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Wisconsin firearms statistics

How many guns Wisconsin makes and who makes them, the jobs and pay behind them, licenses, background checks, exports, hunting licenses and conservation money. Every figure comes from a federal source and keeps that source’s own period.

Newest data: FBI checks through August 2026 · ATF licenses, August 2026 · ATF production, 2024 · BLS jobs, 2025. How Wisconsin compares · U.S. statistics · Wisconsin directory

  1. 205,110firearms made in Wisconsin in 2024, 14th of 50 states and 2.1% of U.S. productionATF · 2024
  2. 1,775federal firearms license records, 14th of 50 statesATF · Aug 2026
  3. 652,399paid hunting-license holders, 5th of 50 statesUSFWS · license year 2024
  4. 608,028FBI background checks in 2025, 42.9% of them for permits. A check is not a saleFBI · 2025, 12 months
  5. 1,017private jobs making small arms in 2025, paying $58,780 on averageBLS · 2025
  6. $23,485,531Wildlife Restoration apportionment for fiscal 2026, 9th of 50 statesUSFWS · FY 2026
  7. $266,548of firearms and ammunition exported from Wisconsin in 2025, across 2 product groupsCensus · 2025, 12 months

How many guns are made in Wisconsin?

Plants in Wisconsin reported making 205,110 firearms in 2024, up 14.2% from 2023. That is 2.1% of U.S. production, 14th among the states. [1] See gun manufacturers in Wisconsin for the makers listed in our directory.

Firearms manufactured in Wisconsin, 2004–2024 firearms

  • Hatched: withheld

2024: 205,110 · 2023: 179,548 · 14.2% more

Source: ATF’s annual manufacturing report (AFMER), plants in Wisconsin, by calendar year. ATF withheld the state’s figures for 2022 and 1992–2003.

  • 205,110firearms reported by plants in Wisconsin for 2024, 2.1% of U.S. production; 179,548 for 2023ATF AFMER · calendar year 2024 · WisconsinCite

What Wisconsin makes

Rifles were 72.8% of Wisconsin production in 2024.

  1. Rifles149,281 72.8%
  2. Revolvers11,096 5.4%
  3. Shotguns7,833 3.8%
  4. Pistols799 0.4%

Source: ATF’s annual manufacturing report, 2024. Each type adds up what Wisconsin plants reported.

Largest filings in Wisconsin, 2024

Each row is one plant’s ATF filing. Names appear as filed and are not yet matched to manufacturer pages. Wisconsin had 84 filings in 2024.

Largest filings, 2024
#FilingPlant cityFirearms, 2024Share of Wisconsin
1Henry RAC Holding CorpRice Lake · 83.0%Rice Lake170,22883.0%
2SCT Manufacturing LLCHudson · 12.6%Hudson25,92412.6%
3Hearing Protection LLCWatertown · 2.0%Watertown4,0522.0%
4Bravo Company Mfg Inc.Hartland · 1.6%Hartland3,2331.6%
5JD Custom & Designs, LLCPorterfield · 0.1%Porterfield2440.1%
6Midwest Industries Inc.Waukesha · 0.1%Waukesha1580.1%
7Gordon Trading Post LLCOregon · 0.1%Oregon1460.1%
8Pathfinder Militaria LLCMadison · 0.1%Madison1260.1%
9Individual licenseeEau Claire · 0.1%Eau Claire1200.1%
1012 Tactical LLCMt Pleasant · <0.1%Mt Pleasant61<0.1%

Source: ATF’s annual manufacturing report, 2024 filings. A filing covers one plant, so it is not a company total.

Production by city

Waukesha has the most filings (4), and Rice Lake reported the most firearms.

  1. Rice Lake170,228 1 filing
  2. Hudson25,924 1 filing
  3. Watertown4,063 2 filings
  4. Hartland3,277 2 filings
  5. Porterfield244 1 filing
  6. Waukesha185 4 filings
  7. Eau Claire185 4 filings
  8. Oregon146 1 filing

Source: ATF’s annual manufacturing report, 2024. A filing’s city is where the plant is, not always where the company is based.

Show all 21 years
Firearms made in Wisconsin, in all and by type
YearFirearms madeRiflesRevolversShotgunsPistols
2024Firearms made205,110Rifles149,281Sum of 84 filingsRevolvers11,096Sum of 84 filingsShotguns7,833Sum of 84 filingsPistols799Sum of 84 filings
2023Firearms made179,548Rifles132,403Sum of 80 filingsRevolvers5,268Sum of 80 filingsShotguns12,256Sum of 80 filingsPistols684Sum of 80 filings
2022Firearms madeWithheldRiflesNot reportedRevolversNot reportedShotgunsNot reportedPistolsNot reported
2021Firearms made137,397Rifles107,135Revolvers32Shotguns19,039Pistols2,162
2020Firearms made127,255Rifles103,974Sum of 56 filingsRevolvers16Sum of 56 filingsShotguns11,952Sum of 56 filingsPistols6,454Sum of 56 filings
2019Firearms made70,111Rifles50,421Sum of 50 filingsRevolvers0Sum of 50 filingsShotguns16,455Sum of 50 filingsPistols2,608Sum of 50 filings
2018Firearms made65,930Rifles50,065Sum of 45 filingsRevolvers0Sum of 45 filingsShotguns14,561Sum of 45 filingsPistols1,029Sum of 45 filings
2017Firearms made47,379Rifles39,773Sum of 43 filingsRevolvers1Sum of 43 filingsShotguns6,490Sum of 43 filingsPistols827Sum of 43 filings
2016Firearms made35,898Rifles35,177Sum of 39 filingsRevolvers0Sum of 39 filingsShotguns322Sum of 39 filingsPistols374Sum of 39 filings
2015Firearms made37,180Rifles36,489Sum of 43 filingsRevolvers0Sum of 43 filingsShotguns264Sum of 43 filingsPistols247Sum of 43 filings
2014Firearms made14,681Rifles13,726Sum of 37 filingsRevolvers0Sum of 37 filingsShotguns581Sum of 37 filingsPistols179Sum of 37 filings
2013Firearms made4,841Rifles4,055Sum of 31 filingsRevolvers0Sum of 31 filingsShotguns175Sum of 31 filingsPistols288Sum of 31 filings
Earlier years, 2004–2012
Firearms made in Wisconsin, in all and by type, 2004–2012
YearFirearms madeRiflesRevolversShotgunsPistols
2012Firearms made3,329Rifles2,698Sum of 30 filingsRevolvers0Sum of 30 filingsShotguns318Sum of 30 filingsPistols27Sum of 30 filings
2011Firearms made2,017Rifles1,662Sum of 24 filingsRevolvers0Sum of 24 filingsShotguns220Sum of 24 filingsPistols6Sum of 24 filings
2010Firearms made6,443Rifles6,073Sum of 20 filingsRevolvers0Sum of 20 filingsShotguns199Sum of 20 filingsPistols38Sum of 20 filings
2009Firearms made2,937Rifles2,802Sum of 21 filingsRevolvers0Sum of 21 filingsShotguns78Sum of 21 filingsPistols57Sum of 21 filings
2008Firearms made1,258Rifles864Sum of 14 filingsRevolvers145Sum of 14 filingsShotguns3Sum of 14 filingsPistols64Sum of 14 filings
2007Firearms made1,875Rifles1,555Sum of 11 filingsRevolvers0Sum of 11 filingsShotguns190Sum of 11 filingsPistols128Sum of 11 filings
2006Firearms made3,130Rifles2,568Revolvers0Shotguns490Pistols48
2005Firearms made1,355Rifles856Sum of 8 filingsRevolvers0Sum of 8 filingsShotguns291Sum of 8 filingsPistols208Sum of 8 filings
2004Firearms made939Rifles466Sum of 6 filingsRevolvers0Sum of 6 filingsShotguns206Sum of 6 filingsPistols28Sum of 6 filings
Cite a figure from this section (24)

How many people make firearms in Wisconsin?

Private small arms, ordnance and accessories makers (industry code NAICS 332994) in Wisconsin had 1,017 jobs at 18 establishments in 2025. Average pay was $58,780 a year. [5]

Private employment in small arms, ordnance and accessories manufacturing, Wisconsin, 1990–2025 jobs, annual average

2025: 1,017 · 2024: 993 · 2.4% more

Source: BLS county and state jobs counts (QCEW), Wisconsin, private employers. From 2022, BLS counts other ordnance makers in this industry too, so years on either side of the line are not compared. Years BLS withheld are gaps.

