Deer Season In Hawaii: Everything You Need To Know To Be Prepared

Hunting deer in Hawaii is unique and different from other states. The two species of deer on some of the Hawaiian Islands are not native to the region. The rules involving hunting each type of deer are also different.

When is Deer Season Open in Hawaii?

Axis Deer

The axis deer was brought to the island of Molokai in 1867 as a gift to Kamehameha V from Hong Kong. They are now found on the islands of Lanai and Maui as well. The axis deer is considered to be somewhat of an invasive species. Since it has no nonhuman predators on the islands, populations have flourished over the years.

Since Hawaii has a steady climate, the deer reproduce year-round. Axis deer will eat almost any plant, destroying crops and endangered plants.

Axis deer season in the Hawaiian Islands differs depending on which Island you would like to hunt. On Lanai, axis deer season begins in mid-February and runs through mid-May.

The seasons are separated into specific periods for Archery only, Youth, Muzzleloaders, and Rifles/Shotguns. Hunters are also assigned certain days to hunt by public lottery except for Archery season. There is also a bag limit of one deer per season, regardless of how you take the deer.

Axis deer season on Molokai and Maui is very different from Lanai and is not restricted. Axis deer on public land can be taken at any time, and there is no restriction on the number or sex of the deer you can harvest.

Black-Tailed Deer

The Columbian black-tailed deer were introduced from Oregon to the island of Kauai in 1960.

The population is nowhere near as large as the axis deer, and because of this, hunting the black-tailed deer in Hawaii is certainly a challenge. The other islands have virtually no deer and it is illegal to introduce live deer to other islands.

Black-tailed deer season on Kauai varies depending on the area (unit). Some units are open all year, while others are open only certain months of the year and some only certain days of the week.

Some areas may restrict the weapons you can hunt with and prohibit firearms, for example. There could also be a special permit needed for some areas. Since the seasons and requirements vary so much, it is best to plan well in advance if you plan to hunt black-tail deer on Kauai.

Before hunting on islands, check with the Hawaii Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) for a license, stamps, permits, and other requirements and regulations. They will have the latest information on seasons, units, and local conditions. Specific opportunities may require special permits or tags that may only be available by lottery.

Hunting License Requirements

Anyone who would like to hunt in Hawaii on public or private land must possess a hunting license. If you are not a Hawaii resident, you must purchase a non-resident license, and a license from another state is not valid. Licenses can be purchased online on the Hawaii DOFAW website at https://hunting.ehawaii.gov/hunting/license.html.

To purchase a hunting license, you must have either a Hawaii hunter education card that certifies you have passed the introductory Hawaii hunter education course or a Non-resident Letter of Exemption. Non-residents that have completed a hunter education course in another state may request the exemption free of charge.

Also, residents with a Hawaii hunting license issued before July 1, 1990, are not required to take the course and can request a Letter of Exemption. The Hawaii hunter education class is offered in person on each island or can be taken online.  See https://gohunthawaii.ehawaii.gov/public/welcome.html for details.

In addition to the hunting license, a current year Hawaii Wildlife Conservation Stamp is also required. The hunter must endorse the stamp and attach it to their hunting license. If you are hunting axis deer on Lanai, a tag must also be purchased for each deer you harvest.

If you are hunting black-tail on Kauai, a permit is typically required depending on the unit and season. Special permits such as a vehicle or a cross-bow permit are available to accommodate those with disabilities.

Deer Season Types

Depending on the island, the types of seasons can vary. On Lanai, the Axis deer seasons are divided into four types: Archery, Youth Hunt, Muzzleloaders, and General Firearms. Archery season is open on eight consecutive days, including the last two Saturdays in February. The first weekend of March is open only to Youth hunters. Youth hunters are 15 years or younger and must be accompanied by a non-hunting adult with a valid Hawaii hunting license.

The second weekend in March is open only for Muzzleloaders.  Finally, on the third Saturday in March, the General Firearm season is open for nine consecutive weekends. Notice that except for the opening week of the archery season, the remaining seasons are open only on the weekends. In contrast to Lanai, there are no specific deer seasons on Molokai and Maui.

Deer seasons on Kauai for Black-tailed deer depend on the unit. Each unit has specific open dates, which can be restricted to Archery only, Muzzleloaders only, or a combination of these and general firearms. Each unit is unique, and the season type varies drastically between them. Be sure you know the area you are hunting in and what season type is open. Do not accidentally cross over into an adjacent unit, as the season is likely different.

Season Type Regulations

Hunters must only possess and use an approved hunting device during the appropriate season. In some units, firearms are never allowed, so be sure you understand the regulations of the unit you are hunting in.

Archery Season

During Archery only seasons, hunters may use archery equipment that uses an arrow as a projectile, such as compound bows, longbows, and recurve bows. Crossbows are not allowed unless you have a disability and have a crossbow permit.

