A Way of Life in the USA

Hunting is a way of life in the United States, and we are here to help you be as successful on the hunt as possible.

Category Archives for States

New Mexico Deer Hunting Season

  • May 23, 2013 /

New Mexico is a popular state when it comes to big game hunting. This is especially true for deer hunting. Below you will find some rules, regulations, and general guidelines to the New Mexico deer hunting season.

Types of Deer

The most common types of deer one will find in New Mexico are white-tailed deer and mule deer. White-tailed deer are the most abundant type and can be found just about anywhere. They really like to be near river bottoms, streams, or any other sources of water. Also, they may be found in lush green fields or gathering around coniferous trees. Mule deer are more highly sought after and harder to find. Thick forests are usually where they prefer living. A unique type of deer to New Mexico and surrounding states is the Coues white-tailed deer. The Coues is basically the same as a standard white-tailed deer but about half the size. Their habitat is a bit different as well. Open desert areas are where they can be found.

Methods of Hunting in New Mexico

Several methods of hunting can be utilized in New Mexico. These methods primarily include rifle hunting and bow hunting. However, muzzleloaders may also be used in the right season. White-tailed deer hunting is usually done by setting up a stand and waiting for the deer to come to you. Mule deer and the Coues white-tailed deer are more commonly hunted by the spot and stalk method. Rifle hunting and employing the spot and stalk method are by far the most popular ways to hunt during the New Mexico deer hunting season.

Permits and Seasons

A few steps must be taken before legally hunting deer in New Mexico. First, you must have a valid deer hunting license. There are a few options on the type of license to get. If you are planning on doing some fishing as well, you will probably want the general hunting and fish license. This will make you legal to fish as well as hunt deer and other small game. Another option is the general hunting license which makes you legal to hunt deer and other small game. If you are just looking to hunt deer, you will want to get the deer hunting license. Other varieties of small game will not be legal to hunt with this alone. Once you have gotten your license, the next step to take is deciding where to hunt. Hunters looking to hunt on public land must apply for a draw online or submit a paper application to the New Mexico Game and Fish Commission. If it is private land you are looking to hunt on, you must purchase a private land license. New Mexico residents will usually pay $40 to $50 altogether.

September has a special season for archery. Bow hunting is the only method of deer hunting that may be used from September 1st through the 22nd. After that, muzzleloaders have their own season and may be used until the end of September. Any weapon may be used throughout most of October of November. This is the most common season for rifle hunting.

Other Rules and Regulations

Anyone who participated in New Mexico’s deer hunting season must submit a report of his or her results to the New Mexico Game and Fish Commission by February 15th of the following year.

New Mexico is a great state for deer hunters. It is especially unique because of the Coues white-tailed deer that are native to the area. Anyone interested in getting involved with the New Mexico deer hunting season can find more information at http://www.wildlife.state.nm.us/.

New York Deer Hunting Season

  • May 23, 2013 /

New York is a spectacular state to visit during deer hunting season. They are well known for having some large bucks and superb conditions for hunting in the Upstate area. Below is all the information that you will need to ensure your hunting trips in easy in New York.

Species of Deer Native To New York

New York is basically all whitetail deer for hunting. The majority of the state is overpopulated with the whitetail species leaving ample chances at catching the large buck. Upstate New York is best known for a great place to hunt. The open fields, rivers, and agricultural areas are perfect resting spots for the deer.

Hunting Methods In New York

In New York, there are several diverse approaches that one may use to hunt deer. In the ‘early’ season, it is permissible for a hunter to use a muzzleloader or archery to hunt. The early season is a period of time that is before the actually season comes in that zone. There are numerous bow and arrow techniques that have been used for centuries to capture that prize deer. Because the population is white tail deer, deer stands and other various apparatuses are utilized. When the full season comes in any rifle or other mean to hunt is acceptable. Most hunters in New York utilize the use of calls and various other decoys in attempt to lure their deer.

