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.

Mississippi Deer Hunting Season

  • May 23, 2013 /

The Mississippi deer hunting season is anticipated by sports enthusiasts as much as in any other state. Of course there is the added bonus that Mississippi is a warm and still underdeveloped state. There is plenty of open woods and field in which to find good deer populations. Any longtime resident knows that the terrain is highly diverse and offers plenty of opportunities. Mississippi is heaven to specialized hunters.

A sophisticated management scheme is in place to preserve the population and also to make room for different hunting methods. The overall season ranges from the start of October to the end of January. Because Mississippi is a warm state, there is no winter and deer are harvested much later in the season than what is typically true for more northern states.

Mississippi is divided into three deer management zones. The dates are very similar but differ slightly. Zone 2 is in the southernmost part of the state, and the rules reflect the lower latitude. The archery season is limited from the middle of October to mid November. In the other two zones archery is permitted the first of October. Also unique to Zone 2 is an extended season for archery and primitive weapons. Bucks can be taken up to the middle of February.

Zone 3 has identical seasons to Zone 2, but Zone 3 has stricter rules when harvesting bucks. For the rest of Mississippi, a legal buck has antlers that are at least 10 inches inside spread and 13 inches main beam height. Zone 3 requires the inside spread to be at least 12 inches wide and beam height to be 15 inches. This distinction is a conservation effort which reflects the larger ear size of western deer.

The inside spread is measured by comparing the ears to the width of the antler when the ears are in the alert position. The span of an adult buck’s ears will be about 15 inches. If the antlers are as wide then the inside measurement will be about 12 inches.

The main beam is measured by looking at the deer head from the side and comparing the length from the middle of the nose to the height of the middle prong. The most forward prong will extend to between the tip of the nose and the eye. This measurement helps to identify an adult.

The youth gun hunting season extends between November and late December in all zones, although people under 15 can participate in the extended buck season in zone 2. Note the youth season begins earlier than the general gun season to allow for camps and protected training.

Hunting with dogs is allowed between mid November to the first of December in all zones. A quiet period between the next firearm season allows for crossbows and primitive hunting. Dogs are prohibited for the next firearm season, which is takes place in mid December and typically at the same time in all zones. Dogs are then allowed again for a season in the first half of January.

Crossbows are allowed for the entire period between November and up to the last of January. More specialized forms of archery have a shorter season and primitive weapon seasons do not coincide with any firearm season. This gives specialized hunters the chance to work in relative safety and also to not have their quarry scared by gunfire.

Missouri Deer Hunting Season

  • May 23, 2013 /

There’s a certain nip in the air. The leaves are starting to turn, and the days are getting shorter. The year is starting to wind down, and for many in Missouri, this is the signal for one thing. It’s time for deer hunting season. Deer hunting is a time honored tradition in outdoorsmanship that thousands of people all across the nation participate in. This coming September and all throughout the fall and winter into January, the season and population of deer will be just right for the state of Missouri and the state will start issuing its first round of hunting permits and licenses soon. Hunters of all types may use weapons such as crossbows, classic and composite bows, muzzle loaded guns and modern firearms.

If you are new to deer hunting and would like to know more about the sport, there are a few important things to remember. First and foremost is actually obtaining your license. The time to apply for these licenses is from June 1 to August 15, wherein the names of prospective hunters are drawn from the lot. You must be at least 11 years old to apply for hunting, and may only attend one managed hunt per year. Depending on the draw, you will be notified at any time between September 14 through December 31, so don’t be disappointed if September rolls around and you have not been contacted for your license because it may still be a few months before you can be given that information. The forms and information for submitting this application can be found at the official Missouri Department of Conservation government website. For those with special needs such as the wheelchair bound, there are even special considerations made by certain parks for those that want to join these managed hunts!

Remember to always keep safety in mind. Scout out the area you will be hunting in, and make sure that you have a hunting jacket on to make sure that other hunters who might happen to be in your same area will recognize you through the foliage. Try to be downwind of the deer as they can be easily startled by any sounds or smells that is carried by the air. For the types of guns that you may use, the state of Missouri allows crossbows, longbows, compound bows, shotguns that only use slugs, rifles and handguns that fire only centerfire ammunition, and muzzle loaded firearms that use .40 caliber or smaller ammunition.

