Hunting Seasons by State: 2025-2026 Season Dates, License Fees & Regulations
Hunting Seasons by State: 2025-2026 Season Dates, License Fees & Regulations
Planning a hunt across state lines requires knowing exactly when seasons open, what licenses you need, and how much they cost. This comprehensive reference covers every U.S. state's major hunting seasons for the 2025-2026 season year, including deer, elk, turkey, bear, and waterfowl — plus resident and non-resident license fees.
Whether you're planning a big game hunting trip out West, a deer hunting adventure in the Midwest, or a waterfowl hunting expedition along a major flyway, this guide gives you the dates and costs you need to start planning.
Note: Season dates are subject to annual regulation changes. Always verify with your state's wildlife agency before purchasing licenses or planning travel. Dates shown reflect published 2025-2026 regulations as of publication.
Deer Season Dates by State (2025-2026)
Deer hunting is the most popular form of hunting in America, with over 10 million participants annually. Seasons are typically split into archery, rifle (firearms), and muzzleloader segments.
Northeast & Mid-Atlantic States
| State | Archery Season | Rifle/Firearms Season | Muzzleloader Season | Resident License | Non-Resident License |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Connecticut | Sep 15 – Dec 31 | Nov 19 – Dec 10 | Dec 11 – Dec 31 | $19 | $91 |
| Delaware | Sep 1 – Jan 31 | Nov 14 – Jan 31 | Oct 18 – Nov 1 | $25 | $100 |
| Maine | Sep 6 – Dec 12 | Nov 1 – Nov 29 | Dec 1 – Dec 12 | $26 | $115 |
| Maryland | Sep 6 – Feb 1 | Nov 29 – Dec 13 | Dec 15 – Dec 27 | $24.50 | $130 |
| Massachusetts | Oct 6 – Nov 22 | Dec 1 – Dec 13 | Oct 14 – Oct 25 | $27.50 | $65.50 |
| New Hampshire | Sep 15 – Dec 15 | Nov 12 – Dec 7 | Oct 25 – Nov 4 | $15 | $103 |
| New Jersey | Sep 6 – Feb 21 | Nov 17 – Dec 6 | Dec 8 – Dec 13 | $27.50 | $135.50 |
| New York | Sep 27 – Dec 22 | Nov 15 – Dec 8 (varies) | Oct 12 – Oct 24 | $22 | $100 |
| Pennsylvania | Sep 13 – Nov 14 | Nov 29 – Dec 13 | Dec 15 – Dec 27 | $20.97 | $101.97 |
| Rhode Island | Sep 15 – Jan 31 | Nov 15 – Jan 31 | Nov 1 – Nov 14 | $18 | $65 |
| Vermont | Oct 1 – Dec 15 | Nov 15 – Nov 30 | Dec 1 – Dec 8 | $28 | $102 |
| Virginia | Sep 6 – Mar 1 (varies) | Nov 15 – Jan 3 | Nov 1 – Nov 14 | $23 | $120 |
| West Virginia | Sep 27 – Dec 31 | Nov 24 – Dec 6 | Dec 8 – Dec 20 | $19 | $119 |
Southeast States
| State | Archery Season | Rifle/Firearms Season | Muzzleloader Season | Resident License | Non-Resident License |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Oct 15 – Feb 10 | Nov 22 – Feb 10 | Nov 3 – Nov 14 | $25.10 | $126 |
| Arkansas | Sep 27 – Feb 28 | Nov 8 – Dec 7 | Oct 18 – Oct 26 | $25 | $250 |
| Florida | Jul 26 – Mar 1 (varies) | Nov 1 – Jan 19 (varies) | Oct 18 – Nov 7 | $17 | $151.50 |
| Georgia | Sep 13 – Jan 11 | Oct 18 – Jan 11 | Oct 11 – Oct 17 | $16 | $101 |
| Kentucky | Sep 6 – Jan 19 | Nov 8 – Nov 23 | Oct 18 – Oct 26 | $27 | $140 |
| Louisiana | Sep 6 – Feb 15 | Nov 8 – Dec 7 | Oct 18 – Oct 24 | $15 | $150 |
| Mississippi | Sep 15 – Feb 15 | Nov 15 – Jan 31 | Oct 15 – Nov 14 | $15 | $75 |