Permits and Seasons

Like in most states, a person will need a tag to hunt deer in New York. If a person has no proof they have ever had a hunting license before, the state requires a 10 hour course for a permit. If any person wishes to use archery and has no proof of prior hunting, they will also need an additional 8 hour mandatory training session. To obtain a tag in New York one must have a valid driver’s license. There is a $10 deer permit fee required by both residents and non-residents for the deer tag. The license costs $29 and for non-residents that cost will be $140. The seasons vary, like in most areas. New York is divided into five sections and each has their own seasons for hunting. In general, archery season will come in around the end of September and run through October. The general season, where all weapons can be used, comes in the end of October to first of November.

Laws and Regulations

In New York, it is only legal to hunt from sunrise to sunset. Everyone who is
going to get a license to hunt must do so by October 1st. Also, within seven days of harvesting a deer, the hunter is required to submit a mandatory report online to the New York Department of Gaming.

Hunting Areas

New York has ample areas to hunt. One of the most popular hunting areas is in Upstate New York or the Adirondacks. This would be the Northern Zone. There are prime locations all over the state, including the Long Island area. Hunting on private property is also permitted, as long as the hunter has the permission of the land owner.

New York is one of the best states for deer hunting, the only caution is watching out for the massive population of black bears. To check out more details on hunting in New York, check out www.dec.ny.gov. This site gives all the latest information that deer hunters need.

North Carolina Deer Hunting Season

  • May 23, 2013 /

North Carolina’s beautiful natural wildlife includes a healthy deer population. Over 173,000 White Tailed Deer were killed during the 2011-2012 season. Here is what you need to know when planning a deer hunt in North Carolina.

Permits
It is important to note, residents and non-residents 16 years of age and older must successfully complete a hunter’s education course prior to obtaining a deer hunting permit. If you once held a hunting permit prior to the law in 1991, you can show proof of that to be exempt from the course requirement. Residents have options when selecting a hunting permit. The permits start at 10.00 for a permit allowing you to hunt in your county of residence and increase if you choose a combination permit or statewide hunting permit. Most nonresidents can pay 40.00 for a 6 day permit and 60.00 for a season long permit. Residents of Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia pay varying fee amounts.

Seasons
Seasons for deer hunting vary depending on your weapon of choice and where in the state you are hunting. Eastern, Western, Northwestern and Central portions of the state all have different dates for Muzzleloader, Archery and Gun seasons. For example Muzzleloader season begins on September 29th in the Eastern part of the state and on October 1st in the Western portion of the state.

Laws to Remember
Only some counties in North Carolina allow you to use dogs in the pursuit of hunting deer. In three counties, deer hunting with dogs is only allowed in part of the county. Spotlighting or the shining of lights to hunt deer during evening hours is legal in most counties; however you must be aware of the legal time limits of this practice.
A deer kill must be reported within 24 hours and before the animal has been skinned, dressed or dismembered in anyway. You can report the kill online at ncwildlife.org, by their toll free phone number or in person by visiting a wildlife cooperator agent. You will be given an authorization number to record. This number must be attached to the deer before having your deer processed, or before you donate it.
It is also important to remember that disposing of animal remains, including deer remains, along a roadway, in a waterway, or on a property where you do not have prior permission is illegal.

Hunting in beautiful North Carolina can net you a fruitful harvest of quality whitetail deer. For more information and to find out about local hunting laws that pertain to the area you will be hunting. Visit the State of North Carolina’s Wildlife Resources Commission at http://www.ncwildlife.org for up to date information and to buy permits online.

North Dakota Deer Hunting Season

  • May 23, 2013 /

North Dakota has long been known as a great place to go deer hunting. The 2012 season is no different; however, there is one major change: there will be 44,650 fewer licenses issues this year. So, if you want to make this your place to travel this season, and you want to be one of the lucky 65,300 people to get a license, you need to get ready by getting your license.

The reason for the reduction in the number of licenses to be issued is because of the decline in the deer population. This is because of the large number of adult mortality leading to a reduction in the fawn production following the winters of 2008-10 which were severe. The reduction of licenses in 2012 is mandatory in hopes of allowing the deer population to grow.

This year there will be a lottery for licenses. If you are a hunter you can get one license for the deer gun season. You can get another license for the muzzleloader season as well as purchase a license for archery. No hunter will be able to obtain more than one license during the deer gun season. The North Dakota deer hunting season opens on November 9 at noon. It will close on November 25. Online applications are presently available through the Game and Fish Department’s website. The deadline for paper applications has ended.

