A Way of Life in the USA

Hunting is a way of life in the United States, and we are here to help you be as successful on the hunt as possible.

Category Archives for States

Hawaii Deer Hunting Season

  • May 23, 2013 /

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Idaho Deer Hunting Season

  • May 23, 2013 /

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

Species of Deer to Hunt

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

Methods to Hunt Deer in Idaho

In Idaho, several different methods are used to hunt deer. Early season there is a special archery season, where you can use one of several bow and arrow techniques to kill a deer. Typically, spot and stalk techniques are used for hunting mule deer while stand hunting is used for whitetails. Idaho also has muzzle loader seasons, in which a muzzle loading rifle is the only weapon allowed. Later in the season, the general tags open up. This allows for rifle hunting, and is the most popular. Spot and stalk is very common while rifle hunting, as is using calls or decoys.

Permits and Seasons

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

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

Other Laws and Regulations

In Idaho, it is only legal to hunt from half an hour before sunrise until half an hour after sunset. Also, after you harvest a deer, you must submit a mandatory hunter report online.

Where you can Hunt

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

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

Illinois Deer Hunting Season

  • May 23, 2013 /

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

Species of Deer to Hunt

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

Methods to Hunt Deer in Illinois

In Illinois, several different methods are used to hunt deer. Early season there is a special archery season, where you can use one of several bow and arrow techniques to kill a deer. Typically, stand hunting is used for whitetails when archery hunting. Later in the season, the general rifle tags open up. This allows for rifle hunting, and is the most popular. Spot and stalk is very common while rifle hunting, as is using calls or decoys. There are also muzzle-loader seasons for those who wish to use that particular weapon type.

Permits and Seasons

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

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

Other Laws and Regulations

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

Where you can Hunt

Deer are populous throughout the state, although some areas are better than others. Do some research before you decide on a location to hunt in. Illinois has very little public land for hunters to use. Just over 2% of the state is publicly owned. However, you are allowed to hunt on private property as long as you have the permission of the owner of the land.

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

Indiana Deer Hunting Season

  • May 23, 2013 /

Hunters from all over come to beautiful Indiana for the hunting season. Usually starting in the fall, the deer is the beloved treasure that draws hunters to this state.

Types of Native Deer to The Area

Most hunters come to Indian for the whitetail. Although there is an occasional mule in the mix, primarily the whitetail rules the area. Northern Indiana, near the great lakes, is well known for being a hunting paradise. Because deer like being close to any body of water, this area is perfect. There is also plentiful vegetation from nearby farms to feed. The whitetail was once almost extinct from the area, but due to over populations in nearby states, the species have migrated back to the area. It is thought that most of the deer have come from nearby Michigan and other surrounding states.

Methods to Hunt Deer in Indiana

In Indiana, you may use several different methods to claim your prize deer. For those who get in early on the hunting action, archery season is perfect. Many like archery season because of the new bows and the advanced techniques that can be used to claim their deer. A deer stand is almost always essential in Indiana, as this is whitetail country. Indiana has a muzzle loader season, but only a muzzle loader can be used during this time. For the last part of hunting season, general hunting methods can be used, like a rifle. Most people wait till the later part of the season, when they can use their beloved rifles. Those who use calls and decoys typically wait till this part of the season to get in on the action.

Hunting Licenses Requirements

A hunter is required to have a hunting license to hunt in the state of Indiana. The cost of the licenses for residents is $24.00 and for non-residents is $150.00. To hunt deer that do not have antlers, you will also need an Antlerless licenses, which is $15.00 for residents and $24.00 for non-residents. The hunting seasons are pretty much the same here as in most states. Archery season begins in September and runs through October. Rifle and muzzle loader season is during November.

Other Important Regulations

Baiting is considered illegal in Indiana. Baiting includes using a salt block, piles of apples or corn or any other means to attract the animals for the purpose of hunting.