| Missouri | Sep 15 – Jan 15 | Nov 15 – Nov 25 | Dec 13 – Dec 23 | $19 | $225 |
| North Carolina | Sep 6 – Feb 28 (varies) | Nov 15 – Jan 3 | Oct 1 – Oct 31 | $25 | $80 |
| South Carolina | Aug 15 – Jan 1 (varies) | Oct 11 – Jan 1 | Oct 1 – Oct 10 | $12 | $100 |
| Tennessee | Sep 27 – Jan 10 | Nov 22 – Jan 4 | Nov 8 – Nov 21 | $34 | $201 |
| Texas | Sep 27 – Feb 1 | Nov 1 – Jan 18 | Year-round (with season) | $25 | $315 |
Midwest States
| State | Archery Season | Rifle/Firearms Season | Muzzleloader Season | Resident License | Non-Resident License |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois | Oct 1 – Jan 18 | Nov 21 – Nov 23, Dec 4 – Dec 7 | Dec 8 – Dec 21 | $12.75 | $51.75 |
| Indiana | Oct 1 – Jan 4 | Nov 15 – Dec 7 | Dec 8 – Dec 21 | $24 | $80 |
| Iowa | Oct 1 – Dec 5, Jan 10 – Jan 20 | Dec 6 – Dec 20 | Oct 11 – Oct 24 | $19 | $140 |
| Kansas | Sep 15 – Dec 31 | Dec 3 – Dec 14 | Sep 15 – Sep 28 | $27.50 | $97.50 |
| Michigan | Oct 1 – Nov 14, Dec 1 – Jan 1 | Nov 15 – Nov 30 | Dec 6 – Dec 21 | $11 | $151 |
| Minnesota | Sep 13 – Dec 31 | Nov 8 – Nov 23 | Dec 6 – Dec 21 | $26 | $156 |
| Nebraska | Sep 15 – Jan 15 | Nov 15 – Nov 23 | Dec 1 – Dec 31 | $25 | $215 |
| North Dakota | Sep 5 – Jan 4 | Nov 7 – Nov 23 | Dec 5 – Dec 21 | $20 | $200 |
| Ohio | Sep 27 – Feb 2 | Dec 1 – Dec 8 (shotgun/straight wall) | Jan 3 – Jan 6 | $19 | $125 |
| South Dakota | Sep 27 – Jan 1 | Nov 15 – Dec 1 | Dec 6 – Dec 21 | $28 | $209 |
| Wisconsin | Sep 13 – Jan 4 | Nov 22 – Nov 30 | Dec 8 – Dec 17 | $24 | $160 |
Western States
| State | Archery Season | Rifle/Firearms Season | Muzzleloader Season | Resident License | Non-Resident License |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona | Jan 10 – Jan 29 (varies) | Oct 25 – Nov 14 (varies) | Dec 13 – Dec 26 (varies) | $37 | $160 |
| California | Jul 12 – Sep 14 (varies) | Sep 20 – Nov 2 (varies) | Oct 11 – Oct 24 (varies) | $54.43 | $182.17 |
| Colorado | Aug 30 – Sep 28 | Oct 11 – Nov 16 (varies) | Sep 13 – Sep 21 | $35.17 | $100.17 |
| Idaho | Aug 30 – Dec 31 (varies) | Oct 10 – Nov 30 (varies) | Dec 1 – Dec 15 | $19.75 | $301.75 |
| Montana | Sep 6 – Oct 19 | Oct 25 – Nov 30 | Dec 6 – Dec 14 | $20 | $265 |
| Nevada | Aug 9 – Sep 7 (varies) | Oct 4 – Nov 16 (varies) | Sep 27 – Oct 3 | $33 | $142 |
| New Mexico | Sep 1 – Sep 24 | Oct 18 – Nov 15 (varies) | Oct 4 – Oct 12 | $25 | $260 |
| Oregon | Aug 30 – Sep 28 | Oct 4 – Nov 7 (varies) | Nov 22 – Nov 30 | $29.50 | $166.75 |
| Utah | Aug 16 – Sep 12 (varies) | Oct 18 – Oct 30 (varies) | Nov 5 – Nov 16 | $34 | $65 |
| Washington | Sep 1 – Sep 30 | Oct 11 – Oct 22 (varies) | Nov 22 – Dec 8 | $45.35 | $167.35 |
| Wyoming | Sep 1 – Sep 30 | Oct 1 – Nov 20 (varies) | Dec 1 – Dec 31 | $29 | $282 |
Alaska & Hawaii
| State | Season Notes | Resident License | Non-Resident License |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska | Aug 1 – Dec 31 (varies by unit) | $25 | $160 |
| Hawaii | Limited public hunting; axis deer, pigs, goats by permit | $10 | $105 |
For guided hunts in Alaska, check out our Alaska hunting trips guide for outfitter recommendations and logistics planning.