The North Dakota deer hunting season is known for the trophies available to take home. There are more than 10,000 acres of private land. These areas have been managed in order to produce trophy deer. If you plan to visit North Dakota, during the 2012 season, you will discover that most hunting will be from ground blinds as well as spot and stalk methods.

There are some interesting pieces of information all hunters should be aware of before heading for North Dakota. For example, the camouflage blaze orange outfit is not acceptable. Hunters must wear a hat and an outer garment above the waistline. This material must total at least 400 square inches of solid daylight fluorescent orange. Another thing is that if the land is posted on both sides you cannot hunt there. The section line is closed to hunting and is only open for travel. If you are one of the lucky hunters who lands a deer and you decide to take the head to a taxidermist and the meat to a butcher shop you will want to know where to place the tags. The tag should always remain with the head while the carcass tag should always remain with the meat.

If you find a wounded deer, a deer you shot that is rotten, or you have other issues during the North Dakota deer hunting season, it is imperative that you contact a game warden to answer any of your questions.

Ohio Deer Hunting Season

  • May 23, 2013 /

Ohio is a state that has a fantastic deer hunting season in the fall and winter. Below is a description of deer hunting in Ohio.

Species of Deer to Hunt

Ohio may not have mule deer, but there are plenty of whitetails to hunt. Deer live in all counties and areas of the state, and each year, more than 200,000 whitetails are harvested by hunters.

Methods to Hunt Deer in Ohio

In Ohio, several different methods are used to hunt deer. Early season there is a special archery season, where you can use one of several bow and arrow techniques to kill a deer. Typically, stand hunting is used for whitetails, but you can also try spot and stalk. Later in the season, the general tags open up. This allows for rifle hunting, and is the most popular. Spot and stalk is very common while rifle hunting, as is using calls or decoys. There are also shotgun seasons for those who wish to use that particular weapon type.

Permits and Seasons

Both a valid license and tag are required to hunt deer in Ohio. You must acquire an Ohio hunting license first. This may requires either taking a hunters education class or signing up for an apprentice hunting permit. This license costs $19.00 for residents, and $125.00 for non-residents. Then you have to buy the deer tag. General tags cost $24 dollars. If you wish to hunt in a controlled zone, there may be a fee for putting in for the draw.

Seasons vary by hunt type and area. The archery season opens in September and runs all the way into February. Muzzle loader seasons are in October and January. There is a special youth hunt for two days in November. The general rifle season (which is the most popular) opens in November and runs into December.

Other Laws and Regulations

In Ohio, it is only legal to hunt from half an hour before sunrise until half an hour after sunset. Also, after you harvest a deer, you must submit a mandatory hunter report online. In Ohio, it is legal to take several deer per season, depending on the zone you are in. In the southern part of the state, you may harvest as many as six per season.

Where you can Hunt

The vast majority of deer hunting in Ohio must be down in the southern half of the state. The northern half does have deer hunting, but they are less populous there, and the better seasons are found in the south. Ohio has very little public land for hunters to use. Less than 3% of the state is publicly owned. However, you are allowed to hunt on private property as long as you have the permission of the owner of the land.

Ohio is a fantastic state to do some deer hunting. If you’d like to see more about the state’s deer hunting, check out the Ohio DNR hunting pages, where you can see the latest in deer hunting season dates and laws.

Oklahoma Deer Hunting Season

  • May 23, 2013 /

Hunting for deer in Oklahoma can be quite a rewarding trek for even the novice hunter if they understand the rules in place and they know where to look for their quarry.
White-tailed deer, species Odocoileus virginianus, are prevalent throughout all of Oklahoma. The mule deer, species Odocoileus hemionus, resides in a range limited to the panhandle and northwest portions of the state. Many environmental factors are involved in determining the population density of deer in the Oklahoma ecosystems.

Learning the factors that provide prime conditions for deer populations is one of the keys to a successful hunt. For instance, deer prefer to feed in the early morning or late afternoon hours and will be most active during these times. And while the natural habitat of white-tailed deer is dense forest, this species can easily adapt to grasslands if it is dense enough to provide cover.

