Hunting Seasons
Official state fish & wildlife agency regulations
Seasons vary by species, weapon, and zone, and change every year. Always check your state’s official regulations before hunting.
Before You Go
0/5Hunter Safety Basics
Treat every firearm as if it is loaded. Keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction and keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot.
Be sure of your target and what lies beyond it. Never shoot at movement or sound.
Keep your safety on until you are ready to fire; unload when crossing obstacles, climbing, or entering a vehicle or blind.
Wear blaze orange where required and let a trusted contact know your hunt area and return time.
Blaze Orange Rules (vary by state)
Most states require a minimum amount of hunter orange during firearm seasons, commonly 200–500 square inches on the head, chest, and back, plus a hat.
Some states require orange for all hunters afield; others only during firearm seasons, or exempt archery, turkey, and migratory-bird hunters.
A handful of states (for example, Vermont and New York) do not mandate orange for most hunters but still strongly recommend it.
Check your specific state and season — rules differ for youth, mentored, bow, muzzleloader, and firearm hunters.
Requirements change by state, season, and weapon type. Confirm exact square-inch and garment rules on your state\u2019s official site.
CWD Awareness for Deer Hunters
Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is a fatal neurological disease of deer, elk, and moose. It is spreading — new zones appear each season.
Zones and transport rules change yearly. Always check your state’s current CWD map before you hunt and before moving any carcass or parts.
Where required, submit harvested deer for testing and wait for results before eating the meat. Follow state guidance on handling and disposal.
When field dressing, avoid contact with brain, spinal cord, eyes, spleen, and lymph nodes. Wear gloves, use dedicated knives, and bone out the meat.
Check your state\u2019s current CWD zones before hunting and before moving any carcass.
After the Harvest: Field Dressing & Meat Care
Field dress as soon as the animal is confirmed down and legally tagged. Work cleanly and keep hair, dirt, and stomach contents out of the meat.
Cool the carcass fast. Prop the body cavity open, get air circulating, and protect it from flies. In warm weather, pack the cavity with ice.
Avoid cutting into the paunch, intestines, bladder, or scent glands — taint spreads quickly and spoils flavor.
Skin, quarter, and age the meat at controlled temperatures (around 34–37°F) if you can. Keep it clean, dry, and chilled until processing.
Cool, clean, and dry. When in doubt, process a licensed meat processor.
Public Land Pointers
Millions of acres of state game lands and national forests are open to legal hunting. Always check access rules, road closures, and permits before you go.
- State wildlife agencies — game lands & public hunting
Find your state’s wildlife management areas, state forests, and game lands, plus access rules and season maps.
- USDA Forest Service — National Forests & Grasslands
Most national forest land is open to legal hunting. Check local rules, closures, and travel restrictions for each unit.
- U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service — National Wildlife Refuges
Many refuges permit hunting by permit or special draw. Look up refuge-specific hunting opportunities and seasons.
- BLM — Bureau of Land Management public lands
BLM lands are generally open to hunting under state law. Confirm access, road closures, and motor-vehicle rules for the area.