Deer Seasons
Last Updated: June 25, 2026
Deer Seasons |
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Seasons |
Dates |
Additional Information |
Archery |
Statewide Sept. 1–Jan. 31 |
Hunters may use archery equipment when it is lawful to hunt deer with a firearm or muzzleloader provided they wear at least 400 square inches of hunter orange material displayed on the head chest, and back. |
Crossbow |
Statewide Sept. 1–Jan. 31 |
Hunters may use crossbow equipment when it is lawful to hunt deer with a firearm or muzzleloader provided they wear at least 400 square inches of hunter orange material displayed on the head, chest, and back. |
Muzzleloader |
Statewide Oct. 9–18 Jan. 25–Jan. 31 |
Muzzleloaders must be loaded from the muzzle using any manufacturer’s approved propellant and they may be equipped with a scope. |
General Firearm |
Statewide Nov. 13–22 Jan. 16–24 |
Shotguns, muzzleloaders, handguns, authorized straight-walled pistol-caliber rifles, and archery equipment may be used during the general firearm seasons. |
Special Antlerless* |
Statewide Dec. 12–20 |
Shotguns, muzzleloaders, handguns, authorized straight-walled pistol-caliber rifles, and archery equipment may be used during the Special Antlerless only deer seasons. However, archery and crossbow hunters may take antlered deer during both of these seasons. |
Handgun and Straight-walled Pistol-caliber Rifle |
Season closed in Wildlife Management Zones 1A and 1B Jan. 2–10 |
Authorized straight-walled pistol-caliber rifles may be used during the handgun season. See Deer Hunting for more season details. |
Youth and Non-ambulatory Hunt |
Statewide Sept. 26 and 27 and Nov. 7–8 |
Hunters may use archery equipment, muzzleloaders, shotguns, handgun, or authorized straight-walled pistol-caliber rifles. |
* Straight-walled pistol-caliber rifles and handguns may be used during the Special Antlerless only deer seasons. However, archery and crossbow hunters may take antlered deer during the Special Antlerless only deer seasons. ** It is legal to hunt deer with a handgun and authorized straight-walled pistol-caliber rifle during any General Firearm deer season, including the Special Antlerless Seasons. Only 2 antlered deer may be taken during any license year (July 1 – June 30) by all methods and seasons combined. There is no limit on antlerless deer provided a hunter has an antlerless deer tag in their possession before harvesting additional antlerless deer. Shotguns, straight-walled pistol-caliber rifles, muzzleloaders, and crossbows may be equipped with a scope. |
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