Elk Season Dates by State (2025-2026)
Elk hunting is one of America's premier big game hunting experiences, with most opportunities concentrated in the Rocky Mountain West. Many states use limited-entry draw systems.
| State | Archery Season | Rifle Season | Draw Required? | Resident Tag Cost | Non-Resident Tag Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona | Sep 12 – Sep 25 | Oct 10 – Oct 29 (varies) | Yes | $155 | $665 |
| California | Jul – Sep (varies) | Sep – Oct (varies) | Yes (limited) | $505.98 | $1,270.78 |
| Colorado | Aug 30 – Sep 28 | Oct 11 – Nov 16 | OTC + Draw | $56.41 | $661.41 |
| Idaho | Aug 30 – Sep 30 | Oct 10 – Nov 30 | Zone-dependent | $30.75 | $416.75 |
| Kentucky | Dec 6 – Dec 14 | Dec 13 – Dec 14 | Yes (limited) | $30 | $350 |
| Montana | Sep 6 – Oct 19 | Oct 25 – Nov 30 | OTC + Draw | $20 | $878 |
| Nevada | Aug 10 – Sep 21 (varies) | Oct – Nov (varies) | Yes | $120 | $1,200 |
| New Mexico | Sep 1 – Sep 24 | Oct 4 – Dec 15 (varies) | Yes | $60 | $790 |
| Oregon | Aug 30 – Sep 28 | Oct 11 – Nov 7 (varies) | Yes | $36.50 | $576.75 |
| Pennsylvania | Sep 13 – Nov 8 | Nov 3 – Nov 8 | Yes (limited) | $25 | $250 |
| Utah | Aug 16 – Sep 12 | Oct 4 – Oct 21 (varies) | Yes | $50 | $400 |
| Washington | Sep 1 – Sep 30 | Oct 11 – Oct 22 (varies) | Yes | $52.50 | $457.50 |
| Wyoming | Sep 1 – Sep 30 | Oct 1 – Nov 20 (varies) | Draw + LQ | $52 | $612 |
Key: OTC = Over the Counter (no draw required), LQ = Leftover/Quota tags available
For in-depth planning, see our elk hunting trips guide covering the best units, outfitters, and strategies.
Turkey Season Dates by State (2025-2026)
Turkey hunting is split into spring and fall seasons, with spring gobbler season being the most popular nationwide.
Spring Turkey Season
| State | Season Dates | Bag Limit | Youth Season | Resident License | Non-Resident License |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Mar 15 – Apr 30 | 5 (1/day) | Mar 8 – Mar 9 | $11.20 | $51 |
| Arkansas | Apr 14 – May 4 | 2 | Mar 29 – Mar 30 | $10 | $225 |
| Florida | Mar 1 – Apr 27 (varies) | 2 | Feb 22 – Feb 23 | $5 | $125 |
| Georgia | Mar 22 – May 15 | 3 | Mar 15 – Mar 16 | $3.50 | $75 |
| Illinois | Apr 7 – May 8 | 1 per period | Mar 29 – Mar 30 | $12.75 | $51.75 |
| Indiana | Apr 23 – May 11 | 1 | Apr 12 – Apr 13 | $24 | $80 |
| Iowa | Apr 7 – May 18 | 1 | Apr 5 – Apr 6 | $25.50 | $100.50 |
| Kansas | Apr 1 – May 31 | 1 (regular) | Apr 1 – Apr 8 | $27.50 | $97.50 |
| Kentucky | Apr 12 – May 4 | 2 | Mar 29 – Mar 30 | $27 | $140 |
| Michigan | Apr 21 – May 31 | 1 | Apr 12 – Apr 13 | $15 | $155 |
| Minnesota | Apr 16 – May 31 | 1 | Apr 9 – Apr 13 | $26 | $86 |
| Mississippi | Mar 15 – May 1 | 3 | Mar 8 – Mar 9 | $10 | $200 |
| Missouri | Apr 21 – May 4 | 2 | Apr 5 – Apr 6 | $19 | $225 |
| Nebraska | Apr 12 – May 31 | 2 | Mar 22 – Mar 23 | $17 | $110 |
| New York | May 1 – May 31 | 2 | Apr 19 – Apr 20 | $22 | $100 |
| Ohio | Apr 21 – May 18 | 2 | Apr 12 – Apr 13 | $19 | $125 |
| Pennsylvania | May 3 – May 31 | 2 | Apr 19 – Apr 26 | $20.97 | $101.97 |