Hunting Hot Spots

Indiana provides ample opportunity for great deer hunting. Some of the most populated areas are at the North and South end of the state. There is a vast amount of public land around Terre Haute that can be hunter to the West, as well as Lafayette to the North. There are prime spots all over the state, so you should not limit yourselves to one particular area. There are also several private properties that have great advantages. As long as a hunter has permission from the owner, they can hunt as much as they would like.

Indiana is an outstanding state for white tail deer hunting. If you’d like to see more about hunting in the state of Indiana, check out www.in.gov/dnr/fishwild. Here you can find up to date information concerning the laws and the best places to hunt. It also has information concerning anything a hunter needs to know about hunting in Indiana.

Iowa Deer Hunting Season

  • May 23, 2013 /

Iowa is a state that has a great deer hunting season in the fall and winter. Below is a description of deer hunting in Iowa.

Species of Deer to Hunt

Iowa may not have mule deer, but there are plenty of whitetails to hunt. In 1900, deer were extinct in Iowa, but they have been successfully reintroduced, and now they are thriving. Deer are most common in the southern half of the state, which is were most of the hunting takes place.

Methods to Hunt Deer in Iowa

In Iowa, several different methods are used to hunt deer. Early season there is a special archery season, where you can use one of several bow and arrow techniques to kill a deer. Typically, stand hunting is used for whitetails, but you can also try spot and stalk. Iowa also has muzzle loader seasons, in which a muzzle loading rifle is the only weapon allowed. Later in the season, the general tags open up. This allows for rifle hunting, and is the most popular. Spot and stalk is very common while rifle hunting, as is using calls or decoys. There are also shotgun seasons for those who wish to use that particular weapon type.

Permits and Seasons

Both a valid license and tag are required to hunt deer in Iowa. You must have a valid Iowa hunting license first. This may require taking a hunters education class, depending on your age. This license costs $19.00 for residents, and $112.00 for non-residents. If you are between the ages of 16 and 64, then you also have to pay a wildlife habitat fee, which is $13.00. Then you have to buy the deer tag. General tags cost $28.50 for residents, and between $228.00 and $426.00 for non-residents.

Seasons vary by hunt type and area. There are archery seasons in both October and December/January. Muzzle loader seasons are in October and December/January as well. The shotgun hunts are in December. There is a youth and disabled season towards the end of September.

Other Laws and Regulations

In Iowa, it is only legal to hunt from half an hour before sunrise until half an hour after sunset. Also, after you harvest a deer, you must submit a mandatory hunter report online or through a phone.

Where you can Hunt

The vast majority of deer hunting in Iowa must be down in the southern half of the state. Most of the northern half has no hunting allowed. Iowa has very little public land for hunters to use. In fact, they rank 49th in the nation by percentage of total land that is useable by the public. However, you are allowed to hunt on private property as long as you have the permission of the owner of the land.

Iowa may not be the greatest state for deer hunting, but it is alright for it. If you’d like to see more about the state’s deer hunting, check out the Iowa DNR home page, where you can see the latest in deer hunting season dates and laws.

Kansas Deer Hunting Season

  • May 23, 2013 /

There are two different varieties of deer to hunt in the state of Kansas. One is the white-tail deer and the other is called a mule deer. Mule deer populate a third of the state, roaming in the High Plains as well as the Red and Smoky Hill territories. As you journey eastward the white-tail deer are more likely to be spotted, although they do habitat with the Mule deer as well.

Deer Hunting Season

According to the Department of Wildlife, Kansas deer hunting season occurs on selective dates from the month of January throughout the month of September for both resident and non-residents. If, archery is your choice of weaponry, then you will be hunting deer amid the later part of September to the ending days of December. Firearm season itself, commonly ranges approximately ten days in the early weeks of December. Currently the following schedule is applicable:

Yearly Deer Hunting Schedule

• For the disabled and youths: early September to mid September
• For Muzzle-loader: mid September to the end of September
• Archery: mid September to end of December and extended archery for White-tail only: mid January to end of January
• Regular Firearm: last days of November to the first week of December and extended firearms for White-tail only: beginning of January to mid January

There are various other hunting situations that some riflemen might be interested in, so be sure to contact the wildlife department with your inquiries and concerned.

