When does deer season open?

Most states open archery deer season in September, with a handful of southern and western states opening in August. Firearms seasons cluster in November around the rut, and late archery or muzzleloader seasons run into December and January. This calendar lists every published state's opener month, weapon and season window side by side.

How much does a deer tag cost?

Resident deer licenses commonly run $15 to $40, while nonresident deer tags range from about $150 in southern states to $500 or more in capped trophy states such as Iowa and Kansas. This page shows the headline resident and nonresident price for each state, and each state guide lists the full fee schedule with a link to the agency's official prices.

When does public land open for deer hunting?

Most state wildlife management areas and national forests are open whenever the statewide season is open, but many WMAs run quota or draw hunts on specific dates, and some close between seasons for habitat work. Each state row here lists the main public areas; check the area-specific rules on the agency site before you drive.

Are these season dates official?

No. These are the season structures for the regulation year shown, published so you can plan trips and compare states. Exact dates, zone boundaries and antlerless quotas change every year, so always read the state agency's current regulations — every state guide links straight to them.

Hunting · Deer

Deer Season Calendar by State

Opener months, full season windows, tag costs and public land access for every state guide we've published — in one place, so you can plan a season instead of a weekend.

A deer season is really a stack of seasons: youth weekends, early archery, muzzleloader, the firearms week everybody plans around, then late archery when the woods empty out. Line those windows up across state borders and a hunting year stops being one trip and starts being five.

This calendar pulls the season structure, headline license and tag prices, and the main public-ground options out of every state guide we've published. Use it to find an August or September opener while your home state is still weeks out, to stack a nonresident hunt against your own firearms week, or to see what a tag actually costs before you commit.

Dates here are the published structure for the regulation year shown next to each state. They shift a few days every year — read the agency's current book before you buy a tag.

States in the calendar: 50
Shown: Dates · tags · public land
Source: State agency regulations

How to read this calendar

Opener month is the earliest date any deer weapon season starts in that state, which is usually archery. Firearms hunters should read the full table — a state that opens in September may not hand you a rifle week until the middle of November.

Tag costs show the headline resident license and the nonresident deer tag, because those two numbers decide most trips. Draw states list an application price where the tag itself is not sold over the counter, and every state links to the agency's official fee page.

Public land here is the ground we would hunt first in each state. Statewide season dates apply on most of it, but quota hunts, draw-only weekends and refuge permits run separate calendars that are posted area by area.

When each state opens

Earliest deer opener of any weapon, by month. Click a month to filter the calendar below.

FL
WY · CO · AR · SC · ID · OR · UT · AZ · NM · CA · NV · AK
IA · KS · WI · TX · MO · KY · OH · MI · PA · GA · MN · NE · IN · MT · SD · ND · MS · TN · VA · NC · NY · MD · LA · WV · ME · WA · NH · DE · NJ · CT · RI
IL · OK · AL · VT · MA

Season dates, tag costs and public land

#39 · Southeast · Opens July

Florida deer seasons

2025-26 structure · reviewed 2026-09

Florida deer season dates by weapon
Season	Weapon	Dates
Archery	Bow / crossbow	Varies by zone, roughly late Jul.–Oct. depending on zoneZone A opens earliest in the state; zones progress north through the fall.
Crossbow	Crossbow	Immediately follows archery season in most zones
Muzzleloading gun	Muzzleloader	Short season, roughly one to two weeks, after crossbow season
General gun	Rifle, shotgun, muzzleloader, crossbow, bow	Zone-dependent, generally Nov.–Feb.Panhandle zones run latest into winter.
Youth/special-opportunity hunts	Varies	Scattered weekends around general seasonIncludes youth and mobility-impaired hunt weekends on some WMAs.

Tag costs

Resident annual hunting license: $17.00
Nonresident annual hunting license: $151.50
Deer permit: Required in addition to hunting license, modest annual fee
WMA management area permit: Separate annual permit required for most WMA hunting

Official Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) fee schedule

Public land open to deer hunters

Apalachicola National Forest — National forest, Florida Panhandle
Ocala National Forest — National forest, North-central Florida
Big Cypress National Preserve — National preserve, South Florida
Green Swamp WMA — WMA, Central Florida

Statewide seasons apply on most of this ground; quota and draw hunts have their own dates.

Full Florida deer hunting guide →

#17 · Mountain West · Opens August

Wyoming deer seasons

2025 structure · reviewed 2026-09

Wyoming deer season dates by weapon
Season	Weapon	Dates
Archery	Bow / crossbow (with disability permit)	Late Aug. – mid-Sept., varies by unitSome units require a separate archery-only license; check unit-specific dates.
General rifle	Rifle	Early Oct. – early Nov., varies by unit and speciesMost units open around Oct. 1 and close by early-to-mid November.
Limited quota rifle	Rifle	Varies widely by hunt areaDates and length are set per unit; drawn hunters get area-specific season dates.
Late whitetail seasons	Rifle	Select NE Wyoming units into late Nov./Dec.A handful of eastern units extend later specifically for whitetail.

Tag costs

Resident deer license: ~$52
Nonresident deer license (limited quota, adult): ~$374
Nonresident general deer license: ~$374 where offered
Application fee (nonresident): $15 per species

Official Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD) fee schedule

Public land open to deer hunters

Red Desert — BLM public land, South-central Wyoming
Bighorn National Forest — National forest, North-central Wyoming
Thunder Basin National Grassland — National grassland, Northeast Wyoming
Bridger-Teton National Forest — National forest, Northwest Wyoming

Statewide seasons apply on most of this ground; quota and draw hunts have their own dates.

Full Wyoming deer hunting guide →

#18 · Mountain West · Opens August

Colorado deer seasons

2025-26 structure · reviewed 2026-09

Colorado deer season dates by weapon
Season	Weapon	Dates
Archery	Bow / crossbow	Late Aug. – late Sept.Statewide archery-only season on either-sex licenses in most units.
Muzzleloader	Muzzleloader	Mid-Sept. (about 9 days)Short season overlapping the tail end of archery in many units.
First rifle season	Rifle	Mid-Oct. (about 5 days)Limited to fewer units; often lower pressure.
Second rifle season	Rifle	Late Oct. – early Nov. (about 9 days)Coincides with peak rut activity in most units.
Third rifle season	Rifle	Early-to-mid Nov. (about 5 days)Post-rut; heaviest hunter numbers statewide.
Fourth rifle season	Rifle	Mid-to-late Nov. (about 5 days)Late-season option in select units, often lower-elevation deer.

Tag costs

Resident deer license: approx. $53
Nonresident limited deer license: approx. $464
Habitat Stamp (required in addition to license): approx. $10.35
Preference point (if not drawn): approx. $50 (nonresident)

Official Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) fee schedule

Public land open to deer hunters

White River National Forest — National forest, Northwest Colorado
Uncompahgre Plateau — National forest / BLM, Southwest Colorado
San Juan National Forest — National forest, Southwest Colorado
Grand Mesa National Forest — National forest, West-central Colorado

Statewide seasons apply on most of this ground; quota and draw hunts have their own dates.

Full Colorado deer hunting guide →

#21 · Southeast · Opens August

Arkansas deer seasons

2025-26 structure · reviewed 2026-09

Arkansas deer season dates by weapon
Season	Weapon	Dates
Early buck-only archery	Bow / crossbow	Late Aug. (roughly a long weekend)Antlered buck only; ahead of the main archery opener.
Archery	Bow / crossbow	Late Sept. – late Feb.Runs concurrent with other seasons statewide.
Alternative firearms (muzzleloader)	Muzzleloader / straight-wall	Mid-to-late Oct., plus a short Dec. split
Youth modern gun	Modern gun	Two weekends, Nov. and early Jan.
Modern gun	Modern gun (rifle/shotgun)	Mid-Nov. – early Dec., plus a late Dec. split

Tag costs

Resident annual hunting license: approx. $25
Nonresident annual all-species hunting license: approx. $355
Nonresident 3-day hunting license: approx. $110 (extendable to 5 days for an added fee)

Official Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) fee schedule

Public land open to deer hunters

Ozark-St. Francis National Forest — National forest, Northwest/North-central Arkansas
Ouachita National Forest — National forest, West-central Arkansas
White River National Wildlife Refuge — National wildlife refuge, Eastern Arkansas Delta
Sylamore WMA — WMA, North-central Arkansas (Ozarks)

Statewide seasons apply on most of this ground; quota and draw hunts have their own dates.

Full Arkansas deer hunting guide →

#26 · Southeast · Opens August

South Carolina deer seasons

2025-26 structure · reviewed 2026-09

South Carolina deer season dates by weapon
Season	Weapon	Dates
Archery (Zones 3 & 4, Lowcountry)	Bow / crossbow	Mid-Aug. – early Sept.Among the earliest deer season openers in the country.
Archery (Zones 1 & 2, Piedmont/Midlands)	Bow / crossbow	Late Sept. – early Oct.Precedes the primitive weapons and gun seasons in those zones.
Primitive weapons	Muzzleloader	~10 days before each zone's gun season opener
Gun season (Zones 3 & 4)	Rifle / shotgun / handgun	Mid-Aug./Sept. – Jan. 1One of the longest gun seasons in the U.S. on Lowcountry private land.
Gun season (Zones 1 & 2)	Rifle / shotgun / handgun	Early Oct. – early Jan.
Youth deer hunt days	Any legal weapon	Single Saturdays in Aug./Sept. by zone, on private land

Tag costs

Resident hunting license: approx. $30 (with Big Game Permit)
Nonresident hunting license + Big Game Permit: approx. $150-$175 combined
Nonresident deer tags: $50 for the first buck tag, with additional cost per extra tag purchased

Official South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) fee schedule

Public land open to deer hunters

Francis Marion National Forest — National forest, Lowcountry, near Charleston
Sumter National Forest — National forest, Upstate and Midlands (three separate districts)
Webb Wildlife Center — WMA, Hampton County (Lowcountry)
Sandhills WMA / Manchester State Forest — WMA / state forest, Sumter County (Midlands)

Statewide seasons apply on most of this ground; quota and draw hunts have their own dates.

