🦌 2025–2026 U.S. Hunting Season Guide: What to Expect and How to Prepare

RSS

As the 2025–2026 hunting season approaches, hunters across the country are gearing up for a fresh round of adventure, skill, and tradition. Whether you're after deer in the woods, turkey in the fields, or ducks on the water, understanding the seasonal dates and preparing properly is key to a successful and ethical hunt.

Below, you’ll find a comprehensive hunting calendar for all 50 states covering deer, turkey, and waterfowl seasons from June 2025 through March 2026. But before you dive into dates and locations, here are essential tips to make this season safe, productive, and memorable.

Cold Mornings Won’t Stop You—

See Why Hunters Swear by This Heated Headwear

🧭 Know the Dates — Plan Ahead

Hunting season dates can vary significantly not just between states, but also between zones or regions within a state. Some deer seasons begin in late summer with archery, while others don’t kick off until November. Turkey and waterfowl seasons often overlap, and understanding the structure can help maximize your opportunities.

🗂 Use the chart below as a reference, but always check your state wildlife agency’s official regulations for updates, tags, and special requirements.

🧰 Essential Hunting Preparation Tips

✅ 1. Check Licensing and Tags Early

Many states have lottery draws or limited-entry hunts that require advance applications. Make sure your license is up to date and apply for tags as early as possible.

✅ 2. Scout Your Hunting Area

Whether public land or private, early-season scouting gives you a major advantage. Look for bedding areas, food sources, game trails, and signs of recent activity.

✅ 3. Get in Shape

Hunting—especially archery and upland bird hunting—demands physical endurance. Start a light cardio and strength program to prepare for long treks and variable terrain.

✅ 4. Tune Up Your Gear

Inspect bows, rifles, optics, and blinds. Replace worn strings, calibrate scopes, and make sure everything is clean, dry, and field-ready. Don’t forget to pack extras: batteries, scent control, ammo, and emergency supplies.

✅ 5. Understand the Animal Behavior

Deer: Late October to mid-November is prime time due to the rut (breeding season). Focus on travel corridors and scrape lines.
Turkey: In spring, toms respond well to calls. Use decoys and scout roosting sites.
Waterfowl: Weather and migration patterns matter most. Cold fronts push ducks south—follow reports and time your hunts accordingly.

Stay Warm. Stay Focused.

Discover the Heated Products Built for Hunters

🦺 Safety First — Always

Wear blaze orange where required
Unload firearms while hiking
Use safety harnesses when climbing
Share your location or hunting plan with someone before heading out

🌿 Practice Ethical Hunting

Respect bag limits, avoid waste, and follow fair chase principles. Take only what you need and always respect the land and its wildlife.

Beat the Freeze.

This Heated Footwear Is a Hunter’s Best Kept Secret

📅 Ready to Hunt?

Now that you’re prepared, review the full chart below to find out when and where to hunt in your state. Whether you're a seasoned outdoorsman or a new hunter looking to join the tradition, 2025–2026 offers incredible opportunities to connect with nature, practice skillful harvesting, and enjoy time with fellow hunters.

