Yes, Wisconsin generally permits open carry of firearms in public without a permit, aligning with its status as a “shall-issue” state for concealed carry licenses. However, local ordinances, restricted zones, and recent 2026 legislative shifts—such as Milwaukee’s pending firearm-free zone expansions—create nuanced compliance challenges. Private property owners retain broad discretion to prohibit open carry, and law enforcement may intervene under disorderly conduct statutes if behavior escalates.
Key Regulations for Open Carry in Wisconsin
- Prohibited Locations: Open carry is banned in schools, courthouses, government buildings, and private properties with posted “no firearms” signs, per Wis. Stat. § 943.13(1m). Municipalities like Madison enforce additional restrictions in parks and public transit hubs.
- Age and Felony Restrictions: Only individuals 18+ may openly carry, and felons or those subject to domestic violence restraining orders are permanently barred under federal and state law.
- Local Ordinance Variations: Counties such as Dane and Milwaukee have enacted stricter rules, including buffer zones around polling places and healthcare facilities, effective January 2026. Non-compliance risks municipal citations or misdemeanor charges.
Firearms must remain visible at all times during open carry; concealed carry without a license (CCW) is illegal. While state preemption laws limit municipal authority, recent court rulings—such as State v. Black (2024)—have upheld local authority to regulate firearm display in sensitive areas. Consult the Wisconsin Department of Justice’s 2026 Firearm Compliance Bulletin for updates on evolving restrictions.