Compound bows must have more than 30 pounds of drawing tension. Recurve bows must have at least 35 pounds of drawing tension. Longbows must have at least 40 pounds of drawing tension at a 28-inch draw. All arrows must have a minimum blade diameter of ¾ of an inch. Firearms are not allowed during this season.

Muzzleloader Season

Muzzleloaders include firearms in which the firing components (powder and projectile) are loaded from the muzzle end of the gun. Also, the firearm must be designed not to allow any components to be loaded through the breech end of the barrel. Muzzleloading rifles must be at least .44 caliber or larger.

Muzzleloader handguns are not allowed except during specific hunts with dogs (this is a particular case, check the regulations). Modern firearms that use cartridges may not be used during this season.

Firearm Season

Cartridge firing Rifles, Handguns, and Shotguns are allowed during this season. Rifles must have a muzzle discharge energy rating of at least twelve hundred foot pounds, and full metal jacket ammunition is not allowed. Handguns must use centerfire cartridges and have a minimum barrel length of 4 ½ inches for single-shot pistols and revolvers and 5 inches for semi-automatic pistols. 

Handgun ammunition must be .357 caliber or larger with a minimum case length of 1 ¼ inch (10mm auto mag and 45-win mag cartridges are allowed). If your pistol uses rifle ammunition, it must be at least .223 caliber.

All handgun ammunition less than .43 caliber must use expanding bullets. Larger calibers can have flat-nosed or round-nosed exposed lead-type bullets. Shotguns must use ammunition at least 00 buckshot or larger or slugs.

Overall Regulations and Safety

There are many specific regulations you must follow while hunting in Hawaii. Listed here are a few of the critical regulations to keep in mind. This is not a complete list; always review the latest regulations from the Hawaii DOFAW before taking to the field. 

• Hunting hours generally are 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset.
• It is prohibited to carry a loaded firearm or place an arrow in a bow on horseback, in a vehicle, or on a boat, except for disabled hunters with a vehicle permit. Since it is not allowed to have a loaded weapon, hunting from vehicles is not allowed.
• Everyone entering a hunting area where firearms are permitted must wear a solid blaze orange outer garment. Camouflage orange patterns are not allowed, and the orange must be visible on the upper torso from the front and the back. When carrying a game or a backpack, ensure that the blaze orange is visible from the back.
• In some areas of Kauai, firearms are not allowed at any time. Make sure you understand these areas.
• Kauai and Maui have some specific “safe zones” areas where you are not allowed to hunt. These are typically near roads, beaches, buildings, scenic overlooks, or camping areas.
• The use of artificial light to hunt deer is not allowed. For example, you cannot point a flashlight at a deer to gain attention.
• You must unload your firearm or archery device after you have filled your bag limit.
• There are specific regulations around hunting with dogs. In some units of Kauai, during specific hunts using, dogs are allowed to hunt black-tailed deer. If you see a deer being pursued by dogs that are not yours, do not attempt to take the deer as you may be breaking the law.
• Some units have check stations where you must check in before you hunt and check out when you leave.

Anytime weapons are involved, safety should be a priority at all times. Always handle firearms with respect, and while hunting, be sure of your target before you shoot. Just as important, know what is beyond your target.

Make sure there are no other people beyond your target deer and no roadways, buildings, or other areas where people could be. Ideally, if you miss your target, your bullet will go into the ground and not through the vegetation or into the air.

Chronic Wasting Disease Concerns in Hawaii

Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is a contagious disease that affects deer, elk, and moose. The main symptoms are extreme weight loss over time, usually fatal to the deer. While CWD has been detected in much of the Continental United States, it has not been detected in Hawaii, and it is not a concern since the islands are so isolated from the rest of the country. If you have any concerns or see a deer that looks sick and extremely thin, contact the local Hawaii DOFAW office.

What to do After a Deer is Harvested?

After you harvest a deer, it should be field dressed to preserve the meat. If you are hunting in a unit that requires tags, the tag should immediately be placed around the bone of the back leg of the deer and locked into place.

In units with check stations, you must present the deer while checking out before leaving the unit. The tag must stay on the deer while transporting it to your final destination until it is processed for consumption.

Fines for not Following Regulations

Hunting violations can carry a stiff penalty, even in Hawaii. The first offense can carry a fine and up to 30 days in jail, while subsequent offenses can carry higher fines and confiscate your firearms.

Of course, court costs and lawyer fees can also be prohibitive. Be sure you review and understand the rules and regulations before you hunt in Hawaii. It is best to contact the local Hawaii DOFAW office on the island you are hunting to ensure you have the latest information. Not knowing and being careless is not an excuse and could be costly.

Up Next:

• Deer Facts
• Wildlife in Hawaii
• Deadliest Animals in Hawaii
• Deer Season In Ohio: Everything You Need To Know To Be Prepared
• Deer Season In Louisiana: Everything You Need To Know To Be Prepared

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