Hawaii’s upcoming season is sure to excite locals and visitors alike. Unique hunting of various species like wild boar, deer, and game birds await outdoor lovers. It’s crucial to follow each island’s specific regulations for each species. The topmost concern for the Department of Land and Natural Resources is safety and conservation. They aim for sustainable practices that let people enjoy Hawaii’s abundant resources.
Knowing the hunting periods for each species is important. Deer’s archery period generally falls between September and October. But, the wild boar season might go on till winter. Every island, including Hawaii, Kauai, and Lanai, has its unique set of rules and application timelines. Being updated is key. Permits are usually necessary, and their cost could vary for locals and visitors. Be familiar with these aspects for a better experience and to adhere to state rules.
Ready for your Hawaiian adventure? Remember, the different habitats in these islands shelter a wide variety of wildlife. By pursuing seasonally, you can connect with nature and contribute to conservation. Your responsible and sustainable practices can help maintain Hawaii’s charm for the coming generations. Get set for an exciting chase, and respect the land and its wild inhabitants!
Lanai Axis Deer Application Dates
Hunt Type | Application Period |
---|---|
Archery | September 16, 2024 – October 25, 2024 |
Youth | September 16, 2024 – October 25, 2024 |
Muzzleloader | September 16, 2024 – October 25, 2024 |
General Rifle | September 16, 2024 – October 25, 2024 |
Key Dates for Hawaii’s 2024-2025 Hunting Season
2025 Lānaʻi Axis Deer
Archery Hunt:
- First Period: February 5, 2025 – February 9, 2025
- Second Period: February 12, 2025 – February 16, 2025
- Third Period: February 19, 2025 – February 23, 2025
- Fourth Period: February 26, 2025 – March 2, 2025
Youth Hunt:
- March 7, 2025 – March 9, 2025 (Friday to Sunday)
Muzzleloader Hunt:
- March 14, 2025 – March 16, 2025 (Friday to Sunday)
General Rifle Hunt:
- March 21, 2025 – June 1, 2025 (Fridays to Sundays, over 11 weekends)
Turkey (Hawaii Island)
- March 1, 2025 – April 15, 2025
Feral Sheep (Hawaii Island)
- Puu Anahulu Archery Ram:
- March 5, 2025 – June 26, 2025
- Puuwaawaa Makai Archery Special Control Permit:
- July 23, 2025 – July 31, 2025
- Puuwaawaa:
- August 6, 2025 – August 28, 2025
- Puuwaawaa Muzzleloader:
- September 3, 2025 – September 18, 2025
- Puuwaawaa Muzzleloader Special Control Feral Sheep Permit:
- September 24, 2025 – September 25, 2025
- Youth/Disabled Hunt Archery:
- August 6, 2025 – August 28, 2025
Goat
Hawaii Island
- Puu Anahulu Archery:
- June 5, 2025 – June 26, 2025
- Puuwaawaa Archery Special Control Goat Permit:
- July 23, 2025 – July 31, 2025
- Puuwaawaa:
- August 6, 2025 – August 28, 2025
- Puuwaawaa Muzzleloader:
- September 3, 2025 – September 18, 2025
- Puuwaawaa Muzzleloader Special Control Goat Permit:
- September 24, 2025 – September 25, 2025
Kauai Island
- Annual Goat Archery Permit (Units G, F, & K):
- July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025
- Goat/Deer/Pig Permit (Units E & H):
- July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025
Deer (Kauai Island)
- Deer Archery Permit (Units F, J, K, & L):
- July 1, 2024 – December 29, 2024
- Muzzleloader Black-Tailed Deer Tag:
- September 6, 2025 – September 7, 2025
Feral Pig (Kauai Island)
- Feral Pig Hunts – Season Permit (Unit A):
- February 1, 2025 – May 26, 2025
Youth/Senior/Disabled Hunts (Kauai Island)
- Youth/Senior/Disabled Muzzleloader (Unit A):
- June 14, 2025 – June 15, 2025
Mouflon Sheep (Lanai Island)
- Season determined by lottery results.