Always be respectful of the animals you hunt because they are still wild and may startle even the most seasoned hunter. Make sure that you only kill the amount of deer that is allowed in your permit as these limits are set by the Department of Conservation to keep the deer population healthy. White-tailed deer the iconic animal for hunting and will provide a good challenge as well as an opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors. As always, make sure that you always obey the law and practice proper safety, and to enjoy your experience!

Montana Deer Hunting Season

  • May 23, 2013 /

Montana is one of the most popular states in the United States of America for hunters. It provides countless acres of wilderness, which is habitat to moose, deer, elk and other animals. But what attracts many hunters from all across the country is the excellent deer hunting season.

The season in Montana begins in the fall. This is the reason why many hunters today are already setting their sights and landing their feet in Montana. If you are one of them, you need to know the laws and regulations of Montana deer hunting season. In that regard, the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Commission will be able to help you because it regulates all fishing and hunting of Montana’s wildlife.

The Permit

The permit for deer hunting starts at a price of $75 for local residents who have lived in the state for a minimum of 180 days. The simplest and easiest way to apply for a permit is through the application section of the official website of Montana Fish, Wildlife and Park, which will provide you guidance through the entire process.

Illegal Methods

There are various ways on hunting deer in Montana that are prohibited by law. You are not allowed to hunt for deer while in a moving vehicle nor to use dogs that will aid the hunt. It is also illegal to bait any deer while you are hunting, to utilize night-vision equipment and to hunt on a roadway. You are also prohibited to utilize game calls or motion-tracking devices.

Firearms

When hunting a deer in Montana, your firearm should also not be equipped with a silencer. This is actually the firearms’ main restriction. There is also no rifle caliber or handgun limit and shotguns and muzzle-loaders are legal. You should take note of the laws and regulations concerning firearms in order for you to avoid any trouble while on your hunt.

Deer Attributes

A deer must also possess some attributes or characteristics to be deemed a trophy animal by Montana law. It must have a minimum of 4 points on one antler. It should also have a main beam length of 21 inches on each side and an inside spread across the beam of 20 inches.

Land Restrictions

There are specific areas that are closed to hunting in the state of Montana. These include the following: state game preserves, refuge lands and national parks. If you would like to hunt deer on private land, you are required to have permission from the owner of the land. Bear in mind that it is highly illegal to hunt deer on private lands without permission of the owner. If you transgressed the law, the case that will be filed against you is trespassing.

These are just some of the Montana deer hunting laws and regulations that you must be aware of. By keeping them on mind, you will be able to avoid any trouble in the future and you will have the best deer hunting experience ever. If you want to find out more about the laws in Montana and find the deer hunting season dates, check out the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks website.

Nebraska Deer Hunting Season

  • May 23, 2013 /

If you are a Nebraska resident who considers themselves a hunter, you should be aware of the rules and regulations regarding the annual Nebraska deer hunting season. No matter how you plan to hunt or what exactly you are hoping to obtain from the upcoming season, you should be aware of your limitations and restrictions. This will ensure that you are staying safe and staying out of trouble.

There are several important things that you need to know about the seasons for deer hunting in the state. First, you should know when these seasons are and the differences between them. Then you should learn a little about your limitations in what you can kill. Finally, you should know about the best areas within the state that you can hope to bag a doe or big buck.

For those hunting with a bow in the state, this season begins on September 15th and goes until December 31st. However, if you are using a firearm of some kind, your season does not begin until November 10th and only goes until the 18th. This means that this is the only window to hunt with a rifle. Muzzleloaders are later in the year, offering a season that consists of the entire month of December.

You should remember that hunting in any of these capacities will require you to have individual licenses and permits. You cannot go rifle hunting if you only have a permit to kill deer with a bow or any other combination. You need to ensure that you have an encompassing permit, or the individual clearance to hunt with different weapons if you intend to do this.

There are also available permits for different kinds of deer. While whitetails are the predominately hunted deer, there are also plenty of mule deer that you could bag as well. This also hinges on the particular permit that you have purchased and its clearance to go after any kind of deer, one of each, or some combination other than those.

