There are opportunities to deer hunt every year without the need to build points or enter a draw. While there’s a lot of hype surrounding the western states and the point systems required to draw tags, often with the hope of harvesting a giant mule deer or whitetail, the reality is that even after years of waiting, the quality of the hunt may not live up to your expectations for the time invested. Hunters are holding out for these trophy units that they might never catch because of point creep. If your heart is set on those trophy tags, that’s great. However, I’m here to shine a light on other hunting opportunities that are more accessible, enjoyable, and available every single year.
Personally, I aim to have as many tags in my pocket as possible so I can hunt as much as I can each season. I love the adventure, the new places hunting takes me, the people I meet, and the time I get to share with others in the field. Much of our focus tends to be on the western states due to their complex regulations and draw systems. And while there are still over-the-counter (OTC) opportunities in the West, more and more areas are moving to a draw. Fewer OTC opportunities lead to increased competition and crowded hunting grounds that make the experience feel overwhelming or frustrating. The truth is, the mountains are vast, and to escape the pressure, you often have to go deeper or settle for less desirable areas. This can discourage hunters from taking these hunts and leave them without annual trips to look forward to. We don’t want you all to sit out a season or stop hunting. Therefore, I want to introduce you to whitetail hunting opportunities in states that often go overlooked. Places where you can purchase OTC licenses and tags and hunt every year without breaking the bank. This isn’t an in-depth analysis of each state but rather a brief overview that includes license and tag costs, total deer harvest numbers, public land availability, and other noteworthy factors. I encourage you to dig into the specific regulations for any state you’re interested in so you can become familiar with the rules. Contrary to popular belief, it’s not all private land. Pull out your onX app, turn on these states, and take a look at all the access you have. Many of these states offer ample public land where you can camp, explore, and hunt. Whether you’re planning a family trip, a solo adventure, or a group hunt, you don’t need to spend hundreds or thousands of dollars just on tags and licenses. And just like the West, these states offer a surprising amount of terrain and habitat diversity.
Let’s draw a parallel to the turkey hunting world where the “Turkey Slam” has gained major traction. Hunters travel across the country, exploring new habitats and testing their skills in various terrains. Part of the appeal is that almost all states offer OTC turkey licenses, and the season spans from early March in Florida to June in states like Maine and Michigan. This gives hunters a long window to travel and chase birds northward as each season opens. The same approach can be taken with deer hunting, but in the opposite direction if you’re aiming to hunt during the rut. Peak estrus in the Northeast usually falls in early November, while in the Southeast, peak estrus can stretch into mid-January. For those not focused on rut hunts, a couple states open their season in August and even more in early September, giving you a chance to harvest velvetbucks early in the year. North Dakota, Kentucky, Tennessee, and South Carolina are a few examples.
Interestingly, very few people talk about trying to harvest a deer in every state. In fact, one of our members, former USAF veteran Taylor Philpot of Revive Outdoors, is currently on a mission to harvest a buck in every state to raise awareness for PTSD and mental health.
“My journey to harvest a buck in every state has never been just about filling tags. From the beginning, it has been about raising awareness for something that often goes unnoticed in outdoor conversations: mental health. Along the way, God has blessed me with memories and friendships I never expected.
With 10 states now behind me, I can look back at each hunt and see how the challenges, terrain, and weather pushed me not just as a hunter but as a person. Each experience prepared me for the next, both in the woods and in life.
What stands out most is not the number of bucks on the wall but the people I have met across this great country. People who care. People who are willing to help. Folks who live out what it really means to love your neighbor and represent the heart of America.
This journey has opened my eyes to new cultures, different hunting styles, and even a new understanding of what a trophy truly is. Of course, I will always hope to cross paths with a mature buck, but God consistently reminds me that the most valuable part of this mission is not the antlers. It is the people I meet along the way.
Sometimes, the most meaningful thing you can do is ask a simple question: ‘How are you doing mentally?’ You never know how much that small gesture could change your life or theirs.” – Taylor Philpot
If you’re looking to expand your hunting experiences, discover new places, and hunt every year without the stress of point systems and lotteries, these overlooked states might be exactly what you need.
ALABAMA
2024 Deer Harvest – 205,740
NR Annual All Game – $389.40
NR 10-Day All Game – $240.40
NR 3-Day All Game – $169.55
NR Youth (Under 16) – FREE
NR Bait Privilege License – $61.85
Wildlife Management Area License (Required to hunt on WMA) – $22.20
WHAT DOES THIS ALLOW?
Alabama is a three-buck state. One of the three must have at least four antler points 1 inch or longer on one antler (except for Barbour County). Antlered bucks must have a minimum of three points on one side in Barbour County. Alabama is broken down into zones A-E and zone CMZ (Chronic Wasting Disease Management Zone). There is a Wildlife Management Area (WMA) bonus buck that allows one per hunter during all combined bonus buck hunt dates. The bonus buck is allowed to be harvested from a selected collection of WMAs on specific hunt dates depicted on the WMA map permits and will not count towards the hunter’s state three-buck limit. It must be validated at the WMA check station by WFF personnel. During the antlerless deer gun, special muzzleloader, bow and arrow, and special youth (under 16) seasons, one antlerless deer may be taken per day in addition to one antlered buck per day. For youth hunters, it is statewide (includes all privately owned, leased lands and open permit – public lands except WildlifeManagement Areas) in zones A, B, C, and CMZ November 15-18 and in zones D and E November 1-4.
HOW MANY ACRES OF PUBLIC HUNTING?
1.3 million – 4% of the State
HUNTING REGULATIONS
Hunting Regulations can be found at https://www.eregulations.com/assets/docs/guides/24ALAB_LR3.pdf.
ARKANSAS
2024 Deer Harvest – 199,863
NR Annual Hunting License (NBG) – $410.00
NR 5-Day Deer Hunting License (AG5) – $225.00
NR 3-Day Deer Hunting License (AG3) – $175.00
NR 1-Day Deer Hunting License (AG1) – $100.00
NR Youth (Under 16) Hunting License – FREE
WHAT DOES THIS ALLOW?
Arkansas is a two-buck state. The seasonal statewide bag limit is six deer. The early buck archery limit is one buck, no does, statewide. The statewide seasonal limit may be taken in any combination of zones or methods as long as individual zone bag limits are not exceeded. Antler point restrictions do not apply to hunters 6-15 years of age. The NBG license entitles the hunter to hunt during modern gun, alternative firearms, or archery and to take a total bag limit of deer (six). The AG5 license allows the hunter to hunt a five-day period and includes two deer tags. The AG3 license allows the hunter to hunt a three-day period and includes one deer tag. The AG1 license allows the hunter to hunt for one day with one deer tag. Refer to specific deer zones and WMAs for antler size/point restrictions. There are special youth hunt seasons that vary by zone and weapon type.
HOW MANY ACRES OF PUBLIC HUNTING?
3.2 million – 9.7% of the State
HUNTING REGULATIONS
Hunting Regulations can be found at https://www.agfc.com/resources/code-of-regulations.
CONNECTICUT
2023 Deer Harvest – 9,183
NR Firearms License – $91.00
NR Youth (12-15) Firearms Hunting – $11.00
NR Archery Deer/Small Game – $135.00
NR Youth Archery Deer/Small Game – $19.00
NR Muzzleloader Deer State Land – $68.00
NR Shotgun/Rifle Deer State Land No-Lottery – $68.00
WHAT DOES THIS ALLOW?
Connecticut is a four-buck state, if permits are utilized correctly. Without applying for lottery hunts, you are granted four tags for archery, one tag for shotgun/rifle, and one for muzzleloader. The archery permit allows you to harvest two either-sex and two antlerless deer. The shotgun/rifle deer state land no-lottery permit with the firearms license allows you to harvest one either-sex deer. You may only buy one type of state land shotgun deer permit. This means if you plan on applying for a state land lottery permit, you cannot purchase the state land no-lottery permit. The muzzleloader deer state land permit with the firearms license allows you to harvest one either-sex deer. Connecticut has an interactive public hunting areas map on their Department of Energy & Environmental Protection site. The archery license for youth comes with tags, the rest they must purchase – shotgun/rifle and muzzleloader. The prices for those permits are the same price as adults. The lottery is in January; anyone can play and win. If awarded, they can choose to take the tag or not. In March, unfilled lottery permits go on sale as first-come, first-served.
HOW MANY ACRES OF PUBLIC HUNTING?
173,000 – 5.6% of the State
HUNTING REGULATIONS
Hunting Regulations can be found at https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/deep/hunting_trapping/pdf_files/2025-ct-hunting-guide.
DELAWARE
2024 Deer Harvest – 18,823
NR Hunting License – $199.50
NR Youth (13-15) Hunting License – $50.00
NR Quality Buck Tag – $50.00
NR Antlered Deer Tag – $50.00
NR Additional Antlerless Deer Tag – $20.00
A FREE Conservation Access Pass (CAP) will be given with the purchase of a hunting license. The CAP is required to access State Wildlife Areas.
WHAT DOES THIS ALLOW?
Delaware is a two-buck state. The hunting license will come with a deer harvest report card that contains four antlerless deer tags. The cost of an antlered deer tag and a quality buck tag will be $50 each for non-resident hunters. This will allow you to hunt during any of the seasons. Hunters may purchase only one of each tag. If purchased, these “tags” will be added to the hunter’s deer harvest report card. An antlered deer tag may only be used on a deer with one or more antlers measuring 3 inches or more. A quality buck is one that has an outside spread greater than 15 inches. This means you would need to make sure the buck is at least out to its ears when he is in the alert position, ears out. Sika deer are present and can be hunted, harvested, and tagged just like a whitetail. When you register your harvest, you will be asked if it was a whitetail or sika deer. Biologists may follow up to collect more data as sika deer are not native, the population is small, and they want to keep it that way. There are Sunday hunting restrictions. Youth hunters just need the youth hunting license to hunt, and there are also some special youth hunting dates.
HOW MANY ACRES OF PUBLIC HUNTING?
68,000 – 5.4% of the State
HUNTING REGULATIONS
Hunting Regulations can be found at https://www.eregulations.com/assets/docs/resources/DE/24DEHD_LR3.pdf.
FLORIDA
2024 Deer Harvest – 92,496
NR Annual Hunting License – $151.50
NR Youth (Under 16) Hunting License – FREE
NR 10-Day Hunting License – $46.50
NR Deer Permit – $5.00
NR Archery Season Permit – $5.00
NR Crossbow Season Permit – $5.00
NR Muzzleloading Gun Season Permit – $5.00
WHAT DOES THIS ALLOW?
Florida is a five-buck state. The annual bag limit is five, and only two can be antlerless. However, on lands outside the WMA system in DMU D2, three of the five deer may be antlerless. The daily bag limit is two deer. During those portions of archery and crossbow seasons when antlerless deer can be taken, either deer may be antlered or antlerless. During antlerless deer seasons, only one deer may be antlerless. During all other seasons, only antlered deer may be taken. Each zone has specific antler restrictions. Smaller WMAs and ones that are around major cities require you to apply for a quota permit to be allowed to hunt deer. The period to apply is May 15-June 15. Each WMA has specific regulations and their own seasons, dates, and bag limits. Be sure to read the online brochure on each WMA before hunting. If you are unsuccessful in obtaining your quota permit, you will be awarded a preference point. Permits are issued via random drawing with preference given to hunters with more preference points. Larger WMAs and ones not near major cities do not require a quota permit to hunt, these are purchased OTC. Youth participating in a youth deer hunt weekend are allowed to harvest one antlered or antlerless deer during the weekend, and the deer counts towards the youth’s statewide annual bag limit.
HOW MANY ACRES OF PUBLIC HUNTING?
6 million – 15.6% of the State
HUNTING REGULATIONS
Hunting Regulations can be found at https://www.eregulations.com/assets/docs/guides/24FLHD_LR.pdf.
GEORGIA
2024 Deer Harvest – 273,079
NR Annual Hunting License – $100
NR One-Day Hunting License – $20.00
NR +Additional Day – $6.00
NR Annual Big Game License – $225.00
NR One-Day Big Game License – $130.00
NR +Additional Day – $8.00
Harvest Record – FREE
NR Sportsman’s License – $400.00
NR Youth (Under 16) Sportsman’s License – $50.00
WHAT DOES THIS ALLOW?
Georgia is two-buck state. The season limit is 12, 10 antlerless and 2 antlered. One of the two antlered must have a minimum of 4 points, 1 inch or longer, on either antler or a minimum 15-inch outside antler spread to be legal. For deer hunting, you would need to purchase a hunting license and the big game license. With that, you are good to hunt any season. In the regulations, the counties are categorized by color. Each color provides details on season dates and what can be harvested. By buying just the sportsman’s license, you would be allowed to deer hunt. It does cost more because it gives you the opportunity to participate in other state recreations, like fishing. The youth sportsman’s package includes privileges for all big game hunting. The harvest record is needed as well, but it is free. For bonus deer hunts in specific areas, no more than two deer may be killed unless otherwise noted in area listing. On areas with antler restrictions in effect, no more than one of the two deer may be an antlered buck. Deer killed on bonus hunts are not to be recorded on your deer harvest record or reported in Georgia Game Check. Instead, deer are to be taken on day of kill to the check station where agency staff will tag the deer. Deer can be brought to the check station whole, field dressed, or quartered along with head.
