhead Shrike
    
  • Red-necked Grebe
    
  • Yellow-Throated Warbler
    
  • Kirtland's Warbler
    
  • Forster's Tern
    
  • Common Tern
    
• Reptiles:
  
  • Ornate Box Turtle
    
  • Slender Glass Lizard
    
  • Queensnake
    
  • Western Ribbonsnake
    
  • Eastern Ribbonsnake
    
  • Eastern Massasauga
    
• Amphibians:
  
  • Blanchard's Cricket Frog
    
• Fish:
  
  • Skipjack Herring
    
  • Crystal Darter
    
  • Gravel Chub
    
  • Bluntnose Darter
    
  • Starhead Topminnow
    
  • Goldeye
    
  • Pallid Shiner
    
  • Striped Shiner
    
  • Black Redhorse
    
  • Slender Madtom
    
• Insects:
  
  • Pecatonica River Mayfly
    
  • Red-veined Prairie Leafhopper
    
  • Leafhopper (Attenuipyga vanduzeei)
    
  • Swamp Metalmark Butterfly
    
  • Hairy-necked Tiger Beetle
    
  • Ottoe Skipper
    
  • Northern Blue Butterfly
    
  • Giant Carrion Beetle
    
  • Poweshiek Skipper
    
  • Extra-striped Snaketail Dragonfly
    
  • Saint Croix Snaketail Dragonfly
    
  • Silphium Borer Moth
    
  • Phlox Moth
    
  • Incurvate Emerald
    
  • Hine's Emerald Dragonfly
    
  • Regal Fritillary
    
  • Flat-headed Mayfly (Spinadis simplex)
    
  • Knobel's Riffle Beetle
    
  • Lake Huron Locust
    
• Mussels:
  
  • Spectaclecase
    
  •  Purple Wartyback
    
  • Butterfly
    
  • Elephant Ear
    
  • Snuffbox
    
  • Ebonyshell
    
  • Higgins Eye Pearly Mussel
    
  • Yellow and Slough Sandshell
    
  • Sheepnose
    
  • Winged Mapleleaf
    
  • Rainbow Shell
    
• Snails:
  
  • Hubricht's Vertigo
    
  • Occult Vertigo
    

Threatened:

• US native and foreign endangered
  
• Mammals:
  
  • Little brown bat
    
  • Big brown bat
    
  • Northern long-eared bat
    
  • Eastern pipistrelle
    
• Birds:
  
  • Henslow's sparrow
    
  • Great Egret
    
  • Upland Sandpiper
    
  • Red-shouldered Hawk
    
  • Yellow Rail
    
  • Acadian Flycatcher
    
  • Spruce Grouse
    
  • Kentucky Warbler
    
  • Yellow-Crowned Night Heron
    
  • Cerulean Warbler
    
  • Hooded Warbler
    
  • Greater Prairie Chicken
    
  • Bell Vireo
    
• Reptiles:
  
  • Wood turtle
    
• Amphibians: NONE
  
• Fish:
  
  • Blue Sucker
    
  • Black Buffalo
    
  • Longear Sunfish
    
  • Redfin Shiner
    
  • Shoal Chub
    
  • River Redhorse
    
  • Pugnose Shiner
    
  • Ozark Minnow
    
  • Gilt Darter
    
  • Paddlefish
    
• Insects:
  
  • Frosted Elfin
    
  • An Issid Planthopper (Fitchiella robertsoni)
    
  • A Prairie Leafhopper (Polyamia dilata)
    
  • Spatterdock Darner Dragonfly
    
• Mussels:
  
  • Slippershell
    
  • Rock Pocketbook
    
  • Monkeyface
    
  • Wartyback
    
  • Salamander Mussel
    
  • Buckhorn
    
  • Fawnsfoot
    
  • Ellipse
    
• Snails:
  
  • Wing Snaggletooth
    
  • Cherrystone Drop
    

(Wisconsin Statutes 29.604, 169.30; Wisconsin Admin. Code NR 27)

NATIVE FROGS

SEASON: Saturday nearest May 1 to Dec 31

ILLEGAL METHOD: firearms and air guns

LIMIT: 5 per species (same as for all unlisted reptiles and amphibians)

(Wisconsin Admin. Code NR 19.26)

 

NATIVE TURTLES (Except WI-MN/WI-IA Boundary)

BANS Blanding’s turtle and endangered and threatened species unless authorized.

APPROVAL for fishing or hunting small game required to take turtles unless exempt. 