Shooting time during Kansas deer hunting season is a half hour before the sun rises, going all day, until a half hour after the sun sets.

Auxiliary Regulations

• During deer hunting, firearms, archery, as well as muzzle-loaders are usable during the applicable times throughout the season, but hunters will find that is not so with crossbows. Crossbows are not permissible unless properly authorized with an exclusive issued permit or, if the hunter is disabled.
• It is necessary for hunters in Kansas to wear one piece of “hunter orange” clothing on their upper torso and accompany it with same colored hat.
• “Hunter orange” must be detectable on your body in the amount of two hundred square inches constantly, while you are hunting.

Non Residency

As you do not reside in the state of Kansas, there are subsequent rules and regulations that need to be noted and/or followed.

• Non-residents fees are higher
• Non-residents are restricted to particular hunting months.
• Non-residents license applications need filing in advance of hunting trip. Usually between the beginning and mid month of April as it is a lottery pull for non-resident deer applications. Notification will be given before the month of June.

Deer Check-in Electronic

As with everything this day and age, technology has made another footprint in our lives.

Hunters may now electronically check their deer in by using an uploading system. The site permits you to send two images of the deer you have just caught, and then you may dress it, and go home. This is exceedingly helpful if you are not a Kansas resident and need to cross state lines. Obviously it depends on the particular cell phone you own.

Once the required information is filled out the first image uploaded should be a close up picture of your deer’s leg with completed tag attached and readable. The second image needs to be of the entire deer itself from head to tagged hind quarter. This shot is important as the rangers must be able to decipher the sex origin of the deer that you have killed.

Now simply click the gray rectangle “Check In Deer” box and your are good to go.

Kentucky Deer Hunting Season

  • May 23, 2013 /

Many hunters enjoy taking part in harvesting mature deer during Kentucky deer hunting season. Below are some guidelines and recommendations to take into account when planning your hunt.

Before the Hunt

Before you set out to take part in the sport, you must be properly licensed. All deer hunters must buy and carry a deer hunting license, unless exempt by certain circumstances. This license will allow you to harvest two deer. You may harvest either two anterless deer or one antlered and one anterless deer during the hunting season. You also have the opportunity to purchase an additional anterless permit to harvest another two anterless deer under your license. The state of Kentucky has a limit of one antlered deer per hunter, per season.

Hunting Weapons

You may use a variety of weapons at specific times during Kentucky deer hunting season. Depending on the zone and time of the year, you can harvest deer with firearms (rifle, shotgun, or muzzleloader) or primitive weapons (archery equipment, including a crossbow).

Hunting Season

Hunting seasons in Kentucky vary depending on the type of weapon you choose to use. The hunting season runs from early October through mid January. Archery season starts first, followed by crossbow and muzzleloader season. Modern gun season follows at the height of the rut, and the overall hunting season ends with additional archery season.

Species of Deer

Kentucky has an abundance of white tail deer that can be harvested during specific times of year, depending on which zone you are hunting within. White tail dear can be found statewide in wooded areas that are adjacent to open fields or fresh water sources.

Wildlife Management Areas

Kentucky deer hunting season extends to the state’s Wildlife Management Areas (WMA’s). These properties have been designated by the state for public hunting. Over 80 different WMA’s are accessible throughout the state during quota hunts, which are offered to the public to help maintain a healthy population of deer.

Kentucky Hunters for the Hungry

If you choose not to consume your harvest, Kentucky offers an opportunity for hunters to donate their properly cleaned wild game to various programs to feed the hungry. Your deer can be dropped off at an approved processor who will prepare the meat for distribution to the community.

Youth Hunts

Kentucky has many opportunities for hunters to enjoy their sport, including two separate youth hunts for children. These hunts give adults the opportunity to expose the next generation of hunters to the thrill of the sport. The first youth hunt occurs in October and allows youth to harvest game using any statewide legal method. The second youth hunt happens in late December to early January and gives both resident and non-resident youth the chance to harvest a deer. No permit is required for the second youth hunt.