HOW MANY ACRES OF PUBLIC HUNTING?
1 million – 2.7% of the State
HUNTING REGULATIONS
Hunting Regulations can be found at https://georgiawildlife.com/sites/default/files/23GAHD.pdf.
ILLINOIS
2024 Deer Harvest – 170,758
NR – $57.00
NR 5-Day – $35.00
NR Youth (Under 18) – $7.00
State Habitat Stamp – $5.00
NR Firearms/Muzzleloader Either-Sex (ES) Permit – $300.00
NR Youth Deer Firearms Either-Sex Permit – $10.00
NR Firearms/Muzzleloader Antlerless-Only (AO) Permit – $25.00 or $100.00
NR Combination Archery Permit (1 either-sex & 1 antlerless permit) – $410.00
NR Youth Combination Archery Permit – $25.00
NR Single Antlerless-Only Archery Permit – $25.00 or $100.00
WHAT DOES THIS ALLOW?
Illinois is a two-buck state. There is no season bag limit. With a hunting license, habitat stamp, and pertinent deer permit, you are legal to hunt. Non-residents can get archery licenses during the June application or purchase over-the-counter before the hunt, which is valid statewide. There is not an unlimited number of licenses, but the quota is very high, so it basically assures you will get a license/tag. The leftover permits are sold on a first-come, first-served basis after the draw. There is a draw to obtain tags. Firearms are county specific and competitive to get. That’s why they have a lottery for them. The first lottery is for residents only. The second lottery is for residents who didn’t draw in the first and for non-residents. The third lottery is for everyone and whatever isn’t sold will be available to purchase OTC on a first-come, first-served basis. Non-resident applicants must possess an ES permit to be eligible for a discounted ($25) AO permit. The non-resident $100 permit is only available at license vendors. Non-resident applicants must possess an archery ES permit to be eligible for a discounted ($25) single AO permit. For archery, if you just wanted to get a hunting license, habitat stamp, and purchase an antlerless-only permit, you can instead of buying the combo license. This would save you money and put you around $162, but if you wanted another AO tag, it would be another $100 since you don’t possess the ES tag. If you have an ES tag, then all additional AO tags would be $25. Unfilled youth permits are also valid during the first weekend of firearm deer season. All counties except Cook, DuPage and Lake, and that portion of Kane County east of State Route 47 are open to youth deer hunting.
HOW MANY ACRES OF PUBLIC HUNTING?
497,864 – 1.4% of the State
HUNTING REGULATIONS
Hunting Regulations can be found at https://ngrrec-hunt-illinois-wordpress-images.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/22102313/HuntTrapDigest.pdf.
INDIANA
2024 Deer Harvest – 126,183
NR Deer Hunting – $240.00
NR Deer License Bundle – $550.00
NR Reduction Zone – $240.00/tag
NR Multi Season antlerless license – $240.00 for first tag, $39.00 for additional
NR Youth Deer Hunting – $39.00
NR Youth Deer License Bundle – $91.00
WHAT DOES THIS ALLOW?
Indiana is a one-buck state. The statewide antlerless bag limit is six. Each county has an antlerless bag limit ranging from two to four. You must select what season you want if you select the base deer hunting license ($240): archery, muzzleloader, firearms. Only one deer may be taken per license and only a buck during the firearms season. It is an additional $240 for your first antlerless and then $39 for the second. The bundle gives you the option to hunt multiple seasons and allows you to harvest up to three deer (one antlered and two antlerless). If you want to purchase an additional antlerless on top of those, it would be $39. In addition to statewide bag limits, deer reduction zones give hunters opportunities to harvest deer in areas with high deer densities. The bag limit for the reduction zones is 10 deer, of which only one can be antlered. Individuals hunting in a designated reduction zone who are attempting to satisfy the reduction zone bag limit must harvest an antlerless deer before harvesting an antlered deer (aka earn-a-buck). The earn-a-buck requirement only applies to the reduction zone bag limit. The reduction zone bag limit is in addition to all other bag limits. Deer reduction zones are $240 per tag, and there are no reduced prices for additional tags. The bonus antlerless license is now called the multi-season antlerless license. This is what you would purchase to take additional antlerless deer not provided on your base or bundle license. The multi-season license can be used in archery, muzzleloader, and firearms seasons.
HOW MANY ACRES OF PUBLIC HUNTING?
502,000 – 2.2% of the State
HUNTING REGULATIONS
Hunting Regulations can be found at https://www.eregulations.com/assets/docs/guides/24INHD_LR5.pdf.
KENTUCKY
2024 Deer Harvest – 149,868
NR Annual Hunting – $160.00
NR Annual Youth Hunting (12-15) – $10.00
NR Statewide Deer Permit – $235.00
NR Statewide Youth Deer Permit – $15.00
NR Additional Deer Permit – $15.00
WHAT DOES THIS ALLOW?
Kentucky is a one-buck state. However, on some federally controlled areas, including Reelfoot National Wildlife Refuge, Fort Campbell, and Fort Knox military reservations and Blue Grass Army Depot, a bonus antlered deer may be taken as determined by the governing agency for each area. The antlerless bag limit is dependent on which zone you are hunting in, ranging from unlimited to two deer. Kentucky is broken down into four different zones. The statewide permit allows for the taking of four deer. The additional permits allow for the taking of two additional deer. All deer hunters ages 16 and older, unless license exempt, must first buy and carry proof of purchasing an annual hunting license and a statewide deer permit while deer hunting. The permit allows a hunter to take four deer: one antlered and three antlerless or four antlerless. It does not matter if the antlered or antlerless deer is taken first. To take more than four deer, an additional deer permit must be purchased. The additional deer permit is valid for deer of either sex. The additional deer permit allows a hunter to take up to two additional deer beyond those allowed by the statewide permit in the following combinations: one antlered and one antlerless or two antlerless. Regardless of what permit a deer hunter carries, the statewide season limit for antlered deer is one per hunter. The additional deer permit is not valid unless the hunter has first purchased an annual hunting license and statewide deer permit and is able to show proof of that in the field. Youth hunters younger than age 12 are not required to have a hunting license or deer permit. Youth hunters hunting during the free youth weekends may hunt deer with firearms or any other legal method statewide without a hunting license or deer permit. During these seasons, youth hunters may harvest antlered or antlerless deer regardless of zone but must still abide by all bag limits and other deer hunting requirements.
HOW MANY ACRES OF PUBLIC HUNTING?
1.5 million – 5.9% of the State
HUNTING REGULATIONS
Hunting Regulations can be found at https://fw.ky.gov/Hunt/Documents/HuntingGuideDeer.pdf.
LOUISIANA
2024 Deer Harvest – 262,400
NR Basic Hunting – $200.00
NR Basic Hunting 5-Day – $65.00
NR Deer – $100.00
NR Deer Non-resident 5-Day – $35.00
NR Sportsman’s Paradise – $400.00
NR Sportsman’s Paradise 5-Day – $120.00
NR Youth Hunting – $5.00 (Includes Deer Tags)
WMA Access Annual Permit – $20.00
WMA Access 5-Day Permit – $5.00
WMA Camping Permit – $7.00/day
WHAT DOES THIS ALLOW?
Louisiana is a three-buck state. The season bag limit is six. Of the six, you may not exceed three antlered or four antlerless deer, except in areas 4 and 10. Areas 4 and 10 have a three-deer limit (you can’t exceed two antlered or two antlerless). The daily bag limit is one antlered and one antlerless (when legal). Louisiana is broken down into 10 different “deer areas.” A basic hunting ($200) and deer hunting ($100) license includes your deer tags, archery, and primitive privileges. You will need to add the additional WMA permits if you are hunting in an area that requires it. The Sportsman’s Paradise license includes basic and saltwater fishing, basic hunting season, deer hunting, turkey hunting, waterfowl hunting, LA duck, WMA access, and all recreational gear licenses (EXCEPT recreational trawls greater than 25 feet in length – additional license required). Here’s an example for a five-day hunt on a WMA: You purchase Basic Hunting+Deer+WMA Access+WMA camping for five days, equaling $140 OR you purchase Sportsman’s Paradise+WMA camping for five days for $140 but it grants you more privileges.
HOW MANY ACRES OF PUBLIC HUNTING?
1.6 million – 5% of the State
HUNTING REGULATIONS
Hunting Regulations can be found at https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/assets/Resources/Publications/Regulations/2024-2025-Hunting-Regulations.pdf.
MAINE
2024 Deer Harvest – 42,259
NR Hunt (Firearm) – $115.00
NR Archery – $75.00
NR Archery 6-Day – $26.00
NR Hunt Muzzleloader – $115.00
NR Muzzleloader Permit – $69.00
NR Expanded Archery Either-Sex Permit – $32.00
NR Expanded Archery Antlerless Deer Permit – $12.00
Youth/Junior (0-15) License – $35.00
WHAT DOES THIS ALLOW?
Maine is a one-buck state, except that an additional antlered deer may be harvested in an expanded archery area with the appropriate permit. There is no archery or firearm permit, your tag is included in that license. With the NR Hunt license, you get a firearms tag. If you want to hunt archery, you need to purchase the NR Archery license. If you want to hunt during muzzleloader season, you will need to buy that permit ($69). A licensed hunter with an antlerless deer permit can harvest an antlerless deer in the designated district and an antlered deer statewide. Antlerless permits need to be applied for. However, there are usually tags that go unsold and are available for purchase in September. When they go on sale, you log in to the system and are assigned a random number. You will then be able to purchase tags when your number is called. Last year, 58,160 antlerless tags were available. There was a total of 128,030 tags going into the lottery. There is no fee to apply in the antlerless deer permit lottery. Additional antlerless deer may be harvested by hunters possessing antlerless deer permit(s) or during the expanded archery season with appropriate permits. During the regular archery season and youth deer hunt, hunters may harvest an antlerless deer without an antlerless permit in designated WMDs/subunits. Hunting of antlerless deer (a deer that has no antlers or has antlers less than 3 inches in length measured from the skull) is prohibited except by special permit during both the firearms and muzzleloader seasons. A hunter who has lost or has permanently lost the use of both lower extremities may apply for a complimentary paraplegic hunting license. Those who have a complimentary paraplegic hunting license do not need to apply for an antlerless deer permit. Your license grants you the right to an antlerless deer from any WMD where antlerless deer permits are allocated. Unlike most other states, Maine operates under an implied permission structure, meaning that if land is not posted, it is legal to use the land. However, there is still the unwritten rule, always ask permission. 94% of Maine is privately owned, but more than half of that land is open to the public.
HOW MANY ACRES OF PUBLIC HUNTING?
600,000 – 3% of the State
HUNTING REGULATIONS
Hunting Regulations can be found at https://www.maine.gov/ifw/docs/24-MDIFW-1-HUNTING-LAWBOOK-2024-25.pdf.
MARYLAND
2024 Deer Harvest – 84,201
NR Hunting License – $160.00
NR Youth (Under 16) – $80.00
NR Senior License (65 and older) – $65.00
NR Archery Stamp – $25.00
NR Muzzleloader Stamp – $25.00
NR Bonus Antlered Stamp – $25.00
NR Sika Deer Stamp – $200.00
NR Archery Hunting Permit and Public Hunting Permit – FREE
WHAT DOES THIS ALLOW?
Maryland is a two-buck state, with an option to shoot a third in Region B as a bonus antlered deer. No more than one deer can be taken in any weapon season. The bonus antlered stamp allows a hunter to take an additional buck in Region B or to take a buck in Region A when they have already harvested a deer in Region B during the same weapon season. A hunter may only use one bonus antlered deer stamp per license year in the season of their choice. The annual bag limit for antlerless deer in Region A is two with the option to take an additional antlerless deer during the Primitive Deer Hunt Days. In Region B, 15 antlerless may be taken during archery season (unlimited in suburban deer management zones), 10 may be taken during muzzleloader, and 10 may be taken during firearms. Youth hunters still need to purchase stamps to hunt. However, there are junior deer hunt days where youth only need a license to hunt, and deer harvested during those days do not count towards regular season bag limits and antler restrictions do not apply. Sika deer bag limits are independent of whitetail. The sika deer stamp allows for the taking of three during archery, no more than one being antlered, three during muzzleloader, no more than one antlered, and three during firearms, no more than one antlered.
HOW MANY ACRES OF PUBLIC HUNTING?
420,000 – 5.3% of the State
HUNTING REGULATIONS
Hunting Regulations can be found at https://www.eregulations.com/assets/docs/guides/25MDHD_LR_2025-06-10-162700_uiqg.pdf.
MASSACHUSETTS
2024 Deer Harvest – 15,032
NR Hunting, Paraplegic – FREE
NR Hunting, Big Game – $108.50
Wildlands Conservation Stamp – $5.00
NR Antlerless Deer Permit – $25.00
NR Archery Deer Season Stamp – $25.00
NR Primitive Firearms Deer Season Stamp – $25.00
Youth (12-14) – Free license but must be accompanied by a licensed adult hunter
Youth (15-17) – Must purchase a Big Game License for $108.50
Free Youth Day Deer Hunt Permit – September 27, 2025
WHAT DOES THIS ALLOW?
