By the time Wisconsin hunting season rolls around, what you did to prepare can be the determining factor in how the season goes. Tags were either secured early or chased down at the last minute, and gear was inspected or assumed to be fine. On opening morning, preparation (or the lack of it) is no longer theoretical.

Use this hunting checklist to stay ahead of the rush and guarantee that nothing gets overlooked.

Get Your Tags Before the Rush

Few things sour a hunt faster than paperwork issues.

  • Review your license and tag purchases as soon as the application window opens.

  • Verify season dates, zones, weapon classifications, and any regulatory updates through the Wisconsin DNR.

  • Carry printed tags in a waterproof holder or case.

Being proactive on this step will set the tone for the rest of your Wisconsin hunting season. 

Gear and Safety: Check It Early

This part of the hunting checklist should not be rushed.

  • Inspect bows, rifles, optics, boots, packs, knives, lights, and hydration systems well before opening day.

  • Pack a spare headlamp and fresh batteries. Cold mornings sap power faster than expected.

  • Dress in layers and plan for the unpredictable; Wisconsin weather can flip from mild to freezing overnight.

  • Leave your plan and return time with someone you trust if you're hunting solo or going deep.

The last thing you want is for opening morning to be the first time you notice something’s off.

Field Care: Don’t Ruin a Good Hide

Obtaining a clean harvest is part skill and part preparation.

  • Field dress promptly to preserve meat quality.

  • Cool the carcass and begin processing as soon as conditions allow.

  • Take extra care when skinning, especially around the ears, nose, and legs if you’re planning a shoulder mount or cape.

  • Keep hides clean. Dragging through dirt or dumping them in the truck bed invites stains and damage.

Good field care protects your trophy and shows respect for the animal you harvested.

Salting and Storing the Hide

If a hide is going to sit, it needs salt sooner rather than later.

  • Apply plain, non-iodized salt liberally on the flesh side.

  • After roughly 24 hours, re-salt and hang the hide in a cool, dry place.

  • Properly firmed hides store better and reduce long-term tanning issues.

Cutting corners at this stage can ruin any well-handled hide.

Consider DIY Hide Tanning Machines Like Auto Tanner

Some hunters prefer not to send their hides away and hope for the best. If you’re inclined to finish hides yourself or want more control over the tanning portion of your hunting checklist, personal hide tanning equipment like Auto Tanner can change the game.

  • Auto Tanner builds personal hide-tanning machines for home or shop use, capable of producing professional-grade results in about four hours.

  • Units are available in powder-coated or stainless steel, with 22- and 45-gallon capacities.

  • A DIY setup of this kind saves money over commercial tanning and lets you keep full control of your hides.

Don’t Let the Season Slip By

Wisconsin hunting season goes by fast, and there’s little room to recover from errors made outside the woods. A hunting checklist keeps the fundamentals covered: correct tags, functional gear, and a plan for handling hides once the work is done. Hunters who tan their own hides often use systems like Auto Tanner to finish the job instead of sending hides out and waiting on someone else’s timeline.


If tanning your own hides is on your list this season, contact us today