Home / Hunting Season Dates by State
Go straight to your state's official regulations page and confirm current season dates before you buy tags.
By Roy Lloyd · Last reviewed: May 2026
Every state sets its own hunting season dates annually through its wildlife agency. Dates for deer archery, firearm, and turkey seasons can shift year to year and often differ by zone or Game Management Unit within a state. The links below go directly to each state's official regulations page — not a third-party summary.
State regulations pages can be dense. When you land on your state's page, look for the current-year hunting guide or digest — usually a PDF. Inside, you'll find season dates organized by weapon type (archery, firearm, muzzleloader) and zone or county.
Pay attention to the zone your property or hunting area falls in. In states like Montana, Colorado, Idaho, and Texas, season dates can differ by weeks depending on your Game Management Unit. Buying the wrong tag for the wrong zone is a costly mistake.
If your state requires a draw tag — common for elk, antelope, and some deer units — check the application deadlines. Many states close draw applications months before the season opens, and missing the deadline means waiting another year.
It depends on your state and weapon type. Archery seasons typically open in September or October. Firearm seasons usually run mid-November through early December. A handful of Southern states open as early as August. Check your state's official regulations page — dates are set annually and can shift year to year.
Not always. State wildlife agencies set season dates annually based on population data, harvest reports, and public comment. Dates can shift by a week or more from one year to the next. Always check current regulations directly with your state's wildlife agency before purchasing tags.
Archery season is restricted to bows — compound, recurve, or crossbow depending on state rules — and typically runs longer, often 8–16 weeks. Firearm season (rifle or shotgun) is usually shorter, around 1–3 weeks. Many states also have a separate muzzleloader season between the two.
Yes, often significantly. States with multiple zones or Game Management Units — like Montana, Colorado, Idaho, and Texas — can have season dates that differ by weeks depending on where your tag is valid. Always check the regulations for your specific zone or unit, not just the general statewide dates.
In most states, yes. A hunting license is your base permit. A tag (or harvest permit) is species-specific and authorizes you to take one particular animal. Most states require both for deer, elk, and turkey. Some states issue tags over the counter; others require a draw application months in advance.
Use the gear checklist tool to make sure you have everything covered before opening day.
