2024-2025 U.S. Hunting Season Guide

Overview of Hunting in the U.S.

Hunting has been an integral part of American history, serving as both a cultural tradition and a crucial tool for wildlife population management. Each state enforces specific hunting regulations to ensure ecological balance and maintain sustainable hunting opportunities.

Hunting History by Region:

  • New England (e.g. Maine, Vermont) – Known for white-tailed deer, wild turkey, and black bear hunting.
  • Midwest (e.g., Wisconsin, Michigan，Illinois) – Popular for deer hunting, as well as waterfowl and turkey hunting.
  • Southern States (e.g., Texas, Georgia) – Features year-round hunting for feral hogs, along with seasonal deer and turkey hunts.
  • Western States (e.g., Colorado, Montana) – Notable for mule deer, elk, and bighorn sheep hunting in mountainous terrains.
  • Alaska – Offers unique hunting opportunities for brown bears, caribou, moose, and wolves, with hunting being a way of life for many residents.

Key Game Species:

  • Deer Species: White-tailed deer, mule deer, elk.
  • Wild Turkey: Found in many states, with distinct spring and fall hunting seasons.
  • Feral Hogs: Year-round hunting permitted in certain southern states for population control.
  • Bears: Black bear hunting is allowed in multiple states under quota-based regulations.
  • Waterfowl: Includes ducks and geese, particularly popular in wetland regions.

2024-2025 U.S. Hunting Season Dates (Deer & Turkey)