  • 1,017private jobs making small arms, ordnance and accessories in Wisconsin at 18 establishments, paying $58,780 on averageBLS QCEW · 2025 annual average · WisconsinCite
  • 2.16job concentration (location quotient): small arms manufacturing is 2.2 times as large a share of Wisconsin jobs as of U.S. jobsBLS QCEW · 2025 · NAICS 332994Cite
  • $232,875,000shipped by 22 small arms plants with 869 employees and a $51,042,000 payrollEconomic Census · 2022 · NAICS 332994Cite

Counties with the most small arms plants, 2025

  1. Washington County3 establishments
  2. Racine County2 establishments
  3. Calumet County2 establishments
  4. Jefferson County2 establishments
  5. Polk County1 establishment
  6. Rock County1 establishment
  7. Rusk County1 establishment
  8. Green County1 establishment

Source: BLS QCEW, private small arms establishments (NAICS 332994) by county, 2025. BLS publishes every county’s establishment count but withholds most county job counts.

Show all 36 years · jobs, pay and plants
Jobs and pay, 2025, private employers
MeasureSmall arms, ordnance and accessories (332994)Ammunition (332992)
JobsSmall arms (332994)1,017Ammunition (332992)Not published
Average annual paySmall arms (332994)$58,780Ammunition (332992)Not published
Total wagesSmall arms (332994)$59,788,743Ammunition (332992)Not published
EstablishmentsSmall arms (332994)18Ammunition (332992)4

Source: BLS QCEW, 2025. “Not published” means BLS withheld the figure or has none for Wisconsin.

Establishments, shipments and payroll, 2022 Economic Census
MeasureSmall arms, ordnance and accessories (332994)Ammunition (332992)
EstablishmentsSmall arms (332994)22Ammunition (332992)Withheld
EmployeesSmall arms (332994)869Ammunition (332992)Withheld
Value of shipmentsSmall arms (332994)$232,875,000Ammunition (332992)Withheld
Value addedSmall arms (332994)$118,614,000Ammunition (332992)Withheld
Annual payrollSmall arms (332994)$51,042,000Ammunition (332992)Withheld

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2022 Economic Census.

Private firearm industry jobs by year, Wisconsin
YearSmall arms jobsAmmunition jobs
2025Small arms jobs1,017Ammunition jobsNot published
2024Small arms jobs993Ammunition jobsNot published
2023Small arms jobs865Ammunition jobsNot published
2022Small arms jobs752Ammunition jobs670
2021Small arms jobs683Ammunition jobs585
2020Small arms jobs567Ammunition jobs428
2019Small arms jobs531Ammunition jobs493
2018Small arms jobs506Ammunition jobsNot published
2017Small arms jobs454Ammunition jobsNot published
2016Small arms jobs423Ammunition jobsNot published
2015Small arms jobs383Ammunition jobsNot published
2014Small arms jobs353Ammunition jobsNot published
Earlier years, 1990–2013
Private firearm industry jobs by year, Wisconsin, 1990–2013
YearSmall arms jobsAmmunition jobs
2013Small arms jobs320Ammunition jobsNot published
2012Small arms jobs212Ammunition jobsNot published
2011Small arms jobs171Ammunition jobsNot published
2010Small arms jobs126Ammunition jobsNot published
2009Small arms jobs121Ammunition jobsNot published
2008Small arms jobs92Ammunition jobsNot published
2007Small arms jobs98Ammunition jobsNot published
2006Small arms jobs94Ammunition jobsNot published
2005Small arms jobs84Ammunition jobsNot published
2004Small arms jobs78Ammunition jobsNot published
2003Small arms jobs68Ammunition jobsNot published
2002Small arms jobs67Ammunition jobsNot published
2001Small arms jobs68Ammunition jobsNot published
2000Small arms jobs74Ammunition jobsNot published
1999Small arms jobs79Ammunition jobsNot published
1998Small arms jobs72Ammunition jobsNot published
1997Small arms jobs69Ammunition jobsNot published
1996Small arms jobs74Ammunition jobsNot published
1995Small arms jobs73Ammunition jobsNot published
1994Small arms jobs76Ammunition jobsNot published
1993Small arms jobs129Ammunition jobsNot published
1992Small arms jobs146Ammunition jobsNot published
1991Small arms jobs136Ammunition jobsNot published
1990Small arms jobs117Ammunition jobsNot published
Cite a figure from this section (19)

How many federal firearms licenses are there in Wisconsin?

ATF’s August 2026 list holds 1,775 license records in Wisconsin, 17 fewer than a year earlier. Of those, 1,179 are dealers and 485 are manufacturers. A record is one license, not one store, and one business can hold several. [2] License records are not storefronts: to find a store, see gun shops in Wisconsin.

Dealer and manufacturer license records in Wisconsin, January 2021 to August 2026 records

  • Dealers (type 01)
  • Manufacturers (type 07)

Source: ATF Federal Firearms Listings, monthly lists. Months ATF did not publish are gaps, not zeros. ATF’s October and November 2025 lists came out during the federal shutdown (October 1 to November 12, 2025), when ATF paused license renewals. Both are about 10% short in every state and license type, and the count recovers in December: licenses waiting on renewal were left off, not closed.

  • 1,775federal firearms license records on the August 2026 list, all 8 listed types together; 1,792 a year earlierATF Federal Firearms Listings · August 2026 · WisconsinCite

License types, August 2026

  1. Dealers (type 01)1,179 66.4%
  2. Manufacturers (type 07)485 27.3%
  3. Ammunition manufacturers (type 06)45 2.5%
  4. Pawnbrokers (type 02)33 1.9%
  5. Importers (type 08)17 1.0%
  6. Destructive-device manufacturers (type 10)8 0.5%
  7. Destructive-device dealers (type 09)4 0.2%
  8. Destructive-device importers (type 11)4 0.2%

Source: ATF Federal Firearms Listings, August 2026. ATF’s public list leaves out collector (type 03) licenses, so they are not counted here. That does not mean there are none.