Massachusetts is a two-buck state. There is no season bag limit. A hunter may harvest as many antlerless deer as they have valid antlerless permits for the specified permitted zones. For daily bag limits in Wildlife Management Zones (WMZ) 1-12, a hunter may harvest two deer before having to report/check them in. After checking them in, they may resume hunting that same day. WMZs 13 and 14 allow the harvest of four deer before having to check them in. The base (NR Big Game) license comes with two antlered deer tags. Deer with antlers 3 inches or less are considered antlerless and will need to be harvested on an antlerless deer permit. There is a free youth day hunt on September 27, 2025. The permit for that is free. The bag limit for the free youth hunt is one deer (antlered or antlerless).
HOW MANY ACRES OF PUBLIC HUNTING?
230,000 – 4.4% of the State
HUNTING REGULATIONS
Hunting Regulations can be found at https://www.mass.gov/info-details/deer-hunting-regulations.
MICHIGAN
2024 Deer Harvest – 299,517
Antlerless Deer Hunting Access Permit Application – $5.00 / Awarded Permit – $0.00
NR Base License – $151.00
NR Deer Combo – $190.00
NR Youth Deer Combo – $40.00
NR Single Deer License – $20.00
NR Universal Antlerless Deer License – $20.00
NR DMU 487 Antlerless Deer License – $5.00
NR Extended Late Antlerless Deer License – $5.00
DNR Sportcard (if no valid state issued driver’s license or ID) – $1.00
NR Mentored Youth License (9 and younger) – $7.50
NR under 17 may purchase a Resident Base License – $11.00
WHAT DOES THIS ALLOW?
Michigan is a two-buck state, except in DMU 117 where the bag limit is one buck. The season bag limit is very generous, allowing the purchase of up to 10 universal antlerless licenses and up to 10 extended late antlerless licenses. The base license is not a kill tag. Additional licenses are required to hunt. The single deer license is valid for one deer. The combo license includes the hunting license and two kill tags (regular and restricted) and are valid for one deer per tag. The universal antlerless license allows one kill tag for one antlerless deer. You may purchase up to 10 statewide per license year. A DMU 487 license allows one kill tag for one antlerless deer. The extended late antlerless license allows one kill tag for one antlerless deer. You may purchase up to 10 from December 1st through January 11th, and this does not count toward the purchase limit of the universal tags. There are some draws for reserved deer hunting access permits on specific state and public lands. You must apply and obtain an access permit to hunt antlerless deer in areas where a permit is required. The mentored youth license is a license package that allows youth hunters 9 years old and younger to hunt small game, waterfowl, turkey (spring and fall) and deer, trap furbearers, and fish for all species with a qualified mentor. The mentored youth license and kill tags will remain valid for the duration of the license year, even if the mentored youth hunter turns 10 years old during the year. The single deer license issued with the mentored youth license is valid for any deer in any deer management unit, except for units open during an antlerless only season when only an antlerless deer may be taken. Antler point restrictions do not apply.
HOW MANY ACRES OF PUBLIC HUNTING?
8.2 million – 22.5% of the State
HUNTING REGULATIONS
Hunting Regulations can be found at https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/-/media/Project/Websites/dnr/Documents/LED/digests/deer_regs_summary.
MINNESOTA
2024 Deer Harvest – 170,544
NR Youth Deer (10-12) – FREE
NR Youth Deer Firearms (13-17) – $5.00
NR Youth Deer Archery (13-17) – $5.00
NR Youth Deer Muzzleloader (13-17) – $5.00
NR Deer Firearms – $185.00
NR Deer Archery – $185.00
NR Deer Muzzleloader – $185.00
NR Deer Firearms Zone Change – $5.00
NR Early Antlerless – $45.00
NR Bonus Permit – $91.00
Walk-in Access – $3.00
Disease Management Antlerless Tag – $1.50
WHAT DOES THIS ALLOW?
Minnesota is a one-buck state, except in deer permit areas 643, 645, 646, 647, 648, 649, and 655. There, hunters may harvest three bucks. Bucks taken in these DPAs do not count towards the statewide one buck limit but do count toward the license limit and the DPA limit. The statewide annual bag limit is five. There is a lottery for certain permits in specific areas. Non-residents under 18 may take a deer of either sex in antlerless deer lottery permit areas without having to apply for or obtain an antlerless permit. The youth firearms license is valid during the youth deer season and the statewide (A) and late southeast (B) seasons but not the muzzleloader season. The bag limit is one deer of either sex, except antlerless deer may not be taken in bucks-only areas. Higher bag limits apply in areas where the early antlerless season is open. Legal bucks must be tagged with the youth’s firearm license. Bonus permits are not valid for legal bucks. A person may purchase no more than one firearms, one muzzleloader, and one archery deer license in a calendar year. Bonus, early antlerless permits, and disease management permits may be purchased in addition to regular licenses. Bonus and disease management permits may be used with an other season license. For example, a hunter who purchases a bonus permit with their archery license may use that bonus permit to tag an antlerless deer during firearms season if they hold a firearms license.
HOW MANY ACRES OF PUBLIC HUNTING?
8.9 million – 17.4% of the State
HUNTING REGULATIONS
Hunting Regulations can be found at https://files.dnr.state.mn.us/rlp/regulations/hunting/full_regs.pdf?v=24.09.05.12.15.
MISSISSIPPI
2024 Deer Harvest – Approximately 280,000
NR All Game Hunting – $300.00
NR 7-Day All Game Hunting – $150.00
NR 3-Day All Game Hunting – $150.00
NR Archery/Primitive Weapon/Crossbow – $75.00
Wildlife Management Area User Permit – $30.00
NR Deer Permit – $100.00
WHAT DOES THIS ALLOW?
Mississippi is a three-buck state, except in North Central DMU where you may shoot four bucks, one per day. The antlerless annual bag limit is five. However, on private lands in the North Central DMU, the bag limit is 10 antlerless. Only three antlerless deer may be harvested from the Southeast unit, and the daily bag limit is one. There is no daily bag limit in the North Central, Hills and Delta units. On U.S. Forest Service National Forests, the bag limit is one per day. The state is broken down into four units – Delta, Hills, Southeast, and North Central. For each unit, there is an antler restriction based on inside spread and main beam length. North Central DMU does not have any antler restrictions. For the buck bag limit, one of the three may have hardened antlers that do not meet the unit legal antler requirements on private land and Holly Springs National Forest. Only one buck may be harvested during the September archery velvet season, and that counts towards the annual bag limit. For youth hunters 15 years of age and younger, hunting on private land and authorized state and federal lands, all three of the bucks may be any antlered deer. A deer permit is required with the all game, 7-day all game, and 3-day all game license. The archery/primitive/crossbow is required with the all game and 7-day all game license but comes with the 3-day license.
HOW MANY ACRES OF PUBLIC HUNTING?
2 million – 6.6% of the State
HUNTING REGULATIONS
Hunting Regulations can be found at https://www.eregulations.com/assets/docs/guides/24MSAB_LR.pdf.
MISSOURI
2024 Deer Harvest – 276,262
NR Firearms Any-Deer Hunting Permit – $288.00
NR Youth Any Deer Hunting Permit – $9.00
NR Firearms/Archery Antlerless Deer Hunting Permit – $27.00
NR Youth Firearms/Archery Antlerless Deer Hunting Permit – $3.75
NR Archer’s Hunting Permit – $288.00
NR Youth Archer’s Hunting Permit – $10.25
WHAT DOES THIS ALLOW?
Missouri is a two-buck state. There is a generous season bag limit on antlerless deer. You may fill the antlerless permit limit in each county in which you choose to hunt. The firearms any deer permit grants one antlered or antlerless deer statewide. The firearms antlerless permit grants one antlerless deer in open counties. These permits may be purchased in any number, but each county has a limit on the number of antlerless permits you may fill during firearms deer season (all portions combined). The archer’s permit grants two deer during archery season. The antlerless archery permit grants one antlerless deer, and these can be purchased in any number. You must have an archer’s hunting permit to purchase those. Some counties have antler point restrictions. With the $9 youth license, hunters ages 6-15 may harvest one antlered or antlerless deer statewide during firearms season. They may take two antlered deer during all seasons combined with the proper permits. They may purchase additional antlerless permits for $3.75 each during archery and firearms but must abide by the county bag limits. If they wanted to take a second buck during archery, they would have to buy an additional permit for $10.25.
HOW MANY ACRES OF PUBLIC HUNTING?
2.5 million – 5.7% of the State
HUNTING REGULATIONS
Hunting Regulations can be found at https://mdc.mo.gov/sites/default/files/2025-06/2025%20FDT_508.pdf.
NEW HAMPSHIRE
2024 Deer Harvest – 12,277
NR Regular Hunting License – $113.00
NR Muzzleloader License – $41.00
NR Archery License – $83.00
NR Special Archery Deer Permit – $26.00
NR Youth (Under 16) – Free
WHAT DOES THIS ALLOW?
New Hampshire is a three-buck state, if licenses are utilized correctly. If you obtained all licenses, you could harvest six deer. The regular hunting license comes with one either-sex tag that can be used during regular firearms or muzzleloader season. A regular hunting license allows the taking of one deer of either sex (depending on when and where you are hunting) during the regular firearms deer season. A muzzleloader license allows for the taking of one deer of either sex depending on when and where you are hunting. The muzzleloader license must be purchased to hunt that season, but it does not come with its own tag. An archery license allows the taking of one deer of either sex during archery season. A special archery deer permit must be purchased at the time of buying your archery license if you want to harvest an additional antlered deer. Each hunter is limited to one of these permits. This permit may be used to tag the first or second deer taken by archery if it is legally antlered. The youth license is free, but they do need to buy a muzzleloader and special archery license to hunt the muzzleloader season and to have the extra archery tag. Youth hunters must be accompanied by a licensed hunter. They may hunt all other open seasons. There is no minimum age for hunting in New Hampshire. There are a couple special permits to hunt in WMU L and M. WMU L is a lottery tag with a 3,000 quota, and it is $26 and allows one antlerless deer. WMU M has a quota of 4,000 and is a first-come, first-served tag for $36 and allows two antlerless deer. The state is broken into 20 different wildlife management units. In New Hampshire, all state, federal, municipal, county, and private lands are considered open to hunting unless posted otherwise. Remember, hunting access is a privilege granted by landowners and needs to be respected. Being courteous and mindful is what keeps the posted signs down. When lands get abused and mistreated, that is when signs go up and hunting privileges go down.
HOW MANY ACRES OF PUBLIC HUNTING?
1.1 million – 19.1% of the State
HUNTING REGULATIONS
Hunting Regulations can be found at https://www.eregulations.com/assets/docs/resources/NH/24NHHD_LR6.pdf.
NEW JERSEY
2024 Deer Harvest – 39,255
NR Bow & Arrow – $135.00
NR Firearm – $135.00
NR Youth License (10-16) – Free
NR Rifle Permit – $10.50
NR Youth Rifle Permit – $6.00
NR Single Zone Permit Bow, Muzzleloader, or Shotgun – $28.00
NR Youth Single Zone Permit Bow, Muzzleloader, or Shotgun – $12.00
NR DRS Multi-Zone Permit (Permit Bow, Muzzleloader, or Shotgun) – $56.00
NR Youth DRS Multi-Zone Permit (Permit Bow, Muzzleloader, or Shotgun) – $24.00
NR Antlered Buck Permit – $28.00
NR Youth Antlered Buck Permit – $12.00
NR Special One Day Firearm (use on commercial preserves only) – $12.50
WHAT DOES THIS ALLOW?
New Jersey is mainly a one-buck state with an option to harvest a second buck during the six-day firearm season. If two bucks are harvested during the six-day firearm, then the shotgun buck stub is no longer valid. Season bag limit varies. Once a hunter has met the bag limit in a given regulation set, he or she may not harvest additional deer from any zone in that regulation set or in an identical or more restrictive (lesser bag limit) regulation set. However, the hunter may subsequently hunt in a zone with a more liberal (greater) antlerless bag limit as described in the regulations. The state is broken down into 68 different deer zones. Each zone has specific “regulation sets,” season dates, and bag limits. There are detailed tables in the regulations that lay out each specific zone in detail. More than 750,000 acres of state land is available for deer hunting. The state does offer deer regulation set (DRS) multi-zone permits. They offer set 7 or 8. Within each set are multiple zones. You can purchase each set, which will then give you access to hunt 15 different zones. All these zones within the sets have unlimited antlerless bag limits.
HOW MANY ACRES OF PUBLIC HUNTING?
750,000 – 15.6% of the State
HUNTING REGULATIONS
Hunting Regulations can be found at https://dep.nj.gov/wp-content/uploads/njfw/digest-hunting-and-trapping-2024-2025-segment-26-45.pdf.