Full South Carolina deer hunting guide →

#32 · Mountain West · Opens August

Idaho deer seasons

2025 structure · reviewed 2026-09

Idaho deer season dates by weapon
Season	Weapon	Dates
Archery	Bow / crossbow (with disability permit)	Late Aug. – late Sept., varies by unitMany units offer archery-only opportunity ahead of the general rifle opener.
Muzzleloader-only	Muzzleloader	Varies by unit, often OctoberA limited number of controlled hunt units offer dedicated muzzleloader seasons.
General rifle	Rifle	Early Oct. – mid-Nov., varies by unit and speciesMost whitetail units in the panhandle run into November; many mule deer units are shorter.
Late/extended seasons	Rifle	Select units into Dec.A handful of units, especially for antlerless or youth hunts, extend later in the year.

Tag costs

Resident deer tag: ~$21.75
Nonresident hunting license (base, required): ~$185
Nonresident general deer tag: ~$301.75
Nonresident controlled hunt deer tag: Varies by hunt; similar to general tag cost plus application fee

Official Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG) fee schedule

Public land open to deer hunters

Owyhee Canyonlands — BLM public land, Southwest Idaho
Salmon-Challis National Forest — National forest, Central Idaho
Idaho Panhandle National Forests — National forest, Northern Idaho
Sawtooth National Forest — National forest, South-central Idaho

Statewide seasons apply on most of this ground; quota and draw hunts have their own dates.

Full Idaho deer hunting guide →

#34 · Pacific · Opens August

Oregon deer seasons

2025-26 structure · reviewed 2026-09

Oregon deer season dates by weapon
Season	Weapon	Dates
Archery deer (western/eastern)	Bow / crossbow	Late Aug. – late Sept.Statewide general archery season for both black-tail and mule deer; exact end dates vary slightly by zone.
Western Oregon general black-tail	Rifle/shotgun/muzzleloader	Late Sept. – early Nov.Over-the-counter general season tag valid in most western Oregon units.
Eastern Oregon general mule deer (buck)	Rifle	Roughly early-to-mid Oct., about 9 daysOTC general tag in eligible units; premium units require a controlled-hunt tag instead.
Controlled mule deer hunts	Rifle/muzzleloader/archery	Various windows Sept.–Nov.Draw-only tags for the state's best eastern Oregon mule deer units; apply by the spring deadline.
Late-season antlerless/muzzleloader hunts	Muzzleloader / antlerless rifle	Nov.–Dec., select unitsAdditional controlled hunts to manage local herds; tag availability varies by unit and year.

Tag costs

Resident annual hunting license: approx. $44
Nonresident annual hunting license: approx. $210
General season deer tag (resident/nonresident): approx. $35 resident / $105 nonresident
Controlled hunt application fee: approx. $9 per species application, plus tag cost if drawn

Official Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) fee schedule

Public land open to deer hunters

Siuslaw National Forest — National forest, Oregon Coast Range
Umpqua National Forest — National forest, Southwest Oregon Cascades
Ochoco National Forest — National forest, Central Oregon
Malheur National Forest — National forest, Eastern Oregon (Blue Mountains)

Statewide seasons apply on most of this ground; quota and draw hunts have their own dates.

Full Oregon deer hunting guide →

#36 · Mountain West · Opens August

Utah deer seasons

2025 structure · reviewed 2026-09

Utah deer season dates by weapon
Season	Weapon	Dates
Archery	Bow / crossbow (with permit)	Mid-Aug. – mid-Sept., statewideStatewide archery permit covers most open units; some limited-entry units are archery-only or excluded.
General season rifle	Rifle/muzzleloader (varies)	Mid-to-late Oct., roughly 9 daysDates vary slightly by year; permits for general units are sold over the counter until they sell out.
Muzzleloader	Muzzleloader	Late Sept.–early Oct., statewide or unit-specificA separate, earlier season on many units ahead of the general rifle opener.
Limited-entry rifle	Rifle	Varies by unit, often Oct.Drawn hunters receive unit-specific dates set annually by UDWR.

Tag costs

Resident general season buck deer permit: ~$50
Nonresident general season buck deer permit: ~$418
Nonresident limited-entry buck deer permit: ~$418 plus draw application fee
Hunting/combination license (required in addition to permit): ~$65–$80

Official Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (UDWR) fee schedule

Public land open to deer hunters

Paunsaugunt Unit — Limited-entry unit, South-central Utah
Henry Mountains — Limited-entry unit / BLM & national forest, South-central Utah
La Sal Mountains — National forest / limited-entry unit, Southeast Utah
Manti-La Sal National Forest — National forest, Central/southeast Utah

Statewide seasons apply on most of this ground; quota and draw hunts have their own dates.

Full Utah deer hunting guide →

#37 · Southwest · Opens August

Arizona deer seasons

2025-26 structure · reviewed 2026-09

Arizona deer season dates by weapon
Season	Weapon	Dates
Early archery	Bow / crossbow	Late Aug. – mid-Sept.Statewide archery-only opportunity for both mule deer and Coues whitetail, unit-specific.
General/limited rifle	Rifle	Mid-Oct. – late Nov., varies by unitMost mule deer units run in October; many Coues units are set for November to align with the rut.
Muzzleloader	Muzzleloader	Varies by unit, typically Oct.–Dec.Limited-draw hunts offered in select units.
Late archery	Bow / crossbow	Dec. – mid-Jan.Post-rut and late-season archery opportunity in some units, often over-the-counter.

Tag costs

Resident general hunting license: approx. $37
Nonresident general hunting license: approx. $160
Resident deer tag: approx. $53
Nonresident deer tag: approx. $365

Official Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) fee schedule

Public land open to deer hunters

Kaibab National Forest (North Kaibab Ranger District) — National forest, Arizona Strip / North Rim
Arizona Strip BLM lands — BLM, Northwestern Arizona
Coronado National Forest — National forest, Southeastern Arizona
Prescott National Forest — National forest, Central Arizona

Statewide seasons apply on most of this ground; quota and draw hunts have their own dates.

Full Arizona deer hunting guide →

#38 · Southwest · Opens August

New Mexico deer seasons

2025-26 structure · reviewed 2026-09

New Mexico deer season dates by weapon
Season	Weapon	Dates
Archery	Bow / crossbow	Late Aug. - late Sept.Statewide archery-only season; dates and length vary by unit.
Muzzleloader	Muzzleloader	Mid-to-late Sept. (about 5-8 days)Short unit-specific season, often before general rifle opens.
First rifle season	Rifle	Late Oct. - early Nov. (about 5 days)Most units' primary general rifle hunt.
Second rifle season	Rifle	Mid-Nov. (about 5 days)Offered in select units, often coinciding with rut activity.
Youth / late season	Rifle / muzzleloader	Late Nov. - Dec. in select unitsSpecial youth and late-season hunts available in specific GMUs.

Tag costs

Resident deer license: approx. $46
Nonresident deer license (rifle): approx. $319
Nonresident deer license (archery/muzzleloader): approx. $339
Nonresident application fee (nonrefundable): approx. $13

Official New Mexico Department of Game and Fish (NMDGF) fee schedule

Public land open to deer hunters

Gila National Forest — National forest, Southwest New Mexico
Carson National Forest — National forest, North-central New Mexico
Santa Fe National Forest — National forest, North-central New Mexico
Cibola National Forest — National forest, Central New Mexico

Statewide seasons apply on most of this ground; quota and draw hunts have their own dates.

Full New Mexico deer hunting guide →

#46 · Pacific · Opens August

California deer seasons

2025-26 structure · reviewed 2026-09

California deer season dates by weapon
Season	Weapon	Dates
Archery (A-zone early)	Bow / crossbow	Mid-to-late Aug. – mid-Sept.Archery-only season preceding general rifle in most zones.
General rifle, A zone (north coast)	Rifle / shotgun / muzzleloader	Mid-Sept. – late Oct.Over-the-counter tags available for A-zone black-tail hunting.
General rifle, B zones (north coast/Klamath)	Rifle / shotgun / muzzleloader	Late Sept. – mid-Oct. (varies by sub-zone)Limited draw in most B sub-zones; either-sex opportunities vary.
General rifle, D zones (desert/southern)	Rifle / shotgun / muzzleloader	Oct.-Nov. depending on sub-zoneLower deer densities but more accessible tags in several D sub-zones.
X-zone rifle (Sierra Nevada mule deer)	Rifle / muzzleloader	Mid-Sept. – mid-Oct., varies by X sub-zoneLimited draw; some of the state's best mule deer trophy potential.

Tag costs

Resident hunting license: approx. $58
Nonresident hunting license: approx. $205
Resident deer tag: approx. $37 (first tag)
Nonresident deer tag: approx. $460

Official California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) fee schedule

Public land open to deer hunters

Six Rivers National Forest — National forest, North coast
Klamath National Forest — National forest, Northern California
Shasta-Trinity National Forest — National forest, Northern California
Sierra National Forest — National forest, Central Sierra Nevada

Statewide seasons apply on most of this ground; quota and draw hunts have their own dates.

Full California deer hunting guide →

#47 · Mountain West · Opens August

Nevada deer seasons

2025 structure · reviewed 2025

Nevada deer season dates by weapon
Season	Weapon	Dates
Archery	Bow / crossbow (with permit)	Mid-Aug. – mid-Sept.Statewide by unit; requires drawn archery deer tag.
Muzzleloader	Muzzleloader	Mid-Sept. – early Oct.Separate limited-entry tag from archery and rifle.
General rifle	Centerfire rifle	Early Oct. – late Oct., unit-dependentMost units run about 9–10 days; exact dates vary by hunt unit group.
Youth hunts	Rifle/archery	Varies, often overlapping general seasonLimited youth-specific tags available by unit through the same draw.