Kentucky deer hunting season has much to offer both the seasoned hunter and the new sportsman. With patience and skill, hunters can bring home both trophy bucks and fresh game for their entire family to enjoy.

Louisiana Deer Hunting Season

  • May 23, 2013 /

Louisiana’s nickname is the “Sportsman’s Paradise” and for good reason. From the outstanding saltwater fishing on the coast to the large catfish of the Mississippi River, Louisiana lives up to its name for the fishing, but fishing is only one side of Louisiana’s storied outdoor tradition. The hunting, particularly the whitetail deer, is some of the finest in the world. If you are new to deer and hunting, here is a brief overview of everything you will need to know about Louisiana’s upcoming deer season.

WHITETAIL DEER HABITS

Whitetail deer are most active early in the morning and before dark. They do not normally like open spaces but will occasionally venture into open fields. Whitetail deer are grazers. This means they walk and feed indiscriminately on any green vegetation. Whitetail drink water frequently and hunting over water sources is a good idea, particularly in the early season.

DEER SEASON

Deer must be hunted and harvested only in certain times of the year in Louisiana. The state is divided into several different areas, and the opening days vary depending on the area. Most areas open early October or mid-September for primitive weapons, and the deer season ends at the end of January. A large portion of the state is either-sex, meaning you may take a doe or buck throughout the hunting season.

LEGAL METHODS

Louisiana Deer Hunting Season mandates different weapons for particular parts of the hunting season. From the beginning of the season until a designated date, archery is the only legal method of harvesting a deer. Archery means bow and arrow or crossbow only. Archery hunting is legal all season. After the archery opening season and before the regular gun, shotgun and rifle, season is primitive weapon season. Primitive weapon refers to black powder firearms. These, like archery, are legal from the opening day of primitive weapon season to the end of the regular deer season.

The day many hunters wait for is the regular gun, shotgun or rifle, season. In Louisiana, this is called the still hunt. This is the most popular method to hunt deer in Louisiana and deer hunting in general. The other popular method, coming very late in the deer season, is using dogs. Hunters release dogs in a particular area to drive deer towards another group of hunters. This is an extremely effective method of deer hunting.

PERMITS AND LICENSES

A valid hunting license with a big game license is required to hunt deer in the state of Louisiana. There are three types of licenses: resident, non-resident and non-resident military. The resident and non-resident military licenses are $29.00 for hunting and big game combined and $300.00 for non-resident hunters. Hunters born after September 1st 1969 must have proof of taking and passing a hunter’s education safety course. Military and law enforcement POST- certified officers are exempt from this rule.

OTHER LAWS

Legal shooting hours are one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset. The daily bag limit, the number of deer you may harvest per day is two: one buck and one doe. You may have in possession no more than six, three with antlers and three without antlers.

Louisiana has an outstanding and storied deer hunting history. Rich in culture, activities and of course, the outdoors, Louisiana has something for everyone to enjoy. Visit Louisiana Department of Wildlife for additional information on deer hunting in Louisiana.

Maine Deer Hunting Season

  • May 23, 2013 /

The deer hunter in Maine is not alone since nearly 200,000 hunters vie for the around 30,000 white-tailed deer which are are taken annually during deer hunting season there.

Maine’s Deer Species
Maine’s abundant deer population includes one of the largest of the 30 sub-species of white-tailed deer. It may be almost as large as 400 pounds and measure three feet at the shoulder.

Maine’s Firearm and Other Deer Seasons
In 2012 the firearms season extends from October 29 through November 24 for out-of-state and resident hunters. Maine residents enjoy a few days earlier than that extending their deer hunting season to include October 27. There is no Sunday hunting. Youth deer day is October 20. Muzzleloaders deer hunting season in Maine is from November 26 through December 1. But muzzleloaders in Wildlife Management Districts runs from December 3 through December 8 in the following areas: 12, 13,15 through 18, 20 through 26, and 29. Expanded archery season is from September 8 through December 8 in Wildlife Management Districts.