NEW YORK
2024 Deer Harvest – 223,304
NR Hunting – $100.00
NR Youth Hunting (12-15) – $5.00
NR Bowhunting Privilege – $30.00
NR Youth Bowhunting Privilege – $4.00
NR Muzzleloader Privilege (12+) – $30.00
NR Deer Management Permit Application – $10.00
NR Youth Deer Management Permit Application – FREE
WHAT DOES THIS ALLOW?
New York is a two-buck state. The season bag limit depends on what licenses and permits you are able to hold. A hunting license will grant a regular season deer tag. The bowhunting privilege will grant a bow/muzzleloader either-sex tag. A muzzleloader privilege will grant a bow/muzzleloader either-sex tag. Non-residents must purchase a hunting license to be eligible for bowhunting and muzzleloading privileges. If you purchase both bowhunting and muzzleloading privileges, you will receive one bow/muzzleloader either-sex deer tag and one bow/muzzleloader antlerless deer tag. Both tags may be used in either season, with the appropriate implement. If you apply and get a deer management permit (DMP), you may transfer that tag to another hunter. This is an antlerless permit and grants the take of one deer. DMPs may be used in any open season only in the WMU they are issued for. Hunters may transfer or receive up to two DMPs from other hunters. These tags are in addition to your regular hunting license and bowhunting and muzzleloading privileges. These tags are preference point based, and unsuccessful applicants will receive a point. These points are won and lost on first permit selection only.
HOW MANY ACRES OF PUBLIC HUNTING?
3.7 million – 11.9% of the State
HUNTING REGULATIONS
Hunting Regulations can be found at https://www.eregulations.com/assets/docs/guides/24NYHD_LR2.pdf.
NORTH CAROLINA
2024 Deer Harvest – 188,800
NR State Hunting 10-Day – $95.00
NR State Hunting – $119.00
NR Big Game Hunting 10-Day – $95.00
NR Big Game Hunting Annual – $119.00
NR Youth Hunting (Under 16) – Free
NR Bonus Antlerless Deer License – $14.00
WHAT DOES THIS ALLOW?
North Carolina is a two-buck state. The season bag limit is six deer (two bucks and four does). There is no daily bag limit. Antlerless deer harvested and reported on Bonus Antlerless Harvest Report Cards do not count towards the season or possession limit. These allow the harvest of two additional antlerless deer per card and are only valid for deer taken within participating municipalities during the Urban Archery Season. Unlimited Bonus Antlerless Harvest Report Cards are available to each hunter and can be obtained on or after January 1st at most wildlife service agents or online. To be legal to hunt, you must purchase a state hunting license and then a big game hunting license. That will give you all your deer tags, unless you want to pick up bonus antlerless licenses and hunt the Urban Archery Season. Youth under the age of 16 are allowed to hunt for free, but you must contact North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission to get the deer tags in order to hunt. The state is broken down into Western, Northwestern, Central, Northeastern, and Southeastern deer zones. Season dates vary depending on what zone you are in.
HOW MANY ACRES OF PUBLIC HUNTING?
2 million – 5.8% of the State
HUNTING REGULATIONS
Hunting Regulations can be found at https://www.eregulations.com/assets/docs/guides/24NCAB_LR3.pdf.
NORTH DAKOTA
2024 Deer Harvest – 33,525
NR Whitetail Deer Bow – $250.00
NR Youth Whitetail Deer Bow (15 and younger) – $250.00
NR Hunting Certificate – $2.00
NR General Game and Habitat License – $20.00
WHAT DOES THIS ALLOW?
North Dakota is a one buck or one-doe state. Most licenses are obtained through a lottery. However, archery tags for whitetail are general licenses that can be purchased over-the-counter. After the second lottery is held, if any non-resident deer gun licenses are available, they are $55 and are sold on a first-come, first-served basis. Do not expect to be able to purchase any of those. Deer gun and any deer bow need to be drawn in the lottery. The archery tag is good statewide for either a whitetail buck or a doe. Youth must pay the same price as adults for the license and tag. Private land that is not physically or electronically posted and is not otherwise restricted to hunting by law may be hunted without landowner permission.
HOW MANY ACRES OF PUBLIC HUNTING?
1.9 million – 4.3% of the State
HUNTING REGULATIONS
Hunting Regulations can be found at https://gf.nd.gov/hunting/big-game.
OHIO
2024 Deer Harvest – 238,137
NR 1-Year Hunting License – $180.96
NR Either-Sex Deer Permit – $76.96
NR Youth (17 and younger) 1-Year Hunting License – $10.00
NR Youth Either-Sex Deer Permit – $16.00
Deer Management Permits – $15.00 (Private land and limited public land areas: Andreoff, Big Island, Wyandot, Lake La Su An, Killdeer Plains, and Lawrence Woods WMAs)
WHAT DOES THIS ALLOW?
Ohio is a one-buck state. Your base hunting license and either-sex permit will allow you to hunt during any of the deer hunting seasons. Counties are categorized into two, three, and four deer counties, meaning you can only harvest as many as allowed per county. However, the statewide limit is six deer, but you may only harvest one antlerless deer on public land per license year. There are a few public areas exempt from that restriction, such as Andreoff, Big Island, Wyandot, Lake La Su An, Killdeer Plains, and Lawrence Woods WMAs. You may harvest a buck and a doe in a two deer county on public land. If you wanted to reach your six deer limit, you would have to harvest the other four antlerless on private land and in other counties or with the $15 management permit on those mentioned WMAs. Example, Athens and Meigs are three deer counties. You could harvest three deer in Athens, then move to Meigs and harvest three deer there. Just keep in mind the restriction of one antlerless on public land. All youth hunting opportunities are available to anyone who is 17 years old or younger during the season dates. All hunters are required to have the appropriate licenses and permits.
HOW MANY ACRES OF PUBLIC HUNTING?
650,000 – 2.5% of the State
HUNTING REGULATIONS
Hunting Regulations can be found at https://dam.assets.ohio.gov/image/upload/ohiodnr.gov/documents/wildlife/laws-regs-licenses/Ohio%20Hunting%20and%20Trapping%20Regulations%20ENGLISH.pdf.
OKLAHOMA
2024 Deer Harvest – 125,785
NR Annual Hunting – $209.00
NR Youth Super Hunting (17 and younger) – $151.00
NR Youth 5-Day Hunting – $76.00
NR Deer Archery – $501.00
NR Deer Muzzleloader – $501.00
NR Deer Gun – $501.00
WHAT DOES THIS ALLOW?
Oklahoma is a two-buck state. The annual season bag limit is six deer. Youth only need to purchase a hunting license. Non-resident adults need to purchase a hunting license and deer license for the specific season/weapon type they want to hunt. Six deer may be taken during the archery season. Two deer may be taken during youth deer gun season, and those count towards the hunters combined season limit of six deer but are not included as part of the hunter’s regular deer gun season limit of four. Four may be taken during deer muzzleloader season. Four may be taken during deer gun season. Antlerless deer may only be harvested during firearm seasons on specified days and in zones open to antlerless harvest. These seasons all adhere to the annual bag limit of six deer. There is a holiday antlerless deer gun where two may be taken, and those do not count toward the hunter’s combined season limit of six deer.
HOW MANY ACRES OF PUBLIC HUNTING?
1.4 million – 3.2% of the State
HUNTING REGULATIONS
Hunting Regulations can be found at https://www.wildlifedepartment.com/sites/default/files/2024-07/24-25-Fishing-Hunting-Regulations%282%29.pdf.
PENNSYLVANIA
2024 Deer Harvest – 476,880
NR Hunting License – $101.97
NR Youth Hunting License (12-16) – $41.97
NR Archery License – $26.97
NR Muzzleloader License – $21.97
NR Antlerless License – $26.97
NR DMAP Permit – $35.97
NR Ag Tag – $1.97
WHAT DOES THIS ALLOW?
Pennsylvania is a one-buck state. One antlerless deer may be taken for each antlerless license or permit held. The general hunting license includes one antlered deer tag. An unused, antlered deer harvest tag from a general hunting license can be used to take an antlerless deer during the after-Christmas flintlock muzzleloader season. This is the only season in which the antlered tag can be used for antlerless deer, and each participant in the flintlock muzzleloader season must have a muzzleloader license in addition to a general license. With the exception of that, each hunter must possess an antlerless deer license, DMAP permit, or Ag Tag permit in order to hunt or harvest antlerless deer. Each hunter is limited to holding a maximum of six unfilled antlerless deer licenses, except in WMUs 5C and 5D where the limit is 15 unfilled licenses. Hunters who reach their maximum limit may apply for and obtain additional licenses as they harvest antlerless deer and report them, so long as licenses remain available. For purchasing antlerless licenses, the state sells in four different rounds. Each round allows for the purchase of a specific number of licenses. See the regulations for more details. DMAP is a deer management assistance program that allows hunters to assist landowners in achieving deer-management goals. The Ag Tag is a program that allows hunters to harvest antlerless deer on agricultural lands where they’re causing damage. The Ag Tag is obtained by receiving a coupon from a landowner and redeeming it at a license-issuing agent.
HOW MANY ACRES OF PUBLIC HUNTING?
3.5 million – 12.2% of the State
HUNTING REGULATIONS
Hunting Regulations can be found at https://read.nxtbook.com/pgc/huntingtrapping/20252026/antlerless_licenses.html.
RHODE ISLAND
2023 Deer Harvest – 2,794
NR Hunting License – $58.00
NR Tourist Hunting License 3-Day – $23.00
NR Youth Hunting License (12-14) – $43.00
NR Deer Permit – $27.50
WHAT DOES THIS ALLOW?
Rhode Island is a two-buck state, except in zone 3 where only one buck is allowed. The antlerless bag limit is zone dependent, ranging from two to unlimited. The state is broken down into four zones. Zone 1 is three antlerless deer. Zone 2 is two antlerless deer. Zone 3 is two antlerless deer. Zone 4 is unlimited antlerless deer. Antlerless limits are per zone, and hunters may harvest each limit within each zone in a hunting year cumulative across all weapons/seasons. The hunting license allows you to hunt in the state, and to harvest a deer, you must purchase a deer permit. Deer permits are sex, weapon, and zone specific. Youth hunters need to purchase the youth license to hunt, and all other hunting permit requirements and hunting regulations per season pertain to youth hunters. Dates for youth hunts vary depending on season and zone.
HOW MANY ACRES OF PUBLIC HUNTING?
55,000 – 8.1% of the State
HUNTING REGULATIONS
Hunting Regulations can be found at https://www.eregulations.com/assets/docs/guides/24RIHD_LR.pdf.
SOUTH CAROLINA
2024 Deer Harvest – 172,617
NR State Hunting License – $125.00
NR 10-Day State Hunting License – $75.00
NR 3-Day State Hunting License – $40.00
NR Big Game Permit – $100.00
NR Wildlife Management Area – $76.00
NR Individual Antlerless Deer Tags – $10.00
NR Unrestricted Buck Deer Tag – $50.00
NR Additional Unrestricted Buck Deer Tag – $20.00
NR Restricted Buck Deer Tag – $20.00
NR Youth – FREE
WHAT DOES THIS ALLOW?
South Carolina is a four-buck state, two unrestricted and two restricted buck tags. Hunters may purchase up to four antlerless tags. The daily limit is two deer. A hunting license and big game permit is required to hunt, and to harvest deer, additional tags are required. A maximum of one unrestricted tag may be purchased at the $50 price before an additional unrestricted buck tag can be purchased at $20. There is no size restriction on bucks with those tags. Two restricted buck tags can be purchased but only after the $50 unrestricted tag has been bought. The restriction is four points on one side or 12 inches inside minimum spread. The state is broken down into four game zones. Each zone has different limits and season dates. See the regulations for more detail. Youth receive a base set of tags for free by request and then may purchase one antler restriction buck tag ($50) and up to four individual antlerless tags ($10).
HOW MANY ACRES OF PUBLIC HUNTING?
1.3 million – 6.3% of the State
HUNTING REGULATIONS
Hunting Regulations can be found at https://www.eregulations.com/assets/docs/guides/24SCAB_LR6.pdf.
TENNESSEE
2024 Deer Harvest – 167,980
NR Youth Under 12 – FREE
NR Youth (13-15) 7-Day All Game – $26.00
NR Youth All Game Annual – $41.00
NR 7-Day All Game – $214.00
NR All Game Annual – $305.00
NR WMA Non-Quota Big Game – $24.00
NR Cherokee WMA Big Game Non-Quota – $18.00
NR Annual Hunt/Camp Permit Land Between the Lakes – $50.00
WHAT DOES THIS ALLOW?
Tennessee is a two-buck state. The bag limit of two bucks may be exceeded if taken as a bonus deer (only on certain WMAs), under the Earn-A-Buck program in a CWD positive county, or as a replacement buck. Hunters will
receive a replacement buck if they harvest a CWD-positive antlered deer, upon official notice from TWRA. There is no limit on the number of replacement bucks. Each antlerless deer harvested in a CWD-positive county and submitted for CWD testing earns an additional antlered deer. Hunters may earn an unlimited number of antlered deer for harvest in CWD-positive counties. Antlerless deer hunters may harvest up to the unit antlerless bag limit in each DMU. Moving to a different county within the same DMU does not increase the hunter’s bag limit. The state is broken down into six different deer management units (DMU). Young sportsman’s deer hunts are for youths ages 6-16 unless otherwise noted. Proper licenses and permits are required. Age 16 is considered a youth, but they must purchase and obtain the same permits and licenses as adults.
