Hunting is a way of life, a sport, and relaxation in the US. The fact that there were around 15 million hunters in the United States in 2020 alone shows that what started as a survival instinct evolved into a time-honored tradition.
Regardless of status, hunting is a tradition everyone enjoys, just like baseball and apple pie. Majority support hunting wholeheartedly for its benefits to conservation, culture, and society.
Hunting in the United States is among the best in the world. There is a hunting season for practically every game animal because there is a wide variety of wildlife.
Before venturing into the woods, it's crucial to check with your local wildlife agency because each state has restrictions surrounding hunting seasons.
Why is there a Hunting Season
There are a variety of hunting seasons in the United States. The hunting season varies according to the species.
Moreover, hunting seasons are in place for a variety of reasons. Most crucially, these seasons do not exclusively depend on the times of the year when certain activities are most exposed and vulnerable.
The federal government in charge of natural resources often determines the dates of the hunting seasons. Seasons for hunting are set up so that hunters in the future can enjoy the sport.
The purpose of setting hunting seasons is to improve your chances of success. The authorities set the dates of each hunting season following animal reproduction cycles.
The increase in the population may be impacted by how closely these dates coincide with each game's breeding season. Animals can rest or recover from being hunted during the off-season.
Local government bodies set dates to regulate the growth or decline in an animal's population.
When is the Hunting Season by Animal
Depending on the game, there are many hunting seasons. Animals will behave differently when mating or reproducing.
Here are some things you should know about animal-specific hunting seasons.
Deer
To determine when deer hunting season is, you must first consult the state's schedule. Depending on the kind of deer you intend to hunt, there are different deer hunting seasons.
The mule deer and the white-tailed deer are the two main species of deer in the United States. White-tailed deer have white tails, while mule deer have black tails.
Seasons for hunting deer typically begin in September and extend through December. But some states open their open season in September, while others open in October or November. Depending on the state, the seasons may continue until January.
You cannot simply go out and hunt any deer you see. Deer that you can legally hunt has been designated. Deer without antlers are frequently off-limits, while some states allow hunting with specific permission. While some states don't offer any-deer permits, others do. Another important factor in lawful deer hunting is antler length.
Also, during hunting, the deer's gender is taken into consideration. From October 17 through November 1, 2020, hunters were permitted to take buck black-tailed deer in certain regions.
Duck
Ducks are an additional form of hunting game. When duck hunting season is, it depends on various migration patterns, habitats for ducks, and species. Ducks choose dates in a somewhat different way, though.
The Migratory Birds Conventions choose the best times of year to go hunting. The regular hunting season for ducks runs from September to January.
To safeguard the duck population, there are also restrictions on the use of weapons and bag sizes. Each hunting season will have a different length depending on the Flyway. The migration paths of the ducks give rise to flyways.
Turkey
In America, there are numerous species of wild turkey. The North American Wild Turkey and the Central American Ocellated Turkey are the two main varieties of wild turkey.
Homes in Turkey are located close to rivers, streams, oak and grasslands, pine savannas, forest clearings, or meadows. It is best to check with the relevant state government to find out when the turkey hunting season is, as they have a habitat in many states.
The season for shooting turkeys may be in the spring or the fall. Only a few states, though, offer both open seasons. Although some states begin in March, the spring hunting season typically lasts from April through May.
States also have different fall seasons. While some states begin the hunting season in November and last until February, others start in August and October.
When is Hunting Season per State
Alabama
Depending on the zone, different dates define when hunting season occurs in Alabama:
Zones A and C
- Hunting with a bow and arrow: October 15–February 10
- November 16–20, Special Muzzleloader and Air Rifle
- November 21 to February 10: Firearms Deer-Stalking; December 12 through January 1
- Gun-dog deer hunting is permitted from November 21 to January 15 and December 12 to January 1.
Zone B
- Hunting with a bow and arrow: October 15–24 and October 15–February 10
- November 16–20, Special Muzzleloader and Air Rifle
- November 21 to February 10: Firearms Deer-Stalking; December 12 through January 1
- Gun-dog deer hunting is permitted from November 21 to January 15 and December 12 to January 1.
Zone D
- Hunting with a bow and arrow: October 1–January 27; October 1–January 15
- November 2–6: Special Muzzleloader and Air Rifle
- November 21-November 29 and December 19-January 1 are the dates for gun deer stalking.
- November 21–November 29; December 19–January 1; Gun-Dog Deer Hunting
Pennsylvania
Sunday hunting will be prohibited starting in 2021–2022, except for fox, crow, and coyote hunts. A Pennsylvania Hunting License is also required to hunt in Pennsylvania. Follow these steps to obtain this:
- Get the Pennsylvania hunter education certification by meeting the requirements.
- Choose the appropriate licensing type.
- Buy the license at the Pennsylvania Game Commission's website or through Pennsylvania-approved representatives.
To find out when hunting season is in Pennsylvania:
- Small Game: September 12-April 11; some animals don't have a set season (ex., Starlings and English sparrows)
- September 19 to May 31 is a big game.