SEASON: Jul 15 to Nov 30

LIMIT:

• Snapping and softshell - take and possess 3/day each
  
• Others – take and possess 5/day combined
  

SIZE LIMIT: snapping turtles – 12-16”

METHODS:

• Fishing license - hoop net turtle traps, hand, hook and line
  
• Setline or set and bank pole license – setline, set and bank pole
  
• Hooking
  

RESTRICTIONS:

• fish as bait limited to same water or minnows from bait dealer or written approval
  
• not use hook and line, setline or bank pole where not allowed
  

• Hoop net turtle trap:
  
  • 6”+ stretched with nylon or stretchable fabric
    
  • funnel entrance with one end tied off to sides or opposite end
    
  • placed on stream, river, lake or pond bed so it is at least 2” above surface
    
  • checked daily
    
  • stamped or engraved metal tag with name and address or ID number
    
  • operator listed on trap
    
  • be at least 200’ from fishway, lock, or dam
    

(Wisconsin Admin. Code NR 19.275)

 

TURTLES (WI-MN BOUNDARY)

BANS Blanding’s turtle and endangered and threatened species unless authorized.

APPROVAL for fishing or hunting small game required to take turtles unless exempt. 

SEASON: Jul 15 to Nov 30

LIMIT:

• Snapping – take and possess 10/day
  
• softshell - take and possess 5/day
  
• Others – take and possess 5/day combined
  

SIZE LIMIT: snapping turtles – 12-16”

METHODS:

• hoop net turtle traps, hand, hook and line, hooking, or incidental to commercial fishing under trammel net license, slate net license or net licenses
  

RESTRICTIONS: same as for nonboundary waters

• MN residents may transport fish and turtles caught in boundary waters with WI to land in WI and transport back to MN
  

(Wisconsin Admin. Code NR 21.13, 21.14)

 

TURTLES (WI-IA BOUNDARY)

BANS Blanding’s turtle and endangered and threatened species unless authorized.

APPROVAL for fishing or hunting small game required to take turtles unless exempt. 

 
SEASON/LIMIT/SIZE/METHODS: Same as for Wisconsin-Minnesota boundary

RESTRICTIONS: same as for nonboundary waters

• IA residents may transport fish and turtles caught in boundary waters with WI to land in WI and transport back to IA
  

(Wisconsin Admin. Code NR 22.13, 22.14)

 

OTHER NATIVE REPTILES AND AMPHIBIANS

TAKE AND POSSESSION

BANS endangered and threatened species.

• PERMIT for zoo, education or science
  
• EXEMPT: import; possess and sell federal foreign endangered species
  

Wild-take and possession of all other native reptiles and amphibians is limited to the following:

• Take and killing of native frogs for bait – limit 5 per subspecies per 24 hours
  
• 5 per species of amphibians, lizards and snakes not listed
  
• 2 per species of gophersnake, North American racer or gray ratsnake if imported (no wild-take or in-state purchase)
  
• Take/possess 2 Eastern foxsnake and milksnake
  
• Offspring of lizards/snakes that cause over limits above for 3 months (must give away)
  
• 1 amphibian egg mass or larvae if returned after turning into adults except 5 may be kept
  
• More than 5 Northern leopard frogs, mudpuppies, and Eastern tiger salamanders by Class A captive wild animal farm along with native reptiles and amphibians sold from out of state to educational or research institutions
  
• Nonresidents: BANS amphibians, lizards and snakes and eggs
  
  • EXEMPT: those kept in the state not more than 60 days with CVI filed with DATCP and native frogs killed for bait
    
• Publicly owned museums and AZA (no possession and size limits)
  
• Accredited colleges, universities and other educational or research institutions for research or education (no possession or size limits)
  
• Take/possess more than 5 native amphibians (5/subspecies) for bait for bait dealer or fish farm
  
• Possess unlimited atypically colored or patterned herptiles
  
• Possess 2 Blanding’s turtles if imported (no wild-take or in-state purchase)
  

Allows noncommercial educational exhibition without exhibition license of native reptiles and amphibians above or turtles taken during season.

 

SALE AND PURCHASE

BANS sale or purchase of native reptiles and amphibians.

• EXCLUDES:
  
  • Distinct color variations
    
  • Sales and Purchase:
    
    • Those taken or possessed out-of-state and sold out-of-state to educational institutions under Class A captive wild animal farm license
      
    • leopard frogs, mud puppies, and tiger salamanders sold or purchased from Class A captive wild animal farm
      
    • Dead turtles sold during open season
      
  • Purchases:
    
    • Wild-caught leopard frogs, mud puppies, and tiger salamanders from Class A captive wild animal farm or bait dealers license
      
    • Educational or research institutions from out of state seller or Class A captive wild animal farm
      
  • Veterinarians providing treatment
    

(Wisconsin Statutes Ch. 169.12; Wisconsin Admin Code NR 16.12, 16.13)

HOMING PIGEONS

BANS take, catching, killing or impeding the progress of a homing pigeon – penalty up to $50. 

