Deer Season 2026–27

01 — Opening dates, earliest first

“Opens” is the earliest date anywhere in that state, and “First segment” names what that date belongs to — an archery opener and the gun season can be two months apart. States split seasons into segments with closed weeks between them, so read the state page before you plan a date.

02 — What changes from state to state

Weapon decides the date. Archery opens first almost everywhere, muzzleloader and gun follow — sometimes by months. A state that reads “closed” for rifle can be wide open for bow.

Zones cut the state up. Florida, Texas and California run zone or unit systems where two counties a short drive apart open weeks apart, so the state-level date is a starting point rather than the answer.

Bag limits move with the zone as well as the state, and antler restrictions apply on some public land where they do not apply statewide.

03 — FAQ