Hawaii is famous for hunters because of its stunning landscape and other natural marvels. Hunters from all over the world eagerly await Hawaii’s hunting season because it presents a rare chance to pursue a variety of game species in a breathtaking natural setting. Many hunters are planning their travels and getting ready to take advantage of the outstanding hunting possibilities that Hawaii offers for the 2023 hunting season.
Hawaii Hunting Season
Hawaii’s 2023 hunting season gives many options for residents and non-residents. Deer, turkey, and migrating game bird seasons run year-round with varying bag limits. The Lānaði Axis deer season will have four bow hunts with two draws each and 11 gun hunts on Thursdays through Sundays. 2023 is the Lānaʻi Mouflon Sheep hunt. Hawaii Island will have spring wildfowl season. Hunting requires a pass, a Hawai’i Hunter Education Wallet Card, or a Non-resident Letter of Exemption. The Hawaiʻi Island Forestry & Wildlife Office handles game applications and permits online. After hunting, hunters must submit their harvest data and follow local laws.
Deer & Sheep Season
| Seasons & Species | Hunting Dates |
|---|---|
| Lanai Axis Deer Season (General Rifle) | 16-Mar to 28-May |
| Lanai Mouflon Sheep Season (Archery) | 28-Jun to 23-Jul |
| Lanai Mouflon Sheep Season (Youth) | 27-Jul to 30-Jul |
| Lanai Mouflon Sheep Season (Muzzleloader) | 3-Aug to 6-Aug |
| Lanai Mouflon Sheep Season (General Rifle) | 10-Aug to 22-Oct |
Turkey Season
| Season | Hunt Dates |
|---|---|
| Unit A - Mauna Kea Forest Reserve and GMA | March 1 - April 15, 2023 |
| Unit G – Kaʻohe GMA | March 1 - April 15, 2023 |
| Unit F – Puʻu Waʻawaʻa Forest Reserve | March 1 - April 15, 2023 |
| Unit E- Kīpuka ʻĀinahou | March 1 - 31, 2023 |
| Private Lands | March 1 - April 15, 2023 |
Hunting Regulations
- One can apply for a Letter of Exemption and buy a hunting license if they possess an out-of-state hunter instruction certificate or a Hawai’i Hunting License given before July 1, 1990. Those born after December 31, 1971, must finish a training that the IHEA-USA and the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources have authorized. Hunters born before January 1, 1972, may be excused from the training prerequisite by presenting evidence of a prior Hawaii hunting registration.
- A qualified adult who is not hunting must accompany hunters under 15 and have a juvenile hunting pass. For Hawaii citizens 65 and older, a complimentary shooting pass is also offered.
- Hunting with weapons is allowed, but anyone entering the state with a handgun must register it within 48 hours. The use of assault rifles is prohibited. Individuals over 18 may borrow rifles and shotguns for up to 15 days, given they are not otherwise banned from possessing weapons.
- The minimal draw weight requirements for longbows, recurved bows, and compound bows for bow shooting are 40 pounds at 28 inches, 35 pounds, and 30 pounds, respectively.
- A bag maximum of three Axis deer, two of which must be done, and one of either sex is allowed during the Lnai Axis deer and Mouflon sheep season. Before purchasing an either-sex Axis deer registration, hunters must buy two doe bands, and appropriate identification is needed at check-in.
- The Hawaii hunting Regulations website provides more information about shooting laws, including bag restrictions and the necessary Hawai’i Wildlife Conservation Stamp.
Hawaii Hunting License Fees
| Type of License/Permit | Resident Fee | Non-Resident Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Hunting License | $20 | $105 |
| Wildlife Conservation Stamp | $20 | $40 |
| Game Bird Stamp | $10 | $10 |
| Reduced-Fee Hunting License for Non-Resident Seniors | N/A | Reduced fee |
| Free Hunting License for Senior Residents | Free | N/A |