Tag costs

Nonresident hunting license: approx. $155
Nonresident deer tag: approx. $300, drawn/capped
Nonresident application fee: approx. $15 per species applied for

Official Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) fee schedule

Public land open to deer hunters

Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest — National forest, Statewide (largest national forest in the Lower 48)
Ruby Mountains — National forest / BLM, Northeastern Nevada
Schell Creek and Snake ranges — BLM / national forest, Eastern Nevada
Toiyabe and Toquima ranges — National forest / BLM, Central Nevada

Statewide seasons apply on most of this ground; quota and draw hunts have their own dates.

Full Nevada deer hunting guide →

#48 · Alaska · Opens August

Alaska deer seasons

2025-26 structure · reviewed 2026-09

Alaska deer season dates by weapon
Season	Weapon	Dates
General archery/any-legal-weapon buck season	Bow, rifle, muzzleloader (unit-dependent)	Aug. 1 – late Sept./Oct. start varies by GMUBucks only in most units at the start of the season.
General rifle buck season	Rifle	Roughly Oct.–Dec. in most Southeast unitsThe bulk of hunter effort and harvest happens in this window.
Late/either-sex season	Rifle	Late Nov. – Dec. or into Jan., unit-dependentSome GMUs open a doe or any-deer period late in the year to manage local herd size.

Tag costs

Resident annual hunting license: approx. $45
Nonresident annual hunting license: approx. $160
Nonresident deer harvest tag (locking tag, covers multiple deer): approx. $150 per tag

Official Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) fee schedule

Public land open to deer hunters

Tongass National Forest — Admiralty Island — National forest / national monument, Southeast Alaska (GMU 4)
Tongass National Forest — Prince of Wales Island — National forest, Southeast Alaska (GMU 2)
Tongass National Forest — Chichagof/Baranof Islands — National forest, Southeast Alaska (GMUs 4)
Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge / Kodiak Island — National wildlife refuge, Kodiak Archipelago (GMU 8)

Statewide seasons apply on most of this ground; quota and draw hunts have their own dates.

Full Alaska deer hunting guide →

#1 · Midwest · Opens September

Iowa deer seasons

2025-26 structure · reviewed 2026-09

Iowa deer season dates by weapon
Season	Weapon	Dates
Early bow	Bow / crossbow	Oct 1 – Friday before first Sat. in DecReopens for late bow season in late Dec.
Late bow	Bow / crossbow	Monday after 3rd Sat. Dec – Jan 10
Youth / disabled hunter season	Varies	Late Sept – mid-Oct (approx.)Check current regs for exact dates.
First shotgun/muzzleloader season	Shotgun, muzzleloader, straight-wall rifle	First Sat. in Dec, ~5 daysZone-specific.
Second shotgun season	Shotgun, muzzleloader, straight-wall rifle	Mid-to-late Dec, ~9 days

Tag costs

Resident hunting/habitat license: ~$37 total (license + habitat fee), 2025
Nonresident hunting/habitat license (18+): $144.00
Nonresident buck tag (pending lottery): $348.50
Nonresident mandatory antlerless tag: $149.50

Official Iowa Department of Natural Resources fee schedule

Public land open to deer hunters

Shimek State Forest — State forest, Southeast Iowa
Stephens State Forest — State forest, South-central Iowa
Yellow River State Forest — State forest, Northeast Iowa
Rathbun Wildlife Management Area — WMA, South-central Iowa

Statewide seasons apply on most of this ground; quota and draw hunts have their own dates.

Full Iowa deer hunting guide →

#2 · Great Plains · Opens September

Kansas deer seasons

2025-26 structure · reviewed 2026-09

Kansas deer season dates by weapon
Season	Weapon	Dates
Youth & disabled season	Any legal method	Sept. 6–14, 2025
Muzzleloader-only	Muzzleloader	Sept. 15–28, 2025
Archery	Bow / crossbow	Sept. 15 – Dec. 31, 2025Closes during regular firearm season in some units.
Pre-rut whitetail antlerless-only	Firearm	Oct. 11–13, 2025 (extended Oct. 14–19 in Unit 12)
Regular firearm	Rifle / shotgun/ straight-wall	Dec. 3–14, 2025
Extended antlerless-only firearm	Firearm	Jan. 1 through early-to-late Jan. depending on unitVaries by unit.

Tag costs

Resident deer permit (either-sex): $40.00
Nonresident hunting license (16+): $127.50
Nonresident whitetail deer permit (16+): $477.50 (includes $27.50 application fee)
Nonresident youth whitetail permit: $117.50

Official Kansas Department of Wildlife & Parks fee schedule

Public land open to deer hunters

Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area — WMA, Central Kansas
Fort Riley (public hunting areas) — Military/public land, North-central Kansas
Walk-In Hunting Access (WIHA) tracts — Walk-in access, Statewide
Marais des Cygnes Wildlife Area — WMA, Eastern Kansas

Statewide seasons apply on most of this ground; quota and draw hunts have their own dates.

Full Kansas deer hunting guide →

#3 · Midwest · Opens September

Wisconsin deer seasons

2025-26 structure · reviewed 2026-09

Wisconsin deer season dates by weapon
Season	Weapon	Dates
Archery/crossbow	Bow / crossbow	Mid-Sept. – early Jan.Long season running through most of the fall and into the new year; crossbows legal statewide for all hunters.
Youth gun hunt	Modern gun	One weekend in early October
Early antlerless-only (select units)	Modern gun	Mid-October weekend in designated Farmland units
9-day gun season	Modern gun (rifle/shotgun/handgun)	Late Nov., traditionally around Thanksgiving
Muzzleloader	Muzzleloader	4 days immediately following the 9-day gun season
Late antlerless-only gun (select units)	Modern gun	Early-to-mid December in designated Farmland/CWD units
Holiday antlerless hunt (select units)	Modern gun	Dec. 24 – Jan. 1 in CWD/Farmland zone units

Tag costs

Resident annual deer license (gun or archery): approx. $24
Nonresident annual deer license (gun): approx. $160
Nonresident archer license: approx. $160
Additional antlerless tags: approx. $12-$20 depending on unit, when available

Official Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) fee schedule

Public land open to deer hunters

Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest — National forest, Northern Wisconsin
Governor Knowles State Forest — State forest, Northwestern Wisconsin (St. Croix River)
Black River State Forest — State forest, West-central Wisconsin
Buffalo County public lands and driftless WMAs — County/state land mix, Southwestern Wisconsin

Statewide seasons apply on most of this ground; quota and draw hunts have their own dates.

Full Wisconsin deer hunting guide →

#4 · Great Plains · Opens September

Texas deer seasons

2025-26 structure · reviewed 2026-09

Texas deer season dates by weapon
Season	Weapon	Dates
Archery (North & South Zones)	Bow / crossbow	Oct. 4 – Nov. 2, 2025Statewide archery-only opener before general firearms season
General season, North Zone	Rifle, shotgun, muzzleloader, crossbow	Nov. 1, 2025 – Jan. 4, 2026Most of the state falls in the North Zone
General season, South Zone	Rifle, shotgun, muzzleloader, crossbow	Sept. 27 – Jan. 4, 2026 (special late opener in parts)South Zone counties get an earlier opener and later close
Late/Special Late season, South Zone	Firearms, antlerless & spike only in many counties	Jan. 5 – 18, 2026Antlerless/spike-only late season in much of South Texas
Muzzleloader-only	Muzzleloader	Early Jan. in select East Texas countiesApplies mainly to national forest counties
Youth-only seasons	Any legal firearm/archery	Weekends before archery opener and in early JanuarySpecial youth weekends bracket the regular seasons
MLDP extended seasons	Varies by property	Often extends well past general close, into February on some propertiesOnly on properties enrolled in TPWD's Managed Lands Deer Program

Tag costs

Resident hunting license (Super Combo): $68
Nonresident general hunting license: $315
Nonresident special nonresident hunting license (limited): $48
Annual Public Hunting (APH) permit: $48

Official Texas Parks & Wildlife Department fee schedule

Public land open to deer hunters

Gene Howe Wildlife Management Area — WMA, Panhandle
Elephant Mountain Wildlife Management Area — WMA, Trans-Pecos
James Daughtrey Wildlife Management Area — WMA, South Texas
Sam Houston National Forest (public hunting units) — National forest, East Texas

Statewide seasons apply on most of this ground; quota and draw hunts have their own dates.

Full Texas deer hunting guide →

#5 · Midwest · Opens September

Missouri deer seasons

2025-26 structure · reviewed 2026-09

Missouri deer season dates by weapon
Season	Weapon	Dates
Archery	Bow / crossbow	Mid-Sept. – mid-Nov., reopening late Nov. – mid-Jan.Closes during the early portion of firearms season, then reopens.
Early youth firearms	Firearms (youth)	Late Oct./early Nov. weekend
November firearms (main season)	Rifle / shotgun / muzzleloader	Mid-Nov., 11 daysThe state's highest-harvest season, overlapping the rut.
Late youth firearms	Firearms (youth)	Early Jan. weekend
Antlerless portion	Firearms	Late Nov., several days
Alternative methods (muzzleloader)	Muzzleloader	Mid-to-late Dec.

Tag costs

Resident firearms any-deer permit: approx. $17
Nonresident firearms any-deer permit: approx. $225
Nonresident archery permit: approx. $225
Resident/nonresident antlerless permits: Priced lower, availability varies by county

Official Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) fee schedule

Public land open to deer hunters

Mark Twain National Forest — National forest, Southern Missouri (Ozarks)
Peck Ranch Conservation Area — Conservation area, South-central Missouri (Ozarks)
Ted Shanks Conservation Area — Conservation area, Northeast Missouri (Mississippi River bottoms)
Eleven Point Conservation Area — Conservation area, South-central Missouri (Ozarks)

Statewide seasons apply on most of this ground; quota and draw hunts have their own dates.

