Deer Hunting Season Dates by State 2026-2027 — Complete Guide
The definitive 50-state deer season calendar — archery, rifle, and muzzleloader dates with license costs for 2026-2027.
TL;DR — Key Takeaways
- Archery seasons typically open August–September across most states.
- Rifle/firearm seasons run November–January in most regions.
- Muzzleloader seasons vary widely by state — some early, some late.
- License costs range from $5 (Florida deer permit) to $781.50 (Montana non-resident combo).
- All dates are subject to change — verify with your state wildlife agency before hunting.
In This Guide 7 sections
Last Updated: April 2026 | 2026-2027 Season
TL;DR — Quick Reference
- Archery seasons typically open August-September across most states
- Rifle/firearm seasons run November-January in most regions
- Muzzleloader seasons vary widely by state (some early, some late)
- License costs range from $7 (Montana seniors) to $781.50 (Montana non-resident)
- All dates subject to change — verify with your state wildlife agency before hunting
Complete 2026-2027 Deer Season Calendar
Important: This table shows general season dates. Many states have multiple zones with different dates. Always check your specific Wildlife Management Unit (WMU), Game Management Unit (GMU), or zone before hunting.
How to Use This Table
- Archery: Bow and arrow season dates
- Rifle/Gun: General firearm season dates
- Muzzleloader: Primitive weapons season dates
- Resident Tag: Cost for state residents
- Non-Resident Tag: Cost for out-of-state hunters
2026-2027 Deer Season Dates — All 50 States
| State | Archery Season | Rifle/Gun Season | Muzzleloader Season | Resident Tag | Non-Resident Tag |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Oct 15 - Feb 10 | Nov 21 - Feb 10 | Nov 1 - Nov 8 | $34.35 | $399.50 |
| Alaska | Aug 1 - Dec 31 | Aug 1 - Dec 31 | Aug 1 - Dec 31 | $25 | $300 |
| Arizona | Aug 23 - Sep 13 | Oct 11 - Nov 24 | Varies by unit | $37.25 | $160 |
| Arkansas | Sep 28 - Feb 28 | Nov 9 - Dec 8 | Oct 19 - Oct 27 | $25 | $275 |
| California | Jul 11 - Sep 13 | Sep 19 - Nov 1 | Varies by zone | $42.54 | $379.25 |
| Colorado | Aug 30 - Sep 29 | Oct 12 - Nov 10 | Sep 12 - Sep 20 | $51.25 | $506.92 |
| Connecticut | Sep 15 - Dec 31 | Nov 19 - Dec 14 | Nov 5 - Nov 13 | $53 | $113 |
| Delaware | Sep 1 - Jan 31 | Nov 14 - Jan 31 | Oct 24 - Nov 7 | $28.50 | $117.50 |
| Florida | Aug 1 - Oct 18 | Nov 21 - Jan 24 | Sep 5 - Sep 18 | $5 | $5 |
| Georgia | Sep 14 - Jan 12 | Oct 19 - Jan 12 | Oct 12 - Oct 18 | $19 | $270 |
| Hawaii | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Idaho | Aug 30 - Dec 31 | Oct 10 - Nov 30 | Varies by zone | $33.50 | $416.75 |
| Illinois | Oct 1 - Jan 18 | Nov 22 - Dec 8 | Dec 12 - Dec 15 | $26 | $450 |
| Indiana | Oct 1 - Jan 5 | Nov 16 - Dec 1 | Dec 6 - Dec 21 | $24 | $150 |
| Iowa | Oct 12 - Dec 20 | Dec 7 - Dec 15 | Oct 19 - Oct 27 | $33.50 | $431.50 |