When and How to Hunt Deer in Oklahoma:

The Oklahoma deer hunting season provides specific windows for specific types of deer hunting. Though dates for each section of the hunting season may vary by year, the following information taken from the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation lists the following general time frames for the designated hunting methods.

Bow Hunting: Early October through mid January
Muzzle Loading: Late October through early November
Rifle: Middle of November through early December

Where to Hunt Deer in Oklahoma:

Oklahoma leaves open thousands of acres of land available to the public for hunting use. Land is demarcated into Wildlife Management Units grouped into 10 Zones. Each W.M.A. is covered under general hunting regulations, and zone specific hunting regulations. The general regulations for deer hunting include that every hunter above the age of 16 must have a hunting license. Hunters under the age of 16 are not required to have a hunting license, but must carry the youth deer gun license. Special licensing is required for holiday antlerless hunting and archery hunting as well. To hunt with a muzzleloader requires a primitive firearms deer hunting license.

There are some sizable costs involved to the non-resident wishing to hunt in Oklahoma. Keeping in mind that each method of deer hunting involves a separate license, the non-resident hunter is looking at licensing fees of $280 to hunt deer with either a bow, a conventional firearm, or a primitive firearm such as a muzzleloader. In comparison, residents pay only $20 per deer license, and only $10 for the youth deer license.

Other Oklahoma Deer Hunting Regulations:

Oklahoma has a combined season limit to deer hunting. While the hunter is allowed to participate in bow hunting, gun hunting, or hunting deer with a muzzleloader, they are limited to six deer per individual. This limit can only include two antlered deer. Every deer must be tagged with the hunter’s information. Thereafter, the carcass must be checked online or at an open check station. For enhanced safety, hunting is only permitted from 30 minutes before official sunrise to 30 minutes after official sunset. Sportsman must also wear a minimum amount of hunter orange.

Though there are many other regulations regarding conduct during the Oklahoma deer hunting season, many of these regulations border on simple common sense. Some of these regulations cite that it is prohibited to:

+ hunt from moving vehicles.
+ shoot or attempt to fire from a public roadway.
+ waste hunt for hides, head, or antlers while intentionally abandoning the carcass.
+ use a silencer for hunting.

Regulations for the Oklahoma deer hunting season can be found online here. They are updated regularly.

Oregon Deer Hunting Season

  • May 23, 2013 /

Many adults and juvenile alike enjoy the Oregon deer hunting season. Although deer can be hunted in most areas of Oregon, some of the more popular places are from the western to southwestern parts of the state. Both residents and nonresidents take to public land and private ranches annually to hunt the deer.

Types of Deer
There are several kinds of deer, but only two species are found in Oregon. The Whitetail, Mule Deer, Elk, and Blacktail sub-species are the most popular hunts. The Blacktail Deer are a sub-species of the Mule Deer, according to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW). Most recent wildlife authorities now concur with this finding. ODFW strictly regulates all fishing and hunting in Oregon. Regulations have specified that there are general and controlled deer hunts. These regulations help to ensure that the deer population does not deplete.

Deer Hunting Season
Certain types of deer can be hunted at specific times during the Oregon deer hunting season. The season is usually divided into two segments. It generally begins the last week in September and ends about the third week in November. Within the season, sub-seasons exist. For instance, archery hunting has its own sub-season, while rifles and handguns, shotguns and muzzleloaders (slug only), usually share the same sub-season. The muzzleloader is any gun that is loaded through the muzzle.

Licenses and Tags
Every hunter of deer in Oregon must have a license and tag for specified hunts. With the number of poachers increasing, ODFW is stepping up their efforts to ensure that hunters have the proper credentials. Proper credentials may be obtained by winning raffle tickets. The tickets can be purchased from the licensing authority. Deer, Elk, and combination raffle tickets range from $4.50 to $151.50, depending on the number of tickets in the package. ODFW raffles are a great opportunity to hunt for Elk. Hunters can choose from four hunts using their choice of weapon. The raffle covers four regions, and it is statewide.

Costs of Hunting Licenses and Tags
There are two age categories for hunting licenses. They are adult and juvenile. The cost for an adult general hunting license starts from $29.50 for residents and $140.50 for nonresidents. The adult license includes general or controlled Buck Deer, and general or controlled Elk. The Juvenile General Sports Pac license is $52.00 for general or controlled Elk, general or controlled Buck Deer or controlled antlerless deer. There may be other special fees as well, such as for the senior licenses.