| South Carolina | Apr 1 – May 1 | 3 | Mar 22 – Mar 28 | $12 | $100 |
| Tennessee | Apr 5 – May 11 | 3 | Mar 22 – Mar 23 | $34 | $201 |
| Texas | Mar 15 – Apr 30 (S TX) / Apr 1 – May 14 (N TX) | 4 | Concurrent | $25 | $315 |
| Virginia | Apr 12 – May 17 | 3 | Mar 29 – Apr 5 | $23 | $120 |
| West Virginia | Apr 21 – May 24 | 2 | Apr 12 – Apr 13 | $19 | $119 |
| Wisconsin | Apr 16 – May 27 | 1 per period | Apr 12 – Apr 13 | $24 | $160 |
Fall Turkey Season (Selected States)
| State | Season Dates | Bag Limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iowa | Oct 13 – Dec 5 | 1 | Shotgun/archery |
| Missouri | Oct 1 – Oct 31 | 2 | Either sex |
| New York | Oct 1 – Oct 31 | 1 | Varies by WMU |
| Pennsylvania | Oct 30 – Nov 22 (select days) | 1 | Shotgun/archery only |
| Virginia | Oct 4 – Nov 8 | 1 | Most counties |
| West Virginia | Oct 6 – Oct 25 | 1 | Counties vary |
| Wisconsin | Sep 15 – Jan 4 | 1 | Archery + harvest authorization |
Bear Season Dates by State (2025-2026)
Bear hunting opportunities exist in approximately 30 states. Most western states offer fall seasons, while some eastern states also offer spring seasons.
| State | Season Dates | Hunting Methods | Draw/Permit | Resident Tag | Non-Resident Tag |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska | Sep 1 – Jun 30 (varies by unit) | Rifle, archery, bait (some areas) | No (most areas) | Included | $225 (tag) |
| Arizona | Sep – Dec (varies) | Rifle, archery | Yes (draw) | $29 | $200 |
| California | Oct 11 – Dec 28 | Rifle, archery (no dogs) | OTC tag | $51.12 | $288.67 |
| Colorado | Sep 2 – Sep 30, Oct 14 – Nov 30 | Rifle, archery, muzzleloader | OTC | $41.41 | $351.41 |
| Idaho | Aug 30 – Nov 30 (varies) | Rifle, archery, hounds | OTC + Draw | $19.75 | $186.75 |
| Maine | Aug 25 – Nov 29 | Bait, dogs, trap, rifle, archery | OTC | $26 | $74 |
| Michigan | Sep 6 – Oct 26 | Bait, dogs, archery | Draw + OTC | $15 | $155 |
| Minnesota | Sep 1 – Oct 13 | Bait, dogs, archery | Draw | $44 | $227 |
| Montana | Apr 15 – Jun 1, Sep 15 – Nov 30 | Rifle, archery | OTC + Draw | $20 | $350 |
| New Hampshire | Sep 1 – Nov 30 | Bait, dogs, rifle, archery | OTC | $15 | $103 |
| New Mexico | Aug 16 – Nov 30 | Rifle, archery | Draw | $44 | $360 |
| North Carolina | Oct 13 – Jan 3 (varies) | Rifle, dogs, archery | OTC | $25 | $80 |
| Oregon | Aug 1 – Dec 31 (varies) | Rifle, archery | OTC + Draw | $22.50 | $290.75 |
| Pennsylvania | Nov 22 – Nov 26, Nov 29 – Dec 6 | Rifle, archery | OTC | $20.97 | $101.97 |
| Virginia | Oct 4 – Jan 3 (varies) | Rifle, dogs, archery | OTC | $23 | $120 |
| Washington | Aug 1 – Nov 15 (varies) | Rifle, archery, hounds | OTC + Draw | $42.35 | $300.35 |
| Wisconsin | Sep 3 – Oct 8 | Bait, dogs, archery | OTC | $24 | $160 |
| Wyoming | Sep 1 – Oct 31 | Rifle, archery | OTC | $40 | $282 |
Waterfowl Season Dates by Flyway (2025-2026)
Waterfowl hunting seasons are set by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service within frameworks, then each state selects specific dates within those frameworks. Seasons are organized by the four major flyways.