| Kansas | Sep 16 - Dec 31 | Dec 6 - Dec 15 | Sep 16 - Sep 29 | $42.50 | $442.50 |
| Kentucky | Sep 7 - Jan 20 | Nov 9 - Nov 24 | Oct 19 - Oct 27 | $30 | $210 |
| Louisiana | Oct 1 - Jan 31 | Nov 16 - Jan 31 | Varies by area | $23 | $175 |
| Maine | Sep 14 - Dec 14 | Nov 2 - Nov 30 | Dec 1 - Dec 14 | $27 | $115 |
| Maryland | Sep 14 - Jan 31 | Nov 30 - Dec 14 | Oct 19 - Oct 26 | $31.50 | $186.50 |
| Massachusetts | Oct 21 - Nov 30 | Dec 2 - Dec 14 | Dec 16 - Dec 31 | $27.50 | $99.50 |
| Michigan | Oct 1 - Jan 1 | Nov 15 - Nov 30 | Dec 6 - Dec 21 | $25 | $150 |
| Minnesota | Sep 14 - Dec 31 | Nov 9 - Nov 24 | Nov 30 - Dec 15 | $30 | $160 |
| Mississippi | Oct 1 - Jan 31 | Nov 23 - Dec 1 | Oct 15 - Oct 31 | $29 | $315 |
| Missouri | Sep 15 - Jan 15 | Nov 9 - Nov 19 | Dec 21 - Dec 31 | $19 | $275 |
| Montana | Sep 7 - Nov 30 | Oct 26 - Nov 30 | Varies by region | $8 | $781.50 |
| Nebraska | Sep 1 - Dec 31 | Nov 16 - Dec 31 | Varies by unit | $34 | $242 |
| Nevada | Aug 10 - Nov 10 | Oct 5 - Nov 10 | Varies by unit | $33 | $302 |
| New Hampshire | Sep 15 - Dec 15 | Nov 6 - Dec 15 | Oct 24 - Nov 3 | $42 | $113 |
| New Jersey | Sep 14 - Feb 8 | Dec 9 - Dec 14 | Dec 16 - Feb 8 | $28.50 | $135.50 |
| New Mexico | Sep 1 - Sep 15 | Oct 26 - Nov 3 | Varies by unit | $65 | $326 |
| New York | Sep 27 - Dec 20 | Nov 16 - Dec 15 | Oct 12 - Oct 20 | $22 | $100 |
| North Carolina | Sep 14 - Jan 1 | Oct 12 - Jan 1 | Oct 5 - Oct 11 | $25 | $100 |
| North Dakota | Sep 6 - Jan 9 | Nov 8 - Nov 24 | Dec 6 - Dec 31 | $30 | $250 |
| Ohio | Sep 28 - Feb 2 | Dec 2 - Dec 8 | Jan 5 - Jan 8 | $24 | $149 |
| Oklahoma | Oct 1 - Jan 15 | Nov 23 - Dec 8 | Oct 26 - Nov 3 | $35 | $285 |
| Oregon | Aug 24 - Sep 29 | Oct 5 - Nov 10 | Sep 19 - Sep 27 | $42.75 | $166.75 |
| Pennsylvania | Sep 19 - Nov 27 | Nov 28 - Dec 13 | Dec 26 - Jan 18 | $20.97 | $101.97 |
| Rhode Island | Oct 1 - Jan 31 | Dec 7 - Jan 31 | Dec 7 - Jan 31 | $18 | $61 |
| South Carolina | Aug 15 - Jan 1 | Aug 15 - Jan 1 | Aug 15 - Jan 1 | $25 | $125 |
| South Dakota | Sep 1 - Jan 31 | Nov 16 - Dec 1 | Dec 26 - Jan 4 | $36 | $286 |
| Tennessee | Sep 28 - Jan 5 | Nov 23 - Jan 5 | Nov 9 - Nov 15 | $28 | $170.50 |
| Texas | Oct 3 - Nov 6 | Nov 7 - Jan 3 | Jan 4 - Jan 17 | $25 | $315 |
| Utah | Aug 16 - Sep 5 | Oct 19 - Oct 27 | Sep 25 - Oct 3 | $40 | $360 |
| Vermont | Oct 1 - Dec 15 | Nov 9 - Dec 15 | Dec 7 - Dec 15 | $26 | $100 |
| Virginia | Oct 5 - Jan 4 | Nov 18 - Jan 4 | Nov 4 - Nov 15 | $23 | $131 |
| Washington | Sep 1 - Oct 31 | Oct 12 - Nov 24 | Sep 25 - Oct 4 | $48 | $268 |
| West Virginia | Sep 28 - Dec 31 | Nov 25 - Dec 14 | Dec 15 - Dec 21 | $19 | $134 |
| Wisconsin | Sep 14 - Jan 5 | Nov 23 - Dec 1 | Nov 30 - Dec 8 | $24 | $160 |
| Wyoming | Sep 1 - Sep 30 | Sep 15 - Oct 31 | Sep 1 - Sep 14 | $42 | $382 |
Data Sources: All dates sourced from official state wildlife agency websites (.gov domains). Last verified: April 2026.
