2025 Hunting Season Calendar: Key Dates by State

There’s nothing quite like the anticipation of hunting season—waking up before dawn, the smell of fresh earth under your boots, and the adrenaline spike when you finally spot your target. Whether you’re chasing whitetail deer in the Midwest, stalking elk in the Rockies, or calling ducks along the Mississippi Flyway, knowing the exact dates for your 2025 hunting season can make or break your trip.

This guide is your go-to breakdown of key hunting dates by state, crafted with the care of a seasoned hunter and the excitement of planning that first big outing of the year. Let's dive in and get your 2025 hunt mapped out, locked in, and ready to roll.

Why a 2025 Hunting Season Calendar Matters

Let’s be real—showing up to public land a week after deer season ends is the kind of mistake that haunts you. Each state sets its own season dates, often broken down by species, weapon (bowhunting, muzzleloader, rifle), and game management unit. Keeping up with it all? That’s a full-time job.

Having a clear 2025 hunting season calendar isn’t just about convenience—it’s your key to drawing the right tags, scouting the right locations, and timing your gear purchases, PTO, and travel plans like a pro.

Quick Snapshot: 2025 Season Highlights by Region

Here’s a bite-sized preview before we break it down state by state.

West (Montana, Colorado, Idaho):
Archery elk kicks off in early September. Rifle season tends to run late October through mid-November.

Midwest (Iowa, Wisconsin, Ohio):
Bowhunting starts in late September or early October. Firearms season typically peaks around Thanksgiving.

South (Texas, Georgia, Florida):
Longer seasons, especially for deer. You’ll find opportunities stretching from September into February in many areas.

Northeast (Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont):
Whitetail is king, with archery usually opening in October and rifle hitting hard in November.

Southeast Waterfowl (Arkansas, Louisiana):
Prime duck dates fall between November and January, depending on flyway and migration timing.

2025 Hunting Season Calendar: Key States to Watch

Here’s where the rubber meets the road. Below are major hunting states with essential dates. All dates are estimated based on previous years and should be confirmed via each state’s Fish & Game or Wildlife Department site.

Texas

Whitetail Deer (General Season): Nov 1 – Jan 5

Archery Only: Oct 5 – Nov 1

Exotics (like Axis and Blackbuck): Year-round on private land

Turkey (Spring): Apr 1 – May 14 in most zones

Fun Fact: Texas has more whitetail deer than any other state—over 4 million! And many hunters take advantage of the state's liberal bag limits and generous public land options.

Montana

Elk/Deer (Archery): Sept 7 – Oct 19

General Rifle Season: Oct 26 – Dec 1

Black Bear (Spring): April 15 – May 31

Montana’s backcountry is no joke. Elk hunters swear by pre-rut archery hunts in September. If you're glassing ridgelines above timberline, a high-quality spotting scope is worth its weight in gold.

Georgia

Deer (Archery): Sept 14 – Jan 12

Firearms Season: Oct 19 – Jan 12

Bear (North Zone): Sept 14 – Jan 12

Turkey: Mar 22 – May 15

South Georgia’s swampy terrain makes for a challenging hunt—invest in waterproof boots and scent control if you plan to stalk those wary whitetails.

Wisconsin

Archery/Crossbow: Sept 14 – Jan 5

Gun Deer Season: Nov 23 – Dec 1

Muzzleloader: Dec 2 – Dec 11

Turkey (Spring): Mid-April through May (zones staggered)

Don’t forget blaze orange during gun season—it’s not just smart, it’s mandatory.

Colorado

Deer & Elk (Archery): Aug 30 – Sept 28

Muzzleloader: Sept 14 – Sept 22

Rifle (1st Season): Oct 12 – Oct 16

Rifle (2nd Season): Oct 26 – Nov 3

Colorado's draw system can be a maze. Start your planning early and don’t sleep on preseason scouting trips—they’re half the fun anyway.

Alabama

Deer (Bow): Oct 15 – Feb 10

Rifle Season: Nov 18 – Feb 10

Turkey (Spring): Mar 15 – May 1 (depending on zone)

With one of the longest whitetail seasons in the country, Alabama is a dream for hunters who like to go late into winter.