2024-2025 Deer Hunting Season Dates

state Hunting time (2024-2025) Remark
Alabama Archery: Oct 15 – Feb 10Gun Season: Nov 18 – Feb 10 There are A, B and C zones, and the specific dates are slightly different. Bows, guns, and muzzleloaders are allowed.
Alaska Aug 1 – Dec 31 (depending on region) Different Game Management Units, such as Unit 1–4 (common Sitka deer)
Arizona Archery: Aug – Sept / Dec – JanGeneral: Oct – Nov (draw by lot for specific units) Most of them are licensed by lottery, and the unit division is complicated. You need to check Hunt Draw
Arkansas Archery: Sept 28 – Feb 28Muzzleloader: Oct 19 – 27Modern Gun: Nov 9 – Dec 1 There are big differences between each zone, and there are also special youth/holiday seasons
California Varies by Zone (eg, Zone A: July 13 – Sept 22)General: August – Nov Each hunting area (A, B, D, X, etc.) has different opening hours
Colorado Archery: Aug 31 – Sept 29 Muzzleloader: Sept 14 – 22 Rifle: Oct 12 – Nov 10 (in stages) Game hunting units (GMUs) are allocated by license lottery
Connecticut Archery: Sept 15 – Jan 31Shotgun/Rifle: Nov – Dec Firearms season opens in certain areas, bow and arrow season is longer
Delaware Archery: Sept 1 – Jan 31Firearm: Nov 8 – 17 & Jan 18 – 26 Includes Muzzleloader, Youth Season, Special Farm Area
Florida Varies by Zone A-De.g., Zone B Archery: Oct 12 – Nov 10 The time difference between each zone is large, divided into Archery, Muzzleloader, General
Georgia Archery: Sept 14 – Jan 12Firearms: Oct 19 – Jan 12 Contains Primitive Weapons Season (such as Muzzleloader)
Hawaii Varies by island and species(eg, Maui: Aug – Nov for axis deer) Divided by island, reservation or lottery required, various prey species
Idaho Archery: Aug 30 – Sept 30General: Oct – Nov (depending on the unit) Each management unit has different opening periods, and some require lottery
Illinois Archery: Oct 1 – Jan 19Firearm: Nov 22–24 & Dec 5–8 Includes Muzzleloader Season (Dec 13–15)
Indiana Archery: Oct 1 – Jan 5Firearm: Nov 16 – Dec 1Muzzleloader: Dec 7–22 There are also settings for special youth and holiday hunting
Iowa Archery: Oct 1 – Dec 6 / Dec 20 – Jan 10Shotgun: Dec 7–11 & Dec 14–22 Muzzleloader: Oct 12–20 & Dec 23 – Jan 10
Kansas Archery: Sept 16 – Dec 31Firearm: Dec 4 – Dec 15 Includes Muzzleloader: Sept 16 – Sept 29
Kentucky Archery: Sept 7 – Jan 20Modern Gun: Nov 9 – 24Muzzleloader: Oct 19–20 & Dec 14–22 Different zones with different restrictions
Louisiana Archery: Sept – JanFirearm: Oct – Feb (depending on region) The state is divided into multiple Deer Areas, with different time periods
Maine Firearm: Oct 28 – Nov 30Archery: Sept 7 – Nov 1Muzzleloader: Dec 2 – Dec 7 (South) / Dec 2 – Dec 14 (North) Permit required, by region
Maryland Archery: Sept 6 – Jan 31Firearm: Nov 30 – Dec 14Muzzleloader: Oct 17–19 & Dec 21–Jan 4 Sub-management area (Region A/B)
Massachusetts Archery: Oct 7 – Nov 30Shotgun: Dec 2 – Dec 7Muzzleloader: Dec 9 – Dec 31 Each type of license has a limited time limit
Michigan Archery: Oct 1 – Nov 14 & Dec 1 – Jan 1Firearm: Nov 15 – 30Muzzleloader: Dec 6 – 22 (varies by region) Includes Early/Antlerless seasons
Minnesota Archery: Sept 14 – Dec 31Firearm: Nov 9 – 24Muzzleloader: Nov 30 – Dec 15 Permit restrictions vary by region
