Spring 2025 Hunting & Trapping Season Dates
DEER
Archery & Crossbow season closes on Jan. 31, 2025 in metro subunits and select DMUs. See page 11 of the hunting regulations for participating counties.
DEER SEASON AND BAG LIMITS
Unless otherwise specified under “Special Restrictions,” the bag limit for all seasons is one buck deer per unused buck deer harvest authorization valid statewide and one antlerless deer per unused antlerless deer harvest authorization valid for use in the specified zone, deer management unit (DMU) and land type (public access or private). Bow buck deer harvest authorizations are weapon-specific. For example, you may not use a rifle to fill your bow buck harvest authorization even during the firearm gun deer season. Junior antlerless deer harvest authorizations are valid statewide.
GAME BIRDS
SMALL GAME
TURKEY
Zones 1-5: Nov. 23, 2024-Jan. 5 2025
MIGRATORY BIRDS
Southern and Mississippi River Zones: Sept. 16-Oct. 6, Oct. 12-Dec 1, and Dec. 21-Jan. 9, 2025
Goose Hunting Zone
FURBEARERS
Opossum, Skunk, Weasel, Porcupine, Woodchuck, & Snowshoe Hare: No season limits, bag limits, size limits or possession limits, but a license is required.
Firearm
Any weapon that uses gun powder, including black powder or black powder substitutes for muzzleloaders.
Learn More Hunting Regulation for 2025
Night Hunting
Unprotected species (as well as coyote, fox and raccoon) may be hunted without shooting hour restrictions except if hunting with a bow or crossbow during certain times of the year. If hunting for these species with a bow or crossbow during the bear and archery/crossbow deer seasons, the hours listed on pages 30–31 apply.
Use of lights: A flashlight or fire- arm-mounted light may be used at the point of kill while hunting on foot for coyote, raccoon, fox or unprotected species. Lights may not be used to shine for these animals while in possession of firearm, bow or crossbow.
