Arkansas Deer Hunting Season

Deer hunting in Arkansas is an exciting venture. Before hunting, every hunter is expected to have a valid Arkansas license and a deer tag. The hunting tags are available to both residents and non residents. There are two types of tags available that hunters are expected to choose from, there is the white tailed deer tag and the regular deer tag. Hunters with white tailed deer tags are only allowed to hunt the white tailed ones and the same applies to hunters using the regular deer tags. Hunters are allowed to hunt only one deer per year but it also depends with which zone the hunter is hunting from. However, sometimes they get opportunities to hunt more than one deer if they purchase extra nonresident tags to hound a second deer. The most common types of deer found in Arkansas are white tailed deer.

Before hunting, there are laws and regulations that should be put into consideration. Hunters should know that there are hunts specifically for youths between the age of 12 and 17. Youths are also required to have the license and the tag just as adults do. The youth hunters are permitted to hunt the antlerless deer only. and should be accompanied by an adult. When hunting for an antlered deer, one of the antlers should be at least more than three inches long. Hunters are required to accompany the carcass while it is being transported during the season for antlered only deer. Deer with an antler less than 3 inches long are usually hunted at the same season as the antlerless deer. Hunters should know that when hunting during the white-tailed season, the tail should be left fully attached to the carcass if the head has been removed for easy identification of the species. There are also limitations regarding the number of bags a hunter is required to carry. In many cases the hunter should have a minimum of two bags. Only modern guns, muzzle loaders and archery are allowed during hunting.

Hunting seasons vary depending on the type of deer being hunted. The common types of hunting seasons are the archery season and the muzzle loader season. The archery season is actually the longest operating from October all the way to February. Muzzle loader on the hand is a short season that runs between October and December. Hunters are not allowed to come with dogs during the muzzle loading season as well as the archery season. The antlered deer hunting season begins in October and is later followed by the antlerless deer hunting season in November to December.

Some of the places to hunt for white-tailed deer are areas around the White River, Felsenthal which is in Ashley county, White Rock area in Northwest Arkansas, Muddy Creek in the county of Montgogmery and in the Buffalo National River. All these places are good for deer hunting but hunters should remember to have their licenses and tags. Hunters are also allowed to hunt on private land only with authorization from the land owner.

Hunters should remember to dress in comfortable clothing and remember to carry all the necessities required during hunting. Wearing camouflaged clothes are an added advantage. In addition, it is important to carry a hunter’s safety card and to not forget their license and tag.

California Deer Hunting Season

The California Deer Hunting Season can be complicated to figure out when it comes to the exact dates it will run through. In general, it runs from late July through November. The entire state is quite large, and it is divided into several zones. The conservation goal of each individual zone, and the weapons being used, will determine each zones’ hunting season. Once you know the exact type of weapon you are planning to use, you can check online for specific dates. The majority of zone’s archery seasons are August 18 through September 9 of 2012. Zones C-1, C-4, and X-10 end on September 2. The general hunting season covers anywhere from August 11 to November 12. Be sure to check for specific dates and regulations for the zones you will be hunting in before going. Many maps and charts can be found online.

There are several different varieties of weapons used in hunting deer. The weapons that can be used for hunting season in California include archery, center fire riffles, muzzleloaders, pistols, shotguns, revolvers, and crossbows. With a general season tag, hunters can use any legal weapon within the state. Archery only tags will only work for archery weapons.

Both resident and non-resident hunters are allowed to hunt in California during the proper seasons. Each licensed hunter may purchase up to two tags per license. You will need one tag for each deer you get.

There are two main species of deer that are hunted during California deer hunting season. The first is the mule deer. It can be recognized by its bifurcated antlers with ears like a mule has. There are several different types of mule deer within California, including the Rocky Mountain Mule Deer, the California Mule Deer, the Inyo Mule Deer, the Burro Mule Deer, and the Southern Mule Deer. They can be found throughout most of the state. They prefer hilly terrain, so you won’t find them in the valleys. The greatest numbers of mule deer are located in Central and Northern California, including the coastal prairies, the coastal ranges, and the Sierra Nevada. The black tailed deer are the second type of deer hunted in California. They are smaller in size than a mule deer, and it is considered one of their sub-species, so they will look very similar. These will be found mainly in the northern most parts of the state.

California is a great state to hunt deer, with almost endless possibilities with regards to species and area to hunt. To find out more, visit the California government page on hunting.

Colorado Deer Hunting Season

If the hill and mountain country are calling, Colorado deer hunting season is always right around the corner. Colorado offers opportunities that sportsmen worldwide love. And if the call of the wild is on your mind, here are a few pointers to keep you legal and your venture successful.