Full Missouri deer hunting guide →

#7 · Southeast · Opens September

Kentucky deer seasons

2025-26 structure · reviewed 2026-02

Kentucky deer season dates by weapon
Season	Weapon	Dates
Archery	Bow / crossbow	Early Sept. – mid/late Jan.Longest season of any weapon type; runs concurrent with other seasons.
Early muzzleloader	Muzzleloader	Mid-October weekend
Youth weekend	Any legal weapon	Second weekend of OctoberHunters 15 and younger only.
Modern gun	Modern gun (rifle/shotgun)	Mid-November, 16 consecutive daysKentucky's marquee season and highest-harvest period, overlapping peak rut in many counties.
Late muzzleloader	Muzzleloader	Mid-December, roughly 10 days
Late antlerless/archery	Bow / crossbow / late gun in some zones	Late Dec. – mid/late Jan.Antlerless-only in many counties to help manage herd density.

Tag costs

Resident annual hunting license: approx. $27
Nonresident annual hunting license: approx. $155
Nonresident deer permit (required in addition to license): approx. $175 for the first permit
Nonresident 'Sportsman's license' bundle: approx. $315, includes hunting license plus deer and turkey permits

Official Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources (KDFWR) fee schedule

Public land open to deer hunters

Daniel Boone National Forest — National forest, Eastern Kentucky
Green River Lake Wildlife Management Area — WMA, South-central Kentucky
Peabody Wildlife Management Area — WMA, Western Kentucky
Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area — National recreation area, Southwestern Kentucky/Tennessee border

Statewide seasons apply on most of this ground; quota and draw hunts have their own dates.

Full Kentucky deer hunting guide →

#8 · Midwest · Opens September

Ohio deer seasons

2025-26 structure · reviewed 2026-02

Ohio deer season dates by weapon
Season	Weapon	Dates
Archery, statewide	Bow / crossbow	Sept. 27, 2025 - Feb. 1, 2026Longest season of any weapon type; runs concurrent with other seasons statewide.
Archery, disease surveillance areas	Bow / crossbow	Sept. 13, 2025 - Feb. 1, 2026Slightly earlier opener in designated CWD surveillance counties.
Youth deer gun	Shotgun / rifle / muzzleloader	Nov. 22 - 23, 2025Hunters under 18 only.
Deer gun, statewide	Shotgun / rifle / muzzleloader / straight-wall cartridge	Dec. 1 - 7, 2025, plus a bonus weekendOhio's marquee firearms season, coinciding with the tail end of the rut in many counties.
Muzzleloader	Muzzleloader	Early January, four-day season

Tag costs

Resident annual hunting license: approx. $19
Nonresident annual hunting license: approx. $180.96 (includes small administrative fee)
Deer permit (either-sex or antlerless-only, resident or nonresident): approx. $50 (resident) / $76 (nonresident)

Official Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife (ODNR) fee schedule

Public land open to deer hunters

Wayne National Forest — National forest, Southeastern Ohio
Woodbury Wildlife Area — Wildlife area, Coshocton County
Zepernick Wildlife Area — Wildlife area, Ashtabula County
Salt Fork State Park and Wildlife Area — State park/wildlife area, Guernsey County

Statewide seasons apply on most of this ground; quota and draw hunts have their own dates.

Full Ohio deer hunting guide →

#9 · Midwest · Opens September

Michigan deer seasons

2025-26 structure · reviewed 2026-09

Michigan deer season dates by weapon
Season	Weapon	Dates
Liberty Hunt (youth/disabled)	Varies	Sept. 13-14, 2025Statewide early hunt for youth and hunters with disabilities.
Early antlerless firearm	Firearm	Sept. 2025 (select DMUs)Available in specific antlerless-management units.
Archery	Bow / crossbow	Oct. 1, 2025 – Jan. 1, 2026Closed statewide during regular firearm season in some zones; check local closures.
Regular firearm season	Rifle, shotgun, muzzleloader (zone-dependent)	Nov. 15–30, 2025Centerfire rifle use is restricted in parts of the southern Lower Peninsula.
Muzzleloader season	Muzzleloader	Early-to-mid December 2025 (zone-dependent, ~10 days)Dates vary by zone.
Late antlerless firearm	Firearm	Dec. 2025 – Jan. 11, 2026 (select counties)Expanded to Jan. 11, 2026 in certain counties for 2025-26.

Tag costs

Resident base license: $11 (required in addition to a deer license)
Nonresident base license: ~$11
Resident deer license (single deer tag): ~$20
Nonresident deer license (single deer tag): ~$190

Official Michigan Department of Natural Resources fee schedule

Public land open to deer hunters

Pigeon River Country State Forest — State forest, Northern Lower Peninsula
Huron-Manistee National Forests — National forest, Northern Lower Peninsula
Ottawa National Forest — National forest, Western Upper Peninsula
Hiawatha National Forest — National forest, Eastern Upper Peninsula

Statewide seasons apply on most of this ground; quota and draw hunts have their own dates.

Full Michigan deer hunting guide →

#10 · Northeast · Opens September

Pennsylvania deer seasons

2025-26 structure · reviewed 2026-09

Pennsylvania deer season dates by weapon
Season	Weapon	Dates
Archery	Bow / crossbow	Late Sept. – mid-Nov., plus a Dec.–Jan. late archery seasonStatewide, split around firearms seasons by WMU.
Youth/Mentored day	Any legal weapon	Late Oct.Special antlerless-focused hunting day for youth and mentored hunters.
Muzzleloader (early)	Muzzleloader	Mid-Oct., roughly one weekAntlerless-only in most WMUs.
Rifle (firearms)	Rifle / shotgun / straight-wall	Saturday before Thanksgiving through mid-Dec. (opens the Monday after Thanksgiving in the traditional format)The state's marquee two-week season; both antlered and antlerless depending on WMU and license.
Late muzzleloader/archery	Muzzleloader / bow	Late Dec. – mid-Jan.Antlerless-focused late-season opportunity in many WMUs.

Tag costs

Resident general hunting license: approx. $20
Nonresident general hunting license: approx. $173
Antlerless license (resident/nonresident): approx. $6.90-$27 depending on residency, plus a WMU-specific application

Official Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) fee schedule

Public land open to deer hunters

Susquehannock State Forest — State forest, North-central PA (Big Woods)
State Game Lands 176 — State game land, Southcentral PA (Cumberland/Franklin counties)
Elk State Forest — State forest, North-central PA
State Game Lands 13 — State game land, Southcentral PA (Bedford County)

Statewide seasons apply on most of this ground; quota and draw hunts have their own dates.

Full Pennsylvania deer hunting guide →

#11 · Southeast · Opens September

Georgia deer seasons

2025-26 structure · reviewed 2026-09

Georgia deer season dates by weapon
Season	Weapon	Dates
Archery	Bow / crossbow	Mid-Sept – early Oct statewide, reopens after firearms in most countiesExtended archery-only in many metro counties through Jan 31
Firearms	Rifle, shotgun, muzzleloader, crossbow	Mid-to-late Oct – early Jan, varies by countyCounty-by-county start dates; check the WRD county table
Primitive weapons	Muzzleloader	Roughly one week before firearms openerNo centerfire/rimfire firearm may be possessed during this period
Youth/mobility-impaired weekend	Firearms	Late Sept, before general firearms seasonSpecial either-sex weekend for qualifying hunters

Tag costs

Resident hunting license (annual): $15
Nonresident hunting license (annual): $100
Resident big game license: approx. $19
Nonresident big game license: approx. $150

Official Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division fee schedule

Public land open to deer hunters

Chattahoochee WMA — WMA / National forest, North Georgia
Cooper's Creek WMA — WMA / National forest, North Georgia
Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest — National forest, Statewide (north/central)
Di-Lane Plantation WMA — WMA, East-central Georgia

Statewide seasons apply on most of this ground; quota and draw hunts have their own dates.

Full Georgia deer hunting guide →

#12 · Midwest · Opens September

Minnesota deer seasons

2025-26 structure · reviewed 2026-09

Minnesota deer season dates by weapon
Season	Weapon	Dates
Archery	Bow / crossbow	Mid-Sept – Dec. 31Longest season option; open statewide
Firearms (Zone A/B)	Rifle, shotgun, muzzleloader depending on county	Early-to-mid Nov, roughly 9-16 days depending on zoneShotgun-only zone has been repealed; counties can still pass local firearm-type ordinances
Muzzleloader	Muzzleloader	Late Nov – early DecRuns after the regular firearms season closes
Youth/special hunts	Varies	Scattered early-season weekendsSpecial youth and mentored hunt weekends precede general season

Tag costs

Resident firearms/archery deer license: approx. $34
Nonresident firearms deer license: approx. $215
Resident muzzleloader license: approx. $34
Nonresident archery deer license: approx. $186

Official Minnesota Department of Natural Resources fee schedule

Public land open to deer hunters

Superior National Forest — National forest, Northeast Minnesota
Chippewa National Forest — National forest, North-central Minnesota
Walk-In Access (WIA) Program — Walk-in access, Statewide, concentrated in farmland regions
Wildlife Management Areas (statewide) — WMA, Statewide

Statewide seasons apply on most of this ground; quota and draw hunts have their own dates.

Full Minnesota deer hunting guide →

#13 · Great Plains · Opens September

Nebraska deer seasons

2025-26 structure · reviewed 2026-09

Nebraska deer season dates by weapon
Season	Weapon	Dates
Archery	Bow / crossbow	Sept. 1 – Dec. 31, 2025Longest season of any weapon type.
October River Antlerless Firearm	Firearm (antlerless only)	Oct. 1 – 15, 2025Limited to specific river-corridor units.
Special Landowner	Firearm	Nov. 8 – 10, 2025Available only to qualifying resident landowners/immediate family.
November Firearm	Rifle, shotgun, muzzleloading handgun	Nov. 15 – 23, 2025The state's marquee gun season; most harvest occurs here.
Muzzleloader	Muzzleloader	Dec. 1 – 31, 2025
Late Antlerless Firearm Only	Firearm (antlerless only)	Jan. 1 – 15, 2026Population-management season in select units.