Show all 68 months by type
License records in Wisconsin by type, by month
MonthAll listed typesDealer (01)Manufacturer (07)Ammunition manufacturer (06)Pawnbroker (02)Importer (08)Destructive-device manufacturer (10)Destructive-device dealer (09)Destructive-device importer (11)
August 2026All types1,775Sum of 8 reported license typesDealer (01)1,179Manufacturer (07)485Ammunition manufacturer (06)45Pawnbroker (02)33Importer (08)17Destructive-device manufacturer (10)8Destructive-device dealer (09)4Destructive-device importer (11)4
July 2026All types1,788Dealer (01)1,193Manufacturer (07)481Ammunition manufacturer (06)46Pawnbroker (02)34Importer (08)17Destructive-device manufacturer (10)9Destructive-device dealer (09)4Destructive-device importer (11)4
June 2026All types1,788Dealer (01)1,198Manufacturer (07)475Ammunition manufacturer (06)47Pawnbroker (02)34Importer (08)17Destructive-device manufacturer (10)9Destructive-device dealer (09)4Destructive-device importer (11)4
May 2026All types1,775Dealer (01)1,192Manufacturer (07)467Ammunition manufacturer (06)47Pawnbroker (02)34Importer (08)18Destructive-device manufacturer (10)9Destructive-device dealer (09)4Destructive-device importer (11)4
April 2026All types1,779Dealer (01)1,198Manufacturer (07)462Ammunition manufacturer (06)49Pawnbroker (02)35Importer (08)18Destructive-device manufacturer (10)9Destructive-device dealer (09)4Destructive-device importer (11)4
March 2026All types1,778Dealer (01)1,199Manufacturer (07)459Ammunition manufacturer (06)50Pawnbroker (02)35Importer (08)18Destructive-device manufacturer (10)9Destructive-device dealer (09)4Destructive-device importer (11)4
February 2026All types1,775Dealer (01)1,203Manufacturer (07)453Ammunition manufacturer (06)49Pawnbroker (02)35Importer (08)18Destructive-device manufacturer (10)9Destructive-device dealer (09)4Destructive-device importer (11)4
January 2026All types1,768Dealer (01)1,199Manufacturer (07)450Ammunition manufacturer (06)49Pawnbroker (02)35Importer (08)18Destructive-device manufacturer (10)9Destructive-device dealer (09)4Destructive-device importer (11)4
December 2025All types1,774Dealer (01)1,203Manufacturer (07)449Ammunition manufacturer (06)51Pawnbroker (02)35Importer (08)19Destructive-device manufacturer (10)9Destructive-device dealer (09)4Destructive-device importer (11)4
November 2025All types1,642Sum of 8 reported license types. Federal shutdown: ATF paused license renewals, so licenses waiting on renewal are missing from this listDealer (01)1,123Federal shutdown: ATF paused license renewals, so licenses waiting on renewal are missing from this listManufacturer (07)405Federal shutdown: ATF paused license renewals, so licenses waiting on renewal are missing from this listAmmunition manufacturer (06)49Federal shutdown: ATF paused license renewals, so licenses waiting on renewal are missing from this listPawnbroker (02)30Federal shutdown: ATF paused license renewals, so licenses waiting on renewal are missing from this listImporter (08)18Federal shutdown: ATF paused license renewals, so licenses waiting on renewal are missing from this listDestructive-device manufacturer (10)9Federal shutdown: ATF paused license renewals, so licenses waiting on renewal are missing from this listDestructive-device dealer (09)4Federal shutdown: ATF paused license renewals, so licenses waiting on renewal are missing from this listDestructive-device importer (11)4Federal shutdown: ATF paused license renewals, so licenses waiting on renewal are missing from this list
October 2025All types1,592Dealer (01)1,091Manufacturer (07)390Ammunition manufacturer (06)48Pawnbroker (02)30Importer (08)17Destructive-device manufacturer (10)8Destructive-device dealer (09)4Destructive-device importer (11)4
September 2025All types1,794Sum of 8 reported license typesDealer (01)1,225Manufacturer (07)445Ammunition manufacturer (06)51Pawnbroker (02)35Importer (08)20Destructive-device manufacturer (10)10Destructive-device dealer (09)4Destructive-device importer (11)4
August 2025All types1,792Dealer (01)1,226Manufacturer (07)441Ammunition manufacturer (06)51Pawnbroker (02)35Importer (08)21Destructive-device manufacturer (10)10Destructive-device dealer (09)4Destructive-device importer (11)4
July 2025All types1,798Dealer (01)1,235Manufacturer (07)437Ammunition manufacturer (06)52Pawnbroker (02)35Importer (08)21Destructive-device manufacturer (10)10Destructive-device dealer (09)4Destructive-device importer (11)4
June 2025All types1,809Dealer (01)1,245Manufacturer (07)437Ammunition manufacturer (06)54Pawnbroker (02)35Importer (08)20Destructive-device manufacturer (10)10Destructive-device dealer (09)4Destructive-device importer (11)4
May 2025All types1,806Dealer (01)1,245Manufacturer (07)434Ammunition manufacturer (06)54Pawnbroker (02)35Importer (08)20Destructive-device manufacturer (10)10Destructive-device dealer (09)4Destructive-device importer (11)4
April 2025All types1,807Dealer (01)1,244Manufacturer (07)434Ammunition manufacturer (06)56Pawnbroker (02)35Importer (08)20Destructive-device manufacturer (10)10Destructive-device dealer (09)4Destructive-device importer (11)4
March 2025All types1,803Dealer (01)1,245Manufacturer (07)432Ammunition manufacturer (06)55Pawnbroker (02)35Importer (08)18Destructive-device manufacturer (10)10Destructive-device dealer (09)4Destructive-device importer (11)4
February 2025All types1,792Dealer (01)1,250Manufacturer (07)422Ammunition manufacturer (06)54Pawnbroker (02)35Importer (08)16Destructive-device manufacturer (10)8Destructive-device dealer (09)4Destructive-device importer (11)3
January 2025All types1,785Dealer (01)1,247Manufacturer (07)418Ammunition manufacturer (06)54Pawnbroker (02)35Importer (08)16Destructive-device manufacturer (10)8Destructive-device dealer (09)4Destructive-device importer (11)3
December 2024All types1,781Dealer (01)1,246Manufacturer (07)416Ammunition manufacturer (06)53Pawnbroker (02)35Importer (08)16Destructive-device manufacturer (10)8Destructive-device dealer (09)4Destructive-device importer (11)3
November 2024All types1,781Dealer (01)1,249Manufacturer (07)411Ammunition manufacturer (06)54Pawnbroker (02)35Importer (08)16Destructive-device manufacturer (10)9Destructive-device dealer (09)4Destructive-device importer (11)3
October 2024All types1,790Dealer (01)1,257Manufacturer (07)410Ammunition manufacturer (06)55Pawnbroker (02)35Importer (08)17Destructive-device manufacturer (10)9Destructive-device dealer (09)4Destructive-device importer (11)3
September 2024All types1,785Dealer (01)1,257Manufacturer (07)407Ammunition manufacturer (06)54Pawnbroker (02)35Importer (08)16Destructive-device manufacturer (10)9Destructive-device dealer (09)4Destructive-device importer (11)3
Earlier months, January 2021 – August 2024
License records in Wisconsin by type, by month, January 2021 – August 2024
MonthAll listed typesDealer (01)Manufacturer (07)Ammunition manufacturer (06)Pawnbroker (02)Importer (08)Destructive-device manufacturer (10)Destructive-device dealer (09)Destructive-device importer (11)
August 2024All types1,812Sum of 8 reported license typesDealer (01)1,272Manufacturer (07)412Ammunition manufacturer (06)59Pawnbroker (02)37Importer (08)16Destructive-device manufacturer (10)9Destructive-device dealer (09)4Destructive-device importer (11)3
July 2024All types1,806Dealer (01)1,271Manufacturer (07)407Ammunition manufacturer (06)59Pawnbroker (02)37Importer (08)16Destructive-device manufacturer (10)9Destructive-device dealer (09)4Destructive-device importer (11)3
June 2024All types1,799Dealer (01)1,270Manufacturer (07)402Ammunition manufacturer (06)58Pawnbroker (02)37Importer (08)16Destructive-device manufacturer (10)9Destructive-device dealer (09)4Destructive-device importer (11)3
May 2024All types1,812Dealer (01)1,281Manufacturer (07)401Ammunition manufacturer (06)60Pawnbroker (02)38Importer (08)16Destructive-device manufacturer (10)9Destructive-device dealer (09)4Destructive-device importer (11)3
April 2024All types1,812Dealer (01)1,283Manufacturer (07)398Ammunition manufacturer (06)61Pawnbroker (02)38Importer (08)16Destructive-device manufacturer (10)9Destructive-device dealer (09)4Destructive-device importer (11)3
March 2024All types1,815Dealer (01)1,286Manufacturer (07)398Ammunition manufacturer (06)61Pawnbroker (02)38Importer (08)16Destructive-device manufacturer (10)9Destructive-device dealer (09)4Destructive-device importer (11)3
February 2024All types1,818Dealer (01)1,288Manufacturer (07)399Ammunition manufacturer (06)60Pawnbroker (02)39Importer (08)16Destructive-device manufacturer (10)9Destructive-device dealer (09)4Destructive-device importer (11)3