HOW MANY ACRES OF PUBLIC HUNTING?
2.4 million – 9% of the State
HUNTING REGULATIONS
Hunting Regulations can be found at https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/twra/documents/guide/TN-Hunting-Guide.pdf.
VERMONT
2024 Deer Harvest – 17,312
NR Youth Hunting (17 and younger) – $25.00
NR Hunting – $102.00
NR Archery Deer – $38.00
NR Archery-Only Deer – $75.00
NR Muzzleloader Deer – $40.00
WHAT DOES THIS ALLOW?
Vermont is a one-buck state. The season annual bag limit is four deer. The state is broken down into different WMUs. In some units, a legal buck has an antler with two or more points, and in other units, it is one antler with 3 inches or longer. The archery-only deer license includes a hunting license. No other permit or license is needed to hunt deer. The seasons are broken down into archery, novice and youth weekend, muzzleloader antlerless, regular November, and muzzleloader deer seasons. The greatest deer densities are found in the northwest and southwest corners of the state and along the Connecticut River. The high elevation mountains that run north to south and the northeastern quarter of the state have fewer deer but more remote country for hunters who like to get into bigger woods. Youth and novice hunters are allowed to take two legal bucks, provided that one is taken during the youth or novice season, not to exceed the annual limit of four deer. A novice is a person who purchased their first hunting license within the past 12 months and is 16 years of age or older. To participate in the novice deer hunt, a qualified person must have a hunting license, follow the requirements of the youth deer season, and get a free novice deer tag.
HOW MANY ACRES OF PUBLIC HUNTING?
600,000 – 10.1% of the State
HUNTING REGULATIONS
Hunting Regulations can be found at https://www.eregulations.com/assets/docs/guides/25VTHD_LR2.pdf.
VIRGINIA
2024 Deer Harvest – 205,759
NR Youth (Under 12) – $13.00
NR Youth (12-15) – $16.00
NR Youth Combination Hunting License – $31.00
NR Hunting License – $111.00
NR 3-Day Hunt License – $60.00
NR Deer License – $86.00
NR Youth (12-15) Deer – $16.00
NR Youth (Under 12) – $13.00
NR Archery License – $31.00
NR Muzzleloader License – $31.00
NR Bonus Deer – $31.00
National Forest Permit – $4.00
Virginia State Forest Use Permit – $16.00
WHAT DOES THIS ALLOW?
Virginia is a two or three-buck state. East of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the annual bag limit is six deer. No more than two can be harvested a day. The daily bag limit for deer shall be unlimited in Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, and Prince William counties and in all cities and towns east of the Blue Ridge except in the cities of Chesapeake, Suffolk, and Virginia Beach. However, no more than three antlered deer may be killed in a license year. Only one deer per day may be taken on National Forest lands and Department-owned and Department-managed lands east of the Blue Ridge. West of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the bag limit for deer shall be two a day and five a license year. Of the five-deer limit, no more than two may be antlered deer and at least three must be antlerless deer. The daily bag limit for deer shall be unlimited in all cities and towns west of the Blue Ridge. However, no more than two antlered deer may be taken in a license year. Only one deer per day may be taken on National Forest lands and Department-owned and Department-managed lands west of the Blue Ridge. If a deer hunter kills two antlered bucks in a license year in Alleghany, Bath, Highland, or Rockbridge County, at least one of the bucks must have at least four antler points, 1 inch or longer, on one side of the antlers.
HOW MANY ACRES OF PUBLIC HUNTING?
1.9 million – 7.5% of the State
HUNTING REGULATIONS
Hunting Regulations can be found at https://www.eregulations.com/assets/docs/guides/24VAHD_LR2.pdf.
WEST VIRGINIA
2024 Deer Harvest – 111,646
NR Statewide Hunting/Trapping License (Class E) – $119.00
NR Youth (8-17) Sportsman Hunting (Class XXJ) – $16.00
NR Conservation/Law Enforcement Stamp (Class CS/LE) – $13.00
NR Archery Deer Hunting Stamp (Class UU) – $32.00
NR Additional Archery Deer Hunting Stamp (Class RRB) – $37.00
NR Additional Firearms Deer Hunting Stamp (Class RRG) – $43.00
NR Muzzleloader Deer Hunting Stamp (Class VV) – $32.00
NR Additional Muzzleloader Deer Hunting Stamp (Class RRM) – $37.00
NR Antlerless Deer Hunting Stamp (Class NN) – $27.00
National Forest Hunting/Trapping/Fishing Stamp (Class I) –$2.00 (required on National Forests)
WHAT DOES THIS ALLOW?
West Virginia is a two-buck state. A basic non-resident hunting license (Class E) with Class CS/LE stamp will allow you to hunt and harvest one buck during the firearms season. If you want to archery hunt, you need to purchase the Class UU stamp, and in certain counties, you may add two additional Class RRB stamps, potentially allowing you to harvest a total of three deer during archery season. One of the deer harvested on an RRB stamp must be antlerless. You can harvest either sex on your basic Class UU stamp. In certain counties, you may add up to three Class NN (antlerless) stamps. You may add an additional muzzleloader (class RRM) stamp. You must purchase your additional stamps before that season starts. Once the season has started, you cannot add additional stamps. Youth must possess a Class XXJ License + CS/LE stamp.
Here is an example for Tyler County:
Archery and Crossbow Seasons – Maximum season bag limit = 3
Buck Firearms Season – Maximum season bag limit = 2
Antlerless Firearms Seasons – Maximum season bag limit = 3
Muzzleloader Season – Maximum season bag limit = 2
If you bought your license and all additional stamps, you could legally harvest 10 deer. However, only two can be antlered. You may harvest two deer in a day, but only one can be antlered.
HOW MANY ACRES OF PUBLIC HUNTING?
1.4 million – 8% of the State
HUNTING REGULATIONS
Hunting Regulations can be found at https://wvdnr.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Pub_Regs_HuntTrap2425_DNR_WILD_digital_pp.pdf.
WISCONSIN
2024 Deer Harvest – 321,844
NR Youth Sports License – $36.00
NR Youth Gun Deer License – $36.00
NR Gun Deer License – $200.00
NR Archery License – $200.00
NR Crossbow License – $200.00
NR Youth Crossbow License – $77.00
NR Youth Conservation Patron License – $77.00
NR Conservation Patron License – $620.00
NR Bonus Antlerless Harvest Authorizations – $20.00
WHAT DOES THIS ALLOW?
Wisconsin is a two-buck state. One buck authorization is given with your gun deer license and one buck authorization is given with your archery license. Antlerless tags are zone/county specific and are awarded with your license. Depending on where you hunt, with your license, you will be allowed to select and add your antlerless tags for free. The southern zones/counties usually give out more tags. There is no cap, so everyone is granted the right to select as many tags as are allowed per person per area. The northern zones/counties are areas where you must purchase antlerless tags. Those are the bonus antlerless deer harvest authorizations. The bonus tags are limited and are sold on a first-come, first-served basis. Antlerless authorizations are not weapon/season specific; however, buck authorizations are weapon/season specific. Harvest authorizations are issued with each deer hunting license. The number and types of harvest authorizations issued with a deer hunting license may vary based on where in the state you are hunting. Some harvest authorizations are valid only during certain open seasons or when hunting in certain locations. Each harvest authorization allows the harvest of a single deer of the type specified. A buck deer harvest authorization is only valid for a buck, and an antlerless harvest authorization is only valid for antlerless deer. The youth and adult conservation patron license includes the archery license, crossbow license, and gun deer hunting license as well as other licenses and permits.
HOW MANY ACRES OF PUBLIC HUNTING?
5.7 million – 16.4% of the State
HUNTING REGULATIONS
Hunting Regulations can be found at https://widnr.widen.net/s/7nnzqjnmtq/2024-25-hunting-regulations.
Personally, I aim to have as many tags in my pocket as possible so I can hunt as much as I can each season. I love the adventure, the new places hunting takes me, the people I meet, and the time I get to share with others in the field. Much of our focus tends to be on the western states due to their complex regulations and draw systems. And while there are still over-the-counter (OTC) opportunities in the West, more and more areas are moving to a draw. Fewer OTC opportunities lead to increased competition and crowded hunting grounds that make the experience feel overwhelming or frustrating. The truth is, the mountains are vast, and to escape the pressure, you often have to go deeper or settle for less desirable areas. This can discourage hunters from taking these hunts and leave them without annual trips to look forward to. We don’t want you all to sit out a season or stop hunting. Therefore, I want to introduce you to whitetail hunting opportunities in states that often go overlooked. Places where you can purchase OTC licenses and tags and hunt every year without breaking the bank. This isn’t an in-depth analysis of each state but rather a brief overview that includes license and tag costs, total deer harvest numbers, public land availability, and other noteworthy factors. I encourage you to dig into the specific regulations for any state you’re interested in so you can become familiar with the rules. Contrary to popular belief, it’s not all private land. Pull out your onX app, turn on these states, and take a look at all the access you have. Many of these states offer ample public land where you can camp, explore, and hunt. Whether you’re planning a family trip, a solo adventure, or a group hunt, you don’t need to spend hundreds or thousands of dollars just on tags and licenses. And just like the West, these states offer a surprising amount of terrain and habitat diversity.
Let’s draw a parallel to the turkey hunting world where the “Turkey Slam” has gained major traction. Hunters travel across the country, exploring new habitats and testing their skills in various terrains. Part of the appeal is that almost all states offer OTC turkey licenses, and the season spans from early March in Florida to June in states like Maine and Michigan. This gives hunters a long window to travel and chase birds northward as each season opens. The same approach can be taken with deer hunting, but in the opposite direction if you’re aiming to hunt during the rut. Peak estrus in the Northeast usually falls in early November, while in the Southeast, peak estrus can stretch into mid-January. For those not focused on rut hunts, a couple states open their season in August and even more in early September, giving you a chance to harvest velvetbucks early in the year. North Dakota, Kentucky, Tennessee, and South Carolina are a few examples.
Interestingly, very few people talk about trying to harvest a deer in every state. In fact, one of our members, former USAF veteran Taylor Philpot of Revive Outdoors, is currently on a mission to harvest a buck in every state to raise awareness for PTSD and mental health.
“My journey to harvest a buck in every state has never been just about filling tags. From the beginning, it has been about raising awareness for something that often goes unnoticed in outdoor conversations: mental health. Along the way, God has blessed me with memories and friendships I never expected.
With 10 states now behind me, I can look back at each hunt and see how the challenges, terrain, and weather pushed me not just as a hunter but as a person. Each experience prepared me for the next, both in the woods and in life.
What stands out most is not the number of bucks on the wall but the people I have met across this great country. People who care. People who are willing to help. Folks who live out what it really means to love your neighbor and represent the heart of America.
This journey has opened my eyes to new cultures, different hunting styles, and even a new understanding of what a trophy truly is. Of course, I will always hope to cross paths with a mature buck, but God consistently reminds me that the most valuable part of this mission is not the antlers. It is the people I meet along the way.
Sometimes, the most meaningful thing you can do is ask a simple question: ‘How are you doing mentally?’ You never know how much that small gesture could change your life or theirs.” – Taylor Philpot
If you’re looking to expand your hunting experiences, discover new places, and hunt every year without the stress of point systems and lotteries, these overlooked states might be exactly what you need.
ALABAMA
2024 Deer Harvest – 205,740
NR Annual All Game – $389.40
NR 10-Day All Game – $240.40
NR 3-Day All Game – $169.55
NR Youth (Under 16) – FREE
NR Bait Privilege License – $61.85
Wildlife Management Area License (Required to hunt on WMA) – $22.20
WHAT DOES THIS ALLOW?
Alabama is a three-buck state. One of the three must have at least four antler points 1 inch or longer on one antler (except for Barbour County). Antlered bucks must have a minimum of three points on one side in Barbour County. Alabama is broken down into zones A-E and zone CMZ (Chronic Wasting Disease Management Zone). There is a Wildlife Management Area (WMA) bonus buck that allows one per hunter during all combined bonus buck hunt dates. The bonus buck is allowed to be harvested from a selected collection of WMAs on specific hunt dates depicted on the WMA map permits and will not count towards the hunter’s state three-buck limit. It must be validated at the WMA check station by WFF personnel. During the antlerless deer gun, special muzzleloader, bow and arrow, and special youth (under 16) seasons, one antlerless deer may be taken per day in addition to one antlered buck per day. For youth hunters, it is statewide (includes all privately owned, leased lands and open permit – public lands except WildlifeManagement Areas) in zones A, B, C, and CMZ November 15-18 and in zones D and E November 1-4.
HOW MANY ACRES OF PUBLIC HUNTING?
1.3 million – 4% of the State
HUNTING REGULATIONS
Hunting Regulations can be found at https://www.eregulations.com/assets/docs/guides/24ALAB_LR3.pdf.
