Hawaii Deer Season 2025-2026: Lānaʻi Axis Deer Hunting Schedule-Latest Guide!

Dreaming of pursuing exotic game in paradise? Hawaii offers some of the most unique hunting opportunities in the United States, with axis deer on Lanai and black-tailed deer on Kauai creating unforgettable tropical adventures. This guide covers everything you need to know about the Aloha State’s special deer seasons for 2025-2026, including key dates, regulations, and tips for making your Pacific hunting dreams a reality.

🗓️ At a Glance: Hawaii Deer Seasons

Here’s a quick overview of the tropical deer hunting opportunities across Hawaii’s islands:

📅 Detailed Breakdown: All Deer Seasons

🏹 Archery Seasons

Axis Deer (Lanai Island)

• Dates: February 5-March 2, 2025
• Details: This 5-day archery adventure occurs in the Lanai Cooperative Game Management Area. Applications must be submitted between September 19-October 27, 2024 .

Black-tailed Deer (Kauai Island)

• Dates: July 1-December 31, 2025
• Details: This extended archery opportunity runs for six months in Units F, J, K, and L. Tags can be purchased from June 15 through December 31, 2025 .

👨‍👧 Youth Seasons

Axis Deer (Lanai Island)

• Dates: March 7-9, 2025
• Details: A special weekend dedicated to young outdoors enthusiasts aged 15 and under. Participants must be accompanied by an adult with a valid hunting license .

💨 Muzzleloader Seasons

Axis Deer (Lanai Island)

• Dates: March 14-16, 2025
• Details: This primitive weapons weekend offers a traditional hunting experience in the LCGMA .

Black-tailed Deer (Kauai Island)

• Dates: September 6-7, 2025
• Details: A special muzzleloader-only weekend for black-tailed deer. Tags must be purchased between August 1 and September 6, 2025 .

🔫 General Rifle Seasons

Axis Deer (Lanai Island)

• Dates: March 21-June 1, 2025 (11 weekends)
• Details: The main rifle season spans 11 weekends from March through May. The lottery drawing occurs on December 6, 2024 .

🦌 Other Game Species in Hawaii

While Hawaii doesn’t have traditional native deer species, it offers unique opportunities for exotic and introduced game:

Mouflon Sheep 🐏

• Location: Primarily on Lanai Island
• Season: Lottery-based with applications typically accepted June 15-October 12
• Cost: $40 for residents, $250 for non-residents

Feral Goats

• Location: Multiple islands including Kauai
• Season: Year-round in many areas
• Details: Often available through combination tags with deer and pig

Wild Turkey 🦃

• Season: March 1-April 15, 2026 (Spring bearded turkey only)
• Cost: $5 residents, $20 non-residents

📜 Key Regulations for Deer Hunting in Hawaii

To ensure a safe and legal experience in Hawaii’s unique environment, adhere to these rules:

1. Blaze Orange Requirement: Hunters must wear an exterior garment made of solid blaze-orange material or mesh with maximum mesh size of one-eighth inch .
2. Harvest Reporting: Successful hunters must report their harvest through check stations or the OuterSpatial mobile app .
3. Tag Attachment: Immediately attach your tag to any harvested animal before moving it .
4. Check Stations: Lanai hunters must report to the check station (911 Fraser Ave.) the Thursday before their hunt or on Friday to validate permits .
5. Weapon Restrictions: During general rifle hunts, hunters may carry only one rifle, shotgun, or bow. Crossbows (without permit) and handguns are prohibited .
6. Carcass Handling: Skinning or deboning in the field is prohibited, though quartering is allowed .

💰 License and Tag Fees

Here’s a breakdown of the costs for hunting in paradise:

• Hunting License: $10 (resident), $95 (non-resident)
• Wildlife Conservation Stamp: $10 (required for all hunters)
• Game Bird Stamp: $10 (if hunting birds)
• Axis Deer Tag: $20 (resident), $125 (non-resident)
• Black-tailed Deer Tag: $5 (resident), $25 (non-resident)
• Mouflon Sheep Tag: $20 (resident), $125 (non-resident)
• Turkey Tag: $5 (resident), $20 (non-resident)

📋 License Requirements

• Hunter Education: Required for all applicants unless you have a Hawaii license issued before July 1, 1990 .
• Island-Specific Regulations: Each island has unique requirements – always check specific rules for your destination .
• Application Process: Most hunts require applying through the GoHuntHawaii.ehawaii.gov system with a $10 application fee .
• Lottery System: Popular hunts use a lottery system with preference given to Lanai residents for local hunts .

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I hunt axis deer on islands other than Lanai?
A: Currently, Lanai is the only island with established axis deer hunting seasons .

Q: What’s the bag limit for axis deer?
A: The limit is one either-sex axis deer per hunt applied for .

Q: Are there over-the-counter tags for non-residents?
A: Most hunts require application through the lottery system, though some archery tags may be available over-the-counter .

Q: Can I bring my own firearms to Hawaii?
A: Yes, but you must register them with the county police chief within 48 hours of arrival .

Q: Is hunting allowed on Sundays in Hawaii?
A: Yes, hunting is generally permitted on Sundays, though always check specific area regulations .

✅ Conclusion

Hawaii’s 2025-2026 deer seasons offer unique tropical hunting adventures unlike any other state. From the exotic axis deer on Lanai (archery: Feb 5-Mar 2; general rifle: Mar 21-Jun 1) to the black-tailed deer on Kauai (archery: Jul 1-Dec 31; muzzleloader: Sep 6-7), the islands provide diverse opportunities across multiple methods. Remember that most hunts require application through a lottery system, so plan well in advance. With proper preparation and respect for the unique island environments, Hawaii offers unforgettable hunting experiences in paradise.

🔗 Always verify details with official sources. For the most accurate and updated information, visit the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources website.

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James Ellis

James Ellis, the passionate creator of DeerSeason.Org, is dedicated to fostering a deep appreciation for wildlife. With over a decade of experience in exploring the world of deer, his writing reflects an extensive understanding of these magnificent creatures

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