- Migratory and Waterfowl Birds: October 10 to January 9, September 1 to February 20, October 1 to April 23, and September 1 to January 2.
- Hunting for furbearers: no closed season from January 9 to February 3 and from October 10 to February 20.
Texas
Texas classifies its hunting seasons according to the game types and unique occasions. All hunters in Texas born on or after September 2, 1971, including non-residents, must complete a Hunter Education Training Course. The earliest age for certification is nine years old. During hunting, this certificate must always be with the hunter.
So, what are the various dates for hunting season in Texas?
Archery only:
- October 3 to November 6
Falconry:
- November 20 to December 6
- February 1 to February 15
Muzzleloader Deer:
- January 4 to 17
Youth-only:
- October 31 to November 1
- October 24 to October 25
- November 7 to 8
- September 26 to 27
- January 4 to 17
- March 27 to 28
- May 22 to 23
Game Animals:
- October 1 to February 28
- September 1 to August 31
- October 3 to November 6
- November 21 to December 6
- November 27 to December 13
- October 3 to 11
- October 1 to February 28
- May 1 to May 31
- September 1 to August 31
- November 7 to January 3
Upland Game Birds:
- October 31 to February 28
- December 5 to January 3
- October 31 to February 28
- October 3 to November 6
Migratory Game Birds
- November 7 to February 21
- September 1 to November 12
- December 18 to January 23
Other Animals
- No closed season
- By permit only
- September 10 to September 30
- April 1 to June 30
- Unlawful to take endangered or protected non-game animals
Michigan
The following dates apply to deer:
- 19 and 20 September: Early Antlerless Firearm
- 12 and 13 September: Liberty Hunt
- 15–18 October: Independence Day
- October 1 through November 14; December 1 through January 1; archery
- November 15 to November 30 for regular firearms
- December 4 through December 13 for muzzleloading
- Firearm with Late Antlerless: December 14 to January 1
Along with knowing when hunting season is in Michigan, it's crucial to be aware that only the following cervid components may be imported into Michigan if you kill a deer, elk, moose, or another cervid in any of the other states:
- Hides
- boneless meat
- save for the spine or head, the quarters, or other body components of the cervid
- completed taxidermy items
- brushed teeth
- Antlers
New York
The actual hunting seasons are:
Northern Zone
- Early-season bow season: September 27 through October 23
- 14 to 23 October for the crossbow
- Regular: December 6 through October 24
- October 7 through October 23; December 7 through December 13
- Coastal Zone:
- Early-season bowhunting dates: October 1 through November 20, December 14 through December 22.
- November 7 through November 20
- November 21 through December 13, regularly
- 14 to 22 December for muzzleloading
- County of Westchester
- January 1 to December 31 (bowhunting only)
- Essex County
- January 31 to October 1 (bowhunting only)
- firearms restrictions: January 4 through January 31 (a special permit is needed)
You need to take the following actions to obtain a NY hunting license:
- You must be at least 12 years old (parental consent is needed for those under 16 years old)
- Evidence of residency on hand.
- Create a certificate of education in hunting.
- A debit or credit card.
- Read the license's details.
- Register and sign in.
- Fill out the form.
- Await confirmation.
The license and tags can take up to 2 weeks to arrive in the mail.
Georgia
In Georgia, there are various hunting seasons. Here are some dates based on species because it's critical to understand when hunting season in Georgia is. :
Deer
- September 12 to January 10 for archery
- Archery over a longer period: September 12 to January 31
- from October 10 to January 10, primitive weapons
- October 17 to January 10, 2019
Bear
- September 12 to January 10; October 17 through January 10; and October 10 through January 10
- Zone Central: December 19
- September 17–19, September 24–26, October 1–3, and October 8–10 in the southern zone
- Turkey
- Season of Special Opportunities: March 13–14
- From March 20 through May 15, statewide
Virginia
You can monitor the state's many seasons and important sporting events. Find out when Virginia's hunting season is if you want to enjoy hunting a variety of large animals:
Bear
- Youth Hunt: 10–11 October
- October 3–November 3 for archery
- Muzzleloader: 7–13 November
- Early Firearms: September 28–30
- Season in general: October 1–January 2
Deer
- Youth Hunt: September 26-27
- Early Archery: October 3-November 13
- Late Archery: November 29-January 2
- Urban Archery: September 5-October 2 and January 3-March 28
- NOVA Late Archery: March 29-April 25
- Early Muzzleloader: October 31 to November 13
- Late Muzzleloader: December 12 to January 2
- General Season: November 14-28
Elk: same as deer open season
Turkey
- Fall Archery: October 3-November 6
- Fall Youth Hunt: October 10-11
- Fall General Season: October 17-January 23
- Spring General Season: April 11-May 16
- Spring Youth Hunt: April 3-4
Ohio
Various categories can be used to determine when hunting season is in Ohio. Here is a guide to the ideal time of year and dates:
The following dates are for white-tailed deer:
- September 30-February 4; November 18–19; November 27–December 3; December 16–17; and January 6–9.