Licensing. Before you can hunt, or even apply for the proper permits, you’ll need a hunting license. Be sure you have a valid photo ID, have had hunter safety education, and have paid for a Habitat Stamp. License fees are differentiated for youth and adults, and residents and non-residents.

What You’re Hunting. Deer populations are primarily in two species: Mule Deer, often called “mulies” and White-Tailed Deer. Though the two species are largely the same size, mule deer have a stiffer gait with tails tucked when running; the white-tail is more graceful in gait, and its white-tailed is exposed when running. Differences also exist in antler development and ears. Mule deer can be found throughout Colorado while white-tailed deer tend to range in the eastern plains and woodlands. Regulations also exist for elk and moose, so be aware of your hunting preferences when making application. Pronghorn, though permitted for hunting on a more limited basis, are also a possibility in the big game category. You’ll need to have a species in mind when making application for a permit.

Permitting. Adult permits are mostly limited to established quotas per deer species. These “Limited Licenses” are set annually by Colorado wildlife officials, and include calculation of preference points. Be sure to check Colorado official publications for explanation of these preferences and how they are weighted. Permit drawings compose a significant method by which deer can be taken with applications deadlines set for late spring and issued in June. However, if you don’t make the drawings, two other categories, Over-The-Counter and Leftover Limited Licenses, become available in July and August respectively.

How You Hunt. The popular rifle hunting season usually occurs from late October to, in some cases, early December. Specialty hunting methods (archery, muzzleloading) precede this period in August and September. Colorado deer hunting season dates vary on a regional basis, so be sure you know where you plan to hunt, and what type of weapon you intend to use. Become educated on what government agency owns the land you desire to hunt. A variety of restrictions differ depending on the landowning agency. If it is private land, having the owner’s permission is required. Keep in mind that legal hunting hours in Colorado begin a half-hour before sunrise and end a half-hour after sunset.

Like many states with concern for herd management, Colorado’s deer hunting season regulations can appear convoluted at first glance. But don’t become discouraged, a few minutes of reading and research can offer a working knowledge for becoming compliant and enjoying the thrill of the hunt.

If you want more information about the seasons, laws, and regulations of hunting deer in this state, visit the state government hunting page.

Connecticut Deer Hunting Season

Connecticut is a deer hunter friendly state. This can be seen from the fact that the Connecticut deer hunting season last for 120 days. The following is a list of pertinent information regarding deer hunting in Connecticut.

Species of Deer in Connecticut
Connecticut is populated predominantly with Whitetail deer. This state has one of the largest per capita deer population of any other state in the country. In some counties there are 29.4 deer for every square-mile of land in the county. This is due to the fact that there are very few natural predators in the state and that recent winters have been relatively mild. In addition the fact that dear were protected by law for the early part of the 20th century has led to their overpopulation.

Acceptable Methods of Hunting in Connecticut.
Because of the large population of Whitetail deer that exist in Connecticut the laws regarding hunting and the methods used for hunting deer are somewhat lenient. The methods that can be used for hunting deer are the following:

Archery
Legal bows that can be used include longbows, recurve bows, and compound bows as long as they have a minimum drawl weight of 40 pounds. It is also required that the arrowhead must have two blades, must be at least 7/8 inch wide at its widest point. According to Connecticut law it is prohibited to use arrows that are tipped with any sort of drug, or poisoned, or tranquilizing substance.
The use of crossbows is permitted, but only under special circumstances these include use by handicapped individuals and individuals who have special licenses to hunt on private land in specific zones during the month of January. Crossbows that are used in this type of hunting must meet the qualifications of having a draw weight between 125 and 220 pounds. It is illegal to use or possess a firearm while bow hunting in Connecticut.

Hunting with a firearm
The list of firearms that can be used for hunting in Connecticut include shotguns, rifles, muzzleloader, and high velocity air guns. Individuals who use firearms and hunting must be 500 feet away from any building that is used as a residence, or a storage place for flammable material, or as a place for keeping domestic animals. Before using a firearm in hunting for deer, an individual should familiarize himself with the specifications for the type of ammunition, which is appropriate for each type of firearm. It is prohibited to have a loaded firearm in your vehicle.

Connecticut Deer Hunting Permits and Seasons
Connecticut has a generous deer hunting season of more than 100 days. The season for archery hunting begins September 15 of each year, and concludes on January 31 of the following year. Hunting with a bow is restricted to between half an hour after sunrise until sunset. Before engaging in deer hunting with bow one must participate in a CE/FS bow hunting course, or its equivalent from some other state.