Mississippi Archery: Oct 1 – Nov 17Gun (with dog): Nov 18 – Dec 1Gun w/o dog: Dec 2 – Jan 22Primitive Weapons: Dec 2 – 15 & Jan 23–31 Slightly different in each region
Missouri Archery: Sept 15 – Nov 15 & Nov 27 – Jan 15Firearm: Nov 16 – 26Muzzleloader (Alternative): Dec 28 – Jan 7 Including Youth Season and CWD Season
Montana Archery: Sept 7 – Oct 20General (Firearm): Oct 26 – Dec 1 Each Hunting District (HD) has independent management
Nebraska Archery: Sept 1 – Dec 31Firearm: Nov 16 – 24Muzzleloader: Dec 1 – 31 Youth/Antlerless season has another setting
Nevada Each area is set independently and requires lottery permission Archery/Muzzleloader/Any Legal Weapon depends on the Unit
New Hampshire Archery: Sept 15 – Dec 15Firearm: Nov 13 – Dec 8Muzzleloader: Oct 26 – Nov 5 The time varies slightly depending on the management area.
New Jersey Archery: Sept 14 onwards (extended to February 2025) Firearm: Dec-Jan (specific seasons) Zones allow for extended seasons
New Mexico Each GMU has its own settings, usually different times for Archery/Muzzleloader/General Seasons between Oct-Dec All hunting requires a permit
New York Archery: Sept 27 – Dec 8 (regional variations) Firearm: Oct 19 – Dec 8 Includes Youth, Late Bow/Muzzleloader seasons
North Carolina Archery: Sept 7 – Nov 1 Firearm: Nov 2 – Jan 1 The time is different for each Deer Zone
North Dakota Archery: Aug 30 – Jan 5 Firearm: Nov 8 – Nov 24 All hunting requires a permit draw
Ohio Archery: Sept 28 – Feb 2 Firearm: Nov 25–Dec 1 & Dec 21–22 Includes Muzzleloader: Jan 4–7
Oklahoma Archery: Oct 1 – Jan 15 Gun: Nov 23 – Dec 8 Youth, Holiday, Muzzleloader seasons are set separately
Oregon Archery: Aug 24 – Sept 22 (Western), Oct 5–27 (Eastern) Hunting Units vary greatly
Pennsylvania Archery: Sept 14 – Nov 15 & Dec 26 – Jan 27 Gun: Nov 30 – Dec 14 Contains Muzzleloader and Flintlock Season
Rhode Island Archery: Sept 15 – Jan 31 Firearm: Dec–Jan varies Different Zone Regulations
South Carolina Archery/Gun: Aug 15 – Jan 1 (Zone 3) or later Very region-dependent
South Dakota Archery: Sept 1 – Jan 1 Firearm: Nov 1 – Jan (different for each tag) The validity period of each license varies
Tennessee Archery: Sept 28 – Oct 25 Gun/Muzzleloader: Oct 26 – Jan 5 Including Young Sportsman, Private Land
Texas Archery: Sept 28 – Nov 1 General: Nov 2 – Jan 5 Includes Youth/Muzzleloader/Managed Land seasons
Utah Archery: Aug 17 – Sept 13 Muzzleloader: Sept 25 – Oct 3 General Rifle: Oct 19 – 27 Lottery permission required, GMU restrictions
Vermont Archery: Oct 5 – Nov 1 & Dec 7–15 Rifle: Nov 16 – Dec 1 Muzzleloader: Dec 7–15 Special Youth weekend: Oct 26–27
Virginia Archery: Oct 5 – Nov 15 Firearm: Nov 16 – Jan 4 Slightly different in each region
Washington Archery: Sept 1 – Dec (according to GMU) Firearm: Oct – Dec (according to GMU) Significant differences in units
West Virginia Archery: Sept 28 – Dec 31 Firearm: Nov 25 – Dec 7 Youth/Muzzleloader has other settings
Wisconsin Archery: Sept 14 – Jan 5 Gun: Nov 23 – Dec 1 Muzzleloader: Dec 2–11 Includes Holiday Hunt: Dec 24 – Jan 1
Wyoming Archery: Sept 1 onwards (depending on Hunt Area) Rifle: Oct onwards (depending on Area) Each Hunt Area needs to be checked separately