Within the state, there are several hot spots for those looking for particular types of deer. You do not want to wait until Nebraska deer hunting season begins to determine where you are going to want to go. Considering the thousands that will be hitting the woods to bag something, finding a populated area that offers a highly likely possibility of not coming back empty handed is certainly an ideal scenario.

The state is actually divided into several numerical sections. You can see a map on Nebraska Game and Parks Commission website to determine where the numbers coincide with information regarding the best hunting locations. Mule deer have been killed and spotted the most in the Western part of the state, and while whitetails are predominant throughout, they can most easily be found in the Southeast region of the state.

If this is hunting that interests you, resident or not, there are certain steps that need to be taken. Each section of the state only sells a particular quota of permits, so you can start planning your hunting now to know where you want to go and buy your permit for this zone. These permits are going to be available on the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission website, and at any time 24/7. So if you were not fully informed about Nebraska deer hunting season before, hopefully you have a better idea about where to go and what to get before the fall rolls around.

Nevada Deer Hunting Season

  • May 23, 2013 /

There are many different species of animals to hunt in Nevada. Those interested can hunt for big game, small game, fur-bearing animals, and unprotected species. This article will focus on the Nevada deer hunting season.

Nevada is primarily a big game hunting state, and there are many species of big game animals to hunt, like mule deer, antelope, California bighorn sheep, and desert bighorn sheep. The deer most often hunted during the Nevada deer hunting season are Mule deer.

First off, to be allowed to hunt in Nevada, it is necessary to acquire a hunting license. Remember to keep in mind the requirements of the county in which you are hunting. Residents of Nevada seeking details should visit the County Sherriff’s department. To hunt mule deer, those interested are required to buy tags before they can hunt. However, non residents may go on guided hunts. Many items like tags and licenses are taken care of by going on a guided hunt.

Deer tags range in price from thirty dollars for a Nevada resident to three hundred dollars for a non resident. The Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) are an invaluable help to those who wish to purchase tags or research further the deer hunting season. Remember that it is a violation of Nevada state law to take an animal without proper tags. An animal without a tag is counted as illegally taken and possessed, and it is unlawful to remove tags from one animal for use on another animals which is hunted.

The resident mule deer season goes on during the end of November. However, the season for shooting mule deer with bows begins in early August. The archery season is followed by the muzzle loaders season for mule deer in September. Regular season for mule deer usually opens up in early October.

For non residents of Nevada who are interested in hunting, there are about one hundred licensed guides in the state who provide guide service for hunters. Many hunters desire to hire a guide for various reasons, which range from a new hunter who is unconfident in his or her skills and to an experienced hunter who wishes to bag the big game.

When booking a guide, remember to research and make sure the guide you hire is licensed to provide service in Nevada. Non residents of Nevada may participate in non residential restricted deer season. Hunters with guides are often allotted a number of tags specifically for their hunts. It is always wise to check with the NDOW to confirm the specific dates of hunting season.

Any firearm can be used to during the Nevada deer hunting season, provided that it is not automatic (i.e. fires more than one round when the trigger is pulled). Certain types of ammunition are prohibited, like rounds with full metal jackets, full steel rounds , rounds with full steel cores, tracers, incendiary bullets, or shells. Muzzle Loading guns are allowed in all areas of Nevada.

In certain places of the state it is required by law that hunters use only shotguns or longbows. Only in these areas of the state are shotguns permitted when hunting mule deer or mountain lions.

In terms of archery hunting, re-curve and compound bows are legal. However, to hunt with these bows they must be able to throw an arrow one hundred and fifty yards over generally level ground. Cross bows are legal weapons for hunting Mule deer.

In conclusion, Nevada is a wonderful place for those who wish to hunt Mule deer. Check out for more details and information about the next hunting season.