Hunting with a rifle or shotgun on private land can be done between November 14 through December 4. Hunters are limited to one deer of either sex, and one antlerless deer. Hunters are required to have a private land shotgun or rifle deer permit, and also a revolver permit if they are playing on hunting with a revolver.

Hunters looking to use a muzzleloader can use this fire arm on private land between December 5 and December 31. The same bag limits apply to a muzzleloader as apply to a shotgun or a rifle. A muzzleloader deer permit and a firearms hunting license for private land is also required by law.

Individuals use looking to use a muzzleloader on state land can do this between December 5 and December 18. Here the bag limits are one deer of either sex. Hunters are required to have the permits for using firearms on public land.

Delaware Deer Hunting Season

Delaware is a small state that has a large deer population. These deer populations can be hunted by deer hunters during the deer hunting season.

Species of Deer Available for Hunting in Delaware

There is only one species of deer in Delaware that can be hunted by deer hunters. This is the white-tailed deer specie. The white-tailed deer species is commonly found in the field around coniferous trees. This is the most common place these animals search for their food. Another area where these animals can be found is near a river. They mostly get their water needs from the river.

Method of Deer Hunting in Delaware

Delaware deer hunting laws and regulations permit the use of a bow and arrow, shotgun and muzzleloaders to hunt deer. Thus legally, the only firearms permitted are shotgun and muzzleloaders. Rifles are strictly prohibited for deer hunting in the state. Thus, deer hunters who are more accustomed to hunting deer with rifles should start practicing long distance shot with shotguns and muzzleloaders. It is quite a different experience hunting deer with shotguns and muzzleloaders. This is why practice is of utmost importance for accurate aiming and killing of the game. A shotgun larger than 10 gauge is strictly prohibited for hunting game in Delaware. The approved shotgun for deer hunting in Delaware cannot hold more than two shells according to state laws.

The stand hunting technique is the most widely accepted method in hunting white-tailed deer. The success rate of this method is account for its popularity in the hunting of white-tailed deer species. The method involves standing and aiming at the targeted game from a distance. The muzzle loaders and bow and arrow produce more positive results when compared to shotguns. However it is against state laws to incorporate poison into an arrow. Thus using arrow as your weapon, don’t rub a poisonous substance on it.

Permits and Seasons of Deer Hunting in Delaware

To qualify for deer hunting in Delaware, a hunter must first register at the Delaware
State Parks Hunting Registration. The registration usually costs $10. After successful completion of the registration process, the next step is to obtain a Delaware hunting license. The price of this hunting license varies. It is actually dependent on whether the game hunter is a resident of the state or not. The price of a Delaware hunting license for a state resident cost about $25. The resident must be an adult to qualify for the license. While a non resident seeking a hunting license in the state of Delaware will have to pay about $130 for the license. The two documents must be kept at the all times by the deer hunter, during all hunting expeditions.

The hunting season is usually announced by the State Parks Hunting Body. All other necessary instructions are usually announced along with the date for deer hunting in the area. Delaware has 18 deer hunting management zones. Thus, deer hunters have enough areas to hunt their game.

Other Laws and Regulations

It is strictly prohibited to hunt deer outside the hunting season. Thus under no circumstances should any deer hunter breach this particular regulation. Legal action will be taken against the defaulter. Hunting deer with rifles and machine guns are strictly prohibited according to the Delaware hunting regulations.

Why You Need to Hunt in Delaware

Hunting in Delaware will be a fun for deer hunters. There is plenty of game in this state. Also the state hunting laws are not that bad.

Florida Deer Hunting Season

Deer Hunting Seasons in Florida begin in late summer and last through the winter. Florida is home to the white-tailed deer. There are many acres of land and forest areas perfect for hunting.

Hunting Seasons by Zone

Florida is broken down into 4 zones. Zone A is located in the southern portion of Florida. Zone B is located in the mid-eastern part, while zone C is located in the mid and north western part of Florida. Zone D is located in the north western parts of Florida. Each zone has its own dates, weapons and whether or not you are allowed to hunt deer with or without antlers.

Zone A begins its bow and crossbow season in late July and runs through August. Muzzleloading season usually begins at the beginning of September which runs into the general gun season. Zone B begins its bow and crossbow season in mid-October. Muzzleloading and general gun season follow shortly after, beginning in November and December. Bow and crossbow begin in Zone C a little earlier than Zone B, starting in mid-September. It also begins its muzzleloading season and general gun season earlier, which starts in early November and early December. The last zone, Zone D, begins close to the same time as Zone B, which is in October for bow and crossbow and follows with muzzleloading season and general gun season in November and December; lasting until early February.