January 2024All types1,819Dealer (01)1,290Manufacturer (07)398Ammunition manufacturer (06)60Pawnbroker (02)39Importer (08)16Destructive-device manufacturer (10)9Destructive-device dealer (09)4Destructive-device importer (11)3
December 2023All types1,828Dealer (01)1,299Manufacturer (07)397Ammunition manufacturer (06)61Pawnbroker (02)39Importer (08)16Destructive-device manufacturer (10)9Destructive-device dealer (09)4Destructive-device importer (11)3
November 2023All types1,834Dealer (01)1,305Manufacturer (07)397Ammunition manufacturer (06)61Pawnbroker (02)39Importer (08)16Destructive-device manufacturer (10)9Destructive-device dealer (09)4Destructive-device importer (11)3
October 2023All types1,839Dealer (01)1,310Manufacturer (07)395Ammunition manufacturer (06)62Pawnbroker (02)40Importer (08)16Destructive-device manufacturer (10)9Destructive-device dealer (09)4Destructive-device importer (11)3
September 2023All types1,844Dealer (01)1,316Manufacturer (07)395Ammunition manufacturer (06)62Pawnbroker (02)40Importer (08)15Destructive-device manufacturer (10)9Destructive-device dealer (09)4Destructive-device importer (11)3
August 2023All types1,840Dealer (01)1,316Manufacturer (07)389Ammunition manufacturer (06)62Pawnbroker (02)41Importer (08)15Destructive-device manufacturer (10)9Destructive-device dealer (09)4Destructive-device importer (11)4
July 2023All types1,835Dealer (01)1,316Manufacturer (07)386Ammunition manufacturer (06)60Pawnbroker (02)41Importer (08)15Destructive-device manufacturer (10)9Destructive-device dealer (09)4Destructive-device importer (11)4
June 2023All types1,846Dealer (01)1,322Manufacturer (07)388Ammunition manufacturer (06)62Pawnbroker (02)42Importer (08)16Destructive-device manufacturer (10)8Destructive-device dealer (09)4Destructive-device importer (11)4
May 2023All types1,834Dealer (01)1,320Manufacturer (07)376Ammunition manufacturer (06)64Pawnbroker (02)42Importer (08)16Destructive-device manufacturer (10)8Destructive-device dealer (09)4Destructive-device importer (11)4
April 2023All types1,828Dealer (01)1,319Manufacturer (07)372Ammunition manufacturer (06)63Pawnbroker (02)42Importer (08)16Destructive-device manufacturer (10)8Destructive-device dealer (09)4Destructive-device importer (11)4
March 2023All types1,835Dealer (01)1,323Manufacturer (07)375Ammunition manufacturer (06)63Pawnbroker (02)43Importer (08)16Destructive-device manufacturer (10)8Destructive-device dealer (09)3Destructive-device importer (11)4
February 2023All types1,834Dealer (01)1,327Manufacturer (07)372Ammunition manufacturer (06)62Pawnbroker (02)42Importer (08)16Destructive-device manufacturer (10)8Destructive-device dealer (09)3Destructive-device importer (11)4
January 2023All types1,829Dealer (01)1,327Manufacturer (07)370Ammunition manufacturer (06)61Pawnbroker (02)40Importer (08)16Destructive-device manufacturer (10)8Destructive-device dealer (09)3Destructive-device importer (11)4
December 2022All types1,836Dealer (01)1,332Manufacturer (07)371Ammunition manufacturer (06)62Pawnbroker (02)41Importer (08)15Destructive-device manufacturer (10)8Destructive-device dealer (09)3Destructive-device importer (11)4
November 2022All types1,834Dealer (01)1,340Manufacturer (07)362Ammunition manufacturer (06)62Pawnbroker (02)40Importer (08)15Destructive-device manufacturer (10)8Destructive-device dealer (09)3Destructive-device importer (11)4
October 2022All types1,840Dealer (01)1,346Manufacturer (07)362Ammunition manufacturer (06)62Pawnbroker (02)40Importer (08)15Destructive-device manufacturer (10)8Destructive-device dealer (09)3Destructive-device importer (11)4
September 2022All types1,841Dealer (01)1,354Manufacturer (07)356Ammunition manufacturer (06)62Pawnbroker (02)40Importer (08)14Destructive-device manufacturer (10)8Destructive-device dealer (09)3Destructive-device importer (11)4
August 2022All types1,837Dealer (01)1,352Manufacturer (07)354Ammunition manufacturer (06)62Pawnbroker (02)40Importer (08)14Destructive-device manufacturer (10)8Destructive-device dealer (09)3Destructive-device importer (11)4
July 2022All types1,823Dealer (01)1,346Manufacturer (07)347Ammunition manufacturer (06)62Pawnbroker (02)40Importer (08)14Destructive-device manufacturer (10)7Destructive-device dealer (09)3Destructive-device importer (11)4
June 2022All types1,824Dealer (01)1,349Manufacturer (07)345Ammunition manufacturer (06)62Pawnbroker (02)40Importer (08)14Destructive-device manufacturer (10)7Destructive-device dealer (09)3Destructive-device importer (11)4
May 2022All types1,820Dealer (01)1,348Manufacturer (07)340Ammunition manufacturer (06)63Pawnbroker (02)41Importer (08)14Destructive-device manufacturer (10)7Destructive-device dealer (09)3Destructive-device importer (11)4
April 2022All typesNot availableDealer (01)Not availableManufacturer (07)Not availableAmmunition manufacturer (06)Not availablePawnbroker (02)Not availableImporter (08)Not availableDestructive-device manufacturer (10)Not availableDestructive-device dealer (09)Not availableDestructive-device importer (11)Not available
March 2022All types1,824Sum of 8 reported license typesDealer (01)1,354Manufacturer (07)339Ammunition manufacturer (06)63Pawnbroker (02)41Importer (08)13Destructive-device manufacturer (10)7Destructive-device dealer (09)3Destructive-device importer (11)4
February 2022All types1,813Dealer (01)1,353Manufacturer (07)331Ammunition manufacturer (06)61Pawnbroker (02)41Importer (08)13Destructive-device manufacturer (10)7Destructive-device dealer (09)3Destructive-device importer (11)4
January 2022All types1,811Dealer (01)1,355Manufacturer (07)327Ammunition manufacturer (06)61Pawnbroker (02)41Importer (08)12Destructive-device manufacturer (10)7Destructive-device dealer (09)4Destructive-device importer (11)4
December 2021All types1,805Dealer (01)1,358Manufacturer (07)319Ammunition manufacturer (06)61Pawnbroker (02)41Importer (08)11Destructive-device manufacturer (10)7Destructive-device dealer (09)4Destructive-device importer (11)4
November 2021All types1,798Dealer (01)1,353Manufacturer (07)317Ammunition manufacturer (06)62Pawnbroker (02)41Importer (08)10Destructive-device manufacturer (10)7Destructive-device dealer (09)4Destructive-device importer (11)4
October 2021All types1,798Dealer (01)1,354Manufacturer (07)316Ammunition manufacturer (06)62Pawnbroker (02)41Importer (08)10Destructive-device manufacturer (10)8Destructive-device dealer (09)3Destructive-device importer (11)4
September 2021All types1,806Dealer (01)1,360Manufacturer (07)319Ammunition manufacturer (06)61Pawnbroker (02)41Importer (08)10Destructive-device manufacturer (10)8Destructive-device dealer (09)3Destructive-device importer (11)4
August 2021All types1,794Dealer (01)1,357Manufacturer (07)312Ammunition manufacturer (06)61Pawnbroker (02)41Importer (08)9Destructive-device manufacturer (10)7Destructive-device dealer (09)3Destructive-device importer (11)4
July 2021All types1,799Dealer (01)1,366Manufacturer (07)311Ammunition manufacturer (06)58Pawnbroker (02)41Importer (08)9Destructive-device manufacturer (10)7Destructive-device dealer (09)3Destructive-device importer (11)4
June 2021All typesNot availableDealer (01)Not availableManufacturer (07)Not availableAmmunition manufacturer (06)Not availablePawnbroker (02)Not availableImporter (08)Not availableDestructive-device manufacturer (10)Not availableDestructive-device dealer (09)Not availableDestructive-device importer (11)Not available
May 2021All types1,780Sum of 8 reported license typesDealer (01)1,369Manufacturer (07)293Ammunition manufacturer (06)54Pawnbroker (02)42Importer (08)8Destructive-device manufacturer (10)7Destructive-device dealer (09)3Destructive-device importer (11)4
April 2021All types1,774Dealer (01)1,365Manufacturer (07)292Ammunition manufacturer (06)53Pawnbroker (02)42Importer (08)8Destructive-device manufacturer (10)7Destructive-device dealer (09)3Destructive-device importer (11)4
March 2021All types1,776Dealer (01)1,365Manufacturer (07)293Ammunition manufacturer (06)53Pawnbroker (02)43Importer (08)8Destructive-device manufacturer (10)7Destructive-device dealer (09)3Destructive-device importer (11)4
February 2021All types1,785Dealer (01)1,379Manufacturer (07)289Ammunition manufacturer (06)52Pawnbroker (02)43Importer (08)8Destructive-device manufacturer (10)7Destructive-device dealer (09)3Destructive-device importer (11)4
January 2021All types1,785Dealer (01)1,384Manufacturer (07)282Ammunition manufacturer (06)52Pawnbroker (02)45Importer (08)8Destructive-device manufacturer (10)7Destructive-device dealer (09)3Destructive-device importer (11)4
Cite a figure from this section (9)