Federal Requirements (All States)
- Federal Duck Stamp: $25 (required for all waterfowl hunters 16+)
- HIP Registration: Required in all states (free)
- Steel shot or approved non-toxic shot required for all waterfowl
Atlantic Flyway
| State | Duck Season | Goose Season | Daily Duck Limit | Daily Goose Limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Connecticut | Oct 8 – Oct 11, Oct 23 – Jan 4 | Sep 1 – Sep 25, Oct 14 – Feb 15 | 6 | 5 (Canada) |
| Delaware | Oct 22 – Jan 24 | Nov 12 – Mar 7 | 6 | 5 |
| Maine | Oct 1 – Nov 8, Nov 17 – Dec 20 | Sep 1 – Sep 25, Oct 6 – Jan 17 | 6 | 5 |
| Maryland | Nov 8 – Jan 31 | Sep 1 – Sep 25, Nov 12 – Mar 7 | 6 | 5 |
| New Jersey | Oct 11 – Oct 18, Nov 15 – Jan 24 | Sep 1 – Sep 30, Nov 15 – Mar 10 | 6 | 5 |
| New York | Oct 11 – Dec 21 (varies) | Sep 1 – Sep 25, Oct 11 – Jan 17 | 6 | 5 |
| Virginia | Oct 8 – Oct 11, Nov 12 – Jan 31 | Sep 1 – Sep 25, Nov 12 – Mar 7 | 6 | 5 |
Mississippi Flyway
| State | Duck Season | Goose Season | Daily Duck Limit | Daily Goose Limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Nov 22 – Jan 28 | Sep 1 – Sep 30, Nov 8 – Feb 15 | 6 | 5 |
| Arkansas | Nov 22 – Dec 2, Dec 17 – Jan 31 | Sep 1 – Sep 30, Nov 8 – Feb 15 | 6 | 5 |
| Illinois | Oct 18 – Oct 21, Nov 1 – Jan 10 | Sep 1 – Sep 15, Oct 25 – Jan 31 | 6 | 5 |
| Indiana | Oct 25 – Oct 28, Nov 8 – Jan 12 | Sep 1 – Sep 15, Oct 25 – Feb 15 | 6 | 5 |
| Iowa | Oct 11 – Dec 9 | Sep 1 – Sep 25, Oct 25 – Jan 17 | 6 | 5 |
| Louisiana | Nov 8 – Dec 7, Dec 20 – Jan 28 | Sep 1 – Sep 30, Nov 8 – Feb 15 | 6 | 5 |
| Michigan | Oct 4 – Nov 30 (varies) | Sep 1 – Sep 15, Oct 4 – Jan 17 | 6 | 5 |
| Minnesota | Sep 20 – Nov 25 (varies) | Sep 1 – Sep 25, Oct 4 – Dec 17 | 6 | 3 |
| Mississippi | Nov 22 – Jan 28 | Sep 1 – Sep 30, Nov 8 – Feb 15 | 6 | 5 |
| Missouri | Oct 25 – Jan 3 (varies) | Sep 1 – Sep 15, Oct 25 – Feb 15 | 6 | 5 |
| Ohio | Oct 11 – Oct 14, Nov 1 – Jan 5 | Sep 1 – Sep 15, Oct 11 – Feb 15 | 6 | 5 |
| Tennessee | Nov 22 – Jan 28 | Sep 1 – Sep 30, Nov 8 – Feb 15 | 6 | 5 |
| Wisconsin | Sep 20 – Nov 25 (varies) | Sep 1 – Sep 15, Oct 4 – Dec 31 | 6 | 5 |
Central Flyway
| State | Duck Season | Goose Season | Daily Duck Limit | Daily Goose Limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado | Oct 4 – Jan 26 (varies) | Sep 1 – Sep 30, Oct 4 – Feb 16 | 6 | 5 |
| Kansas | Oct 11 – Jan 5 (varies) | Sep 1 – Sep 30, Oct 25 – Feb 16 | 6 | 5 |
| Montana | Oct 4 – Jan 5 | Sep 1 – Dec 14 | 6 | 5 |
| Nebraska | Oct 11 – Jan 5 (varies) | Sep 1 – Sep 30, Oct 25 – Feb 16 | 6 | 5 |
| North Dakota | Sep 27 – Dec 7 | Sep 1 – Dec 14 | 6 | 5 |
| Oklahoma | Nov 1 – Jan 26 (varies) | Sep 1 – Sep 30, Nov 1 – Feb 16 | 6 | 5 |
| South Dakota | Oct 4 – Jan 5 (varies) | Sep 1 – Sep 30, Oct 4 – Feb 16 | 6 | 5 |
| Texas | Nov 1 – Jan 26 (varies) | Sep 1 – Sep 30, Nov 1 – Feb 16 | 6 | 5 |
| Wyoming | Oct 4 – Jan 5 | Sep 1 – Sep 30, Oct 4 – Dec 31 | 6 | 5 |
Pacific Flyway
| State | Duck Season | Goose Season | Daily Duck Limit | Daily Goose Limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska | Sep 1 – Dec 16 (varies) | Sep 1 – Dec 16 (varies) | 7 | 4 |
| California | Oct 18 – Jan 26 (varies) | Sep 1 – Sep 30, Oct 18 – Feb 28 | 7 | 10 (varies) |
| Idaho | Oct 4 – Jan 17 | Sep 1 – Sep 30, Oct 4 – Jan 17 | 7 | 4 |
| Nevada | Oct 11 – Jan 17 | Sep 1 – Sep 30, Oct 11 – Jan 17 | 7 | 4 |
| Oregon | Oct 11 – Jan 26 | Sep 1 – Sep 30, Oct 11 – Feb 28 | 7 | 4 |
| Washington | Oct 11 – Jan 26 (varies) | Sep 1 – Sep 30, Oct 11 – Feb 28 | 7 | 4 |
License Cost Comparison: Top Hunting States