ARKANSAS
2024 Deer Harvest – 199,863
NR Annual Hunting License (NBG) – $410.00
NR 5-Day Deer Hunting License (AG5) – $225.00
NR 3-Day Deer Hunting License (AG3) – $175.00
NR 1-Day Deer Hunting License (AG1) – $100.00
NR Youth (Under 16) Hunting License – FREE
WHAT DOES THIS ALLOW?
Arkansas is a two-buck state. The seasonal statewide bag limit is six deer. The early buck archery limit is one buck, no does, statewide. The statewide seasonal limit may be taken in any combination of zones or methods as long as individual zone bag limits are not exceeded. Antler point restrictions do not apply to hunters 6-15 years of age. The NBG license entitles the hunter to hunt during modern gun, alternative firearms, or archery and to take a total bag limit of deer (six). The AG5 license allows the hunter to hunt a five-day period and includes two deer tags. The AG3 license allows the hunter to hunt a three-day period and includes one deer tag. The AG1 license allows the hunter to hunt for one day with one deer tag. Refer to specific deer zones and WMAs for antler size/point restrictions. There are special youth hunt seasons that vary by zone and weapon type.
HOW MANY ACRES OF PUBLIC HUNTING?
3.2 million – 9.7% of the State
HUNTING REGULATIONS
Hunting Regulations can be found at https://www.agfc.com/resources/code-of-regulations.
CONNECTICUT
2023 Deer Harvest – 9,183
NR Firearms License – $91.00
NR Youth (12-15) Firearms Hunting – $11.00
NR Archery Deer/Small Game – $135.00
NR Youth Archery Deer/Small Game – $19.00
NR Muzzleloader Deer State Land – $68.00
NR Shotgun/Rifle Deer State Land No-Lottery – $68.00
WHAT DOES THIS ALLOW?
Connecticut is a four-buck state, if permits are utilized correctly. Without applying for lottery hunts, you are granted four tags for archery, one tag for shotgun/rifle, and one for muzzleloader. The archery permit allows you to harvest two either-sex and two antlerless deer. The shotgun/rifle deer state land no-lottery permit with the firearms license allows you to harvest one either-sex deer. You may only buy one type of state land shotgun deer permit. This means if you plan on applying for a state land lottery permit, you cannot purchase the state land no-lottery permit. The muzzleloader deer state land permit with the firearms license allows you to harvest one either-sex deer. Connecticut has an interactive public hunting areas map on their Department of Energy & Environmental Protection site. The archery license for youth comes with tags, the rest they must purchase – shotgun/rifle and muzzleloader. The prices for those permits are the same price as adults. The lottery is in January; anyone can play and win. If awarded, they can choose to take the tag or not. In March, unfilled lottery permits go on sale as first-come, first-served.
HOW MANY ACRES OF PUBLIC HUNTING?
173,000 – 5.6% of the State
HUNTING REGULATIONS
Hunting Regulations can be found at https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/deep/hunting_trapping/pdf_files/2025-ct-hunting-guide.
DELAWARE
2024 Deer Harvest – 18,823
NR Hunting License – $199.50
NR Youth (13-15) Hunting License – $50.00
NR Quality Buck Tag – $50.00
NR Antlered Deer Tag – $50.00
NR Additional Antlerless Deer Tag – $20.00
A FREE Conservation Access Pass (CAP) will be given with the purchase of a hunting license. The CAP is required to access State Wildlife Areas.
WHAT DOES THIS ALLOW?
Delaware is a two-buck state. The hunting license will come with a deer harvest report card that contains four antlerless deer tags. The cost of an antlered deer tag and a quality buck tag will be $50 each for non-resident hunters. This will allow you to hunt during any of the seasons. Hunters may purchase only one of each tag. If purchased, these “tags” will be added to the hunter’s deer harvest report card. An antlered deer tag may only be used on a deer with one or more antlers measuring 3 inches or more. A quality buck is one that has an outside spread greater than 15 inches. This means you would need to make sure the buck is at least out to its ears when he is in the alert position, ears out. Sika deer are present and can be hunted, harvested, and tagged just like a whitetail. When you register your harvest, you will be asked if it was a whitetail or sika deer. Biologists may follow up to collect more data as sika deer are not native, the population is small, and they want to keep it that way. There are Sunday hunting restrictions. Youth hunters just need the youth hunting license to hunt, and there are also some special youth hunting dates.
HOW MANY ACRES OF PUBLIC HUNTING?
68,000 – 5.4% of the State
HUNTING REGULATIONS
Hunting Regulations can be found at https://www.eregulations.com/assets/docs/resources/DE/24DEHD_LR3.pdf.
FLORIDA
2024 Deer Harvest – 92,496
NR Annual Hunting License – $151.50
NR Youth (Under 16) Hunting License – FREE
NR 10-Day Hunting License – $46.50
NR Deer Permit – $5.00
NR Archery Season Permit – $5.00
NR Crossbow Season Permit – $5.00
NR Muzzleloading Gun Season Permit – $5.00
WHAT DOES THIS ALLOW?
Florida is a five-buck state. The annual bag limit is five, and only two can be antlerless. However, on lands outside the WMA system in DMU D2, three of the five deer may be antlerless. The daily bag limit is two deer. During those portions of archery and crossbow seasons when antlerless deer can be taken, either deer may be antlered or antlerless. During antlerless deer seasons, only one deer may be antlerless. During all other seasons, only antlered deer may be taken. Each zone has specific antler restrictions. Smaller WMAs and ones that are around major cities require you to apply for a quota permit to be allowed to hunt deer. The period to apply is May 15-June 15. Each WMA has specific regulations and their own seasons, dates, and bag limits. Be sure to read the online brochure on each WMA before hunting. If you are unsuccessful in obtaining your quota permit, you will be awarded a preference point. Permits are issued via random drawing with preference given to hunters with more preference points. Larger WMAs and ones not near major cities do not require a quota permit to hunt, these are purchased OTC. Youth participating in a youth deer hunt weekend are allowed to harvest one antlered or antlerless deer during the weekend, and the deer counts towards the youth’s statewide annual bag limit.
HOW MANY ACRES OF PUBLIC HUNTING?
6 million – 15.6% of the State
HUNTING REGULATIONS
Hunting Regulations can be found at https://www.eregulations.com/assets/docs/guides/24FLHD_LR.pdf.
GEORGIA
2024 Deer Harvest – 273,079
NR Annual Hunting License – $100
NR One-Day Hunting License – $20.00
NR +Additional Day – $6.00
NR Annual Big Game License – $225.00
NR One-Day Big Game License – $130.00
NR +Additional Day – $8.00
Harvest Record – FREE
NR Sportsman’s License – $400.00
NR Youth (Under 16) Sportsman’s License – $50.00
WHAT DOES THIS ALLOW?
Georgia is two-buck state. The season limit is 12, 10 antlerless and 2 antlered. One of the two antlered must have a minimum of 4 points, 1 inch or longer, on either antler or a minimum 15-inch outside antler spread to be legal. For deer hunting, you would need to purchase a hunting license and the big game license. With that, you are good to hunt any season. In the regulations, the counties are categorized by color. Each color provides details on season dates and what can be harvested. By buying just the sportsman’s license, you would be allowed to deer hunt. It does cost more because it gives you the opportunity to participate in other state recreations, like fishing. The youth sportsman’s package includes privileges for all big game hunting. The harvest record is needed as well, but it is free. For bonus deer hunts in specific areas, no more than two deer may be killed unless otherwise noted in area listing. On areas with antler restrictions in effect, no more than one of the two deer may be an antlered buck. Deer killed on bonus hunts are not to be recorded on your deer harvest record or reported in Georgia Game Check. Instead, deer are to be taken on day of kill to the check station where agency staff will tag the deer. Deer can be brought to the check station whole, field dressed, or quartered along with head.
HOW MANY ACRES OF PUBLIC HUNTING?
1 million – 2.7% of the State
HUNTING REGULATIONS
Hunting Regulations can be found at https://georgiawildlife.com/sites/default/files/23GAHD.pdf.
ILLINOIS
2024 Deer Harvest – 170,758
NR – $57.00
NR 5-Day – $35.00
NR Youth (Under 18) – $7.00
State Habitat Stamp – $5.00
NR Firearms/Muzzleloader Either-Sex (ES) Permit – $300.00
NR Youth Deer Firearms Either-Sex Permit – $10.00
NR Firearms/Muzzleloader Antlerless-Only (AO) Permit – $25.00 or $100.00
NR Combination Archery Permit (1 either-sex & 1 antlerless permit) – $410.00
NR Youth Combination Archery Permit – $25.00
NR Single Antlerless-Only Archery Permit – $25.00 or $100.00
WHAT DOES THIS ALLOW?
Illinois is a two-buck state. There is no season bag limit. With a hunting license, habitat stamp, and pertinent deer permit, you are legal to hunt. Non-residents can get archery licenses during the June application or purchase over-the-counter before the hunt, which is valid statewide. There is not an unlimited number of licenses, but the quota is very high, so it basically assures you will get a license/tag. The leftover permits are sold on a first-come, first-served basis after the draw. There is a draw to obtain tags. Firearms are county specific and competitive to get. That’s why they have a lottery for them. The first lottery is for residents only. The second lottery is for residents who didn’t draw in the first and for non-residents. The third lottery is for everyone and whatever isn’t sold will be available to purchase OTC on a first-come, first-served basis. Non-resident applicants must possess an ES permit to be eligible for a discounted ($25) AO permit. The non-resident $100 permit is only available at license vendors. Non-resident applicants must possess an archery ES permit to be eligible for a discounted ($25) single AO permit. For archery, if you just wanted to get a hunting license, habitat stamp, and purchase an antlerless-only permit, you can instead of buying the combo license. This would save you money and put you around $162, but if you wanted another AO tag, it would be another $100 since you don’t possess the ES tag. If you have an ES tag, then all additional AO tags would be $25. Unfilled youth permits are also valid during the first weekend of firearm deer season. All counties except Cook, DuPage and Lake, and that portion of Kane County east of State Route 47 are open to youth deer hunting.
HOW MANY ACRES OF PUBLIC HUNTING?
497,864 – 1.4% of the State
HUNTING REGULATIONS
Hunting Regulations can be found at https://ngrrec-hunt-illinois-wordpress-images.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/22102313/HuntTrapDigest.pdf.
INDIANA
2024 Deer Harvest – 126,183
NR Deer Hunting – $240.00
NR Deer License Bundle – $550.00
NR Reduction Zone – $240.00/tag
NR Multi Season antlerless license – $240.00 for first tag, $39.00 for additional
NR Youth Deer Hunting – $39.00
NR Youth Deer License Bundle – $91.00
WHAT DOES THIS ALLOW?
Indiana is a one-buck state. The statewide antlerless bag limit is six. Each county has an antlerless bag limit ranging from two to four. You must select what season you want if you select the base deer hunting license ($240): archery, muzzleloader, firearms. Only one deer may be taken per license and only a buck during the firearms season. It is an additional $240 for your first antlerless and then $39 for the second. The bundle gives you the option to hunt multiple seasons and allows you to harvest up to three deer (one antlered and two antlerless). If you want to purchase an additional antlerless on top of those, it would be $39. In addition to statewide bag limits, deer reduction zones give hunters opportunities to harvest deer in areas with high deer densities. The bag limit for the reduction zones is 10 deer, of which only one can be antlered. Individuals hunting in a designated reduction zone who are attempting to satisfy the reduction zone bag limit must harvest an antlerless deer before harvesting an antlered deer (aka earn-a-buck). The earn-a-buck requirement only applies to the reduction zone bag limit. The reduction zone bag limit is in addition to all other bag limits. Deer reduction zones are $240 per tag, and there are no reduced prices for additional tags. The bonus antlerless license is now called the multi-season antlerless license. This is what you would purchase to take additional antlerless deer not provided on your base or bundle license. The multi-season license can be used in archery, muzzleloader, and firearms seasons.
HOW MANY ACRES OF PUBLIC HUNTING?
502,000 – 2.2% of the State
HUNTING REGULATIONS
Hunting Regulations can be found at https://www.eregulations.com/assets/docs/guides/24INHD_LR5.pdf.
KENTUCKY
2024 Deer Harvest – 149,868
NR Annual Hunting – $160.00
NR Annual Youth Hunting (12-15) – $10.00
NR Statewide Deer Permit – $235.00
NR Statewide Youth Deer Permit – $15.00
NR Additional Deer Permit – $15.00
WHAT DOES THIS ALLOW?