(Wisconsin Statutes 29.317)

 

WILD ANIMAL MARKETS, DEALERS, TRUCKERS (DATCP)

REGISTRATION required for animal transport vehicles of markets, dealers, truckers.

PERMIT required for wild animal markets, dealers and truckers.

• Wild Animal Markets (public place where animals are traded)
  
  • EXEMPT:
    
    • occasional auction by livestock breeder association or youth agricultural organization if records kept
      
    • auctioneers
      
    • animal dealers
      
  • TYPES:
    
    • Class A – livestock/wild animal sales and auctions year-round
      
    • Class B – no wild animal sales; year-round livestock sales; 4 livestock auctions/year
      
    • Class E – no wild animal/livestock sales; year-round equine sales
      

• Wild Animal Dealers (buy wild animals for resale or slaughter OR sell or exchange or lease)
  
  • BANS receipt from or delivery to unlicensed trucker AND comingling species on truck
    
  • EXEMPT:
    
    • Employee
      
    • farm operator for livestock for dairy, breeding, or feeding operations
      
    • animal market or employee
      
    • slaughtering establishment or employee
      
    • captive wild animal farm, wild fur farm, bird hunting preserve, or nonprofit educational exhibiting license for breeding or feeding if no other buying for resale, sell, exchange, or lease
      
    • auctioneer for livestock at farm sale with no consignment, auction at fair or breed association show, auction by youth agricultural organization
      

• Wild Animal Truckers (hired transporters of wild animals)
  
  • EXEMPT:
    
    • Employee transporting livestock or wild animals in trucker’s vehicle
      
    • Transporting own livestock or wild animals or their employee
      
    • Only hauling animals occasionally for livestock exhibition, fair, trail ride, youth livestock event or similar OR on incidental basis for their business like a vet or stable if no sales
      
    • Only transporting livestock or wild animals from out of state to in state slaughtering establishment if not transporting any animals originating in state
      

(Wisconsin Statutes Ch. 95.68, 95.69, 95.71; Wisconsin Admin Code ATCP 12)

 

HARMFUL WILD ANIMALS

BANS possession, take, propagation, sale, purchase, transfer, exhibition, rehabilitation, introduction, stocking, release and import of harmful wild animals.

• EXEMPT:
  
  • special permission
    
  • vets providing treatment
    
  • public zoos and aquariums
    
    • NOT EXEMPT FROM: introduction, stocking, release ban
      

LIST:

• Cougar
  
• Bear
  
• Wild and feral swine
  
• Mute swan
  
• Wolf hybrids
  

(Wisconsin Statutes Ch. 169.11; Wisconsin Admin Code NR 16.11)

INVASIVE SPECIES

PROHIBITED INVASIVE SPECIES

BANS transport, possession, transfer, or introduction of prohibited invasive species.

• PERMIT may be issued for prohibited species for research, public display, and if not fish or crayfish, for other purposes. 
  
• GRANDFATHERED: Nonnative wild pets owned on date listed (allows offspring if not transferred) – no introduction
  
• EXCLUDES:
  
  • Incidental take not related to failure to take precautions
    
  • terrestrial invertebrate or plant disease-causing microorganism under DATCP or USDA quarantine under compliance agreement and activities completely under quarantine area
    
  • pest or biological control agent under permit
    
  • transport, possess or give away for identification or disposal if location reported and confined
    
  • scientific collector permit
    
  • accidental catch fish during fishing
    
  • department employees
    
  • phragmites for reed bed treatment unit
    

PROHIBITED INVASIVE SPECIES: (Also includes plants and bacteria)

• Fish and crayfish:
  
  • Snakeheads (Channidae) including Northern, Rainbow, Dwarf, Blotched, Bullseye, spotted, Chevron
    
  • Grass carp
    
  • Red shiner
    
  • Silver carp
    
  • Bighead carp
    
  • Black carp
    
  • Zander
    
  • Rudd
    
  • Tench
    
  • Nonnative fish and crayfish
    
    • EXCLUDES: established species, viable aquarium trade fish, aquaculture fish, nonviable fish, genetically modified fish
      

• Aquatic Invertebrates (except crayfish):
  
