Archery Hunting License by State (2026)
Bowhunting endorsements, crossbow rules, archery season dates, and requirements across all 50 states.
Archery Hunting: What You Need to Know
Archery hunting (bowhunting) offers longer seasons, less hunting pressure, and access to areas where firearms may be restricted. Approximately 4.6 million Americans hunt with archery equipment, and the sport continues to grow thanks to expanded crossbow regulations and urban deer management programs.
Most states require a base hunting license plus an archery endorsement or stamp ($5–$15) to hunt during archery-only seasons. Some states bundle archery privileges into combination packages. A few states have eliminated separate archery endorsements entirely, allowing any licensed hunter to use archery equipment.
Crossbow regulations have expanded significantly in recent years. 50 states now allow crossbows during archery season, though some restrict their use to hunters with disabilities or those over a certain age. Check the table below for your state's specific rules.
Archery Hunting Requirements — All 50 States
| State | Archery Endorsement | Crossbow Legal | Archery Season | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Included in base | ✅ Yes | October 15 – February 10 | Details → |
| Alaska | Included in base | ✅ Yes | — | Details → |
| Arizona | Included in base | ✅ Yes | — | Details → |
| Arkansas | Included in base | ✅ Yes | September 26 – February 28 | Details → |
| California | Included in base | ✅ Yes | July 11 – September 13 | Details → |
| Colorado | Included in base | ✅ Yes | September 2 – September 30 | Details → |
| Connecticut | $41.00 | ✅ Yes | September 15 – December 31 | Details → |
| Delaware | Included in base | ✅ Yes | September 1 – January 31, 2027 | Details → |
| Florida | $5.00 | ✅ Yes | August 1 – October 18 | Details → |
| Georgia | Included in base | ✅ Yes | September 12 – January 10, 2027 | Details → |
| Hawaii | Included in base | ✅ Yes | — | Details → |
| Idaho | Included in base | ✅ Yes | August 30 – September 30 | Details → |
| Illinois | $411.00 | ✅ Yes | October 1 – January 17, 2027 | Details → |
| Indiana | Included in base | ✅ Yes | October 1 – January 4 | Details → |
| Iowa | Included in base | ✅ Yes | October 1 – December 4 | Details → |
| Kansas | Included in base | ✅ Yes | September 14 – December 31 | Details → |
| Kentucky | Included in base | ✅ Yes | September 5 – January 18, 2027 | Details → |
| Louisiana | Included in base | ✅ Yes | October 1 – January 31, 2027 | Details → |
| Maine | $26.00 | ✅ Yes | October 3 – October 30 | Details → |
| Maryland | Included in base | ✅ Yes | September 11 – January 30, 2027 | Details → |
| Massachusetts | Included in base | ✅ Yes | October 5 – November 28 | Details → |
| Michigan | Included in base | ✅ Yes | October 1 – January 1 | Details → |
| Minnesota | Included in base | ✅ Yes | September 19 – December 31 | Details → |
| Mississippi | Included in base | ✅ Yes | October 1 – January 31 | Details → |
| Missouri | $305.50 | ✅ Yes | September 15 – January 15 | Details → |
| Montana | $10.00 | ✅ Yes | September 5 – October 18 | Details → |
| Nebraska | $37.00 | ✅ Yes | September 15 – December 31 | Details → |
| Nevada | Included in base | ✅ Yes | — | Details → |
| New Hampshire | $32.00 | ✅ Yes | September 15 – December 15 | Details → |
| New Jersey | $31.50 | ✅ Yes | September 13 – October 31 | Details → |
| New Mexico | Included in base | ✅ Yes | September 1 – September 24 | Details → |
| New York | $15.00 | ✅ Yes | October 1 – November 14 | Details → |
| North Carolina | Included in base | ✅ Yes | September 6 – October 31 | Details → |
| North Dakota | $350.00 | ✅ Yes | August 29 – January 4 | Details → |
| Ohio | Included in base | ✅ Yes | September 27 – February 1 | Details → |
| Oklahoma | Included in base | ✅ Yes | October 1 – January 15 | Details → |
| Oregon | Included in base | ✅ Yes | August 29 – September 27 | Details → |
| Pennsylvania | $16.97 | ✅ Yes | September 19 – November 27 | Details → |
| Rhode Island | Included in base | ✅ Yes | September 12 – January 31 | Details → |
| South Carolina | Included in base | ✅ Yes | September 15 – September 30 | Details → |
| South Dakota | $40.00 | ✅ Yes | September 1 – January 1 | Details → |
| Tennessee | $33.00 | ✅ Yes | September 26 – October 30 | Details → |
| Texas | $7.00 | ✅ Yes | October 3 – November 6 | Details → |
| Utah | Included in base | ✅ Yes | August 15 – September 11 | Details → |
| Vermont | $23.00 | ✅ Yes | October 1 – November 13 | Details → |
| Virginia | $17.00 | ✅ Yes | October 3 – January 2, 2027 | Details → |
| Washington | Included in base | ✅ Yes | September 1 – September 30 | Details → |
| West Virginia | $32.00 | ✅ Yes | September 26 – December 31 | Details → |
| Wisconsin | $24.00 | ✅ Yes | September 12 – January 3, 2027 | Details → |
| Wyoming | Included in base | ✅ Yes | September 1 – September 30 | Details → |
Archery vs Firearm Season: Key Differences
🏹 Archery Season
- When: Typically August–February (longest season)
- Pressure: Low — fewer hunters in the field
- Bag limits: Often more generous
- Access: Can hunt in areas restricted to firearms
- Cost: Base license + archery endorsement ($5–$15)
- Challenge: Higher difficulty, closer range shots
🔫 Firearm Season
- When: Typically October–January (shorter season)
- Pressure: High — peak hunter participation
- Bag limits: Often more restrictive
- Access: Some areas closed to firearms near roads/buildings
- Cost: Base license only (no extra endorsement)
- Challenge: Easier for beginners, longer range
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a special license for archery hunting?
In most states, you need a base hunting license PLUS an archery endorsement or stamp to hunt during archery-only seasons. Some states include archery privileges in their base license or combination packages. During general firearm seasons, archery hunters typically only need the base hunting license. Check the table above for your state's specific requirements.
Is bowhunter education required?
Some states require a separate bowhunter education course in addition to general hunter education before you can purchase an archery license or hunt during archery-only seasons. This course covers bow safety, shot placement, blood trailing, and ethical bowhunting practices. Many states have eliminated this requirement in recent years, making archery more accessible.
Can I use a crossbow during archery season?
Crossbow regulations during archery season vary significantly by state. 50 states allow crossbow use during archery season (some with age or disability restrictions). Other states restrict crossbows to firearm seasons only. A few states classify crossbows as archery equipment with no restrictions. Check the crossbow column in the table above.
When does archery season typically open?
Archery seasons generally open before firearm seasons, typically in August, September, or early October depending on the state and species. This gives bowhunters a quieter, less pressured hunting experience. Archery seasons also often extend later than firearm seasons, sometimes running into January or February.
What are the advantages of archery hunting?
Archery hunters enjoy several advantages: (1) Earlier and longer seasons with less competition, (2) Access to areas where firearms are restricted (near buildings, in some suburban zones), (3) Quieter hunting that's less likely to spook other wildlife, (4) Often more generous bag limits during archery season, (5) A more challenging and rewarding hunting experience that builds woodcraft skills.
How much does an archery endorsement cost?
Archery endorsements or stamps typically cost $5–$15 on top of your base hunting license. Some states include archery privileges in combination packages (like Texas' Super Combo at $68) which can be more economical if you plan to hunt with multiple methods.