Game Birds
Island | Game Birds | Units / Areas | Season Dates | Hunting Days |
---|---|---|---|---|
Kauaʻi | Pheasants (incl. female at Kekaha), Francolins, Doves, Chukar | Units A, B, E, H, I, Kekaha GMA, Private Lands | Nov 2, 2024 – Jan 26, 2025 | Sat, Sun, Mon, State Holidays |
Kauaʻi | Pheasants (Archery only) | Unit J | Nov 2, 2024 – Jan 26, 2025 | Sat, Sun, Mon, State Holidays |
Kauaʻi | All game birds | Unit L | Nov 2, 2024 – Jan 26, 2025 | Sat, Sun |
Oʻahu | Pheasants, Francolins, Doves, Peafowl | Kuaokala GMA, Kuaokala Forest Reserve, Mokulēʻia PHA (Unit 1) | Nov 2, 2024 – Jan 26, 2025 | Sat, Sun, State Holidays |
Oʻahu | Pheasants, Francolins, Doves, Peafowl | Makua Keaʻau PHA (Unit 2) | Nov 2, 2024 – Jan 26, 2025 | Sat, Sun, State Holidays |
Maui | Pheasants, Francolins, Doves, Chukar | Kula Forest Reserve, Kaonoulu Ranch (Unit C) | Nov 2, 2024 – Jan 26, 2025 | Sat, Sun, State Holidays |
Maui | Pheasants, Francolins, Doves, Chukar | Kahakuloa GMA, West Maui Forest Reserve (Unit F) | Nov 2, 2024 – Jan 26, 2025 | Sat, Sun, State Holidays |
Molokaʻi | Pheasants, Francolins, Doves | Molokaʻi Forest Reserve (Units C and E) | Nov 2, 2024 – Jan 26, 2025 | Sat, Sun, State Holidays |
Lānaʻi | Pheasants, Francolins, Doves | Cooperative GMA (Units 1, 2, 3) | Nov 2, 2024 – Jan 26, 2025 | Sat, Sun, State Holidays |
Hawaiʻi | Pheasants, Francolins, Doves, Peafowl, Game Bird Crop Collection | Mauna Kea GMA, Forest Reserve (Unit A), Kaohe GMA (Unit G) | Nov 2, 2024 – Jan 26, 2025 | Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun, State Holidays |
Hawaiʻi | Pheasants, Francolins, Doves, Peafowl | Kapāpala Ranch CGMA (Unit J), Kapāpala Forest Reserve (Unit B) | Nov 2, 2024 – Jan 26, 2025 | Sat, Sun, State Holidays |
Hawaiʻi | Pheasants, Francolins, Doves, Peafowl | Puʻu Waʻawaʻa Forest Reserve, Puʻu Anahulu (Unit F) | Nov 2, 2024 – Jan 26, 2025 | Sat, Sun, State Holidays |
Hawaiʻi | Pheasants, Francolins, Doves, Peafowl | Kīpuka ʻAinahou (excluding DHHL) | Nov 2, 2024 – Jan 26, 2025 | Sat, Sun, State Holidays |
HI Hunting Fees and Permits
Island | Tag | Resident | Non-Resident | Dates |
---|---|---|---|---|
Hawaii | Turkey | $5 | $20 | Mar 1 – Apr 15, 2025 |
Ram (Archery) | $10 | $25 | Mar 5 – Jun 26, 2025 | |
Goat (Archery) | $10 | $25 | Jun 5 – Jun 26, 2025 | |
Non-Typical Ram (Special Control) | $10 | $25 | Jul 23 – Jul 31, 2025 | |
Goat (Special Control) | $10 | $25 | Jul 23 – Jul 31, 2025 | |
Feral Sheep | $10 | $25 | Aug 6 – Aug 28, 2025 | |
Goat | $10 | $25 | Aug 6 – Aug 28, 2025 | |
Muzzleloader Sheep | $10 | $25 | Sep 3 – Sep 18, 2025 | |
Muzzleloader Goat | $10 | $25 | Sep 24 – Sep 25, 2025 | |
Kauai | Deer Archery (Units F, J, K, L) | $5 | $25 | Jul 1 – Dec 29, 2024 |
Goat Archery (Units G, F, K) | $5 | $25 | Jul 1, 2024 – Jun 30, 2025 | |
Goat/Deer/Pig (Units E, H) | $10 | $25 | Jul 1, 2024 – Jun 30, 2025 | |
Muzzleloader Deer | $5 | $25 | Sep 6 – Sep 7, 2025 | |
Lanai | Mouflon Sheep | $20 | $125 | Lottery Results |
Axis Deer | $20 | $125 | Lottery Results |
HI Hunting Regulations
Deer Regulations
- Opening on September 18 is Lānaʻi axis deer application period.