How many background checks does Wisconsin run?

The FBI’s background check system (NICS) logged 608,028 checks in Wisconsin in 2025, up 15.2% from 2024. Permit checks were 42.9% of them, and a permit check is not a purchase. From January through August 2026 the count was 414,380, against 373,901 a year earlier. [4]

FBI NICS background checks in Wisconsin per year, 1999–2025 checks

2025: 608,028 · 2024: 527,579 · 15.2% more

Source: FBI NICS firearm checks, Wisconsin monthly counts added up by calendar year. A year is shown only when all twelve months are reported.

  • 608,028firearm background checks in Wisconsin in 2025, 260,597 of them permit checksFBI NICS · 2025 · sum of 12 monthly totalsCite

What the checks were for, 2025

  1. Permit249,888 41.1%
  2. Handgun171,815 28.3%
  3. Long gun158,314 26.0%
  4. Permit recheck10,709 1.8%
  5. Other firearm9,702 1.6%
  6. Redemption handgun2,258 0.4%
  7. All other types5,342 0.9%

Source: FBI NICS firearm checks, Wisconsin counts by type, 2025. The types add up to the year’s 608,028 checks.

Show every year and month
FBI NICS background checks in Wisconsin by year
YearChecks
2025Checks608,028
2024Checks527,579
2023Checks560,314
2022Checks635,528
2021Checks785,856
2020Checks731,618
2019Checks435,685
2018Checks452,520
2017Checks526,523
2016Checks561,819
2015Checks383,280
2014Checks334,308
Earlier years, 1999–2013
FBI NICS background checks in Wisconsin by year, 1999–2013
YearChecks
2013Checks434,688
2012Checks469,375
2011Checks322,761
2010Checks194,797
2009Checks196,951
2008Checks186,819
2007Checks180,607
2006Checks189,228
2005Checks183,013
2004Checks187,097
2003Checks188,594
2002Checks173,779
2001Checks181,798
2000Checks180,492
1999Checks179,340
FBI NICS background checks in Wisconsin by month
MonthChecks
August 2026Checks54,100
July 2026Checks48,948
June 2026Checks47,681
May 2026Checks47,955
April 2026Checks55,917
March 2026Checks58,808
February 2026Checks49,257
January 2026Checks51,714
December 2025Checks68,275
November 2025Checks54,915
October 2025Checks58,276
September 2025Checks52,661
August 2025Checks45,814
July 2025Checks43,355
June 2025Checks41,358
May 2025Checks42,844
April 2025Checks51,956
March 2025Checks57,422
February 2025Checks44,940
January 2025Checks46,212
December 2024Checks48,626
November 2024Checks55,455
October 2024Checks49,655
September 2024Checks40,926
Earlier months, November 1998 – August 2024
FBI NICS background checks in Wisconsin by month, November 1998 – August 2024
MonthChecks
August 2024Checks39,443
July 2024Checks35,490
June 2024Checks34,403
May 2024Checks35,110
April 2024Checks45,947
March 2024Checks53,070
February 2024Checks47,214
January 2024Checks42,240
December 2023Checks50,772
November 2023Checks51,788
October 2023Checks49,422
September 2023Checks40,897
August 2023Checks39,227
July 2023Checks34,924
June 2023Checks36,822
May 2023Checks39,695
April 2023Checks51,604
March 2023Checks60,811
February 2023Checks52,061
January 2023Checks52,291
December 2022Checks55,992
November 2022Checks59,699
October 2022Checks55,872
September 2022Checks52,391
August 2022Checks49,282
July 2022Checks45,916
June 2022Checks46,961
May 2022Checks43,611
April 2022Checks54,798
March 2022Checks64,537
February 2022Checks54,653
January 2022Checks51,816
December 2021Checks65,899
November 2021Checks66,983
October 2021Checks68,017
September 2021Checks65,312
August 2021Checks64,208
July 2021Checks59,969
June 2021Checks59,860
May 2021Checks60,229
April 2021Checks72,407
March 2021Checks76,885
February 2021Checks52,251
January 2021Checks73,836
December 2020Checks61,539
November 2020Checks71,736
October 2020Checks72,837
September 2020Checks68,257
August 2020Checks65,771
July 2020Checks59,871
June 2020Checks68,738
May 2020Checks49,535
April 2020Checks55,375
March 2020Checks77,811
February 2020Checks41,799
January 2020Checks38,349
December 2019Checks41,584
November 2019Checks43,909
October 2019Checks39,395
September 2019Checks36,278
August 2019Checks35,146
July 2019Checks25,170
June 2019Checks28,507
May 2019Checks30,307
April 2019Checks38,561
March 2019Checks47,671
February 2019Checks34,612
January 2019Checks34,545
December 2018Checks43,572
November 2018Checks45,446
October 2018Checks37,142
September 2018Checks33,194
August 2018Checks32,732
July 2018Checks26,598
June 2018Checks26,403
May 2018Checks28,841
April 2018Checks41,542
March 2018Checks56,482
February 2018Checks43,777
January 2018Checks36,791
December 2017Checks47,120
November 2017Checks48,683
October 2017Checks43,183
September 2017Checks37,506
August 2017Checks40,924
July 2017Checks32,846
June 2017Checks36,267
May 2017Checks37,888
April 2017Checks45,872
March 2017Checks58,739
February 2017Checks50,720
January 2017Checks46,775
December 2016Checks56,928
November 2016Checks65,277
October 2016Checks63,442
September 2016Checks59,639
August 2016Checks53,689
July 2016Checks38,922
June 2016Checks30,747
May 2016Checks27,431
April 2016Checks38,403
March 2016Checks44,925
February 2016Checks42,855
January 2016Checks39,561
December 2015Checks52,450
November 2015Checks38,541
October 2015Checks36,111
September 2015Checks30,630
August 2015Checks28,396
July 2015Checks24,350
June 2015Checks22,715
May 2015Checks24,362
April 2015Checks31,164
March 2015Checks37,433
February 2015Checks32,541
January 2015Checks24,587
December 2014Checks31,622
November 2014Checks31,027
October 2014Checks33,262
September 2014Checks27,754
August 2014Checks24,467
July 2014Checks19,541
June 2014Checks19,302
May 2014Checks22,493
April 2014Checks32,375
March 2014Checks37,199
February 2014Checks31,698
January 2014Checks23,568
December 2013Checks31,714
November 2013Checks35,704
October 2013Checks35,951
September 2013Checks32,039
August 2013Checks27,420
July 2013Checks22,108
June 2013Checks20,416
May 2013Checks28,975
April 2013Checks42,236
March 2013Checks50,492
February 2013Checks50,656
January 2013Checks56,977
December 2012Checks55,533
November 2012Checks44,890
October 2012Checks41,069
September 2012Checks34,070
August 2012Checks34,499
July 2012Checks25,991
June 2012Checks24,986
May 2012Checks30,059
April 2012Checks39,410
March 2012Checks47,104
February 2012Checks47,912
January 2012Checks43,852
December 2011Checks67,987
November 2011Checks73,346
October 2011Checks24,984
September 2011Checks21,701
August 2011Checks19,017
July 2011Checks14,162
June 2011Checks13,675
May 2011Checks14,313
April 2011Checks19,630
March 2011Checks23,330
February 2011Checks17,288
January 2011Checks13,328
December 2010Checks17,665
November 2010Checks21,043
October 2010Checks21,543
September 2010Checks18,610
August 2010Checks15,192
July 2010Checks10,964
June 2010Checks11,437
May 2010Checks11,567
April 2010Checks16,471
March 2010Checks21,554
February 2010Checks16,017
January 2010Checks12,734
December 2009Checks16,605
November 2009Checks19,327
October 2009Checks21,119
September 2009Checks17,700
August 2009Checks14,794
July 2009Checks10,489
June 2009Checks10,519
May 2009Checks11,864
April 2009Checks19,575
March 2009Checks23,863
February 2009Checks17,025
January 2009Checks14,071
December 2008Checks18,411
November 2008Checks23,927
October 2008Checks20,469
September 2008Checks17,435
August 2008Checks13,495
July 2008Checks9,292
June 2008Checks9,671
May 2008Checks11,354
April 2008Checks16,588
March 2008Checks19,440
February 2008Checks15,311
January 2008Checks11,426
December 2007Checks16,506
November 2007Checks19,774
October 2007Checks20,366
September 2007Checks18,080
August 2007Checks14,391
July 2007Checks9,246
June 2007Checks8,977
May 2007Checks10,065
April 2007Checks15,198
March 2007Checks19,964
February 2007Checks15,219
January 2007Checks12,821
December 2006Checks19,771
November 2006Checks21,432
October 2006Checks22,311
September 2006Checks20,250
August 2006Checks13,136
July 2006Checks9,068
June 2006Checks8,999
May 2006Checks10,358
April 2006Checks15,178
March 2006Checks19,640
February 2006Checks16,305
January 2006Checks12,780
December 2005Checks18,543
November 2005Checks20,572
October 2005Checks21,909
September 2005Checks18,423
August 2005Checks12,809
July 2005Checks9,213
June 2005Checks8,849
May 2005Checks10,349
April 2005Checks16,220
March 2005Checks19,334
February 2005Checks15,796
January 2005Checks10,996
December 2004Checks18,436
November 2004Checks20,830
October 2004Checks23,097
September 2004Checks18,953
August 2004Checks13,542
July 2004Checks9,639
June 2004Checks9,055
May 2004Checks10,699
April 2004Checks15,981
March 2004Checks19,197
February 2004Checks15,590
January 2004Checks12,078
December 2003Checks20,026
November 2003Checks22,696
October 2003Checks24,314
September 2003Checks20,542
August 2003Checks13,592
July 2003Checks9,442
June 2003Checks9,258
May 2003Checks10,513
April 2003Checks15,527
March 2003Checks17,626
February 2003Checks13,885
January 2003Checks11,173
December 2002Checks16,938
November 2002Checks20,334
October 2002Checks21,361
September 2002Checks18,039
August 2002Checks12,972
July 2002Checks8,218
June 2002Checks8,427
May 2002Checks9,866
April 2002Checks14,901
March 2002Checks17,631
February 2002Checks13,953
January 2002Checks11,139
December 2001Checks17,698
November 2001Checks21,370
October 2001Checks25,423
September 2001Checks21,972
August 2001Checks13,619
July 2001Checks8,841
June 2001Checks8,425
May 2001Checks8,868
April 2001Checks14,239
March 2001Checks17,988
February 2001Checks13,312
January 2001Checks10,043
December 2000Checks15,838
November 2000Checks20,647
October 2000Checks24,736
September 2000Checks22,239
August 2000Checks14,009
July 2000Checks9,498
June 2000Checks9,160
May 2000Checks9,928
April 2000Checks14,441
March 2000Checks16,615
February 2000Checks13,013
January 2000Checks10,368
December 1999Checks18,952
November 1999Checks22,690
October 1999Checks24,664
September 1999Checks21,306
August 1999Checks13,962
July 1999Checks9,754
June 1999Checks9,133
May 1999Checks10,694
April 1999Checks14,936
March 1999Checks14,891
February 1999Checks10,578
January 1999Checks7,780
December 1998Checks15,201
November 1998Checks241Partial month: NICS began on November 30, 1998
Cite a figure from this section (14)

What does Wisconsin export?