New Hampshire Deer Hunting Season

  • May 23, 2013 /

New Hampshire has over 200,000 acres of state land, 750,000 acres of White Mountain National Forest and many thousands of acres of private land that is opened for deer hunting each year. There is not a shortage of areas and locations to find that perfect deer you have been waiting to harvest. By New Hampshire law all state, county, federal, municipal and private land is open for hunting unless there is a posted sign warning you against hunting in that particular area. If you are choosing to hunt on private land be sure and contact the land owner before entering the property. Tax offices can be very helpful in assisting you in finding a land owner for property in which you would like to hunt deer. With an estimated 80,000 deer to be hunted and a variety of methods for hunting these deer your hunting experience should be one to enjoy and remember.

A hunting license is required and is valid from January 1st to December 31st of the same year. When applying for a license you must show proof of having taken a approved hunter safety course and a valid Certificate of Completion. You may purchase a license online with proper identification and date of birth.

One of the largest areas in New Hampshire to hunt deer is the White Mountain National Forest. This is a popular place to hunt deer and it is also the largest area of public land in the state. The main rule for hunting in White Mountain National Forest is that you may not shoot any type of firearm within 150 yards of any campsite location. Each hunter should use caution and good judgement and be aware of their surroundings and others in the area.
Archery season for deer hunting begins September 15th and ends December 15th in WMUA. A special permit is required for bow hunting. Muzzleloader hunting is from November 3rd to November 13th and this is statewide. Opening day for regular firearms hunting is November 14th. The weekend of October 27th-28th there is a special youth weekend for hunting deer. Proper registration and certification are required for this weekend.

New Hampshire has incorporated what is known as buck age structure management into their hunting program. With up to 4,000 hunters possibly coming to hunt in the state guidelines for harvesting deer is cruicial. Allowing the young bucks to go several years to attain growth is the purpose of this management program. For a detailed description of the program look for the proposed guidelines online.

Cost for the various deer hunting licenses and permits for New Hampshire residents are (1) Regular License-$22.00, (2) Archery License- $22.00, (3) Special Archery Deer Permit- $16.00, (4) Special Unit M Deer Permit- $13-$26, (5) Deer Crossbow Permit- $5.00 and Muzzleloader License- $16.00.

For non-residents the costs are as follows. (1) Regular hunting license- $103, (2) Muzzleloader License- $43.00, (3) Archery License- $73.00, (4) Special Archery Deer Permit- $16.00, (5) Special Unit M Deer Permit- $13.00-$26.00 and (6) Deer Crossbow Permit- $5.00.

The state of New Hampshire has an abundance of beautiful land, spacious areas to hunt for deer, affordable lodging and warm, friendly people. Thinking about trying a new and exciting place to hunt? New Hampshire is waiting for you!

New Jersey Deer Hunting Season

  • May 23, 2013 /

New Jersey one of the many states where the natives love to deer hunt. The fall season entices thousands of deer hunters to flock to the woods in search of their prize buck. Here is everything you will need to know about deer hunting in New Jersey.

Acceptable Hunting Methods in New Jersey

In New Jersey, hunters may utilize several different methods in hunt of their prize deer. If you are interested in hunting during the early season, you can hunt using archery. Some hunters in the Garden
State prefer to use a bow and arrow or a crossbow. The reason for using these puts them in touch with old fashioned hunting methods and a warrior style, as well as the new crossbows have a large following. There are numerous advantages to hunting in the early season using archery. New Jersey has muzzleloader season and also an open season when riffles may be used. While there are many methods for hunting, deer hunting with riffles seems to be the most popular way to catch the famous white tail deer. Using a deer stand is advisable when capturing the native white tails and will assist in New Jersey deer hunting.

Deer Season and Permits Needed

To hunt legally in the state of New Jersey, you will need to have a valid license. To obtain a license you must have taken a hunting training course and be at least 10 years old. Youth under the age of 16 can obtain their license and hunt for free. Those who have lived in the Garden state for at least six month can obtain a resident license, but all others must use a non-resident license. It is $27.50 for a resident looking to be able to use all hunting methods. Those coming into New Jersey will have to pay $135.50 to hunt in the over 750,000 acres of lush green forests.

The entire state abides by the same seasonal regulations. Early season is from Oct. 27–Nov. 24, 2012. During this period bows are the only acceptable hunting method. Muzzleloader season comes in on Nov. 26, and runs through the 27. Other permitted dates for muzzleloaders are Dec. 10, 11, 15 -24, 26 -31. Shotgun season is Dec. 3–8 followed by another bow season from January 1-31st.