Kentucky is a one-buck state. However, on some federally controlled areas, including Reelfoot National Wildlife Refuge, Fort Campbell, and Fort Knox military reservations and Blue Grass Army Depot, a bonus antlered deer may be taken as determined by the governing agency for each area. The antlerless bag limit is dependent on which zone you are hunting in, ranging from unlimited to two deer. Kentucky is broken down into four different zones. The statewide permit allows for the taking of four deer. The additional permits allow for the taking of two additional deer. All deer hunters ages 16 and older, unless license exempt, must first buy and carry proof of purchasing an annual hunting license and a statewide deer permit while deer hunting. The permit allows a hunter to take four deer: one antlered and three antlerless or four antlerless. It does not matter if the antlered or antlerless deer is taken first. To take more than four deer, an additional deer permit must be purchased. The additional deer permit is valid for deer of either sex. The additional deer permit allows a hunter to take up to two additional deer beyond those allowed by the statewide permit in the following combinations: one antlered and one antlerless or two antlerless. Regardless of what permit a deer hunter carries, the statewide season limit for antlered deer is one per hunter. The additional deer permit is not valid unless the hunter has first purchased an annual hunting license and statewide deer permit and is able to show proof of that in the field. Youth hunters younger than age 12 are not required to have a hunting license or deer permit. Youth hunters hunting during the free youth weekends may hunt deer with firearms or any other legal method statewide without a hunting license or deer permit. During these seasons, youth hunters may harvest antlered or antlerless deer regardless of zone but must still abide by all bag limits and other deer hunting requirements.
HOW MANY ACRES OF PUBLIC HUNTING?
1.5 million – 5.9% of the State
HUNTING REGULATIONS
Hunting Regulations can be found at https://fw.ky.gov/Hunt/Documents/HuntingGuideDeer.pdf.
LOUISIANA
2024 Deer Harvest – 262,400
NR Basic Hunting – $200.00
NR Basic Hunting 5-Day – $65.00
NR Deer – $100.00
NR Deer Non-resident 5-Day – $35.00
NR Sportsman’s Paradise – $400.00
NR Sportsman’s Paradise 5-Day – $120.00
NR Youth Hunting – $5.00 (Includes Deer Tags)
WMA Access Annual Permit – $20.00
WMA Access 5-Day Permit – $5.00
WMA Camping Permit – $7.00/day
WHAT DOES THIS ALLOW?
Louisiana is a three-buck state. The season bag limit is six. Of the six, you may not exceed three antlered or four antlerless deer, except in areas 4 and 10. Areas 4 and 10 have a three-deer limit (you can’t exceed two antlered or two antlerless). The daily bag limit is one antlered and one antlerless (when legal). Louisiana is broken down into 10 different “deer areas.” A basic hunting ($200) and deer hunting ($100) license includes your deer tags, archery, and primitive privileges. You will need to add the additional WMA permits if you are hunting in an area that requires it. The Sportsman’s Paradise license includes basic and saltwater fishing, basic hunting season, deer hunting, turkey hunting, waterfowl hunting, LA duck, WMA access, and all recreational gear licenses (EXCEPT recreational trawls greater than 25 feet in length – additional license required). Here’s an example for a five-day hunt on a WMA: You purchase Basic Hunting+Deer+WMA Access+WMA camping for five days, equaling $140 OR you purchase Sportsman’s Paradise+WMA camping for five days for $140 but it grants you more privileges.
HOW MANY ACRES OF PUBLIC HUNTING?
1.6 million – 5% of the State
HUNTING REGULATIONS
Hunting Regulations can be found at https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/assets/Resources/Publications/Regulations/2024-2025-Hunting-Regulations.pdf.
MAINE
2024 Deer Harvest – 42,259
NR Hunt (Firearm) – $115.00
NR Archery – $75.00
NR Archery 6-Day – $26.00
NR Hunt Muzzleloader – $115.00
NR Muzzleloader Permit – $69.00
NR Expanded Archery Either-Sex Permit – $32.00
NR Expanded Archery Antlerless Deer Permit – $12.00
Youth/Junior (0-15) License – $35.00
WHAT DOES THIS ALLOW?
Maine is a one-buck state, except that an additional antlered deer may be harvested in an expanded archery area with the appropriate permit. There is no archery or firearm permit, your tag is included in that license. With the NR Hunt license, you get a firearms tag. If you want to hunt archery, you need to purchase the NR Archery license. If you want to hunt during muzzleloader season, you will need to buy that permit ($69). A licensed hunter with an antlerless deer permit can harvest an antlerless deer in the designated district and an antlered deer statewide. Antlerless permits need to be applied for. However, there are usually tags that go unsold and are available for purchase in September. When they go on sale, you log in to the system and are assigned a random number. You will then be able to purchase tags when your number is called. Last year, 58,160 antlerless tags were available. There was a total of 128,030 tags going into the lottery. There is no fee to apply in the antlerless deer permit lottery. Additional antlerless deer may be harvested by hunters possessing antlerless deer permit(s) or during the expanded archery season with appropriate permits. During the regular archery season and youth deer hunt, hunters may harvest an antlerless deer without an antlerless permit in designated WMDs/subunits. Hunting of antlerless deer (a deer that has no antlers or has antlers less than 3 inches in length measured from the skull) is prohibited except by special permit during both the firearms and muzzleloader seasons. A hunter who has lost or has permanently lost the use of both lower extremities may apply for a complimentary paraplegic hunting license. Those who have a complimentary paraplegic hunting license do not need to apply for an antlerless deer permit. Your license grants you the right to an antlerless deer from any WMD where antlerless deer permits are allocated. Unlike most other states, Maine operates under an implied permission structure, meaning that if land is not posted, it is legal to use the land. However, there is still the unwritten rule, always ask permission. 94% of Maine is privately owned, but more than half of that land is open to the public.
HOW MANY ACRES OF PUBLIC HUNTING?
600,000 – 3% of the State
HUNTING REGULATIONS
Hunting Regulations can be found at https://www.maine.gov/ifw/docs/24-MDIFW-1-HUNTING-LAWBOOK-2024-25.pdf.
MARYLAND
2024 Deer Harvest – 84,201
NR Hunting License – $160.00
NR Youth (Under 16) – $80.00
NR Senior License (65 and older) – $65.00
NR Archery Stamp – $25.00
NR Muzzleloader Stamp – $25.00
NR Bonus Antlered Stamp – $25.00
NR Sika Deer Stamp – $200.00
NR Archery Hunting Permit and Public Hunting Permit – FREE
WHAT DOES THIS ALLOW?
Maryland is a two-buck state, with an option to shoot a third in Region B as a bonus antlered deer. No more than one deer can be taken in any weapon season. The bonus antlered stamp allows a hunter to take an additional buck in Region B or to take a buck in Region A when they have already harvested a deer in Region B during the same weapon season. A hunter may only use one bonus antlered deer stamp per license year in the season of their choice. The annual bag limit for antlerless deer in Region A is two with the option to take an additional antlerless deer during the Primitive Deer Hunt Days. In Region B, 15 antlerless may be taken during archery season (unlimited in suburban deer management zones), 10 may be taken during muzzleloader, and 10 may be taken during firearms. Youth hunters still need to purchase stamps to hunt. However, there are junior deer hunt days where youth only need a license to hunt, and deer harvested during those days do not count towards regular season bag limits and antler restrictions do not apply. Sika deer bag limits are independent of whitetail. The sika deer stamp allows for the taking of three during archery, no more than one being antlered, three during muzzleloader, no more than one antlered, and three during firearms, no more than one antlered.
HOW MANY ACRES OF PUBLIC HUNTING?
420,000 – 5.3% of the State
HUNTING REGULATIONS
Hunting Regulations can be found at https://www.eregulations.com/assets/docs/guides/25MDHD_LR_2025-06-10-162700_uiqg.pdf.
MASSACHUSETTS
2024 Deer Harvest – 15,032
NR Hunting, Paraplegic – FREE
NR Hunting, Big Game – $108.50
Wildlands Conservation Stamp – $5.00
NR Antlerless Deer Permit – $25.00
NR Archery Deer Season Stamp – $25.00
NR Primitive Firearms Deer Season Stamp – $25.00
Youth (12-14) – Free license but must be accompanied by a licensed adult hunter
Youth (15-17) – Must purchase a Big Game License for $108.50
Free Youth Day Deer Hunt Permit – September 27, 2025
WHAT DOES THIS ALLOW?
Massachusetts is a two-buck state. There is no season bag limit. A hunter may harvest as many antlerless deer as they have valid antlerless permits for the specified permitted zones. For daily bag limits in Wildlife Management Zones (WMZ) 1-12, a hunter may harvest two deer before having to report/check them in. After checking them in, they may resume hunting that same day. WMZs 13 and 14 allow the harvest of four deer before having to check them in. The base (NR Big Game) license comes with two antlered deer tags. Deer with antlers 3 inches or less are considered antlerless and will need to be harvested on an antlerless deer permit. There is a free youth day hunt on September 27, 2025. The permit for that is free. The bag limit for the free youth hunt is one deer (antlered or antlerless).
HOW MANY ACRES OF PUBLIC HUNTING?
230,000 – 4.4% of the State
HUNTING REGULATIONS
Hunting Regulations can be found at https://www.mass.gov/info-details/deer-hunting-regulations.
MICHIGAN
2024 Deer Harvest – 299,517
Antlerless Deer Hunting Access Permit Application – $5.00 / Awarded Permit – $0.00
NR Base License – $151.00
NR Deer Combo – $190.00
NR Youth Deer Combo – $40.00
NR Single Deer License – $20.00
NR Universal Antlerless Deer License – $20.00
NR DMU 487 Antlerless Deer License – $5.00
NR Extended Late Antlerless Deer License – $5.00
DNR Sportcard (if no valid state issued driver’s license or ID) – $1.00
NR Mentored Youth License (9 and younger) – $7.50
NR under 17 may purchase a Resident Base License – $11.00
WHAT DOES THIS ALLOW?
Michigan is a two-buck state, except in DMU 117 where the bag limit is one buck. The season bag limit is very generous, allowing the purchase of up to 10 universal antlerless licenses and up to 10 extended late antlerless licenses. The base license is not a kill tag. Additional licenses are required to hunt. The single deer license is valid for one deer. The combo license includes the hunting license and two kill tags (regular and restricted) and are valid for one deer per tag. The universal antlerless license allows one kill tag for one antlerless deer. You may purchase up to 10 statewide per license year. A DMU 487 license allows one kill tag for one antlerless deer. The extended late antlerless license allows one kill tag for one antlerless deer. You may purchase up to 10 from December 1st through January 11th, and this does not count toward the purchase limit of the universal tags. There are some draws for reserved deer hunting access permits on specific state and public lands. You must apply and obtain an access permit to hunt antlerless deer in areas where a permit is required. The mentored youth license is a license package that allows youth hunters 9 years old and younger to hunt small game, waterfowl, turkey (spring and fall) and deer, trap furbearers, and fish for all species with a qualified mentor. The mentored youth license and kill tags will remain valid for the duration of the license year, even if the mentored youth hunter turns 10 years old during the year. The single deer license issued with the mentored youth license is valid for any deer in any deer management unit, except for units open during an antlerless only season when only an antlerless deer may be taken. Antler point restrictions do not apply.
HOW MANY ACRES OF PUBLIC HUNTING?
8.2 million – 22.5% of the State
HUNTING REGULATIONS
Hunting Regulations can be found at https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/-/media/Project/Websites/dnr/Documents/LED/digests/deer_regs_summary.
MINNESOTA
2024 Deer Harvest – 170,544
NR Youth Deer (10-12) – FREE
NR Youth Deer Firearms (13-17) – $5.00
NR Youth Deer Archery (13-17) – $5.00
NR Youth Deer Muzzleloader (13-17) – $5.00
NR Deer Firearms – $185.00
NR Deer Archery – $185.00
NR Deer Muzzleloader – $185.00
NR Deer Firearms Zone Change – $5.00
NR Early Antlerless – $45.00
NR Bonus Permit – $91.00
Walk-in Access – $3.00
Disease Management Antlerless Tag – $1.50
WHAT DOES THIS ALLOW?
Minnesota is a one-buck state, except in deer permit areas 643, 645, 646, 647, 648, 649, and 655. There, hunters may harvest three bucks. Bucks taken in these DPAs do not count towards the statewide one buck limit but do count toward the license limit and the DPA limit. The statewide annual bag limit is five. There is a lottery for certain permits in specific areas. Non-residents under 18 may take a deer of either sex in antlerless deer lottery permit areas without having to apply for or obtain an antlerless permit. The youth firearms license is valid during the youth deer season and the statewide (A) and late southeast (B) seasons but not the muzzleloader season. The bag limit is one deer of either sex, except antlerless deer may not be taken in bucks-only areas. Higher bag limits apply in areas where the early antlerless season is open. Legal bucks must be tagged with the youth’s firearm license. Bonus permits are not valid for legal bucks. A person may purchase no more than one firearms, one muzzleloader, and one archery deer license in a calendar year. Bonus, early antlerless permits, and disease management permits may be purchased in addition to regular licenses. Bonus and disease management permits may be used with an other season license. For example, a hunter who purchases a bonus permit with their archery license may use that bonus permit to tag an antlerless deer during firearms season if they hold a firearms license.
HOW MANY ACRES OF PUBLIC HUNTING?
8.9 million – 17.4% of the State
HUNTING REGULATIONS
Hunting Regulations can be found at https://files.dnr.state.mn.us/rlp/regulations/hunting/full_regs.pdf?v=24.09.05.12.15.