Firearm and ammunition exports that started their trip in Wisconsin came to $266,548 in 2025, across 2 product groups. Cartridges and parts were 94.9% of that. [7]

Firearm and ammunition exports from Wisconsin, 2010–2025 current dollars

  • Hatched: not reported

2025: $266,548 · 2024: $986,242 · 73.0% less

Source: Census international trade, exports by the state where they start their trip to the border, which is not always where they were made. USA Arms adds up the product groups Census reported each year, and the groups can differ from year to year.

By product, 2025

  1. Cartridges and parts$252,936
  2. Shotgun shells and parts$13,612

Source: Census international trade, exports starting from Wisconsin, 2025. USA Arms adds up each product’s twelve months; a product Census did not report every month is left out. Monthly values by product and country through December 2025 are in Census trade data.

Where the exports went, 2025

  1. Canada$4,920,169
  2. Australia$581,455
  3. United Kingdom$173,397
  4. Luxembourg$165,980
  5. Argentina$111,065
  6. Germany$97,986
  7. South Africa$54,300
  8. Bulgaria$43,686

Source: Census international trade, exports starting from Wisconsin, 2025. USA Arms adds up every month and product group Census reported for each destination; 20 destinations in all, the largest 8 shown. A destination is where the goods were bound, not always where they were used.

Show all 12 years
Firearm and ammunition exports from Wisconsin, product groups added up by USA Arms
YearExports
2025Exports$266,5482 product families
2024Exports$986,242
2023Exports$4,096,9271 product family
2022Exports$91,689
2021Exports$28,465
2020Exports$1,459,287
2019Exports$541,008
2018Exports$706,179
2016Exports$1,958,1422 product families
2015Exports$642,405
2012Exports$7,7551 product family
2010Exports$474,0582 product families
Cite a figure from this section (11)

How many hunting licenses does Wisconsin certify?

Wisconsin certified 652,399 paid hunting-license holders for license year 2024. Hunters bought 4,265,404 resident and 289,325 nonresident licenses, for $37,357,652 in all. A holder is one certification, not one person: someone licensed in two states counts in each. [3]

Paid hunting-license holders in Wisconsin, 1956–2024 license holders

2024: 652,399 · 2023: 655,095 · 0.4% fewer

Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) hunting license counts, Wisconsin, by license year.

  • 652,399paid hunting-license holders Wisconsin certified for license year 2024; the high was 813,111 in 1994USFWS certifications · 2024 · WisconsinCite
Show all 69 years
Hunting licenses certified by Wisconsin
YearPaid license holdersResident licensesNonresident licensesGross cost
2024Paid license holders652,399Resident licenses4,265,404Nonresident licenses289,325Gross cost$37,357,652
2023Paid license holders655,095Resident licenses4,188,626Nonresident licenses281,619Gross cost$36,304,434
2022Paid license holders664,738Resident licenses4,209,295Nonresident licenses282,662Gross cost$36,478,110
2021Paid license holders669,813Resident licenses4,291,915Nonresident licenses262,100Gross cost$35,839,773
2020Paid license holders656,108Resident licenses4,215,032Nonresident licenses258,780Gross cost$36,080,815
2019Paid license holders666,670Resident licenses3,965,367Nonresident licenses236,639Gross cost$36,411,664
2018Paid license holders680,733Resident licenses3,913,818Nonresident licenses229,066Gross cost$40,940,312
2017Paid license holders692,209Resident licenses3,923,031Nonresident licenses205,259Gross cost$40,807,585
2016Paid license holders706,400Resident licenses2,716,899Nonresident licenses146,777Gross cost$41,381,372
2015Paid license holders700,843Resident licenses2,695,812Nonresident licenses140,891Gross cost$36,257,739
2014Paid license holders719,110Resident licenses2,789,770Nonresident licenses151,469Gross cost$37,297,741
2013Paid license holders717,381Resident licenses2,817,491Nonresident licenses150,850Gross costWithheld
Earlier years, 1956–2012
Hunting licenses certified by Wisconsin, 1956–2012
YearPaid license holdersResident licensesNonresident licensesGross cost
2012Paid license holders704,372Resident licenses2,736,588Nonresident licenses143,682Gross costWithheld
2011Paid license holders704,357Resident licenses2,795,847Nonresident licenses145,702Gross costWithheld
2010Paid license holders718,261Resident licenses2,887,603Nonresident licenses153,481Gross costWithheld
2009Paid license holders716,504Resident licenses2,821,750Nonresident licenses150,322Gross costWithheld
2008Paid license holders721,399Resident licenses2,740,233Nonresident licenses147,648Gross costWithheld
2007Paid license holders721,851Resident licenses2,918,716Nonresident licenses153,720Gross costWithheld
2006Paid license holders721,851Resident licenses2,918,716Nonresident licenses153,720Gross costWithheld
2005Paid license holders713,610Resident licenses2,995,106Nonresident licenses148,124Gross costWithheld
2004Paid license holders722,803Resident licenses2,884,857Nonresident licenses145,752Gross costWithheld
2003Paid license holders716,200Resident licenses2,584,071Nonresident licenses133,806Gross costWithheld
2002Paid license holders689,099Resident licenses2,472,489Nonresident licenses127,017Gross costWithheld
2001Paid license holders716,200Resident licenses2,584,071Nonresident licenses133,806Gross costWithheld
2000Paid license holders689,099Resident licenses2,472,489Nonresident licenses127,017Gross cost$31,476,990
1999Paid license holders763,063Resident licenses2,726,603Nonresident licenses156,072Gross cost$34,873,177
1998Paid license holders773,239Resident licenses2,565,107Nonresident licenses149,963Gross cost$34,692,525
1997Paid license holders769,420Resident licenses2,507,324Nonresident licenses121,583Gross cost$35,535,724
1996Paid license holders742,669Resident licenses1,831,890Nonresident licenses54,828Gross cost$33,941,197
1995Paid license holders739,345Resident licenses1,880,495Nonresident licenses46,719Gross cost$30,283,876
1994Paid license holders813,111Resident licenses1,994,660Nonresident licenses59,150Gross cost$31,643,216
1993Paid license holders784,003Resident licenses1,770,282Nonresident licenses43,814Gross cost$28,528,251
1992Paid license holders773,261Resident licenses1,689,583Nonresident licenses39,230Gross cost$26,494,664
1991Paid license holders798,843Resident licenses1,817,589Nonresident licenses47,843Gross cost$28,872,245
1990Paid license holders773,759Resident licenses1,791,461Nonresident licenses50,368Gross cost$28,237,115
1989Paid license holders771,553Resident licenses1,703,207Nonresident licenses45,330Gross cost$21,465,291
1988Paid license holders741,188Resident licenses1,478,314Nonresident licenses39,530Gross cost$20,402,691
1987Paid license holders729,668Resident licenses1,391,359Nonresident licenses36,848Gross cost$19,892,920
1986Paid license holders737,306Resident licenses1,392,250Nonresident licenses36,056Gross cost$19,975,261
1985Paid license holders737,019Resident licenses1,359,807Nonresident licenses35,233Gross cost$16,927,650
1984Paid license holders734,984Resident licenses1,395,780Nonresident licenses31,662Gross cost$16,647,900
1983Paid license holders722,498Resident licenses1,481,762Nonresident licenses29,119Gross cost$15,383,100
1982Paid license holders710,986Resident licenses1,254,229Nonresident licenses27,416Gross cost$13,472,224
1981Paid license holders756,761Resident licenses1,237,363Nonresident licenses26,325Gross cost$13,339,077
1980Paid license holders756,005Resident licenses1,223,179Nonresident licenses25,692Gross cost$13,217,553
1979Paid license holders735,853Resident licenses1,177,823Nonresident licenses23,740Gross cost$11,526,928
1978Paid license holders713,152Resident licenses1,116,755Nonresident licenses21,707Gross cost$11,234,822
1977Paid license holders756,256Resident licenses1,201,188Nonresident licenses28,048Gross cost$9,005,704
1976Paid license holders739,126Resident licenses1,031,517Nonresident licenses24,270Gross cost$8,191,728
1975Paid license holders702,351Resident licenses990,857Nonresident licenses21,051Gross cost$7,683,910
1974Paid license holders707,287Resident licenses991,748Nonresident licenses19,349Gross cost$7,594,693
1973Paid license holders727,012Resident licenses945,293Nonresident licenses17,661Gross cost$7,204,116
1972Paid license holders650,028Resident licenses839,563Nonresident licenses15,658Gross cost$6,470,425
1971Paid license holders633,831Resident licenses800,002Nonresident licenses30,279Gross cost$5,022,457
1970Paid license holders632,944Resident licenses773,854Nonresident licenses32,787Gross cost$5,052,125
1969Paid license holders634,992Resident licenses767,772Nonresident licenses27,604Gross cost$4,821,038
1968Paid license holders629,445Resident licenses812,248Nonresident licenses25,109Gross cost$4,869,833
1967Paid license holders631,875Resident licenses832,095Nonresident licenses28,446Gross cost$5,331,315
1966Paid license holders597,119Resident licenses791,716Nonresident licenses22,048Gross cost$4,987,796
1965Paid license holders571,058Resident licenses723,245Nonresident licenses19,517Gross cost$4,539,907
1964Paid license holders575,932Resident licenses659,113Nonresident licenses15,984Gross cost$3,600,398
1963Paid license holders499,050Resident licenses567,824Nonresident licenses13,461Gross cost$2,995,459
1962Paid license holders482,467Resident licensesWithheldNonresident licensesWithheldGross costWithheld
1961Paid license holders455,586Resident licensesWithheldNonresident licensesWithheldGross costWithheld
1960Paid license holders442,419Resident licensesWithheldNonresident licensesWithheldGross costWithheld
1959Paid license holders523,514Resident licensesWithheldNonresident licensesWithheldGross costWithheld
1958Paid license holders535,698Resident licensesWithheldNonresident licensesWithheldGross costWithheld
1957Paid license holders553,386Resident licensesWithheldNonresident licensesWithheldGross costWithheld
1956Paid license holders505,809Resident licensesWithheldNonresident licensesWithheldGross costWithheld
Cite a figure from this section (5)

