Know Before You Go: A 2023 Hunting Season Guide by State

Are you ready for some hunting action? 

Whether you're a seasoned hunter or a newbie, you must know your state's dates and regulations for hunting season. 

Hunting rules can change often, so don't get caught off guard.

Let's take a look!

General hunting regulations

Regardless of where you hunt, certain regulations apply across the board. 

• Visit each state's wildlife department website to ensure you have the correct date for your desired game and weapon, as seasons differ. 
• You need state-specific tags for each animal you hunt, especially big game. 
• You need a state-specific hunting license. You can buy them online from the state's wildlife department website or from official offices and license agents. 
• You need to apply for limited-entry hunts (controlled, draw, reserved, or limited hunts) by a specific state in each state. These hunts also need a special tag. 
• You must always follow the rules for each state, area, and species when hunting.

Oregon Hunting Season

Oregon is a hunter's paradise, with diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife. You can hunt deer, elk, bear, cougar, turkey, and more.

• You must apply for controlled hunts by May 15 or February 10 for spring bear hunts.
• You can apply through the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) website or at any ODFW office or license agent.
• You need to report your hunt results by January 31. You can report online or by phone.
• All the rules and regulations are in the Oregon Big Game Regulations booklet.

Arizona Hunting Season

Arizona is a great place to hunt big game like deer, elk, antelope, bighorn sheep, buffalo, bear, and more. 

• You need to apply for draw hunts by June 8. 
• You can apply through the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) website or at any AZGFD office or license dealer.
• You must report your hunt results within 10 days of harvesting an animal or the end of the hunt period. You can report online or by phone.
• You can find all the rules and regulations in the Arizona Hunting Regulations booklet.

New Mexico Hunting Season

New Mexico has beautiful scenery and diverse wildlife. You can hunt deer, elk, antelope, oryx, ibex, javelina, and more.

• You need to apply for draw hunts by March 17. 
• You can apply through the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish (NMDGF) website or at any NMDGF office or license vendor.
• You must report your hunt results within 48 hours of harvesting an animal or by January 15. You can report online or by phone.
• You can find all the rules and regulations in the New Mexico Hunting Rules and Information booklet.

Texas Hunting Season

Texas is a hunter's dream, with vast lands and varied wildlife. You can hunt big and small game and an array of fowl. From deer and pronghorn to pheasant and alligators, you can hunt them all. 

• You need to apply for draw hunts by various deadlines throughout the year. 
• You can apply through the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) website or any TPWD office or license retailer. 
• You must report your hunt results within 24 hours of harvesting an animal for certain species. You can report online or by phone.
• All the rules and regulations are in the Texas Outdoor Annual booklet.

Oklahoma Hunting Season

Oklahoma is a hunter's haven, with diverse habitats and plentiful wildlife. The state has big and small game ready for the hunt, from elk and bear to turkey and beaver; you name it. 

• You need to apply for controlled hunts by May 15. 
• You can apply through the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (ODWC) website or at any ODWC office or license dealer.
• You must report your hunt results within 24 hours of harvesting an animal for certain species. You can report online or by phone.
• You can find all the rules and regulations in the Oklahoma Hunting and Fishing Regulations booklet.

Indiana Hunting Season

Indiana is a hunter's delight, with rich forests and fertile fields. You can hunt deer, turkey, quail, pheasant, dove, duck, goose, squirrel, rabbit, and more.

• You need to apply for reserved hunts by various deadlines throughout the year. 
• You can apply through the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) website or at any IDNR office or license vendor.
• You must report your hunt results within 48 hours of harvesting an animal for certain species. You can report online or by phone.
•  The Indiana Hunting and Trapping Guide booklet contains all the rules and regulations.

Ohio Hunting Season

Ohio is a hunter's joy, with lush forests and fertile farmlands. You can hunt deer, turkey, quail, duck, goose, rabbit, skunk, and more.

• You need to apply for controlled hunts by various deadlines throughout the year. 
• You can apply through the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) website or at any ODNR office or license agent.
• You must report your hunt results within 24 hours of harvesting an animal for certain species. You can report online or by phone.
• You can find all the rules and regulations in the Ohio Hunting and Trapping Regulations booklet.

West Virginia Hunting Season

West Virginia is a hunter's wonderland with rugged mountains and lush valleys. You can hunt deer, elk, bear, turkey, goose, and more.

• You need to apply for limited hunts by various deadlines throughout the year. 
• You can apply through the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) website or at any WVDNR office or license agent.
• You must report your hunt results within 24 hours of harvesting an animal for certain species. You can report online or by phone.
• You can find all the rules and regulations in the West Virginia Hunting and Trapping Regulations booklet.

But before you pack your bags and hit the road, get your easy-to-use, state-specific hunting tags. Visit Hunt-Tag today; we've got just the tag for you!