- A non-refundable fee of $10 must be paid by each person applying.
- Hunters are required to buy an axis deer tag; $20 for locals, $125 for foreigners. Youth get their tags at no cost.
- The Youth game is set to happen during March 8-10.
- In the calendar for March 15-17 is the Muzzleloader.
- The General Rifle will run from March 22 to June 2, spanning eleven weekends.
- Lottery draws may take place in all the hunts, with standby chances possible, depending on application figures.
- Two axis deer: a doe and another of either sex, are the bag limit. Extra doe tags may be on offer after your first buy.
- Senior hunters (65+), or those with disabilities, are allowed one assistant, which needs proper identification during check-in and check-out.
- Youths must be under 16 years old, accompanied by an adult with a genuine hunting license. One kind of gear is all they can carry, and they must don blaze orange.
- The application cut-off is 4 PM HST on October 27.
- Public lottery will be held on December 1.
- Checking in and buying tags must be done on the Thursday or Friday preceding the scheduled hunt.
- Online check-in can be managed through the OuterSpatial app.
- Reach out to the Division of Forestry and Wildlife offices across the islands for more information.
Turkey And Game Birds Regulations
- A hunter can bag only three turkeys daily and also in a season.
- Every hunter needs a tag, unused for any turkey, while pursuing.
- A tag is $5 for locals and $20 for outsiders, directly on the bird after its death, non-transferable.
- If bought online, print your tags, protect with a plastic bag and a rubber band.
- Hawaii’s island offers online or selected stores to buy tags.
- Six large islands of Hawaii-Kauaʻi, O‘ahu, Maui, Moloka‘i, Lānaʻi, Big Island allow taking many birds.
- DOFAW can alter season due to weather or animal count, use this guide as a hint.
- A Hawaii hunting license is a must for all.
- Resident licenses are $10 and non-resident ones are $95.
- Online or from DOFAW, you can get a license.
- Pay $10 for ‘Hawaii Wildlife Conservation Stamp’ and attach it to your license.
- It’s mandatory to complete hunter educational course, with few exceptions to buy a license.
- Public grounds require to wear orange garments.
- Maximum mesh size is 1/8th inch for solid or mesh orange, camouflage orange isn’t allowed.
- Archery areas don’t require orange clothing.
- Pursuing hours for mammals are from half an hour before sunrise to half an hour post sunset.
- Chasing with artificial light isn’t allowed.
- For birds, legal methods are shotguns and bows; BB-sized shot is allowed only in ‘Spring Turkey’.
- To hunt privately, one needs landowner’s permission and a license.
- Game birds is allowed only during legal hours and seasons.
- Landowners can impose more restrictions but mammals can be taken all year on private lands with permission and a license.
- Law asks you to register firearms and ammo in 48 hours of arrival with county’s police chief.
- Minors (15 years and below) need police department permit to hunt with firearms.
- If you experience discrimination, the Affirmative Action Officer at the Department of Land and Natural Resources can help.
Top Hawaii Hunting Locations
Hawaii, offers an array of experiences. Several places specialize in different game species. Let’s delve into some prime spots in the state:
- Kauai: This place is famous for its greenery and rough landscapes. It’s a popular spot for wild pigs and goats. Challenging hunts are found in the mountains and the coastal regions are great for waterfowls.
- Oahu: Oahu is Hawaii’s most crowded but it also has good hunting spots. In the island’s inside, there are wild pigs and goats. The North Shore is sought-after for waterfowls.
- Maui: Hunting is excellent here too. Feral sheep are found in Haleakala National Park, while the forests and wetlands are rich in waterfowl and other game birds.
- Hawaii Island: The Big Island, the biggest in Hawaii, has diverse game experiences. Wild pigs and goats roam the volcanic terrains, and the coastlines are ideal for taking waterfowl.
- Molokai: Molokai provides a more secluded hunting experience as it is less-populated. Wild pigs and goats are found in its forests and mountains, and the coasts are perfect for taking waterfowls.
- Lanai: Lanai is a smaller region, offering limited hunting. Nonetheless, you can find wild pigs and goats inside the area.
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