Modern Firearms: Typical Hunting Seasons

Here are the typical hunting seasons for hunters using modern firearms for big game hunting.

• A mid-September high buck hunt season is available for modern firearm hunters in some wilderness areas of the state.
• Modern firearm deer season usually begins in mid-October and lasts until the end of the month, though it may not extend until the last day. Generally, modern firearm hunters will have 14–16 days of hunting opportunity during the early season. Refer to a current hunting season pamphlet for this year’s rules and regulations. Some Game Management Units (GMUs) also offer a late season hunt that includes three or four days of additional hunting.
• Modern firearm elk seasons usually start at the end of October or the early part of November. The seasons may last from 6–12 days, depending upon the GMU. Once again, not all units statewide are open during the modern firearm elk season. Check the pamphlet for open seasons, dates, and units.
• Modern firearm elk season usually starts at the end of October or the early part of November. The season may last from 6–12 days, depending upon the location in the state. There are no general season late hunts for elk.
• In addition to general seasons for deer and elk, modern firearm hunters may apply for special deer and elk permit seasons early in the year. There are also permit seasons for goat, sheep, and moose. These permits require special applications and a lottery drawing.
• In addition to general deer and elk seasons, there are usually special deer and elk seasons for permit holders. Also, there usually are special permit seasons for goat, sheep, and moose. These permits require special applications and a lottery drawing.
• Black bear hunting is popular with some modern firearm hunters. The black bear season usually begins in August and runs into November.