Permits and Laws

There is a bag limit of two deer per day. Depending on if it is antlerless deer hunting time, it is normally two antlered deer allowed. In Florida, it is required to have a $5 deer hunting permit, as well as, a hunting license. In order to be eligible for a hunting license in Florida, anyone born after June 1, 1975 must take a hunting safety course. When you purchase your license you will have to show proof of completing this class. For a Florida resident, an annual sportsman hunting license will cost $80.50. If you are a non-resident of Florida you can pay a 10 day fee of $46.50. There are many other types of licenses available as well.

There are some exemptions on whether or not a permit is needed. Some of these exemptions include if you are under 16 years old and are with an adult over 18 years old who has a valid license and permit; or you are a senior that possesses a free hunting and fishing permit from the county tax collectors’ offices.

It is important to make sure the area that you are in is allowing hunting at that specific time. You can visit http://myfwc.com/hunting for specific dates and zones. There may also be certain parks, within an area that is open for hunting, that may not allow certain types of hunting just in that specific area.

Georgia Deer Hunting Season

Georgia deer hunting is one of the most popular pastimes for hunters in Georgia. The season extends statewide from early September to mid January along with some extended seasons for archery and some firearms for the month of January. Before you start planning your hunting trip or vacation days from work, you will want to check the dates for the area you plan on hunting along with the local laws.

There are several different seasons that are taking place at this time. The first season will be archery of either sex meaning you can hunt bucks and does at the same time. This season last from early September to mid October, there are also a few counties that have extended archery season to all of January. Firearms season is the other more popular season to hunt deer. The northern zone of Georgia this season last from mid October to the beginning of January the southern zone offers the season from mid October to mid January. There are several other laws you will want to know before you start your hunting expedition.

The number of dear you are allowed to kill is only 12 per season and this is a statewide law. You are allowed no more than ten antlerless deer or does. Along with two antlered dear with one of them having at least four points one inch or longer on one side of the antlers. Some of the counties have other limitations or requirements you will want to check where you are planning to hunt to see if they have any of these unique laws in place.

If you are going to be hunting with an underage hunter, you will need to know the requirements for them as well as yourself. If the hunter is, under 16 they are not required to complete a hunter education course however, they must hunt with a licensed adult who is at least 18. The underage hunter must also stay within sight or hearing distance of the adult hunter. If the hunter is between 12 and 15, they may hunt unsupervised if they have completed a hunters education course they will also have other restrictions for them as well.

Hunters who are 16 to 25 must have a hunter education certificate when they purchase their hunting license. They will want to keep their certification and license with them while they hunt as well. Older hunters 25 and over they must meet hunter education requirements but do not need to keep the certification with them while they hunt or to get their license.

The cost of license varies depending on what you are hunting and if you are a resident or non-resident. For a big game license, the cost is $9 for residents and $135 for non-residents. There are also several other options you can choose as well. They offer one and three-day hunting license one day is $5.50 for residents and $12 for non-residents. The three day pass is only available for non-residents and cost $30. If you are a resident, you may choose to get a lifetime license, which includes both hunting and fishing, except the federal duck stamp. The costs of the license range are under 2 $200, 2-15 $350, 16 and over $500, 60-64 $95, and over 65 are free. If you are a non-resident, the cost is $1,000 and that is for any age.

Hawaii Deer Hunting Season

How would you like to enjoy an authentic Hawaiian Safari in the islands, on Maui, Molokai or Lanai? Aloha and get ready for the Hawaii deer hunting season of Axis deer on these three Hawaiin islands, either on a private ranch, or on public land areas. This will be a hunting season trip like no other!

Axis deer are on all three of these islands among the seven that make up the State of Hawaii. Over certain designated areas, whether public grounds and areas, or on private ranches, you can use a gun, rifle, archery bow, or muzzleloading rifle or shotgun on your hunt. If you bring your own gun, you must immediately register it with the Hawaii County Police Department before the first day of your hunt. Privately all-inclusive packages for safaris and on private ranches already have registered guns for your use. There are a myriad of hunting and firearm regulations that must be complied to and agreed upon before any hunting commences. Dogs are allowed to go on any hunt with the hunter, and are his/her express responsibility. If anyone in the hunting party is under age 18, there are more limiting restrictions as regards firearms that must be complied with as well. Hawaii is very strict on these regulations, and even when on private ranch land, they may enforce any and all regulations stated in their manual and set forth by the HAWAII DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES.