🗓️ 2025–2026 U.S. Hunting Seasons by State

State	Deer Hunting Season Dates	Turkey Hunting Season Dates	Waterfowl Hunting Season Dates
Alabama	Archery: Oct 15, 2025 – Feb 10, 2026	Spring: Mar 20 – May 5, 2026	Ducks: Nov 22, 2025 – Jan 31, 2026
Alaska	Varies by unit; Aug 1 – Dec 31, 2025	Spring: Apr 15 – May 31, 2026	Ducks: Sept 1 – Dec 16, 2025
Arizona	Archery: Aug 23 – Sept 12, 2025; General: Oct 24 – Nov 2	Spring: Apr 24 – May 30, 2026	Ducks: Oct 18, 2025 – Jan 25, 2026
Arkansas	Archery: Sept 27, 2025 – Feb 28, 2026	Spring: Apr 20 – May 10, 2026	Ducks: Nov 22, 2025 – Jan 31, 2026
California	Archery: July 12 – Sept 27, 2025; General: Aug 9 – Nov 22	Spring: Mar 28 – May 3, 2026	Ducks: Oct 18, 2025 – Jan 28, 2026
Colorado	Archery: Sept 2 – Sept 30, 2025; Muzzleloader: Sept 14–22	Spring: Apr 13 – May 31, 2026	Ducks: Oct 5 – Jan 19, 2026
Connecticut	Archery: Sept 15 – Jan 31, 2026; Firearms: Nov 19 – Dec 9	Spring: Apr 24 – May 25, 2026	Ducks: Oct 10 – Jan 20, 2026
Delaware	Archery: Sept 1 – Jan 31, 2026; Firearms: Nov 15 – Jan 31	Spring: Apr 11 – May 11, 2026	Ducks: Oct 17 – Jan 31, 2026
Florida	Archery: Aug 1 – Nov 22, 2025; Muzzleloader: Sept 5 – Dec 6	Spring: Mar 7 – Apr 26, 2026	Ducks: Nov 22, 2025 – Jan 31, 2026
Georgia	Archery: Sept 13 – Jan 11, 2026; Firearms: Oct 18 – Jan 11	Spring: Mar 21 – May 15, 2026	Ducks: Nov 22, 2025 – Jan 31, 2026
Hawaii	Varies by island and unit	Spring: Mar 1 – Apr 15, 2026	Ducks: Nov 20, 2025 – Jan 18, 2026
Idaho	Archery: Aug 30 – Sept 30, 2025; General: Oct 10 – Nov 24	Spring: Apr 15 – May 25, 2026	Ducks: Oct 5 – Jan 19, 2026
Illinois	Archery: Oct 1 – Jan 18, 2026; Firearms: Nov 21 – Dec 7	Spring: Apr 6 – May 7, 2026	Ducks: Oct 18, 2025 – Jan 31, 2026
Indiana	Archery: Oct 1 – Jan 5, 2026; Firearms: Nov 15 – Dec 1	Spring: Apr 22 – May 10, 2026	Ducks: Oct 25, 2025 – Jan 25, 2026
Iowa	Archery: Oct 1 – Dec 5, 2025 & Dec 22 – Jan 10, 2026	Spring: Apr 13 – May 17, 2026	Ducks: Oct 4 – Dec 7, 2025
Kansas	Archery: Sept 15 – Dec 31, 2025; Firearms: Dec 3 – Dec 14	Spring: Apr 8 – May 31, 2026	Ducks: Oct 4 – Jan 25, 2026
Kentucky	Archery: Sept 6 – Jan 19, 2026; Firearms: Nov 8 – Nov 23	Spring: Apr 18 – May 10, 2026	Ducks: Nov 27, 2025 – Jan 31, 2026
Louisiana	Archery: Sept 20 – Jan 15, 2026; Firearms: Oct 18 – Jan 15	Spring: Mar 28 – May 3, 2026	Ducks: Nov 22, 2025 – Jan 31, 2026
Maine	Archery: Sept 27 – Oct 31, 2025; Firearms: Nov 3 – Nov 29	Spring: May 4 – June 6, 2026	Ducks: Oct 1 – Dec 31, 2025
Maryland	Archery: Sept 6 – Jan 31, 2026; Firearms: Nov 29 – Dec 13	Spring: Apr 18 – May 23, 2026	Ducks: Oct 11 – Jan 31, 2026
Massachusetts	Archery: Oct 6 – Nov 29, 2025; Firearms: Dec 1 – Dec 13	Spring: Apr 27 – May 23, 2026	Ducks: Oct 13 – Jan 25, 2026
Michigan	Archery: Oct 1 – Jan 1, 2026; Firearms: Nov 15 – Nov 30	Spring: Apr 20 – May 31, 2026	Ducks: Oct 4 – Jan 25, 2026
Minnesota	Archery: Sept 13 – Dec 31, 2025; Firearms: Nov 8 – Nov 23	Spring: Apr 15 – May 31, 2026	Ducks: Sept 27 – Nov 25, 2025
Mississippi	Archery: Oct 1 – Jan 31, 2026; Firearms: Nov 22 – Dec 1	Spring: Mar 15 – May 1, 2026	Ducks: Nov 22, 2025 – Jan 31, 2026
Missouri	Archery: Sept 15 – Jan 15, 2026; Firearms: Nov 15 – Nov 25	Spring: Apr 21 – May 11, 2026	Ducks: Oct 25 – Jan 25, 2026
Montana	Archery: Sept 6 – Oct 19, 2025; Firearms: Oct 25 – Nov 30	Spring: Apr 15 – May 31, 2026	Ducks: Sept 27 – Jan 25, 2026
Nebraska	Archery: Sept 1 – Dec 31, 2025; Firearms: Nov 15 – Nov 23	Spring: Apr 15 – May 31, 2026	Ducks: Oct 4 – Jan 25, 2026
Nevada	Archery: Aug 10 – Sept 9, 2025; Firearms: Oct 5 – Nov 5	Spring: Apr 1 – May 31, 2026	Ducks: Oct 11 – Jan 25, 2026
New Hampshire	Archery: Sept 15 – Dec 15, 2025; Firearms: Nov 12 – Dec 7	Spring: May 3 – May 31, 2026	Ducks: Oct 3 – Dec 16, 2025
New Jersey	Archery: Sept 13 – Feb 14, 2026; Firearms: Dec 8 – Dec 13	Spring: Apr 20 – May 23, 2026	Ducks: Oct 11 – Jan 31, 2026
New Mexico	Archery: Sept 1 – Sept 24, 2025; Firearms: Oct 10 – Nov 15	Spring: Apr 15 – May 10, 2026	Ducks: Oct 4 – Jan 25, 2026
New York	Archery: Oct 1 – Nov 14, 2025; Firearms: Nov 15 – Dec 7	Spring: May 1 – May 31, 2026	Ducks: Oct 11 – Jan 11, 2026
North Carolina	Archery: Sept 13 – Jan 1, 2026; Firearms: Nov 15 – Dec 13	Spring: Apr 11 – May 9, 2026	Ducks: Oct 25 – Jan 31, 2026
North Dakota	Archery: Sept 6 – Jan 4, 2026; Firearms: Nov 8 – Nov 24	Spring: Apr 11 – May 17, 2026	Ducks: Sept 27 – Dec 7, 2025
Ohio	Archery: Sept 27, 2025 – Feb 1

🎯 Final Thoughts

Whether you’re planning your first hunt or you’re a seasoned pro counting down the days to opening season, preparation is everything. From understanding local regulations to dialing in your gear and scouting prime locations, every step you take now sets you up for a safer, more successful experience in the field.

With our state-by-state 2025–2026 hunting calendar, you have a powerful tool to guide your plans for deer, turkey, and waterfowl season. Use it, share it, and return to it often as you fine-tune your strategy for the months ahead.

🦌🦃🦆 The season is coming fast—start preparing today so when the moment comes, you’re ready.
Check the chart, gear up, and make this your best hunting season yet.

← Previous Post