Maine’s Deer Limits
Some will be disappointed that Maine only allows one deer per year when taken by firearms including muzzleloaders except in a few designated areas. The archery season allows hunters who have already taken a deer during firearms season to take an additional deer in 2012. Those other than archers, will need a bonus antlerless deer permit or superpack antlerless deer permit to take additional deer. Only buck deer may be taken during youth or archery season in some Maine Wildlife Management Districts where no any-deer permits are issued. Please don’t be discouraged by the bag limit since there is a very long list of other hunting opportunities in Maine including one moose and one bear in 2012.

Permit Prices for Maine’s Deer Seasons
Maine deer hunting season does require a hunting license. A muzzleloader license or archery license is also needed for those respective seasons. Fees are as follows for Maine residents: hunting (16 and older) – $19; archery hunting (16 and older) – $19; archery hunting (70 and older) – free; muzzleloading (70 and older) – free; resident deer or bear transport tag (in-state) – $5; resident deer or bear transport tag (out-of-state) – $55. Non-resident fees are as follows: big game hunting (10 years and older) – $85; archery hunting (16 and older) – $55; muzzleloading (10 and older) – $33. Non-United States residents’ fees are as follows: big game hunting (10 and older) – $125; archery hunting (16 and older) – $70; muzzleloading (10 and older) – $58. The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife website at <a href=”www.maine.gov/ifw”>www.maine.gov/ifw</a> handles hunting license and permit information.

Special Deer Hunting Laws In Maine
Basically hunters are only allowed to take deer with antlers that are at least three inches long in Maine. There are exceptions made to allow any-deer hunting permits in certain designated wildlife management districts. There is no Sunday hunting in Maine. Animals may be hunted from a half-hour before sunrise until a half-hour after sunset. Contact state game officials for that information. Maine’s deer regulations do sound somewhat confusing so never hesitate to ask.

Where Is Deer Hunting Permitted In Maine?
In 1998 Maine created 30 Wildlife Management Districts in order to regulate all trapped and hunted species in the state.

Maryland Deer Hunting Season

  • May 23, 2013 /

When you think of Maryland you probably think quality seafood, not deer. However you will be pleasantly surprised to find that Maryland can be a good place for deer hunting as well. Here are the basics that you will need to know to plan a safe and legal deer hunt in Maryland.

Licenses
In Maryland a completion certificate of a hunter and firearm safety is required for junior licenses. Adults can bypass this regulation with proof they held a license prior to July 1, 1977. A regular full season resident hunting license is 24.50. A junior resident license is just 10.50. Seniors 65 and older can receive a license for just 5.00.

Out of state licenses are available for 130.00 for Adults and 65.00 for junior hunting full season licenses. A muzzleloader must be purchased along with the license to legally hunt during muzzleloader season. The muzzleloader stamp is 6.00 for instate and 25.00 for non-resident hunters.

Licenses can be purchased a number of ways. In person at an DNR licensing agent, by mail, by phone or they can be purchased online.

Limits
Bag limits vary depending on the area of Maryland you are hunting in and if you are hunting Sika or White tailed deer. For example in Region A during bow season you are allowed one antlerless white tailed deer. In Region B during bow season, you are allowed unlimited antlerless white tailed deer.

Tagging
Your deer must be tagged with a field tag with your name, the county of kill and your hunter’s license number before deer is moved. This tag must be placed on the head of the deer. On your license you must fill out a block recording the kill; Then and only then can your deer be legally moved from the site of the kill.

You must call or use the website to record the deer kill within 24 hours. You will receive a confirmation number that must be recorded on your license in the appropriate area. Hunters will be required to provide this confirmation number to any processor or taxidermist you let handle your deer.

Seasons
The legal hunting seasons depend on the type of deer, location and weapon you are hunting with. Complete information on legal seasons, other hunting regulations and licenses for the state of Maryland can be found online at http://www.eregulations.com/maryland/hunting/. You can download digital guides for up to date information and any details you need for a successful hunt in Maryland.