Tags also have two age categories, namely, adult and juvenile. Adult deer tags range from $24.50 for residents to $375.50 for nonresidents. Big game Elk tags are $42.50 for residents and $500.50 for nonresidents. Elk general or controlled hunting tags are $42.50. Disabled veterans and pioneers’ tags are $22.25. The annual juvenile tags are $14.50 for residents and $19.50 for nonresidents.

Parking Permits
Oregon deer hunting season can be an enjoyable experience for hunters, providing they comply with rules and regulations of the state’s governing authorities. This compliance includes parking permits. As of January 1, 2012, a parking permit is required for five ODFW wildlife areas. Denman, E.E. Wilson, Ladd Marsh, Sauvie Island, and Summer Lake Wildlife, all require a parking permit. A one-day permit is $7.00, and a season’s permit is $22.00.

Pennsylvania Deer Hunting Season

  • May 23, 2013 /

Pennsylvania is a state which designates a tremendous amount of land to deer hunting each year. When fall rolls around, it is time to get out into the woods and hunt for game. Here is a look at the important parts of Pennsylvania deer hunting season.

Types Of Deer In Pennsylvania

There are primarily two groups of deer that populate the state of Pennsylvania. The western part of the state has a fair share of elk that are descendants from the species found in Yellowstone National Park. These animals can be quite large. In contrast, the smaller white tailed deer is another common species of deer found in the state. It is one of the most sought after game.

Pennsylvania Deer Hunting Methods

The Pennsylvania Game Commission sets regulations in order to keep hunters safe and promote the conservation of its wildlife. Weapons that are allowed during deer hinting season include longbows, compound bows, and recurve bows. Firearms like shotguns and muzzle loaders are also allowed during certain times of the season.

Permits And Seasons

All deer hunters in Pennsylvania must have a valid license that is displayed at all times. A general permit allows a hunter to tag one antlered deer and costs around $20. After a deer is killed, a tag must be filled out and attached to the animal. Archery and muzzle licenses are also required within season for an additional fee. Antlered deer licenses are necessary as well, but are only valid in a specific Wildlife Management Unit. Besides a license, all hunters must carry documentation that proves identity and residency.

The deer season in Pennsylvania is split between antlered and non antlered time. This is meant to help control population of both groups. Archery season occurs early in October to mid November and late December into early January. There are only three days to hunt for non antlered deer that are included in late October. Elk season begins in early November. Buck season opens the Monday after the Thanksgiving holiday.

Where Hunting Is Allowed

The state of Pennsylvania splits up into numerous groups of state game lands. There are over one million acres of land dedicated to the sport of hunting. The mountainous terrain of the state has been known to house a large number of bucks each year. It is against the law to hunt in private areas or those posted with signs that say that it is illegal.

Rhode Island Deer Hunting Season

  • May 23, 2013 /

Individuals in Rhode Island preparing for their first deer hunt are about to experience memories that will last a lifetime. There is no excitement which measures up to your first kill, and the State of Rhode Island includes some of the highest widespread deer populations throughout the country. To ensure your best experience, it is wise to educate yourself on the rules, regulations and hunting methods for the State of Rhode Island.

Rhode Island is home to an abundant White Tail deer population with estimates reaching over 16,000 in 2012. Identifiable by small ears, white tipped tail and seasonal gray coat, this species feeds on fruits, acorns and leaves of woody plants and may be located in swamps, fields, and dense woods where optimal shelter is provided.

Hunting License/Permit Regulations:

  • First Time Hunters:

All first time applicants seeking hunting licenses/archery permits must produce a Hunter Safety certificate. Applicants are required to complete a Safe Hunt or Archery Practice course for certificate issuance.

  • Deer Permits:

Deer Permits for the 2012-2013 hunting season will now be sold as Antlered (Buck) and Antlerless permits. Each tag must coincide with the harvested deer.

  • Junior Hunting License:

Junior Hunting Licenses (12-14 of age) require completion of Hunting Safety Courses and all junior hunters must be accompanied by an adult (21 yrs. or older) holding a valid Rhode Island hunting license.