This table summarizes total costs for the most popular non-resident hunting destinations, combining base license + deer tag for a typical firearms deer hunt.
| State | Total Non-Resident Deer Hunt Cost | Public Land Access Fee | Online Purchase Available |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado | $461+ (license + deer tag) | Included | Yes |
| Georgia | $176 (license + deer tag) | Free WMA access | Yes |
| Illinois | $104 (license + deer tag) | Free site-specific | Yes |
| Iowa | $477 (license + tag + habitat) | Included | Yes |
| Kansas | $373 (license + deer tag) | $22.50/vehicle | Yes |
| Kentucky | $200 (license + deer tag) | Free | Yes |
| Mississippi | $175 (license + deer tag) | Free WMA access | Yes |
| Missouri | $350 (license + deer tag) | Free | Yes |
| Montana | $720+ (license + deer tag) | Included | Yes |
| Ohio | $240 (license + deer tag) | Free | Yes |
| Pennsylvania | $152 (license + deer tag) | Free | Yes |
| Texas | $315 (license, tags included) | $48/annual | Yes |
| Wisconsin | $285 (license + deer tag) | Free | Yes |
| Wyoming | $382+ (license + deer tag) | Included | Yes |
Key Regulation Trends for 2025-2026
Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) Regulations
CWD continues to expand, with 32 states now reporting confirmed cases. Key regulation impacts include:
- Carcass transport restrictions in most affected states
- Mandatory testing in CWD management zones (Wisconsin, Illinois, Wyoming, others)
- Baiting and feeding bans expanding to more states and zones
- Dumpster programs for carcass disposal in affected areas
Sunday Hunting Expansion
The trend toward allowing Sunday hunting continues:
- Virginia fully legalized Sunday hunting on private land in 2020, public land in 2021
- Pennsylvania added three Sundays for rifle deer season
- Maine legalized Sunday hunting in 2024
- North Carolina expanded Sunday hunting to include public game lands in select counties
Lead Ammunition Trends
- California requires non-lead ammunition for all hunting statewide
- Several other states restrict lead for waterfowl, condor range, and specific zones
- Federal lands may see expanded non-lead requirements
Planning Your Out-of-State Hunt
Successfully planning a hunt in a new state requires understanding more than just season dates. Here's a quick planning framework:
- Check draw deadlines — Many western states have application deadlines 6-9 months before the season (January–April for fall hunts)
- Research public land access — Use onX Maps or state wildlife agency plat maps
- Understand weapon restrictions — Some states restrict rifle calibers, require straight-wall cartridges, or prohibit certain methods
- Verify hunter education requirements — Most states accept other states' hunter education certifications
- Plan for license availability — Some states cap non-resident licenses (e.g., Montana limits non-resident elk licenses)
For help choosing the right rifle for your hunt, see our best hunting rifles guide, or compare popular cartridges in our .308 vs .30-06 and 6.5 Creedmoor vs .308 comparisons.
If you're weighing whether to hire a guide, our guided vs. DIY hunting cost breakdown can help you decide.
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Season dates and fees are based on published 2025-2026 regulations. Always verify current regulations with your state's wildlife agency before purchasing licenses or planning travel. Dates may vary by zone, unit, or county within each state.
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