Tag costs

Resident deer permit (any season): ~$36-46 depending on season/permit type, 2025
Nonresident archery deer permit: ~$300 (2025 pricing)
Nonresident firearm deer permit: ~$350 (2025 pricing)
Nonresident habitat stamp (required): ~$25-30

Official Nebraska Game and Parks Commission fee schedule

Public land open to deer hunters

Nebraska National Forest (Pine Ridge/Bessey units) — National forest, Northwest and central Nebraska
Fort Robinson State Park & WMA — State park / WMA, Panhandle
Platte River WMAs — WMA cluster, Central Nebraska
Niobrara Valley Preserve area / Niobrara WMAs — WMA / preserve-adjacent, North-central Nebraska

Statewide seasons apply on most of this ground; quota and draw hunts have their own dates.

Full Nebraska deer hunting guide →

#14 · Midwest · Opens September

Indiana deer seasons

2025-26 structure · reviewed 2026-02

Indiana deer season dates by weapon
Season	Weapon	Dates
Youth season	Any legal deer-hunting equipment	Sept. 27–28, 2025Hunters 17 and younger only.
Archery	Bow / crossbow	Oct. 1, 2025 – Jan. 4, 2026Longest season; runs concurrent with firearms and muzzleloader seasons.
Firearms season	Shotgun, rifle, handgun (per equipment rules)	Nov. 15–30, 2025Indiana's most popular and highest-harvest season.
Muzzleloader season	Muzzleloader	Early-to-mid December 2025, 9 days
Late antlerless-only season	Any legal equipment	Late December 2025 – Jan. 4, 2026Antlerless deer only, aimed at herd management in ag-heavy counties.

Tag costs

Resident deer license (bundle): approx. $24
Nonresident deer license (bundle): approx. $150
Additional antlerless license (where available): approx. $16-24 resident / higher for nonresident

Official Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) fee schedule

Public land open to deer hunters

Hoosier National Forest — National forest, South-central Indiana
Yellowwood State Forest — State forest, South-central Indiana
Glendale Fish & Wildlife Area — Fish & wildlife area, Southern Indiana
Pigeon River Fish & Wildlife Area — Fish & wildlife area, Northeastern Indiana

Statewide seasons apply on most of this ground; quota and draw hunts have their own dates.

Full Indiana deer hunting guide →

#16 · Mountain West · Opens September

Montana deer seasons

2025 structure · reviewed 2025

Montana deer season dates by weapon
Season	Weapon	Dates
Archery	Bow / crossbow (with permit)	Early Sept. – mid-Oct.Statewide; some archery-only units require separate permits.
General rifle	Centerfire rifle	Late Oct. – last Sunday in Nov.Main statewide season for both mule deer and whitetail.
Youth deer weekend	Rifle	Weekend before the general openerHunters under 18 with a licensed adult.
Special/late whitetail antlerless	Rifle	Varies by hunting district, into December/JanuaryAvailable in select river-bottom whitetail HDs by permit.

Tag costs

Nonresident conservation license: approx. $10
Nonresident base hunting license: approx. $15
Nonresident deer combination license (general): approx. $650, capped/drawn

Official Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) fee schedule

Public land open to deer hunters

Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge — National wildlife refuge, North-central Montana (Missouri River Breaks)
Missouri River Breaks BLM lands — BLM, North-central/eastern Montana
Custer Gallatin National Forest — National forest, South-central Montana
Lolo National Forest — National forest, Western Montana

Statewide seasons apply on most of this ground; quota and draw hunts have their own dates.

Full Montana deer hunting guide →

#19 · Great Plains · Opens September

South Dakota deer seasons

2025-26 structure · reviewed 2026-09

South Dakota deer season dates by weapon
Season	Weapon	Dates
Archery (resident & nonresident)	Bow / crossbow	Early Sept. – early Jan.Statewide, largely unlimited over-the-counter tags for residents and nonresidents.
Youth season	Firearms	Mid-Sept. (one weekend)Resident youth hunters only.
Muzzleloader	Muzzleloader	Late Sept. – mid-Oct.
West River deer (firearms)	Rifle	Mid-Nov. – early Dec.Unit-based draw covering most of west-of-the-river prairie and Black Hills units.
East River deer (firearms)	Rifle / shotgun	Mid-Nov. – early Dec.Unit-based draw covering farmland units east of the Missouri River.
Black Hills deer (firearms)	Rifle	Late Nov. – early Dec.Separate draw units within the Black Hills National Forest.
Muzzleloader antlerless / late season	Muzzleloader	Late Dec. – early Jan.Additional antlerless opportunity in select units.

Tag costs

Resident any-deer license: approx. $45
Nonresident any-deer license: approx. $375
Resident antlerless whitetail license: approx. $24
Nonresident antlerless whitetail license: approx. $100

Official South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) fee schedule

Public land open to deer hunters

Black Hills National Forest — National forest, Western South Dakota
Fort Pierre National Grassland — National grassland, Central South Dakota (West River)
Grand River National Grassland — National grassland, Northwestern South Dakota
Buffalo Gap National Grassland — National grassland, Southwestern South Dakota

Statewide seasons apply on most of this ground; quota and draw hunts have their own dates.

Full South Dakota deer hunting guide →

#20 · Great Plains · Opens September

North Dakota deer seasons

2025-26 structure · reviewed 2026-02

North Dakota deer season dates by weapon
Season	Weapon	Dates
Archery (resident youth)	Bow / crossbow	Early Sept. – early Jan.Long-running statewide archery window with a separate youth opener
Archery (general)	Bow / crossbow	Early Sept. – early Jan.Statewide by unit-specific license
Gun (regular firearms)	Rifle, shotgun, muzzleloader-legal centerfire	Early-to-mid Nov. – late Nov.Main statewide season, roughly two weeks, opens on a Friday
Muzzleloader	Muzzleloader	Late Nov. – early Dec.Separate lottery license, runs after the regular gun season
Youth gun season	Rifle	Weekend before the general gun openerFor licensed youth hunters with adult supervision

Tag costs

Resident deer gun license: approx. $30–$40
Nonresident deer gun license: approx. $220–$275, where available
Resident deer bow license: approx. $30
Nonresident deer bow license: approx. $220, where available

Official North Dakota Game and Fish Department fee schedule

Public land open to deer hunters

Little Missouri National Grassland — National grassland, Western North Dakota (Badlands)
PLOTS (Private Land Open To Sportsmen) — Walk-in access, Statewide, concentrated in farmland and Badlands-adjacent regions
Sheyenne National Grassland — National grassland, Southeastern North Dakota
Lake Sakakawea Corps of Engineers land — Federal land, West-central North Dakota

Statewide seasons apply on most of this ground; quota and draw hunts have their own dates.

Full North Dakota deer hunting guide →

#22 · Southeast · Opens September

Mississippi deer seasons

2025-26 structure · reviewed 2026-09

Mississippi deer season dates by weapon
Season	Weapon	Dates
Velvet archery	Bow / crossbow	Mid-Sept. (short season, Hills/Delta/North Central DMUs)Short early opener ahead of standard archery.
Archery	Bow / crossbow	Early Oct. – late Nov., reopens after gun seasons in some DMUs
Youth gun	Modern gun	Mid-to-late Nov., plus a stretch into Jan.
Gun (general firearms)	Modern gun / muzzleloader	Late Nov. – Jan., varies by DMU
Antlerless primitive weapon season	Muzzleloader / primitive	Included within the broader Nov.–Jan. window in most units

Tag costs

Resident All Game license: approx. $42 (check current MDWFP fee schedule)
Nonresident All Game Hunting license: approx. $200+ (see MDWFP fee schedule for current price)
Nonresident Deer Permit: additional fee required alongside the All Game license, approx. $200 range

Official Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) fee schedule

Public land open to deer hunters

Holly Springs National Forest — National forest, North Mississippi (Hills)
Tombigbee National Forest — National forest, Northeast Mississippi (Hills)
Bienville National Forest — National forest, Central Mississippi (Hills)
Homochitto National Forest — National forest, Southwest Mississippi

Statewide seasons apply on most of this ground; quota and draw hunts have their own dates.

Full Mississippi deer hunting guide →

#24 · Southeast · Opens September

Tennessee deer seasons

2025-26 structure · reviewed 2026-03

Tennessee deer season dates by weapon
Season	Weapon	Dates
Archery	Bow / crossbow	Late Sept. – late Jan.Longest season of any weapon type; runs concurrent with other seasons in most units.
Muzzleloader/archery	Muzzleloader or bow/crossbow	Nov. 8 – Nov. 21, 2025Statewide antlered bag limit of 2; Units 1-3 allow up to 3 antlerless deer per day.
Gun season	Modern gun (rifle/shotgun/muzzleloader/archery)	Nov. 22, 2025 – Jan. 4, 2026Tennessee's marquee season, opening the Saturday before Thanksgiving and overlapping much of the rut.
Youth hunts	Any legal weapon	Designated weekends before and after gun seasonHunters under 16 only, with a licensed adult.
Late antlerless season	Any legal weapon (unit-dependent)	Portions of Jan.Antlerless-only opportunities in select units to manage herd density.

Tag costs

Resident annual hunting/fishing combo: approx. $33 base license, plus big game license
Nonresident annual all-game hunting license: approx. $305
Nonresident big game license (deer): required in addition to base hunting license; check current TWRA fee schedule
Nonresident annual sportsman license: bundled option covering hunting and big game license, priced at a discount versus buying separately

Official Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) fee schedule

Public land open to deer hunters

Cherokee National Forest — National forest, East Tennessee
Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area — National recreation area, Northwest Tennessee/Kentucky border
Chickasaw Wildlife Management Area — WMA, West Tennessee
Catoosa Wildlife Management Area — WMA, Cumberland Plateau

Statewide seasons apply on most of this ground; quota and draw hunts have their own dates.