2024-2025 Turkey Hunting Season Dates

State Spring Season Dates Fall Season Dates Type & Notes
Alabama Mar 15 – May 1, 2025 No fall season Spring only; Youth Hunt: Mar 8–9; Firearm allowed
Alaska Not common (limited units) Not common Wild turkey not native; limited hunting opportunity
Arizona Apr 25 – May 21, 2025 Oct 4 – Oct 24, 2024 (Draw) Limited by draw only; Archery/Firearm by permit
Arkansas Apr 19 – May 5, 2025 No fall season Spring only; Youth: Apr 12–13; Firearm only
California Mar 30 – May 5, 2025 Nov 9 – Dec 22, 2024 Spring Archery: Mar 23–29; Fall Archery: Oct 12–Nov 8
Colorado Apr 12 – May 31, 2025 Sep 1 – Oct 25, 2024 Archery (Sep), Shotgun (Oct); Spring open statewide
Connecticut Apr 24 – May 25, 2025 Oct 2 – Oct 31, 2024 Spring: Youth Apr 20–21; Both seasons allow Archery/Firearm
Delaware May 3 – May 31, 2025 No fall season Spring only; Youth: Apr 26–27; Shotgun only
Florida Mar 16 – Apr 21, 2025 (South Zone) Mar 16 – Apr 28, 2025 (North Zone) Fall seasons vary by zone; Archery opens earlier
Georgia Mar 29 – May 15, 2025 Not statewide fall season Spring only in most zones; Youth Mar 22–23
Hawaii Mar 1 – Apr 15, 2025 No fall season Spring only on certain islands; Firearm by permit
Idaho Apr 15 – May 25, 2025 Sep 15 – Oct 31, 2024 Both seasons allow Archery/Firearm; Tags required
Illinois Apr 14 – May 15, 2025 Oct 12 – Oct 20, 2024 Spring split into 5 zones; Fall: Archery Oct 1–Jan 19
Indiana Apr 23 – May 11, 2025 Oct 1 – Oct 27, 2024 Spring firearm only; Fall includes Archery + Firearm
Iowa Apr 8 – May 12, 2025 Oct 14 – Dec 6, 2024 Spring split by season A–D; Fall tags required
Kansas Apr 10 – May 31, 2025 Oct 1 – Nov 10, 2024 Fall season under review (check limits); Spring: Archery Apr 1
Kentucky Apr 19 – May 5, 2025 Oct 1 – Nov 7, 2024 Spring Youth: Apr 6–7; Fall Archery: Sep 1–Jan 20
Louisiana Apr 5 – May 4, 2025 No fall season Spring only; Youth: Mar 29–30; Firearm only
Maine May 5 – Jun 7, 2025 Sep 16 – Nov 7, 2024 Spring Youth: May 3; Both seasons allow Archery + Shotgun
Maryland Apr 18 – May 23, 2025 Oct 26 – Nov 9, 2024 Spring Youth: Apr 12–13; Fall Firearm + Archery
Massachusetts Apr 28 – May 24, 2025 Oct 28 – Nov 9, 2024 Spring Youth: Apr 26–27; Both seasons allow Archery + Shotgun
Michigan Archery: Oct 1 – Nov 14, 2024; Dec 1 – Jan 1, 2025 Firearm: Apr 20 – May 31, 2025 Firearm: Sept 15 – Nov 14, 2024 Unit-based permit system for both seasons
Minnesota Archery: Apr 17 – May 30, 2025 Firearm: Apr 16 – May 30, 2025 (periods A–F) No fall season statewide Multiple 7-day periods by area
Mississippi Firearm: Mar 15 – May 1, 2025 Youth: Mar 8 – 14, 2025 No fall season Spring-only turkey hunting
Missouri Firearm: Apr 21 – May 11, 2025 Archery: Sep 15 – Nov 15, 2024; Nov 27 – Jan 15, 2025 Firearm: Oct 1 – 31, 2024 Archery overlaps with deer; firearm is separate fall season
Montana Apr 15 – May 31, 2025 (varies by region) Sep 1 – Jan 1, 2025 (some regions) Archery & Firearm allowed; regional permits required
Nebraska Archery: Mar 25 – May 31, 2025 Firearm: Apr 13 – May 31, 2025 Sep 15 – Jan 31, 2025 Combined Archery/Firearm fall season; OTC permits
Nevada Firearm: Apr–May 2025 (unit-based) Archery: Oct–Nov 2024 (unit-based) Limited entry permit system
New Hampshire Firearm: May 3 – May 31, 2025 Archery: May 1 – May 2, 2025 Archery: Sep 15 – Dec 15, 2024 Firearm: Oct 14 – 20, 2024 Fall archery longer; firearm short duration
New Jersey Archery & Firearm: Apr 21 – May 23, 2025 Archery: Oct 1 – 31, 2024 Firearm: Nov 2 – 8, 2024 Permit zones by type and time
New Mexico Archery: Apr 15 – Apr 29, 2025 Firearm: May 1 – 10, 2025 Varies by unit (archery/firearm) Permit-based by Game Unit
New York May 1 – May 31, 2025 Oct 1 – Oct 14, 2024 Spring: Firearm only; Fall: Limited zones
North Carolina Apr 12 – May 10, 2025 No fall season Spring only; Youth: Apr 5 – Apr 11
North Dakota Apr 12 – May 18, 2025 Oct 12 – Nov 10, 2024 Spring and fall both limited by zones and permits
Ohio Apr 21 – May 18, 2025 Oct 12 – Nov 10, 2024 Spring firearm only; Fall firearm only, archery not separated
Oklahoma Apr 6 – May 6, 2025 Oct 1 – Jan 15, 2025 Archery & Firearm allowed in both seasons
Oregon Apr 15 – May 31, 2025 Oct 15 – Dec 31, 2024 Spring: General tag and limited draw; Fall: Unit specific
Pennsylvania Apr 26 – May 31, 2025 Oct 26 – Nov 2, 2024 Fall: Only one bird limit; Spring: Youth Apr 19
Rhode Island Apr 24 – May 18, 2025 Oct 19 – Nov 17, 2024 Youth Spring: Apr 19 – 21; Fall includes archery
South Carolina Mar 20 – May 5, 2025 No fall season Spring only, region-based dates; Youth: Mar 15 – 16
South Dakota Apr 13 – May 31, 2025 Oct 1 – Jan 1, 2025 Permits required; Archery and firearm by region
Tennessee Apr 12 – May 25, 2025 Oct 12 – Nov 8, 2024 Youth Spring: Apr 5 – 6; Fall: Archery + Shotgun
Texas Mar 29 – May 12, 2025 Nov 2 – Jan 5, 2025 Spring: North/South zone split; Archery allowed both seasons
Utah Apr 28 – May 30, 2025 Oct 15 – Feb 28, 2025 Limited-entry permits and general season tags
Vermont May 1 – May 31, 2025 Oct 26 – Nov 2, 2024 Spring: Youth Apr 26–27; Fall Archery + Firearm
Virginia Apr 12 – May 17, 2025 Oct 26 – Nov 9, 2024 Spring: Youth Apr 5–6; Fall: Region specific
Washington Apr 15 – May 31, 2025 Sep 1 – Dec 15, 2024 Unit-specific permits; Archery, shotgun, muzzleloader
West Virginia Apr 21 – May 17, 2025 Oct 12 – Nov 3, 2024 Spring: Youth Apr 19–20; Fall: Shotgun only
Wisconsin Apr 16 – May 27, 2025 Sep 14 – Nov 14, 2024 Spring: Period A–F system; Archery + Firearm
Wyoming Apr 1 – May 20, 2025 Oct 1 – Dec 31, 2024 Permit required by Hunt Area; Archery/Firearm both allowed