How much conservation money does Wisconsin receive?

Wildlife Restoration apportioned $23,485,531 to Wisconsin for fiscal 2026, 8.5% less than fiscal 2025. The record was $33,751,346 in fiscal 2023. The money comes from federal excise taxes on firearms, ammunition and archery gear. [3]

Wildlife Restoration apportionments to Wisconsin, FY 1939–FY 2026 current dollars

FY 2026: $23,485,531 · FY 2025: $25,658,081 · 8.5% less

Source: USFWS, Wisconsin, including hunter education money. Not adjusted for inflation.

  • $23,485,531apportioned to Wisconsin for fiscal 2026 through Wildlife Restoration, including hunter education; the high was $33,751,346 for fiscal 2023USFWS · FY 2026 · WisconsinCite
Show all 88 fiscal years
Wildlife Restoration apportionments to Wisconsin
Fiscal yearApportioned
FY 2026Apportioned$23,485,531
FY 2025Apportioned$25,658,081
FY 2024Apportioned$27,739,539
FY 2023Apportioned$33,751,346
FY 2022Apportioned$31,606,529
FY 2021Apportioned$19,647,702
FY 2020Apportioned$17,654,380
FY 2019Apportioned$19,739,356
FY 2018Apportioned$23,542,090
FY 2017Apportioned$23,095,485
FY 2016Apportioned$20,982,254
FY 2015Apportioned$24,887,261
Earlier fiscal years, FY 1939–FY 2014
Wildlife Restoration apportionments to Wisconsin, FY 1939–FY 2014
Fiscal yearApportioned
FY 2014Apportioned$23,374,940
FY 2013Apportioned$15,991,568
FY 2012Apportioned$11,305,796
FY 2011Apportioned$11,713,380
FY 2010Apportioned$14,840,377
FY 2009Apportioned$10,551,884
FY 2008Apportioned$9,628,060
FY 2007Apportioned$8,279,069
FY 2006Apportioned$7,302,015
FY 2005Apportioned$7,356,101
FY 2004Apportioned$6,041,016
FY 2003Apportioned$6,827,601
FY 2002Apportioned$6,049,578
FY 2001Apportioned$6,500,414
FY 2000Apportioned$6,121,170
FY 1999Apportioned$5,207,022
FY 1998Apportioned$5,126,621
FY 1997Apportioned$5,379,632
FY 1996Apportioned$6,451,849
FY 1995Apportioned$6,814,436
FY 1994Apportioned$5,711,796
FY 1993Apportioned$4,935,179
FY 1992Apportioned$4,626,573
FY 1991Apportioned$4,775,689
FY 1990Apportioned$3,586,559
FY 1989Apportioned$3,654,740
FY 1988Apportioned$3,374,112
FY 1987Apportioned$3,256,521
FY 1986Apportioned$3,186,885
FY 1985Apportioned$2,402,334
FY 1984Apportioned$2,648,463
FY 1983Apportioned$3,159,733
FY 1982Apportioned$3,437,940
FY 1981Apportioned$2,517,304
FY 1980Apportioned$2,676,963
FY 1979Apportioned$2,402,522
FY 1978Apportioned$1,838,717
FY 1977Apportioned$2,479,667
FY 1976Apportioned$1,616,750
FY 1975Apportioned$1,505,050
FY 1974Apportioned$1,343,678
FY 1973Apportioned$1,134,856
FY 1972Apportioned$970,717
FY 1971Apportioned$872,068
FY 1970Apportioned$874,774
FY 1969Apportioned$820,424
FY 1968Apportioned$725,797
FY 1967Apportioned$590,661
FY 1966Apportioned$475,941
FY 1965Apportioned$401,162
FY 1964Apportioned$461,201
FY 1963Apportioned$338,911
FY 1962Apportioned$467,303
FY 1961Apportioned$310,320
FY 1960Apportioned$331,461
FY 1959Apportioned$508,281
FY 1958Apportioned$516,996
FY 1957Apportioned$486,129
FY 1956Apportioned$435,186
FY 1955Apportioned$296,798
FY 1954Apportioned$379,403
FY 1953Apportioned$283,778
FY 1952Apportioned$471,834
FY 1951Apportioned$220,811
FY 1950Apportioned$254,461
FY 1949Apportioned$268,545
FY 1948Apportioned$203,863
FY 1947Apportioned$62,109
FY 1946Apportioned$25,155
FY 1945Apportioned$20,303
FY 1944Apportioned$26,016
FY 1943Apportioned$32,066
FY 1942Apportioned$72,939
FY 1941Apportioned$63,149
FY 1940Apportioned$37,342
FY 1939Apportioned$23,739
Cite a figure from this section (2)

How does Wisconsin compare?

Wisconsin ranks 14th for firearms made, 14th for license records, 10th for small arms jobs, 12th for job concentration, 5th for hunting license holders and 9th for Wildlife Restoration money. Pick a measure to see every state, or see all fifty states compared on the U.S. page.