Important Laws

Deer hunting in New Jersey is permitted ½ hours before sunrise and ½ hour after sunset. Even with a license, it is unlawful to shoot a deer on a Sunday with a firearm, but bows are acceptable. New Jersey participates in the online deer harvesting reporting. After a deer is harvested, a hunter has to be turned in within three days to the New Jersey Wildlife. During muzzleloader and archery times, the limit for deer is one with antlers and one antlerless. During gun season, there is a limit of 2 antlered deer.

Hunting Locations

There are a vast amount of places to hunt in New Jersey. The state has more than 750,000 acres of land that is available to all hunters. Private property may also be hunted, as long as the owner is okay with deer being harvested on their property. New Jersey has great statistics for being a superior place to go in search of the perfect deer. The best resource for finding information about New Jersey’s hunting permits and great locations is to visit their website at: http://www.state.nj.us/dep/fgw/deer.htm.

New Mexico Deer Hunting Season

  • May 23, 2013 /

New Mexico is a popular state when it comes to big game hunting. This is especially true for deer hunting. Below you will find some rules, regulations, and general guidelines to the New Mexico deer hunting season.

Types of Deer

The most common types of deer one will find in New Mexico are white-tailed deer and mule deer. White-tailed deer are the most abundant type and can be found just about anywhere. They really like to be near river bottoms, streams, or any other sources of water. Also, they may be found in lush green fields or gathering around coniferous trees. Mule deer are more highly sought after and harder to find. Thick forests are usually where they prefer living. A unique type of deer to New Mexico and surrounding states is the Coues white-tailed deer. The Coues is basically the same as a standard white-tailed deer but about half the size. Their habitat is a bit different as well. Open desert areas are where they can be found.

Methods of Hunting in New Mexico

Several methods of hunting can be utilized in New Mexico. These methods primarily include rifle hunting and bow hunting. However, muzzleloaders may also be used in the right season. White-tailed deer hunting is usually done by setting up a stand and waiting for the deer to come to you. Mule deer and the Coues white-tailed deer are more commonly hunted by the spot and stalk method. Rifle hunting and employing the spot and stalk method are by far the most popular ways to hunt during the New Mexico deer hunting season.

Permits and Seasons

A few steps must be taken before legally hunting deer in New Mexico. First, you must have a valid deer hunting license. There are a few options on the type of license to get. If you are planning on doing some fishing as well, you will probably want the general hunting and fish license. This will make you legal to fish as well as hunt deer and other small game. Another option is the general hunting license which makes you legal to hunt deer and other small game. If you are just looking to hunt deer, you will want to get the deer hunting license. Other varieties of small game will not be legal to hunt with this alone. Once you have gotten your license, the next step to take is deciding where to hunt. Hunters looking to hunt on public land must apply for a draw online or submit a paper application to the New Mexico Game and Fish Commission. If it is private land you are looking to hunt on, you must purchase a private land license. New Mexico residents will usually pay $40 to $50 altogether.

September has a special season for archery. Bow hunting is the only method of deer hunting that may be used from September 1st through the 22nd. After that, muzzleloaders have their own season and may be used until the end of September. Any weapon may be used throughout most of October of November. This is the most common season for rifle hunting.

Other Rules and Regulations

Anyone who participated in New Mexico’s deer hunting season must submit a report of his or her results to the New Mexico Game and Fish Commission by February 15th of the following year.

New Mexico is a great state for deer hunters. It is especially unique because of the Coues white-tailed deer that are native to the area. Anyone interested in getting involved with the New Mexico deer hunting season can find more information at http://www.wildlife.state.nm.us/.

New York Deer Hunting Season

  • May 23, 2013 /

New York is a spectacular state to visit during deer hunting season. They are well known for having some large bucks and superb conditions for hunting in the Upstate area. Below is all the information that you will need to ensure your hunting trips in easy in New York.

Species of Deer Native To New York

New York is basically all whitetail deer for hunting. The majority of the state is overpopulated with the whitetail species leaving ample chances at catching the large buck. Upstate New York is best known for a great place to hunt. The open fields, rivers, and agricultural areas are perfect resting spots for the deer.

