Know before you go
Hunting & Fishing Regulations by Region
Every U.S. state and Canadian province: the agency that owns the rules, what license and tags you need, when applications close, and a direct link to the official regulations.
Start with the pursuit
Deer, Elk & Big Game Hunting Regulations
Deer, elk, bear, pronghorn, moose, sheep and the rest of the big-game list: tag structure, draw deadlines, weapon seasons, and the unit maps that decide where your tag is valid.
Deadlines: Most western draw applications close between February and June for fall seasons, with results in May through July and leftover or over-the-counter tags released in July and August. Eastern states more often sell tags over the counter with limited-entry draws for specific units.
Small Game, Upland Bird & Waterfowl Regulations
Rabbits, squirrels, upland birds, waterfowl and predators: season lengths, daily and possession limits, shot restrictions, and the federal stamps waterfowl hunters need on top of state licensing.
Deadlines: Small-game licenses are usually sold over the counter without a draw. Waterfowl frameworks are set federally in late summer, so states publish final dates in August and September. Limited-draw hunts on managed wetlands typically open applications in late summer.
Freshwater Fishing Regulations & License Info
Lakes, rivers, and reservoirs: license and endorsement requirements, size and creel limits, seasonal closures, and the water-specific special regulations that override the statewide rules.
Deadlines: Fishing licenses are sold year-round and most run either for a calendar year or 12 months from purchase. Special permits — trophy tags, some tailwater and lottery waters — usually open applications in late winter.
Saltwater & Coastal Fishing Regulations
Inshore, nearshore, and offshore fishing: state saltwater licensing, federal permits for highly migratory species, seasons, and the size and bag limits that change mid-season by emergency rule.
Deadlines: Saltwater licenses are sold year-round. Federal seasons for managed species are announced by NOAA Fisheries and state marine agencies weeks in advance and can close early once a quota is met — check within days of your trip, not months.
United States
- Alabama4 guides
- Alaska4 guides
- Arizona3 guides
- Arkansas3 guides
- California4 guides
- Colorado3 guides
- Connecticut4 guides
- Delaware4 guides
- District of Columbia3 guides
- Florida4 guides
- Georgia4 guides
- Hawaii4 guides
- Idaho3 guides
- Illinois3 guides
- Indiana3 guides
- Iowa3 guides
- Kansas3 guides
- Kentucky3 guides
- Louisiana4 guides
- Maine4 guides
- Maryland4 guides
- Massachusetts4 guides
- Michigan3 guides
- Minnesota3 guides
- Mississippi4 guides
- Missouri3 guides
- Montana3 guides
- Nebraska3 guides
- Nevada3 guides
- New Hampshire4 guides
- New Jersey4 guides
- New Mexico3 guides
- New York4 guides
- North Carolina4 guides
- North Dakota3 guides
- Ohio3 guides
- Oklahoma3 guides
- Oregon4 guides
- Pennsylvania3 guides
- Rhode Island4 guides
- South Carolina4 guides
- South Dakota3 guides
- Tennessee3 guides
- Texas4 guides
- Utah3 guides
- Vermont3 guides
- Virginia4 guides
- Washington4 guides
- West Virginia3 guides
- Wisconsin3 guides
- Wyoming3 guides
Canada
Frequently asked questions
Who sets hunting and fishing regulations?
State and provincial wildlife agencies set almost all hunting and inland fishing rules. Migratory bird frameworks come from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and offshore marine species are managed by NOAA Fisheries and regional councils. When rules conflict, the more restrictive one applies.
Do I need a license to fish or hunt on private land?
In nearly every state, yes. A landowner exemption may waive the license for the owner and immediate family on their own property, but the exemption is narrow and varies by state. Tags, stamps, and reporting requirements usually still apply.
When do license years start?
It varies. Some states run a calendar year, some run a license year starting in spring or fall, and some issue licenses valid 12 months from purchase. Check the agency page before assuming last year's license is still valid.
Is this page legal advice?
No. These pages tell you what to look up and who governs it, then link the agency's official regulations. Wild10 does not restate season dates or bag limits as authority because those change every year and often by unit.