Measure
AlaskaAK10256287.2K$35.6MAlabamaAL150K1.48K497K$19.2MArkansasAR50.8K1.5K8103.88331K$14MArizonaAZ550K2.58K2.23K4.32303K$23.1MCaliforniaCA50K2.03K4860.17252K$26.8MColoradoCO2.31K1.68K2790.60379K$22.9MConnecticutDelawareFloridaFL350K4.56K8280.52265K$16.4MGeorgiaGA797K2.42K1.25K1.60816K$27.7MHawaiiHI29810515.3K$5.03MIowaIA23.2K1.46K710.28223K$12.1MIdahoID42.7K1.34K3522.52301K$16.6MIllinoisIL213K1.41K282K$16.6MIndianaIN18.1K1.73K2610.51253K$13.9MKansasKS8.88K1.21K530.23282K$16.1MKentuckyKY613K1.44K9442.97316K$14MLouisianaLA4.79K1.29K451K$17.6MMassachusettsMarylandMaineME735547208K$9.38MMichiganMI23.9K2.44K350.05632K$23.9MMinnesotaMN26K1.55K1.69K3.58528K$23.8MMissouriMO55.1K2.44K2380.51522K$22.4MMississippiMS1.04K1.05K272K$12.2MMontanaMT10.4K1.18K3143.83233K$22MNorth CarolinaNC656K3.06K1.02K1.29582K$22.3MNorth DakotaND1.66K543149K$12.1MNebraskaNE4.19K804267K$15.2MNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNM2.74K689280.20160K$17.8MNevadaNV147K8592490.99111K$15.6MNew YorkNY88.2K1.82K2990.19533K$20.9MOhioOH53.9K2.79K2370.27360K$16.6MOklahomaOK6.01K1.7K356K$17.5MOregonOR12.9K1.38K330K$20.1MPennsylvaniaPA95.6K3.24K1.2K1.241.03M$30.6MRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSC765K1.49K7652.06199K$11.1MSouth DakotaSD1.9K646801.09223K$14.3MTennesseeTN1.16M1.99K1.17K2.24734K$24.2MTexasTX666K8.34K1.12K0.501.12M$38.9MUtahUT135K1.37K7002.51283K$16.4MVirginiaVA12K1.99K2210.33251K$14.3MVermontWashingtonWA177K1.17K4820.84164K$15.4MWest VirginiaWV3.32K943260.23278K$9.83MWyomingWY12.9K8243678.13119K$14.4MWisconsinWI205K1.77K1.02K2.16652K$23.5M
  • Under 3.32K
  • 3.32K to 18.1K
  • 18.1K to 88.2K
  • 88.2K to 350K
  • 350K and up
  • Under 646
  • 646 to 1.18K
  • 1.18K to 1.49K
  • 1.49K to 2.03K
  • 2.03K and up
  • Under 123
  • 123 to 299
  • 299 to 765
  • 765 to 1.17K
  • 1.17K and up
  • Not published
  • Under 0.27
  • 0.27 to 0.52
  • 0.52 to 1.60
  • 1.60 to 3.58
  • 3.58 and up
  • Not published
  • Under 111K
  • 111K to 251K
  • 251K to 301K
  • 301K to 522K
  • 522K and up
  • Under $9.83M
  • $9.83M to $14.4M
  • $14.4M to $17.5M
  • $17.5M to $23.1M
  • $23.1M and up

Map and table: firearms the state’s plants reported to ATF, calendar year 2024. Darker means higher.

Map and table: federal firearms license records on ATF’s Aug 2026 list, all listed types. Darker means higher.

Map and table: private small arms, ordnance and accessories manufacturing jobs, 2025 annual average. Darker means higher.

Map and table: the share of the state’s private jobs in small arms manufacturing, against the U.S. share, 2025; 1.00 means the same share. Darker means higher.

Map and table: paid hunting-license holders the state certified for license year 2024. Darker means higher.

Map and table: Wildlife Restoration and hunter education money apportioned for fiscal 2026. Darker means higher.

Every state and measure
RankStateFirearms made, 2024License records, Aug 2026Small arms jobs, 2025Job concentration, 2025Hunting license holders, 2024Wildlife Restoration, FY 2026
1New Hampshire1,381,9226021,69715.4059,947$5,027,605
2Tennessee1,164,2391,9901,1712.24734,342$24,236,720
3Georgia796,8572,4251,2501.60815,738$27,695,024
4South Carolina764,9041,4947652.06199,114$11,071,422
5Texas665,8328,3431,1200.501,117,858$38,857,809
6North Carolina656,2673,0581,0201.29581,521$22,308,487
7Kentucky613,2251,4429442.97315,758$13,967,424
8Arizona549,9892,5802,2344.32303,298$23,118,473
9Massachusetts479,681589Not publishedNot published60,377$8,289,959
10Florida350,1574,5588280.52265,018$16,437,305
11Connecticut225,5306591,2464.6025,903$6,023,949
12New Jersey222,163380Not publishedNot published67,305$8,289,959
13Illinois213,4461,414Not publishedNot published282,380$16,595,276
14Wisconsin205,1101,7751,0172.16652,399$23,485,531
15Washington176,7451,1654820.84163,801$15,447,463
16Alabama150,1801,479Not publishedNot published497,063$19,216,281
17Nevada146,5248592490.99111,210$15,610,455
18Utah135,2091,3707002.51282,841$16,350,555
19Pennsylvania95,6103,2371,1971.241,031,218$30,594,626
20New York88,1651,8162990.19533,479$20,933,144
21Missouri55,1392,4372380.51521,787$22,441,430
22Ohio53,8952,7852370.27359,811$16,569,111
23Arkansas50,8031,5008103.88331,401$14,014,316
24California49,9712,0304860.17251,590$26,821,647
25Idaho42,6771,3413522.52300,759$16,597,136
26Vermont28,628340Not publishedNot published55,171$5,027,605
27Minnesota26,0321,5521,6853.58527,774$23,819,471
28Michigan23,9142,436350.05632,144$23,914,949
29Iowa23,1901,456710.28222,692$12,112,654
30Indiana18,1361,7312610.51252,645$13,857,865
31Wyoming12,9468243678.13118,896$14,427,611
32Oregon12,8721,379Not publishedNot published330,416$20,075,259
33Virginia11,9591,9942210.33251,350$14,312,936
34Maryland10,7567921230.28111,027$7,898,984
35Montana10,3771,1843143.83233,193$21,957,263
36Kansas8,8811,206530.23282,124$16,080,090
37Oklahoma6,0111,704Not publishedNot published356,283$17,533,166
38Louisiana4,7941,288Not publishedNot published451,343$17,626,642
39Nebraska4,188804Not publishedNot published266,748$15,218,471
40West Virginia3,323943260.23278,193$9,827,675
41New Mexico2,744689280.20160,081$17,768,168
42Colorado2,3131,6792790.60378,763$22,930,115
43South Dakota1,896646801.09222,875$14,329,482
44North Dakota1,659543Not publishedNot published148,512$12,140,115
45Mississippi1,0381,053Not publishedNot published271,751$12,204,415
46Maine735547Not publishedNot published208,206$9,376,640
47Hawaii298105Not publishedNot published15,296$5,027,605
48Rhode Island103115Not publishedNot published7,378$5,027,605
49Alaska102562Not publishedNot published87,159$35,595,455
50Delaware41135Not publishedNot published15,399$5,027,605

Ranks count only states with a published value. A state without one is listed last, never as zero. Background checks are left out: state permit rules change how many checks a state runs, and a check is not a sale. Sources: ATF Annual Firearms Manufacturing and Export Report, ATF Federal Firearms Listings, BLS Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages, USFWS Wildlife Restoration and hunting licenses.

Find firearms businesses in Wisconsin

Research with Wisconsin figures

  1. Who makes America's guns?Inside: Wisconsin’s largest filings each year · compare Wisconsin with another state or year
  2. When do Americans run firearm background checks?Inside: Every day since 1998 for the whole country; the FBI publishes no daily counts by state
  3. Firearm background checks per person, by stateInside: Wisconsin’s rate per 1,000 residents · its yearly check mix · monthly checks since 1998
  4. How do federal firearms license counts and types differ by state?Inside: Wisconsin’s license mix against the U.S. · compare Wisconsin with another state
  5. Where are hunting licenses most common?Inside: Wisconsin’s license holders per 100 residents, its rank and its nonresident share

All research

Sources, downloads and corrections

Every number above has its own link. Select Cite to copy a figure as one sentence with its source, period and link.

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Free to reuse under CC BY 4.0: credit USA Arms and link to this page.

  1. [1] ATF Annual Firearms Manufacturing and Export Reportcalendar years 2004–2024www.atf.gov
  2. [2] ATF Federal Firearms Listingsmonthly lists by license type, January 2021 – August 2026www.atf.gov
  3. [3] USFWS Wildlife Restoration apportionments and hunting-license certificationshunting licenses, license years 1956–2024; apportionments, fiscal years 1939–2026www.fws.gov
  4. [4] FBI NICS firearm checksmonthly state counts, November 1998 – August 2026; checks by type, 2025www.fbi.gov
  5. [5] BLS Quarterly Census of Employment and Wagesprivate employers by industry, 1990–2025www.bls.gov
  6. [6] Census Bureau, Economic Census2022 Economic Census, Wisconsinwww.census.gov
  7. [7] Census international tradeWisconsin-origin exports by product, 2025; monthly values through December 2025www.census.gov

Each figure keeps the period its source uses: calendar years, federal fiscal years (ending September 30), license years or months. Withheld and unpublished values are labeled, never shown as zero. Partial years are labeled, never stretched to a full year. Totals that USA Arms added up say so. Found something wrong? Submit a correction.