Full Tennessee deer hunting guide →

#25 · Southeast · Opens September

Virginia deer seasons

2025-26 structure · reviewed 2026-09

Virginia deer season dates by weapon
Season	Weapon	Dates
Early Archery	Bow / crossbow	Early Oct – mid-Nov, statewideOne of the longest early-bow windows in the East; opens weeks before firearms season.
Muzzleloader	Muzzleloader	Early-to-mid Nov, about two weeksImmediately precedes general firearms season in most counties.
General Firearms	Rifle/shotgun	Mid-Nov – early Jan, length varies by countyThe backbone of Virginia's season; east-of-Blue Ridge counties generally run longer than western mountain counties.
Late Archery/Muzzleloader	Bow / crossbow / muzzleloader	Late Dec – early Jan, statewideReopens after general firearms season closes in most counties.
Special Youth/Apprentice & Urban Archery	Any legal weapon / bow	Varies; includes September urban archery and dedicated youth weekendsUrban archery season runs Sept–Jan in participating localities to manage suburban deer.

Tag costs

Resident hunting license: approx. $23
Nonresident hunting + big game combo package: approx. $171
Resident big game license (deer/bear/turkey): approx. $23

Official Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) fee schedule

Public land open to deer hunters

George Washington and Jefferson National Forest — National forest, Western Virginia
Chester F. Phelps Wildlife Management Area — WMA, Northern Piedmont
Amelia Wildlife Management Area — WMA, Central Piedmont
Big Woods Wildlife Management Area — WMA, Tidewater

Statewide seasons apply on most of this ground; quota and draw hunts have their own dates.

Full Virginia deer hunting guide →

#27 · Southeast · Opens September

North Carolina deer seasons

2025-26 structure · reviewed 2026-09

North Carolina deer season dates by weapon
Season	Weapon	Dates
Archery (Coastal/Piedmont)	Bow / crossbow	Early Sept – early Oct, reopens after gun season in parts of the PiedmontDates vary by county; check the region-specific table
Archery (Western)	Bow / crossbow	Mid-Sept – early OctShorter than Coastal/Piedmont archery due to smaller mountain herd
Blackpowder/Muzzleloader	Muzzleloader	About one week before gun season opens, region-specificNo modern firearm may be possessed during this period
Gun season (Coastal)	Rifle, shotgun, muzzleloader	Mid-Oct – early JanLongest gun season in the state; includes extensive either-sex days
Gun season (Piedmont)	Rifle, shotgun, muzzleloader	Mid-Nov – early JanPopular season for rut-timed hunts on private farmland
Gun season (Western)	Rifle, shotgun, muzzleloader	Mid-to-late Nov, roughly 2 weeksMuch shorter than eastern zones due to lower mountain deer density

Tag costs

Resident hunting license (annual): approx. $25
Nonresident hunting license (annual): approx. $80
Resident big game hunting privilege: approx. $15-$25
Nonresident big game hunting privilege: approx. $80-$120

Official North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission fee schedule

Public land open to deer hunters

Pisgah Game Land / Pisgah National Forest — Game Land / National forest, Western North Carolina
Nantahala Game Land / Nantahala National Forest — Game Land / National forest, Far Western North Carolina
Uwharrie Game Land / Uwharrie National Forest — Game Land / National forest, Central Piedmont
Sandhills Game Land — Game Land, South-central North Carolina

Statewide seasons apply on most of this ground; quota and draw hunts have their own dates.

Full North Carolina deer hunting guide →

#28 · Northeast · Opens September

New York deer seasons

2025-26 structure · reviewed 2026-02

New York deer season dates by weapon
Season	Weapon	Dates
Early bowhunting, Southern Zone	Bow / crossbow	Early Oct. – mid-Nov.Statewide in the Southern Zone; crossbow allowed during a portion of the season depending on WMU.
Early bowhunting, Northern Zone	Bow / crossbow	Late Sept. – mid-Oct.Shorter Adirondack-region archery season ahead of regular firearms season.
Youth firearms weekend	Rifle / shotgun / muzzleloader	Columbus Day weekend, Southern Zone select WMUsHunters ages 12-15 with a licensed adult mentor.
Regular (firearms), Northern Zone	Rifle / shotgun / muzzleloader	Late Sept. – early Dec.Longer traditional gun season in the Adirondack region.
Regular (firearms), Southern Zone	Shotgun / rifle (where legal) / muzzleloader / handgun	Mid-Nov. – early Dec.Traditional two-and-a-half week gun season; centerfire rifles restricted in some downstate counties.
Late bowhunting/muzzleloader, Southern Zone	Bow / muzzleloader	Early – mid-Dec.Extends opportunity after the regular firearms season closes.

Tag costs

Resident big game license: approx. $22
Nonresident big game license: approx. $100
Deer Management Permit (DMP) application: approx. $10 per WMU, resident or nonresident

Official New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) fee schedule

Public land open to deer hunters

Adirondack Forest Preserve — State forest preserve, Northern New York
Catskill Forest Preserve — State forest preserve, Southeastern New York
Allegany State Park and adjacent state forests — State park/forest, Western New York (Cattaraugus County)
Connecticut Hill Wildlife Management Area — Wildlife management area, Finger Lakes (Schuyler/Tompkins counties)

Statewide seasons apply on most of this ground; quota and draw hunts have their own dates.

Full New York deer hunting guide →

#29 · Northeast · Opens September

Maryland deer seasons

2025-26 structure · reviewed 2026-09

Maryland deer season dates by weapon
Season	Weapon	Dates
Archery	Bow / crossbow	Sept. 5 – Oct. 15, resuming Oct. 19 – late Nov., and again into JanuaryOne of the longest archery windows in the region; splits around firearms season by region.
Muzzleloader (early)	Muzzleloader	Mid-to-late OctoberStatewide, precedes the firearms season.
Firearms	Rifle / shotgun / muzzleloader per region	Late Nov. – early Dec., roughly two weeksThe marquee season, opening the Saturday after Thanksgiving in most years.
Muzzleloader (late)	Muzzleloader	Mid-to-late DecemberSecond muzzleloader segment after firearms season closes.
Late archery	Bow / crossbow	Late Dec. – early Jan.Extends bowhunting opportunity through the end of the deer year.
Sika deer season	Bow, firearms, muzzleloader per segment	Runs concurrently with whitetail seasons on the Eastern ShoreAvailable in Dorchester, Somerset, Wicomico, and Worcester counties.

Tag costs

Resident regular hunting license (16-64): $24.50
Nonresident hunting license: approx. $150-$180 depending on license type
Resident junior hunting license: $10.50
Deer stamps (archery/firearms/muzzleloader): additional stamps required per season, roughly $30-$50 combined for nonresidents

Official Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) fee schedule

Public land open to deer hunters

Green Ridge State Forest — State forest, Western MD (Allegany County)
Savage River State Forest — State forest, Western MD (Garrett County)
Fairmount Wildlife Management Area — WMA, Eastern Shore (Somerset County)
Chesapeake Forest Lands — State forest/WMA complex, Eastern Shore (multiple counties)

Statewide seasons apply on most of this ground; quota and draw hunts have their own dates.

Full Maryland deer hunting guide →

#30 · Southeast · Opens September

Louisiana deer seasons

2025-26 structure · reviewed 2026-09

Louisiana deer season dates by weapon
Season	Weapon	Dates
Archery	Bow / crossbow	Sept. 20 – early Oct. in earliest-opening Deer Areas; later starts in other areasStart dates are staggered by Deer Area.
Youth/Special weekend	Varies	Scattered weekends ahead of or within gun season, area-dependent
Muzzleloader/Primitive weapon	Muzzleloader	Typically a short window in Oct.–Nov. ahead of modern gun season
Modern gun (either-sex and bucks-only splits)	Modern gun	Nov. – Jan., with some areas running into mid-Feb.
Late archery	Bow / crossbow	Often reopens after gun season closes in several Deer Areas

Tag costs

Resident hunting license (basic): approx. $15–20 (see current LDWF fee schedule)
Nonresident hunting license: approx. $150+ (see current LDWF fee schedule)
Nonresident big game/deer add-on: additional fee required for deer hunting privileges

Official Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) fee schedule

Public land open to deer hunters

Kisatchie National Forest — National forest, North-central/northwest Louisiana
Richard K. Yancey WMA — WMA, Central Louisiana (Atchafalaya Basin edge)
Dewey Wills WMA — WMA, Central Louisiana
Fort Johnson WMA (formerly Fort Polk) — WMA, West-central Louisiana

Statewide seasons apply on most of this ground; quota and draw hunts have their own dates.

Full Louisiana deer hunting guide →

#31 · Northeast · Opens September

West Virginia deer seasons

2025-26 structure · reviewed 2026-09

West Virginia deer season dates by weapon
Season	Weapon	Dates
Archery/Crossbow	Bow / crossbow	Late Sept – early Jan, statewide with county variationRuns concurrently with muzzleloader and firearms seasons in most counties.
Muzzleloader	Muzzleloader	Mid-to-late Oct, one weekPrecedes buck firearms season.
Buck Firearms	Rifle/shotgun per county	Late Nov – early Dec, two weeks (Nov 24 – Dec 7 in 2025)The state's marquee season; some counties allow rifles, others shotgun/muzzleloader only.
Antlerless Firearms	Rifle/shotgun per county	Early-to-mid Dec, county-specific daysAntlerless permits vary widely by county based on herd goals.
Mountaineer Heritage/Youth	Any legal weapon	Mid-Dec, statewideOpen to youth, seniors, and Class Q/XS permit holders.

Tag costs

Resident Class A hunting/trapping license: $19
Nonresident base hunting license: approx. $110-$130
Nonresident antlerless deer stamp (Class NN): approx. $28-$45

Official West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) fee schedule

Public land open to deer hunters

Monongahela National Forest — National forest, Eastern WV
Elk River Wildlife Management Area — WMA, Central WV
Short Mountain Wildlife Management Area — WMA, Eastern Panhandle
Kanawha State Forest — State forest, Central WV

Statewide seasons apply on most of this ground; quota and draw hunts have their own dates.