Acquiring a Hawaii State hunting license ($10.00 Hawaii resident; $95.00 non-resident) good for up to seven days, and a Hunting Safety Card are both available online through different websites. You also must go on any hunt with a Hawaiian resident.

Venison is world-known to be of the most tender and nutritious of any other game animal. After the hunt, you will want to make sure that the deer is well taken care of afterwards by selecting an expert meat handler. Your venison can be frozen by all privately-owned hunting ranches, and FedExed to follow you home, or you can have the meat bagged up and put in a cooler as part of your baggage to take aboard your plane home with you.

Taxidermy services are also offered at private ranches and outside businesses throughout the state.

All hunting in Hawaii is best during Summer and Fall seasons. Uniquely, there are no designated deer season dates, there is open hunting year ’round. The beautiful tropical climate of Hawaii enables this to become a truly special hunters’ paradise.

There are also so many other places to see on all the Hawaiian Islands, activities and water sports, and of course beautiful resorts in which to stay overnight, dine, and enjoy entertainment nightly.

Idaho Deer Hunting Season

Idaho is a state that is well known for its deer hunting season in the fall. Below is a description of deer hunting in Idaho.

Species of Deer to Hunt

Idaho has both whitetail deer and mule deer to hunt. Northern Idaho is known best for its whitetail deer. They tend to live in river bottoms, agricultural fields, and around coniferous trees. Southern Idaho is best known for its trophy mule deer. They can be found abundantly in the mountains and in national forest areas.

Methods to Hunt Deer in Idaho

In Idaho, 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, spot and stalk techniques are used for hunting mule deer while stand hunting is used for whitetails. Idaho also has muzzle loader seasons, in which a muzzle loading rifle is the only weapon allowed. 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.

Permits and Seasons

Both a valid license and tag are required to hunt deer in Idaho. You must have a valid Idaho hunting license first. This may require taking a hunters education class, depending on your age. This license costs $12.75 for residents, and $154.75 for non-residents. Then you have to buy the deer tag. General tags cost $19.75 for residents, and $301.75 for non-residents. There are also fees to apply for a controlled hunt, if you desire to hunt in a specific area that requires you to draw to be eligible to buy a tag.

Seasons vary by hunt type and area. Most archery seasons run from the end of August to the end of September. Most general any weapon seasons are for two to three weeks during October. There are some archery only seasons in November and December as well.

Other Laws and Regulations

In Idaho, 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.

Where you can Hunt

Idaho has designated more than 60% of the state as public land that may be hunted on. This includes prime hunting spots all over the state. You are also allowed to hunt on private property as long as you have the permission of the owner of the land.

Idaho is an excellent state for deer hunting. If you’d like to see more about the state’s deer hunting, check out fishandgame.idaho.gov, where you can see the latest in deer hunting season dates and laws.

Illinois Deer Hunting Season

Illinois is a state that is well known and respected for its deer hunting seasons. Below is a description of deer hunting season in Illinois.

Species of Deer to Hunt

Illinois is home to whitetail deer. The populations are very strong in the state, and they can be found in many locations and areas across the state.

Methods to Hunt Deer in Illinois

In Illinois, 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 when archery hunting. Later in the season, the general rifle 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 muzzle-loader seasons for those who wish to use that particular weapon type.

Permits and Seasons

A valid hunting license is required to hunt deer in Illinois. You must acquire an Illinois hunting license first. This may require taking a hunters education class depending on when you were born. This license costs $12.50 for residents, and $360 for non-residents, and can be purchased online. After you have you’re license, you will have to put in to draw for a deer tag. Illinois uses a lottery system to determine who is eligible to hunt and where, and you can apply at several times throughout the year.

Seasons vary by hunt type and area. The archery season opens in October and runs in to the middle of January. Muzzle loader seasons are in November. There is a special youth hunt for two days in October. The rifle seasons are in late mid November, and then again in late November to early December. There are also late hunt/winter seasons in December and January.

Other Laws and Regulations

In Illinois, it is only legal to hunt from half an hour before sunrise until half an hour after sunset. Once you harvest a deer, you must file an online hunt report on the state website.

Where you can Hunt

Deer are populous throughout the state, although some areas are better than others. Do some research before you decide on a location to hunt in. Illinois has very little public land for hunters to use. Just over 2% 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.

Illinois is one of the most popular deer hunting states. If you’d like to see more about the state’s deer hunting, check out the Illinois Department of Natural Resources deer hunting page, where you can see the latest in deer hunting season dates and laws.