  • Faucet snail
    
  • Spiny water flea
    
  • Fishhook water flea
    
  • Asian clam
    
  • Water flea
    
  • Killer shrimp
    
  • Quagga mussel
    
  • Chinese mitten crabs
    
  • Bloody shrimp
    
  • Golden mussel
    
  • Malaysian trumpet snail
    
  • New Zealand mud snail
    

• Terrestrial Invertebrates and plant disease-causing microorganisms:
  
  • Hemlock woolly adelgid
    
  • Asian longhorned beetle
    
  • Mountain pine beetle
    
  • Thousand cankers disease of walnut
    
  • Asian Gypsy moth
    
  • Sudden oak death pathogen
    
  • Walnut twig beetle
    

• Terrestrial and Aquatic Vertebrates (except fish):
  
  • Monk or Quaker parakeet
    
  • Nutria
    
  • Feral domestic swine
    
  • Russian boar and other wild swine
    

RESTRICTED INVASIVE SPECIES

BANS transport, possession, transfer or introduction of restricted invasive fish or crayfish.

BANS transport, transfer and introduction of other restricted invasive species. 

• PERMIT may be issued for prohibited species for research, public display and other purposes. 
  
• GRANDFATHERED: Nonnative wild pets owned on date listed (allows offspring if not transferred except gift) – no introduction
  
• EXEMPT:
  
  • Incidental take if precautions taken
    
  • terrestrial invertebrate or plant disease-causing microorganism under DATCP or USDA quarantine under compliance agreement and activities completely under quarantine area
    
  • transport of give away for identification, education, control, or disposal except terrestrial or aquatic vertebrates or fish
    
  • plants incapable of reproducing
    
  • Multiflora rose for root stock for ornamental roses
    
  • Koi and goldfish (koi must not be bait and stocking limited to artificial waters entirely on property and not connected to other waters of state and no flooding
    
  • Aquarium trade nonviable fish or nonnative viable fish (allows rusty crayfish bait)
    
  • Aquaculture nonnative fish allowed for transport, possession in safe facility or fish farm or transfer
    
  • pest or biological control agent permit
    
  • phragmites for reed bed treatment unit
    
  • scientific collector permit
    
  • inadvertent catch fish while fishing
    
  • department agents or employees
    
  • prior owned plants
    

RESTRICTED INVASIVE SPECIES:

• Fish and crayfish:
  
  • Established nonnative fish and crayfish
    
  • Aquarium trade nonnative viable fish
    
  • Aquaculture nonnative fish
    
  • Nonviable fish
    
  • Genetically modified fish
    

• Aquatic invertebrates (except crayfish):
  
  • Chinese mystery snail
    
  • Japanese trapdoor snail or Japanese mystery snail
    
  • Zebra mussel
    
  • European valve snail
    
  • Banded mystery snail
    

• Terrestrial invertebrates and plant disease-causing microorganisms:
  
  • Emerald ash borer
    
  • Jumping worm
    
  • European Gypsy moth - counties not in DATCP or APHIS quarantine
    

(Wisconsin Admin Code NR 40)

DOMESTIC FUR-BEARING ANIMAL FARMS (DATCP)

Breeding, raising and producing foxes, fitch, nutria, marten, fisher, mink, chinchilla, rabbit or caracul is agricultural pursuit with such animals considered domestic animals.

(Wisconsin Statutes 29.627)

 

INTRASTATE TRANSPORT OF DEER

Intrastate transport of white-tailed deer is regulated the same as other cervids.

(Wisconsin Statutes 95.65)

FARM-RAISED DEER (DATCP)

REGISTRATION required to possess, propagate, purchase, sell, hunt or allow hunt of, kill, and exhibit farm-raised deer.

• EXEMPT:
  
  • deer grandfathered for certain rehabilitators
    
  • slaughter establishments up to 72 hours
    
  • those exempt by rule
    

REGISTRATION (Hunting Ranch Certificate) required for hunting ranches for farm-raised deer.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Department may seize escaped deer or elk that travel more than 3 miles or are not caught in 24 hours
  
• Meet hunting requirements if hunted
  

(Wisconsin Statutes 29.875, 95.55; Wisconsin Admin. Code DATCP 10.45 to 10.54)

 

FARM-RAISED GAME BIRDS (DATCP)

Department may require birds to be from NPIP.

(Wisconsin Statutes 95.57)

 

FARM-RAISED FISH/FISH FARM (DATCP)

BANS rearing lake sturgeon.

REGISTRATION certificate required for fish farm (fish reared certain purposes). 

