BREAKING
//Extreme Ballot Initiative in Oregon Criminalize Hunting, Fishing, and Trapping//NSSF Plans to Sue Connecticut Over Glock Ban//‘Very powerful’: The remaking of the GOP after Sen. Cornyn’s defeat//In Minnesota, 2A Advocates Notch Legal Win As Anti-Gun Activists Engage in Political Theater//VA: Some Attorneys are Refusing to Enforce Gun Bans — Others are Helping to Defend Them//Extreme Ballot Initiative in Oregon Criminalize Hunting, Fishing, and Trapping//NSSF Plans to Sue Connecticut Over Glock Ban//‘Very powerful’: The remaking of the GOP after Sen. Cornyn’s defeat//In Minnesota, 2A Advocates Notch Legal Win As Anti-Gun Activists Engage in Political Theater//VA: Some Attorneys are Refusing to Enforce Gun Bans — Others are Helping to Defend Them
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HUNT
HUNTING2025–2026 SEASONSALL 50 STATES

HUNTING SEASONS,
SPECIES & STRATEGY

Season dates for deer, elk, turkey, bear, and waterfowl across all 50 states. Cartridge selection, draw deadlines, field skills, and the gear that actually matters.

📅 Season Dates🎯 Game Guides🔫 Cartridge Guide🎲 Draw Deadlines🎒 Gear Essentials
DRAW DEADLINES — WESTERN BIG GAME

Western states use draw systems for elk, mule deer, pronghorn, and bear tags. Missing the application window means waiting another year. Mark these on your calendar now. Deadlines shift slightly year-to-year — verify with the state agency link.

Colorado
Species: Deer/Elk
Deadline: Early April
Official portal →
Wyoming
Species: Deer/Elk/Antelope
Deadline: Jan–Feb
Official portal →
Montana
Species: Elk
Deadline: March
Official portal →
Idaho
Species: Deer/Elk/Bear
Deadline: May 1–Jun 5
Official portal →
Arizona
Species: Deer/Elk/Bear
Deadline: June
Official portal →
New Mexico
Species: Deer/Elk
Deadline: Jan–Feb
Official portal →
Utah
Species: Deer/Elk/Bear
Deadline: February
Official portal →
Nevada
Species: Deer/Bear
Deadline: May
Official portal →
Oregon
Species: Deer/Elk
Deadline: Mar–Apr
Official portal →
Iowa
Species: Deer
Deadline: July
Official portal →
Kansas
Species: Deer (firearms)
Deadline: May
Official portal →
PREFERENCE POINT STRATEGY
If you can't draw a tag this year, apply anyway and bank preference points. Colorado, Wyoming, Arizona, and Utah all use point systems — each unsuccessful application builds toward a future draw. For elk in top units, hunters accumulate 10–20 points before drawing. Start now.