- October 14–November 26; April 21–22; April 23–May 20; April 30–May 27; Wild Turkey
- June 1–January 31, Small Game and Furbearer
- Waterfowl: 2–17 September
North Carolina
Fishing and hunting are prominent in North Carolina. As there are many deer in the area, you may find out when deer hunting season is in North Carolina here if you're interested:
- September 12-27, October 11-November 22, and December 13-January 1 are the dates for archery (for antlered deer)
- September 28 - October 10, Blackpowder
- November 23–December 12: Gun
Tennessee
Tennessee's statewide firearms deer hunting season begins on November 21 and lasts until January 3.
Anyone whose birthdate is on or after January 1, 1969, must have an apprentice hunting license or have proof that they have completed a hunter education course.
Along with knowing when hunting season in Tennessee begins, it's critical to understand the antlerless deer bag limit every day, which is three, and the limit on antlered bucks, which is two.
Maine
Deer are the most hunted animals in Maine. Before being able to hunt, one must adhere to several laws and permits (ex. Muzzleloader Permit, Expanded Archery Permit, Antlerless Deer Permit). Notably, the annual bag and possession limit is one deer.
The following dates indicate when hunting season occurs in Maine:
- Weapons: November 1–27
- Residents of Maine Only: October 30
- Age: 23 October
- October 2-29: Crossbow and archery
- November 29–December 4, December 6–11 for muzzleloaders
- Archery Expansion: September 11–December 11
Delaware
It's crucial to remember the dates of Delaware's deer hunting season to hunt deer legally there:
- Crossbow and Archery: September 1 – January 31
- October 9-18, January 25-31 for muzzleloaders
- November 13–22 and January 16–24, shotgun
- Exceptional Antlerless dates are October 2-4, 19, 23-26, 30, and 31.
- Gun: January 2, 4, and 9
- November 7-8 for youth and disabled
Best Practices Before and During Hunting Season
1. Condition Your Body
Hunting requires long treks through forests, uphill climbs of hills or mountains, and hauling bags containing the prey's body or hunting gear. A hunter's body may experience pain both during and after these pursuits. Exercise and getting in shape are the greatest ways to prevent it. It can be done without expensive gym equipment. Push-ups, stationary jogging, and weight lifting are all effective activities.
2. Remember that a License is a Must
Certain locations require hunting licenses. It was implemented to stop illegal hunting and contribute to the local economy. The first thing hunters should know about their intended hunting region is whether a hunting license is necessary. It could prevent future problems with law enforcement.
3. Set up Your Gear
A list of the supplies and tools you'll bring is a smart idea. Without equipment, hunting is like to fighting without weapons. A week before hunting, every hunter should prepare their gear and equipment. You can recheck the list of items to be sure they have everything they need in their luggage. Being a hunter is a big no-no if someone needs to plan for your excursion adequately.
4. Do not Divert from the Designated Path
People enjoy taking risks. In the same way hunters like exploring new locations that have yet to be visited, we do. You must, however, stay in the area designated by the local government as a hunting area exclusively. Following this guideline will avoid getting lost in the wilderness, attacked by bears, or collapsing into canyons.
5. Never Drink Alcohol
Alcohol can effectively lower our brain's capacity for rational thought. It makes sense to stay away from it before hunting. Alcohol consumption before hunting can distract a hunter's attention, endangering nearby hunters. It may also impair the capacity for hunting. A hunter may drink, but it should only be to celebrate the catch after the hunt. Never riding an electric hunting bike when intoxicated!
6. Wear Bright Color Clothing
Have you ever seen a pink neon bear? If none, it is suggested that hunters wear one. Brightly colored vests or t-shirts can lower a hunter's mortality rate during his or her period of hunting. Every hunter should know this precaution before entering the hunting area because nobody wants to be mistaken for a bear, right?
7. Go Hunting with Your Friend
Accidents inevitably occur. It's possible for a hunter to trip over a tree's roots, trip over a branch, or even worse, get shot by other hunters. Who will aid a hunter in receiving the required medical care to avert the worst-case situation if one of those occurs? During hunting, having a reliable friend beside you can help you avoid the horrifying aftermath of any disaster. Time is of the essence in unexpected emergencies. And life is lengthened with a friend.
8. Bring Emergency Kits
During hunting season, emergency kits are crucial. Every hunter should know how to react in case of crises or mishaps that may arise when hunting. Alcohol, cotton, scissors, and gauze are a few materials that must always be included in first aid kits. Every hunter should operate as though there will be only a few people to assist them if something horrible occurs while they are out on the hunt.
9. Gun Security
Gun use by hunters should be done responsibly. There are hunters, forest rangers, and other potential lurkers in the area where they hunt. Guns can kill both humans and animals. It is essential for hunters who use dangerous equipment like rifles to recognize that they have a major duty to use caution and common sense when in the woods.
10. Avoid Littering
Unfortunately, some hunters leave trash and waste behind in the areas where they hunt. This careless behavior is disrespectful to the neighborhood. Hunters should remember that others maintain the place they hunt in. They contribute to keeping the area clean by disposing of their rubbish in the appropriate containers. Hunters should remember that more animals will graze in a tidy area.