• TYPES:
  
  • Type 1
    
  • Type 2 (allows live sales)
    
  • Type 3 (allows live sales)
    
    • Required for wild-caught fish from VHS area
      

• INCLUDES: sale or distribution, introduction in waters of state, fishing, use as bait, use as food, education, demonstration or research, holding fish owned by another
  

• ALLOWS:
  
  • Public fishing
    
  • Ship to food processing plant, retail food establishment, or restaurant for processing or sale to consumers if that entity only holds 30 days, not with fish for other purpose, no discharge of untreated water
    
  • Ship to location for direct sale to consumer for food if records, fish killed before leaving except return or slaughter, self-contained enclosure, not with other fish, untreated water not discharged
    

• EXEMPT:
  
  • Ornamental fish if not with other fish or used for bait or food
    
  • Education, research or display in fully enclosed building if not with other fish, no untreated water discharged into waters of state and dead fish disposed of by approved means
    
  • Exhibit in public forum up to 15 days/year unless extended
    
  • Food processing plant, retail food establishment, or restaurant up to 30 days with same conditions as research
    
  • Transport to or from fish farm
    
  • Bait dealer license only for retail bait sale
    
  • Temporary public fishing event up to 15 days if not left alive except back to farm or slaughter, not with other fish, in self-contained enclosure, no untreated water discharged into waters of state
    
  • Hold for sale as pet fish for personal home aquaria if not held with other fish and waters not discharged
    
  • Temporary hold in DNR egg collection station in waters of state to collect eggs if returned or taken to fish farm for hatching
    

REQUIREMENTS:

• may capture turtles on farm, transport to new location and release into wild
  

(Wisconsin Statutes 95.60; Wisconsin Admin Code ATCP 10.61)

 

 

DATCP IMPORT

BANS import of harmful wild animals, prairie dogs and tree squirrels, rope squirrels, dormice, Gambian giant pouched rats, brush-tailed porcupine and striped mice from Africa.

• PERMIT (Import Permit) issued if authorization received for any harmful wild animals AND going directly to AZA zoo or aquarium or USDA wildlife exhibition, research facility, veterinarian for treatment and return, or return from veterinarian out-of-state
  

PERMIT (Import Permit) and a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection is required to import various animals including wild animals unless being brought to a vet. 

• EXEMPT: for wild animals
  
  • invertebrates in compliance with pest laws
    
  • domestic animals (Livestock, poultry; farm-raised game birds and fish not released, ratites; nonendangered or threatened captive bred foxes, fitch, nutria, marten, fisher, mink, chinchilla, rabbit, or caracul; pet birds; species domesticated by humans)
    

• EXEMPT: from CVI:
  
  • Bovine, swine, equine, sheep, goat, farm-raised deer, ratite exempt under those sections
    
  • Fish under 10.62
    
  • invertebrate allowed under pest control laws
    
  • import to veterinary facility for treatment and immediate return after
    
  • animal returning in state after out-of-state veterinary treatment
    

• INCLUDES:
  
  • circus, rodeo or menagerie if separated from other animals
    
  • exotic ruminants (also need brucellosis and TB tests)
    
  • ratites
    
  • elephants (also need negative TB)
    
  • South American camelids (CVI only – no permit)
    
  • Farm-raised deer (also need brucellosis, TB, CWD tests)
    

(Wisconsin Statutes 95.20, 95.45; Wisconsin Admin Code ATCP 10)

DATCP FISH IMPORT

PERMIT (Importation Permit) required to import fish for stocking in state waters, bait, stocking fish farms, and sale for stocking in state waters or use as bait.

• EXEMPT:
  
  • fish farm registration certificate
    
  • Ornamental fish not with other fish or reared for bait or food
    
  • Display, education or research if kept in fully enclosed buildings and not kept with fish for other purposes, no untreated water put in state waters, and dead fish disposed of by approved means
    
  • Food processing plant, retail food establishment or restaurant held up to 30 days under same conditions above
    
  • DNR transport from out-of-state fish farm to one in state
    
  • 600 fish not VHS susceptible for personal fish bait
    
  • Import from out-of-state fish farm to in state one with fish health certification
    

• LIMITS IMPORT PERMIT TO:
  
  • fish farm registration certificate
    
  • DNR
    
  • fish stocking permit
    
  • bait dealer license
    
  • temporary public fishing event host
    
  • Other persons approved
    

REQUIREMENTS:

• Salmonidae imported for introduction in state waters must be certified free of infectious hematopoietic necrosis, viral hemorrhagic septicaemia, whirling disease, enteric redmouth and Ceratomyxa shasta
  

(Wisconsin Statutes 95.45, 95.60; Wisconsin Admin Code ATCP 10.62, 10.65; NR 19.05)