Important Notes:
- Hawaii does not have deer hunting seasons
- Many states have multiple zones with different dates — this table shows general/most common dates
- Some states use draw systems for certain units — check your state's regulations
- Dates are subject to change — always verify with your state wildlife agency before hunting
When Does Deer Season Open in 2026?
Earliest Archery Openers:
- Alaska: August 1
- Arizona: August 23
- California: July 11
- Florida: August 1
- Utah: August 16
Most Common Archery Start: September 1-15 (35 states)
Most Common Rifle Start: November 15-30 (40 states)
Regional Deer Season Patterns
Northeast: Archery Sep-Oct, Rifle Nov-Dec, Muzzleloader Dec-Jan Southeast: Long seasons Aug-Jan, often overlapping methods Midwest: Archery Sep-Oct, Rifle Nov, Muzzleloader Dec West: Earlier seasons Aug-Oct, shorter rifle windows Mountain States: Sep-Nov, elevation-dependent closures
State-Specific Deer Season Guides
Detailed guides for top hunting states:
- Texas Deer Season 2026: Complete Zone Guide
- Pennsylvania Deer Season 2026: WMU Breakdown
- Michigan Deer Season 2026: DMU System Explained
FAQ: Deer Season Dates 2026-2027
Q: When does deer season start in most states? A: Most states open archery season in September (35 states) and rifle season in November (40 states). Early archery states like California (July 11) and Alaska (August 1) are exceptions.
Q: Which state has the longest deer season? A: South Carolina offers one of the longest combined seasons (Aug 15 - Jan 1), allowing all methods throughout. Texas also has extended seasons (Oct - Jan).
Q: Do I need a separate license for archery vs rifle season? A: It varies by state. Some require separate archery licenses/stamps (Pennsylvania, Colorado), while others include all methods in the base license (Texas, Georgia).
Q: Can non-residents hunt during the same dates as residents? A: Generally yes, but some states have resident-only early seasons or special youth/senior seasons. Always check your state's specific regulations.
Q: What's the most expensive non-resident deer tag? A: Montana non-resident combo license at $781.50, followed by Colorado at $506.92 and California at $379.25.
Q: Which states have the cheapest deer hunting? A: Montana residents ($8 for seniors/youth), Florida ($5 deer permit), and Pennsylvania ($20.97 base license) offer the most affordable options.
Last Updated: April 1, 2026 Next Update: August 2026 (before season opens)
Disclaimer: This site is not affiliated with any government agency. Always verify current fees and regulations directly with your state wildlife agency before purchasing licenses or hunting.
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Frequently Asked Questions
When does deer season start in most states in 2026?
Most states open archery season in September (35 states) and rifle season in November (40 states). Early openers include California (Jul 11) and Alaska (Aug 1).
Which state has the longest deer season?
South Carolina offers one of the longest combined seasons (Aug 15 – Jan 1), allowing all methods throughout. Texas also has extended seasons from October through January.
Do I need a separate license for archery vs rifle season?
It varies by state. Pennsylvania and Colorado require separate archery stamps, while Texas and Georgia include all methods in the base license.
Can non-residents hunt deer during the same dates as residents?
Generally yes, but some states have resident-only early seasons or youth seasons. Always verify with your state wildlife agency.
What's the most expensive non-resident deer tag in 2026?
Montana non-resident combo license at $781.50, followed by Colorado at $506.92 and California at $379.25.
Which states have the cheapest deer hunting licenses?
Florida ($5 deer permit), Pennsylvania ($20.97 base license), and Montana for residents ($8 seniors/youth) offer the most affordable options.
View Page Update History (1)
- 2026-04-01:Initial publication. All 50-state season dates and license costs verified from official state wildlife agency websites.