Full West Virginia deer hunting guide →

#33 · Northeast · Opens September

Maine deer seasons

2025-26 structure · reviewed 2026-09

Maine deer season dates by weapon
Season	Weapon	Dates
Archery	Bow	Late Sept. – late Oct., before expanded archery in some zonesOpens well ahead of firearms season statewide.
Expanded archery / crossbow	Bow / crossbow	Overlaps regular archery in designated WMDsSpecial zones near population centers may run longer seasons.
Youth deer day	Any legal firearm	Saturday before the regular firearms openerSpecial mentored hunt for licensed youth.
Firearms (residents only)	Rifle / shotgun	Nov. 1, 2025Opening day reserved exclusively for Maine residents.
Firearms (all hunters)	Rifle / shotgun	Nov. 3-29, 2025Main firearms season open to residents and nonresidents alike.
Muzzleloader	Muzzleloader	Dec. 1-6, 2025 statewide; Dec. 8-13, 2025 in select WMDsRequires a muzzleloader permit in addition to a hunting license.

Tag costs

Resident hunting license: approx. $26
Nonresident big game hunting license: approx. $126
Nonresident junior/small game options: Lower-cost licenses available for youth and limited-species hunts

Official Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (MDIFW) fee schedule

Public land open to deer hunters

North Maine Woods — Managed commercial timberland, Northern Maine
White Mountain National Forest (Maine portion) — National forest, Western Maine
Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge — National wildlife refuge, Downeast Maine
Mahoosuc Public Reserved Land — State public reserved land, Western Maine mountains

Statewide seasons apply on most of this ground; quota and draw hunts have their own dates.

Full Maine deer hunting guide →

#35 · Pacific · Opens September

Washington deer seasons

2025 structure · reviewed 2025

Washington deer season dates by weapon
Season	Weapon	Dates
Archery	Bow / crossbow (with permit)	Mid-Sept. – early Oct., plus a late archery window in some unitsStatewide, GMU-specific dates apply.
Muzzleloader	Muzzleloader	Early-to-mid October in most unitsFalls between archery and modern firearm seasons.
Modern firearm (general)	Rifle/shotgun/muzzleloader per GMU rules	Mid-October through early NovemberMain statewide season; exact dates and buck rules vary by GMU.
Late/special permit hunts	Varies	November–December, by GMULimited-entry permits for antlerless or any-deer opportunities in specific units.

Tag costs

Nonresident hunting license (small game/base): approx. $50–$100 depending on license type
Nonresident deer tag (general season): approx. $434 for nonresident deer license
Nonresident special permit application: approx. $7–$10 per species application

Official Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) fee schedule

Public land open to deer hunters

Olympic National Forest — National forest, Olympic Peninsula
Gifford Pinchot National Forest — National forest, Southwest Washington Cascades
Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest — National forest, North-central/central Cascades
Colville National Forest — National forest, Northeast Washington

Statewide seasons apply on most of this ground; quota and draw hunts have their own dates.

Full Washington deer hunting guide →

#41 · Northeast · Opens September

New Hampshire deer seasons

2025-26 structure · reviewed 2026-09

New Hampshire deer season dates by weapon
Season	Weapon	Dates
Archery	Bow / crossbow	Mid-September – mid-December (closes about a week earlier in WMU A)Longest season of the year; crossbows legal for all hunters.
Muzzleloader	Muzzleloading rifle	Late October – early November, statewideIn-person registration required for the first two days.
Regular firearms	Rifle / shotgun (zone-dependent)	Mid-November – early December, dates vary by WMUSouthern coastal WMUs close earlier than northern units.
Youth/Special hunts	Varies	Dedicated youth weekend before archery closesCheck current Digest for exact dates.

Tag costs

Resident hunting license: approx. $32 (2025-26)
Nonresident hunting license: approx. $103–$113 (2025-26)
Antlerless deer permit (lottery, when available): approx. $11 application fee

Official New Hampshire Fish and Game Department fee schedule

Public land open to deer hunters

White Mountain National Forest — National forest, North Country
Pisgah State Park — State park/forest, Southwest NH
Ossipee Lake Wildlife Management Area — WMA, Central-East NH
Fox State Forest — State forest, Southern NH

Statewide seasons apply on most of this ground; quota and draw hunts have their own dates.

Full New Hampshire deer hunting guide →

#42 · Northeast · Opens September

Delaware deer seasons

2025-26 structure · reviewed 2026-09

Delaware deer season dates by weapon
Season	Weapon	Dates
Archery	Bow / crossbow	Early Sept. – late Jan.One of the longest archery windows in the country, with short breaks around other weapon seasons in some zones.
Early muzzleloader/antlerless	Muzzleloader	Mid-to-late Oct.
Shotgun/rifle (firearms) season	Shotgun, rifle, muzzleloader	Late Nov. – late Jan., split across multiple segments
Youth/mentored hunt days	Varies	Designated weekends in Nov. and Jan.

Tag costs

Resident hunting license: approx. $32.50
Nonresident hunting license: approx. $95
Deer stamp/tag (per deer): approx. $10-15 per tag, varies by season/type

Official Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC), Division of Fish & Wildlife fee schedule

Public land open to deer hunters

Redden State Forest — State forest, Sussex County
Blackbird State Forest — State forest, New Castle County
Cedar Swamp Wildlife Area — State wildlife area, Kent County
Norman G. Wilder Wildlife Area — State wildlife area, Kent County

Statewide seasons apply on most of this ground; quota and draw hunts have their own dates.

Full Delaware deer hunting guide →

#43 · Northeast · Opens September

New Jersey deer seasons

2025-26 structure · reviewed 2026-09

New Jersey deer season dates by weapon
Season	Weapon	Dates
Fall Bow	Bow / crossbow	Mid-September – early November, statewideNo zone-specific antlerless permit needed for this segment; broadest early bowhunting window.
Permit Bow	Bow / crossbow	Overlaps fall segments into winter, zone-dependentRequires zone-specific antlerless permit to take does.
Six-Day Firearm Season	Shotgun / muzzleloader / certain rifles per zone	Early December, statewide (roughly Dec 1–Dec 6)New Jersey's marquee gun season; antlered buck permit required to keep a buck in permit areas.
Permit Shotgun/Muzzleloader	Shotgun / muzzleloader	December – February, multiple zone-specific segmentsZone-specific antlerless permits required; several short segments through winter.
Winter Bow	Bow / crossbow	December – mid-February, statewideExtends archery opportunity well past most Northeast states' closing dates.

Tag costs

Resident firearm hunting license: approx. $27.50 (2025-26)
Nonresident firearm hunting license: approx. $155.50 (2025-26)
Nonresident bow license: approx. $135.50 (2025-26)
Zone-specific antlerless permit: approx. $17–$32 depending on zone

Official New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife fee schedule

Public land open to deer hunters

Sparta Mountain Wildlife Management Area — WMA, Northern NJ (Sussex County)
Clinton Wildlife Management Area — WMA, Hunterdon County
Wharton State Forest — State forest, Pine Barrens, Southern NJ
Greenwood Wildlife Management Area — WMA, Pine Barrens, Ocean/Burlington Counties

Statewide seasons apply on most of this ground; quota and draw hunts have their own dates.

Full New Jersey deer hunting guide →

#44 · Northeast · Opens September

Connecticut deer seasons

2025-26 structure · reviewed 2026-09

Connecticut deer season dates by weapon
Season	Weapon	Dates
Archery (private land)	Bow / crossbow	Mid-September – late December, zone-dependentLongest deer season in Connecticut; private land requires landowner permission.
Archery-only lottery (state land)	Bow / crossbow	Overlaps regular archery season on select state landRequires a separate lottery permit for specific parcels.
State land shotgun/rifle (lottery)	Shotgun / rifle (zone-dependent)	Fall, dates vary by Deer Management ZoneAccess to most state land shotgun hunting requires a drawn lottery permit.
Private land firearms	Shotgun / rifle (zone-dependent)	Fall, overlapping state land datesNo lottery required on private land with landowner permission, subject to zone rules.
Muzzleloader	Muzzleloader	Following firearms season into DecemberDates and zones vary; check current DEEP season summary.

Tag costs

Resident hunting license: approx. $28-$40 depending on license type
Nonresident hunting license: approx. $115-$165 depending on license type
Deer permits/tags: Additional zone-based deer permits required beyond the base license

Official Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) fee schedule

Public land open to deer hunters

Pachaug State Forest — State forest, Eastern Connecticut
Natchaug State Forest — State forest, Northeastern Connecticut
Nassahegan State Forest — State forest, Central Connecticut
Cockaponset State Forest — State forest, South-central Connecticut

Statewide seasons apply on most of this ground; quota and draw hunts have their own dates.

Full Connecticut deer hunting guide →

#49 · Northeast · Opens September

Rhode Island deer seasons

2025-26 structure · reviewed 2026-09

Rhode Island deer season dates by weapon
Season	Weapon	Dates
Archery	Bow / crossbow	Mid-September – late February, with a short gap during shotgun seasonLongest season of the year and the most practical option near populated areas.
Muzzleloader	Muzzleloading rifle	Early-to-mid December, statewideShort window sandwiched between archery and shotgun seasons.
Shotgun/Rifle	Shotgun (rifle in select zones)	Roughly two weeks in DecemberMost restrictive weapon rules of any RI season; check zone-specific rifle allowances.
Youth deer hunt	Any legal weapon for the youth's license type	Dedicated weekend before general seasonsRequires an adult supervisor; check current Guide for exact dates.

Tag costs

Resident hunting license: Moderate annual fee, license year runs March 1–end of February
Nonresident hunting license: Higher fee than resident; required before applying for deer permits
Deer permit (per season type): Separate low-cost permit required for each weapon season

Official Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, Division of Fish & Wildlife fee schedule

Public land open to deer hunters

Great Swamp Management Area — WMA, South County
Arcadia Management Area — WMA, Western RI
Big River Management Area — WMA, Central RI
Trustom Pond National Wildlife Refuge (adjacent lands) — Federal/State mix, South County

Statewide seasons apply on most of this ground; quota and draw hunts have their own dates.