Hunting Methods In New York

In New York, there are several diverse approaches that one may use to hunt deer. In the ‘early’ season, it is permissible for a hunter to use a muzzleloader or archery to hunt. The early season is a period of time that is before the actually season comes in that zone. There are numerous bow and arrow techniques that have been used for centuries to capture that prize deer. Because the population is white tail deer, deer stands and other various apparatuses are utilized. When the full season comes in any rifle or other mean to hunt is acceptable. Most hunters in New York utilize the use of calls and various other decoys in attempt to lure their deer.

Permits and Seasons

Like in most states, a person will need a tag to hunt deer in New York. If a person has no proof they have ever had a hunting license before, the state requires a 10 hour course for a permit. If any person wishes to use archery and has no proof of prior hunting, they will also need an additional 8 hour mandatory training session. To obtain a tag in New York one must have a valid driver’s license. There is a $10 deer permit fee required by both residents and non-residents for the deer tag. The license costs $29 and for non-residents that cost will be $140. The seasons vary, like in most areas. New York is divided into five sections and each has their own seasons for hunting. In general, archery season will come in around the end of September and run through October. The general season, where all weapons can be used, comes in the end of October to first of November.

Laws and Regulations

In New York, it is only legal to hunt from sunrise to sunset. Everyone who is
going to get a license to hunt must do so by October 1st. Also, within seven days of harvesting a deer, the hunter is required to submit a mandatory report online to the New York Department of Gaming.

Hunting Areas

New York has ample areas to hunt. One of the most popular hunting areas is in Upstate New York or the Adirondacks. This would be the Northern Zone. There are prime locations all over the state, including the Long Island area. Hunting on private property is also permitted, as long as the hunter has the permission of the land owner.

New York is one of the best states for deer hunting, the only caution is watching out for the massive population of black bears. To check out more details on hunting in New York, check out www.dec.ny.gov. This site gives all the latest information that deer hunters need.

North Carolina Deer Hunting Season

  • May 23, 2013 /

North Carolina’s beautiful natural wildlife includes a healthy deer population. Over 173,000 White Tailed Deer were killed during the 2011-2012 season. Here is what you need to know when planning a deer hunt in North Carolina.

Permits
It is important to note, residents and non-residents 16 years of age and older must successfully complete a hunter’s education course prior to obtaining a deer hunting permit. If you once held a hunting permit prior to the law in 1991, you can show proof of that to be exempt from the course requirement. Residents have options when selecting a hunting permit. The permits start at 10.00 for a permit allowing you to hunt in your county of residence and increase if you choose a combination permit or statewide hunting permit. Most nonresidents can pay 40.00 for a 6 day permit and 60.00 for a season long permit. Residents of Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia pay varying fee amounts.

Seasons
Seasons for deer hunting vary depending on your weapon of choice and where in the state you are hunting. Eastern, Western, Northwestern and Central portions of the state all have different dates for Muzzleloader, Archery and Gun seasons. For example Muzzleloader season begins on September 29th in the Eastern part of the state and on October 1st in the Western portion of the state.

Laws to Remember
Only some counties in North Carolina allow you to use dogs in the pursuit of hunting deer. In three counties, deer hunting with dogs is only allowed in part of the county. Spotlighting or the shining of lights to hunt deer during evening hours is legal in most counties; however you must be aware of the legal time limits of this practice.
A deer kill must be reported within 24 hours and before the animal has been skinned, dressed or dismembered in anyway. You can report the kill online at ncwildlife.org, by their toll free phone number or in person by visiting a wildlife cooperator agent. You will be given an authorization number to record. This number must be attached to the deer before having your deer processed, or before you donate it.
It is also important to remember that disposing of animal remains, including deer remains, along a roadway, in a waterway, or on a property where you do not have prior permission is illegal.

Hunting in beautiful North Carolina can net you a fruitful harvest of quality whitetail deer. For more information and to find out about local hunting laws that pertain to the area you will be hunting. Visit the State of North Carolina’s Wildlife Resources Commission at http://www.ncwildlife.org for up to date information and to buy permits online.