  • Exceptions:

Rhode Island residents age 65 or older may obtain free permit licensing.

  • Harvested Deer

Deer harvested during November 3 through November 6, 2012 must be checked at State operated stations. After this time-period, hunters must report any harvested deer within 24 hours of kill, using a postage-paid RIDEM (Rhode Island Harvest/Kill Report Card).

Deer Hunting Methods

  • Cross Bow/Archery:

Completion of the Rhode Island Bow Hunter Education Course for obtaining an Archery Deer Permit is required. Long bow, re-curve bow, compound bow or crossbow only. Archers may use broad head tipped arrows with two cutting edges. Mechanical and broad head requirements are 7/8 inches or greater.

  • Shotgun:

Only 10, 12, 16 and 20 gauges, plugged to 5 shell maximum. Ammunition should be single lead or alloy, including rifle slug and sabot round.

  • Muzzleloader:

Only single or double barrel flintlock, cap lock, inline ignition system muzzle loading shotgun or rifle. Muzzle loading are permitted .45 calibers or larger. Smoothbore firearms are limited to .50 calibers or 20 gauges or larger; ammunition of single-lead or same caliber to equivalent firearm. Only jacketed and lead sabot round of .43 calibers or larger. Only black powder or State approved equivalent.

Additional Information

  • Hunting Hours:

All deer hunting begins no earlier than 1/2 hour before sunrise and ends no later than 1/2 after sunset.

  • Season Duration:

Archery/Crossbow runs from mid September through the end of January; Muzzleloader (antlerless only) runs through November. Shotgun season is open in early December.

For a list of Check Station locations, State-managed hunting maps, mandated courses and license/permit costs please go to http://www.demi.ri.gov.

South Carolina Deer Hunting Season

  • May 23, 2013 /

Hunting animals can be a fun and exciting experience. Their habitat is colorful and so serene and being able to capture the animal can be a rewarding feeling. People also like to hunt because they can have a say on what goes in their bodies. Many meats that are sold in the stores have preservatives and hormones which can have serious side effects on a person. Hunting allows one to be more in control as they are able to eat soft meat that is natural as can be. South Carolina deer hunting season officially starts on August 15th 2012 and closes depending on each of the 6 game zones that one is looking to do the hunting.
One must always have a license when looking to do hunting and it is important to know that some game is protected and can only be hunted at specified seasons. Deer hunting may be done from one hour before sunrise until one hour after sunrise. Games Zones 1 and 2 prohibit chasing of deer using dogs or even while on a water craft. Carrying the head of a deer after a kill is very much against the law in the state of South Carolina. A hunter may not pursue deer that is within 300 yards from a homeowner’s property unless if they are the owner or receive permission to do so.
Those who want to pursue antlerless deer must receive special permits otherwise it is unlawful to kill this breed of deer. Weapons that are allowed in this state include shotguns, bow and arrows, crossbow, handguns and rifles. Shot guns that are being used for small game need not be larger than No.2 or .22. If using archery tools for small game hunting, then one should use softer tips such as judo points. It is unlawful for hunters of big game to use military style guns or even bullets. While transiting from different game zones, all weapons must be unloaded and placed in a locked toolbox or in the trunk of the car.
All deer that has been hunted must be checked out at the exit station. If it is too late, then it must be reported the following day. Only bucks which are male deer may be taken all over the different game zones. A man drive is a hunting technique where by the pursuers move the game into their desired point of hunting. This is only permitted between the hours of 10:00AM and 2:00PM and any other time is strictly prohibited. Hunting for deer either sex is allowed on the first three Saturdays in the month of November for Game Zone 1, for the rest of the zones, every Saturday starting October 1st to the Saturday following thanksgiving and the first few Saturdays of December.
Deer hunting season in South Carolina is in full gear but it is important for one to be aware of dangerous diseases such as Chronic Wasting Disease that mostly affects deer. It is a degenerating of the brain condition that destroys the central nervous system that leads to the animal losing a lot of weight and experiencing excessive urination and salivation. It is a disease that does not present itself visibly in the animal and requires an animal to get tested and diagnosed. In this state, CWD has not been found in any of the more than 5000 deer in the game zones.