Full Rhode Island deer hunting guide →

#6 · Midwest · Opens October

Illinois deer seasons

2025-26 structure · reviewed 2026-09

Illinois deer season dates by weapon
Season	Weapon	Dates
Archery	Bow / crossbow	Early Oct – mid-Jan (closed during firearm seasons in the hunted county)Long season overall, but archery closes locally during firearm season in that county.
Youth firearm season	Shotgun, muzzleloader, or handgun	Columbus Day weekend (early Oct)Hunters 17 and younger only.
First firearm season	Shotgun, muzzleloader, or straight-wall/handgun cartridge	Mid-November, ~3 days (Fri–Sun)
Second firearm season	Shotgun, muzzleloader, or straight-wall/handgun cartridge	Late November-early December, ~4 days
Muzzleloader-only season	Muzzleloader	Early-to-mid December, ~3 daysFollows the second firearm season.
Late-winter antlerless-only / CWD season	Shotgun, muzzleloader, or straight-wall/handgun cartridge	Mid-to-late December (varies by CWD county)Only in designated counties, aimed at disease/population control.

Tag costs

Resident archery permit: ~$32.50
Nonresident archery permit: ~$382.50
Resident firearm permit (first county): ~$32.50 (plus habitat stamp)
Nonresident firearm permit: ~$382.50

Official Illinois Department of Natural Resources fee schedule

Public land open to deer hunters

Siloam Springs State Park — State park, West-central Illinois (Adams/Brown counties)
Sand Ridge State Forest — State forest, Central Illinois (Mason County)
Pere Marquette State Park — State park, West-central Illinois
Shawnee National Forest — National forest, Southern Illinois

Statewide seasons apply on most of this ground; quota and draw hunts have their own dates.

Full Illinois deer hunting guide →

#15 · Great Plains · Opens October

Oklahoma deer seasons

2025-26 structure · reviewed 2026-09

Oklahoma deer season dates by weapon
Season	Weapon	Dates
Archery	Bow / crossbow	Oct. 1 – Jan. 15Long statewide season that bridges around the gun and muzzleloader seasons.
Youth deer gun	Modern gun	Mid-to-late Oct. (roughly Oct. 17–19)For licensed youth hunters only, ahead of the general muzzleloader opener.
Muzzleloader	Muzzleloader	Oct. 25 – Nov. 2
Deer gun (regular)	Modern gun (rifle/shotgun)	Nov. 22 – Dec. 7The main statewide firearms season, timed around Thanksgiving.
Holiday antlerless gun	Modern gun, antlerless only	Dec. 18–31

Tag costs

Resident annual hunting license: approx. $30
Nonresident annual hunting license: approx. $180
Nonresident deer license (archery or gun): approx. $280 per season/weapon type

Official Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (ODWC) fee schedule

Public land open to deer hunters

Ouachita National Forest (Oklahoma portion) — National forest, Southeastern Oklahoma
McGee Creek WMA — WMA, Southeastern Oklahoma
Black Kettle National Grassland / WMA — National grassland / WMA, Western Oklahoma
Beaver River WMA — WMA, Oklahoma Panhandle

Statewide seasons apply on most of this ground; quota and draw hunts have their own dates.

Full Oklahoma deer hunting guide →

#23 · Southeast · Opens October

Alabama deer seasons

2025-26 structure · reviewed 2026-09

Alabama deer season dates by weapon
Season	Weapon	Dates
Archery	Bow / crossbow	Early-to-mid Oct – early Feb, zone dependentLongest single method season; overlaps with other weapon seasons in most zones
Gun (general firearms)	Rifle, shotgun, muzzleloader, crossbow	Mid-Nov – late Jan/early Feb, zone dependentSouthern zones run considerably later than north Alabama
Muzzleloader	Muzzleloader	Roughly one week before gun season opens in each zonePrimitive-weapon-only period ahead of general gun season
Youth deer hunt	Firearms/archery	Late Oct/early Nov weekend, zone dependentSpecial weekend for hunters 15 and younger

Tag costs

Resident hunting license (annual): approx. $17-24
Nonresident 3-day trip all-game license: approx. $174
Resident all-game/big game license: approx. $25-35
Nonresident annual all-game license: approx. $400

Official Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division fee schedule

Public land open to deer hunters

Bankhead National Forest / WMA — National forest / WMA, North Alabama
Talladega National Forest (Shoal Creek & Talladega WMAs) — National forest / WMA, East-central Alabama
Oakmulgee WMA — WMA / National forest, West-central Alabama (Talladega N.F.)
Barbour WMA — WMA, Southeast Alabama

Statewide seasons apply on most of this ground; quota and draw hunts have their own dates.

Full Alabama deer hunting guide →

#40 · Northeast · Opens October

Vermont deer seasons

2025-26 structure · reviewed 2026-09

Vermont deer season dates by weapon
Season	Weapon	Dates
Archery	Bow / crossbow	Oct. 1 - Dec. (split around rifle season)One legal buck may be taken; season splits around the regular rifle season in most years.
Youth & Novice weekend	Rifle/shotgun (youth/novice)	Early November weekendMentored hunt for young or novice hunters ahead of the regular season.
Regular (rifle) season	Rifle / shotgun	Nov. 15 - Nov. 30, 202516-day season; buck-only in 2025 statewide.
Muzzleloader season	Muzzleloader	Early-to-mid DecemberFollows the regular rifle season; antlerless permits available in some Wildlife Management Units.

Tag costs

Resident hunting license: approx. $28
Nonresident hunting license: approx. $102
Archery license (add-on): Modest additional fee for bow season, resident and nonresident

Official Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department fee schedule

Public land open to deer hunters

Green Mountain National Forest — National forest, Central and southern Vermont
Victory Basin Wildlife Management Area — WMA, Northeast Kingdom
Dead Creek Wildlife Management Area — WMA, Champlain Valley
West Mountain Wildlife Management Area — WMA, Northeast Kingdom

Statewide seasons apply on most of this ground; quota and draw hunts have their own dates.

Full Vermont deer hunting guide →

#45 · Northeast · Opens October

Massachusetts deer seasons

2025 structure · reviewed 2026-09

Massachusetts deer season dates by weapon
Season	Weapon	Dates
Archery (Zones 1-9, 10-14 special rules apply)	Bow / crossbow	Oct. 20 – Nov. 28, 2025Longest season option; crossbows legal for all hunters statewide.
Shotgun/Muzzleloader (firearms)	Shotgun or muzzleloader	Dec. 1 – Dec. 13, 2025Centerfire rifles are not legal for deer anywhere in Massachusetts.
Primitive firearms (muzzleloader)	Muzzleloader	Dec. 15 – Dec. 31, 2025Statewide late-season option after the shotgun season closes.
Youth Deer Hunt Day	Any legal season weapon	Saturday prior to shotgun season openerSpecial mentored hunting day for licensed youth hunters.

Tag costs

Resident hunting/sporting license: approx. $37-53 depending on license type
Nonresident hunting license: approx. $124
Antlerless deer permit (resident/nonresident): approx. $5 application fee, additional fee if drawn

Official Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife) fee schedule

Public land open to deer hunters

Quabbin Reservoir Watershed — Managed public land (controlled hunt), Central Massachusetts
Myles Standish State Forest — State forest, Southeastern Massachusetts (Plymouth)
October Mountain State Forest — State forest, Berkshires (western MA)
Wildlife Management Areas (statewide network) — WMA, Statewide

Statewide seasons apply on most of this ground; quota and draw hunts have their own dates.

Full Massachusetts deer hunting guide →

#50 · Alaska

Hawaii deer seasons

2025-26 structure · reviewed 2026-09

Hawaii deer season dates by weapon
Season	Weapon	Dates
Archery (axis deer)	Bow	Extended seasons on Maui, Molokai, and Lanai; dates vary by public hunting unit
Muzzleloader (axis deer)	Muzzleloader	Set periods on select units, mainly Molokai and Lanai
Rifle/shotgun public hunts (axis deer)	Rifle / shotgun	Scheduled weekend hunts on designated public hunting areas, especially Lanai
Kauai black-tailed deer season	Bow / muzzleloader / rifle depending on unit	Short, conservative season centered on the Kokee/Waimea Canyon public hunting area

Tag costs

Resident annual hunting license: approx. $16
Nonresident annual hunting license: approx. $105
Public hunting area permits: Often free or nominal cost; check-in required at trailheads/check stations for many hunts

Official Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) fee schedule

Public land open to deer hunters

Lanai (Pulama Lanai hunting program + DOFAW public areas) — Mixed private/public, Lanai
Molokai public hunting areas — State public hunting area, Molokai
Maui public hunting areas (Kahikinui, Kanaio) — State public hunting area, Southeast Maui
Kokee/Waimea Canyon area — State forest reserve / public hunting area, Kauai

Statewide seasons apply on most of this ground; quota and draw hunts have their own dates.

Full Hawaii deer hunting guide →

Questions

Frequently asked

When does deer season open?: Most states open archery deer season in September, with a handful of southern and western states opening in August. Firearms seasons cluster in November around the rut, and late archery or muzzleloader seasons run into December and January. This calendar lists every published state's opener month, weapon and season window side by side.
How much does a deer tag cost?: Resident deer licenses commonly run $15 to $40, while nonresident deer tags range from about $150 in southern states to $500 or more in capped trophy states such as Iowa and Kansas. This page shows the headline resident and nonresident price for each state, and each state guide lists the full fee schedule with a link to the agency's official prices.
When does public land open for deer hunting?: Most state wildlife management areas and national forests are open whenever the statewide season is open, but many WMAs run quota or draw hunts on specific dates, and some close between seasons for habitat work. Each state row here lists the main public areas; check the area-specific rules on the agency site before you drive.
Are these season dates official?: No. These are the season structures for the regulation year shown, published so you can plan trips and compare states. Exact dates, zone boundaries and antlerless quotas change every year, so always read the state agency's current regulations — every state guide links straight to them.