Notes:

  1. Some states have special hunting seasons (e.g., youth hunting, antlerless-only hunts).
  2. Specific hunting dates may vary by zone or wildlife management area—check official state websites for details.

 

Official Information Sources (State Hunting Websites) 


States State Wildlife Agencies URL
Alabama Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources ADCNR
Alaska Alaska Department of Fish and Game ADFG
Arizona Arizona Game and Fish Department AZGFD
Arkansas Arkansas Game and Fish Commission AGFC
California California Department of Fish and Wildlife CDFW
Colorado Colorado Parks and Wildlife CPW
Connecticut Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection CT DEEP
Delaware Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife DNREC
Florida Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission FWC
Georgia Georgia Department of Natural Resources GADNR
Hawaii Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources DLNR
Idaho Idaho Department of Fish and Game IDFG
Illinois Illinois Department of Natural Resources IDNR
Indiana Indiana Department of Natural Resources IN DNR
Iowa Iowa Department of Natural Resources Iowa DNR
Kansas Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism KS Outdoors
Kentucky Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources KDFWR
Louisiana Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries LDWF
Maine Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife IFW
Maryland Maryland Department of Natural Resources MD DNR
Massachusetts Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife MassWildlife
Michigan Michigan Department of Natural Resources MI DNR
Minnesota Minnesota Department of Natural Resources MN DNR
Mississippi Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks MDWFP
Missouri Missouri Department of Conservation MDC
Montana Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks FWP
Nebraska Nebraska Game and Parks Commission NGPC
Nevada Nevada Department of Wildlife NDOW
New Hampshire New Hampshire Fish and Game Department NHFG
New Jersey New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife NJFW
New Mexico New Mexico Department of Game and Fish NMDGF
New York New York State Department of Environmental Conservation NYSDEC
North Carolina North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission NCWRC
North Dakota North Dakota Game and Fish Department NDGF
Ohio Ohio Department of Natural Resources ODNR
Oklahoma Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation ODWC
Oregon Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife ODFW
Pennsylvania Pennsylvania Game Commission PGC
Rhode Island Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management RIDEM
South Carolina South Carolina Department of Natural Resources SCDNR
South Dakota South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks SDGFP
Tennessee Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency TWRA
Texas Texas Parks and Wildlife Department TPWD
Utah Utah Division of Wildlife Resources UDWR
Vermont Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department VFWD
Virginia Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources VDWR
Washington Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife WDFW
West Virginia West Virginia Division of Natural Resources WVDNR
Wisconsin Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources WDNR
Wyoming Wyoming Game and Fish Department WGFD
  1. Always verify official state regulations before hunting, as dates and rules may be subject to change.
  2. Ensure you have the proper hunting licenses; some states require additional permits or lottery applications.

Important Notes

  1. This guide serves as a general reference—official state agencies should be consulted for the most accurate and up-to-date hunting regulations.
  2. Hunters must comply with all state laws and licensing requirements.
  3. Some states may update their 2024-2025 hunting season dates, so it is advisable to check regularly for changes.