MISSISSIPPI
2024 Deer Harvest – Approximately 280,000
NR All Game Hunting – $300.00
NR 7-Day All Game Hunting – $150.00
NR 3-Day All Game Hunting – $150.00
NR Archery/Primitive Weapon/Crossbow – $75.00
Wildlife Management Area User Permit – $30.00
NR Deer Permit – $100.00
WHAT DOES THIS ALLOW?
Mississippi is a three-buck state, except in North Central DMU where you may shoot four bucks, one per day. The antlerless annual bag limit is five. However, on private lands in the North Central DMU, the bag limit is 10 antlerless. Only three antlerless deer may be harvested from the Southeast unit, and the daily bag limit is one. There is no daily bag limit in the North Central, Hills and Delta units. On U.S. Forest Service National Forests, the bag limit is one per day. The state is broken down into four units – Delta, Hills, Southeast, and North Central. For each unit, there is an antler restriction based on inside spread and main beam length. North Central DMU does not have any antler restrictions. For the buck bag limit, one of the three may have hardened antlers that do not meet the unit legal antler requirements on private land and Holly Springs National Forest. Only one buck may be harvested during the September archery velvet season, and that counts towards the annual bag limit. For youth hunters 15 years of age and younger, hunting on private land and authorized state and federal lands, all three of the bucks may be any antlered deer. A deer permit is required with the all game, 7-day all game, and 3-day all game license. The archery/primitive/crossbow is required with the all game and 7-day all game license but comes with the 3-day license.
HOW MANY ACRES OF PUBLIC HUNTING?
2 million – 6.6% of the State
HUNTING REGULATIONS
Hunting Regulations can be found at https://www.eregulations.com/assets/docs/guides/24MSAB_LR.pdf.
MISSOURI
2024 Deer Harvest – 276,262
NR Firearms Any-Deer Hunting Permit – $288.00
NR Youth Any Deer Hunting Permit – $9.00
NR Firearms/Archery Antlerless Deer Hunting Permit – $27.00
NR Youth Firearms/Archery Antlerless Deer Hunting Permit – $3.75
NR Archer’s Hunting Permit – $288.00
NR Youth Archer’s Hunting Permit – $10.25
WHAT DOES THIS ALLOW?
Missouri is a two-buck state. There is a generous season bag limit on antlerless deer. You may fill the antlerless permit limit in each county in which you choose to hunt. The firearms any deer permit grants one antlered or antlerless deer statewide. The firearms antlerless permit grants one antlerless deer in open counties. These permits may be purchased in any number, but each county has a limit on the number of antlerless permits you may fill during firearms deer season (all portions combined). The archer’s permit grants two deer during archery season. The antlerless archery permit grants one antlerless deer, and these can be purchased in any number. You must have an archer’s hunting permit to purchase those. Some counties have antler point restrictions. With the $9 youth license, hunters ages 6-15 may harvest one antlered or antlerless deer statewide during firearms season. They may take two antlered deer during all seasons combined with the proper permits. They may purchase additional antlerless permits for $3.75 each during archery and firearms but must abide by the county bag limits. If they wanted to take a second buck during archery, they would have to buy an additional permit for $10.25.
HOW MANY ACRES OF PUBLIC HUNTING?
2.5 million – 5.7% of the State
HUNTING REGULATIONS
Hunting Regulations can be found at https://mdc.mo.gov/sites/default/files/2025-06/2025%20FDT_508.pdf.
NEW HAMPSHIRE
2024 Deer Harvest – 12,277
NR Regular Hunting License – $113.00
NR Muzzleloader License – $41.00
NR Archery License – $83.00
NR Special Archery Deer Permit – $26.00
NR Youth (Under 16) – Free
WHAT DOES THIS ALLOW?
New Hampshire is a three-buck state, if licenses are utilized correctly. If you obtained all licenses, you could harvest six deer. The regular hunting license comes with one either-sex tag that can be used during regular firearms or muzzleloader season. A regular hunting license allows the taking of one deer of either sex (depending on when and where you are hunting) during the regular firearms deer season. A muzzleloader license allows for the taking of one deer of either sex depending on when and where you are hunting. The muzzleloader license must be purchased to hunt that season, but it does not come with its own tag. An archery license allows the taking of one deer of either sex during archery season. A special archery deer permit must be purchased at the time of buying your archery license if you want to harvest an additional antlered deer. Each hunter is limited to one of these permits. This permit may be used to tag the first or second deer taken by archery if it is legally antlered. The youth license is free, but they do need to buy a muzzleloader and special archery license to hunt the muzzleloader season and to have the extra archery tag. Youth hunters must be accompanied by a licensed hunter. They may hunt all other open seasons. There is no minimum age for hunting in New Hampshire. There are a couple special permits to hunt in WMU L and M. WMU L is a lottery tag with a 3,000 quota, and it is $26 and allows one antlerless deer. WMU M has a quota of 4,000 and is a first-come, first-served tag for $36 and allows two antlerless deer. The state is broken into 20 different wildlife management units. In New Hampshire, all state, federal, municipal, county, and private lands are considered open to hunting unless posted otherwise. Remember, hunting access is a privilege granted by landowners and needs to be respected. Being courteous and mindful is what keeps the posted signs down. When lands get abused and mistreated, that is when signs go up and hunting privileges go down.
HOW MANY ACRES OF PUBLIC HUNTING?
1.1 million – 19.1% of the State
HUNTING REGULATIONS
Hunting Regulations can be found at https://www.eregulations.com/assets/docs/resources/NH/24NHHD_LR6.pdf.
NEW JERSEY
2024 Deer Harvest – 39,255
NR Bow & Arrow – $135.00
NR Firearm – $135.00
NR Youth License (10-16) – Free
NR Rifle Permit – $10.50
NR Youth Rifle Permit – $6.00
NR Single Zone Permit Bow, Muzzleloader, or Shotgun – $28.00
NR Youth Single Zone Permit Bow, Muzzleloader, or Shotgun – $12.00
NR DRS Multi-Zone Permit (Permit Bow, Muzzleloader, or Shotgun) – $56.00
NR Youth DRS Multi-Zone Permit (Permit Bow, Muzzleloader, or Shotgun) – $24.00
NR Antlered Buck Permit – $28.00
NR Youth Antlered Buck Permit – $12.00
NR Special One Day Firearm (use on commercial preserves only) – $12.50
WHAT DOES THIS ALLOW?
New Jersey is mainly a one-buck state with an option to harvest a second buck during the six-day firearm season. If two bucks are harvested during the six-day firearm, then the shotgun buck stub is no longer valid. Season bag limit varies. Once a hunter has met the bag limit in a given regulation set, he or she may not harvest additional deer from any zone in that regulation set or in an identical or more restrictive (lesser bag limit) regulation set. However, the hunter may subsequently hunt in a zone with a more liberal (greater) antlerless bag limit as described in the regulations. The state is broken down into 68 different deer zones. Each zone has specific “regulation sets,” season dates, and bag limits. There are detailed tables in the regulations that lay out each specific zone in detail. More than 750,000 acres of state land is available for deer hunting. The state does offer deer regulation set (DRS) multi-zone permits. They offer set 7 or 8. Within each set are multiple zones. You can purchase each set, which will then give you access to hunt 15 different zones. All these zones within the sets have unlimited antlerless bag limits.
HOW MANY ACRES OF PUBLIC HUNTING?
750,000 – 15.6% of the State
HUNTING REGULATIONS
Hunting Regulations can be found at https://dep.nj.gov/wp-content/uploads/njfw/digest-hunting-and-trapping-2024-2025-segment-26-45.pdf.
NEW YORK
2024 Deer Harvest – 223,304
NR Hunting – $100.00
NR Youth Hunting (12-15) – $5.00
NR Bowhunting Privilege – $30.00
NR Youth Bowhunting Privilege – $4.00
NR Muzzleloader Privilege (12+) – $30.00
NR Deer Management Permit Application – $10.00
NR Youth Deer Management Permit Application – FREE
WHAT DOES THIS ALLOW?
New York is a two-buck state. The season bag limit depends on what licenses and permits you are able to hold. A hunting license will grant a regular season deer tag. The bowhunting privilege will grant a bow/muzzleloader either-sex tag. A muzzleloader privilege will grant a bow/muzzleloader either-sex tag. Non-residents must purchase a hunting license to be eligible for bowhunting and muzzleloading privileges. If you purchase both bowhunting and muzzleloading privileges, you will receive one bow/muzzleloader either-sex deer tag and one bow/muzzleloader antlerless deer tag. Both tags may be used in either season, with the appropriate implement. If you apply and get a deer management permit (DMP), you may transfer that tag to another hunter. This is an antlerless permit and grants the take of one deer. DMPs may be used in any open season only in the WMU they are issued for. Hunters may transfer or receive up to two DMPs from other hunters. These tags are in addition to your regular hunting license and bowhunting and muzzleloading privileges. These tags are preference point based, and unsuccessful applicants will receive a point. These points are won and lost on first permit selection only.
HOW MANY ACRES OF PUBLIC HUNTING?
3.7 million – 11.9% of the State
HUNTING REGULATIONS
Hunting Regulations can be found at https://www.eregulations.com/assets/docs/guides/24NYHD_LR2.pdf.
NORTH CAROLINA
2024 Deer Harvest – 188,800
NR State Hunting 10-Day – $95.00
NR State Hunting – $119.00
NR Big Game Hunting 10-Day – $95.00
NR Big Game Hunting Annual – $119.00
NR Youth Hunting (Under 16) – Free
NR Bonus Antlerless Deer License – $14.00
WHAT DOES THIS ALLOW?
North Carolina is a two-buck state. The season bag limit is six deer (two bucks and four does). There is no daily bag limit. Antlerless deer harvested and reported on Bonus Antlerless Harvest Report Cards do not count towards the season or possession limit. These allow the harvest of two additional antlerless deer per card and are only valid for deer taken within participating municipalities during the Urban Archery Season. Unlimited Bonus Antlerless Harvest Report Cards are available to each hunter and can be obtained on or after January 1st at most wildlife service agents or online. To be legal to hunt, you must purchase a state hunting license and then a big game hunting license. That will give you all your deer tags, unless you want to pick up bonus antlerless licenses and hunt the Urban Archery Season. Youth under the age of 16 are allowed to hunt for free, but you must contact North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission to get the deer tags in order to hunt. The state is broken down into Western, Northwestern, Central, Northeastern, and Southeastern deer zones. Season dates vary depending on what zone you are in.
HOW MANY ACRES OF PUBLIC HUNTING?
2 million – 5.8% of the State
HUNTING REGULATIONS
Hunting Regulations can be found at https://www.eregulations.com/assets/docs/guides/24NCAB_LR3.pdf.
NORTH DAKOTA
2024 Deer Harvest – 33,525
NR Whitetail Deer Bow – $250.00
NR Youth Whitetail Deer Bow (15 and younger) – $250.00
NR Hunting Certificate – $2.00
NR General Game and Habitat License – $20.00
WHAT DOES THIS ALLOW?
North Dakota is a one buck or one-doe state. Most licenses are obtained through a lottery. However, archery tags for whitetail are general licenses that can be purchased over-the-counter. After the second lottery is held, if any non-resident deer gun licenses are available, they are $55 and are sold on a first-come, first-served basis. Do not expect to be able to purchase any of those. Deer gun and any deer bow need to be drawn in the lottery. The archery tag is good statewide for either a whitetail buck or a doe. Youth must pay the same price as adults for the license and tag. Private land that is not physically or electronically posted and is not otherwise restricted to hunting by law may be hunted without landowner permission.
HOW MANY ACRES OF PUBLIC HUNTING?
1.9 million – 4.3% of the State
HUNTING REGULATIONS
Hunting Regulations can be found at https://gf.nd.gov/hunting/big-game.
OHIO
2024 Deer Harvest – 238,137
NR 1-Year Hunting License – $180.96
NR Either-Sex Deer Permit – $76.96
NR Youth (17 and younger) 1-Year Hunting License – $10.00
NR Youth Either-Sex Deer Permit – $16.00
Deer Management Permits – $15.00 (Private land and limited public land areas: Andreoff, Big Island, Wyandot, Lake La Su An, Killdeer Plains, and Lawrence Woods WMAs)
WHAT DOES THIS ALLOW?
Ohio is a one-buck state. Your base hunting license and either-sex permit will allow you to hunt during any of the deer hunting seasons. Counties are categorized into two, three, and four deer counties, meaning you can only harvest as many as allowed per county. However, the statewide limit is six deer, but you may only harvest one antlerless deer on public land per license year. There are a few public areas exempt from that restriction, such as Andreoff, Big Island, Wyandot, Lake La Su An, Killdeer Plains, and Lawrence Woods WMAs. You may harvest a buck and a doe in a two deer county on public land. If you wanted to reach your six deer limit, you would have to harvest the other four antlerless on private land and in other counties or with the $15 management permit on those mentioned WMAs. Example, Athens and Meigs are three deer counties. You could harvest three deer in Athens, then move to Meigs and harvest three deer there. Just keep in mind the restriction of one antlerless on public land. All youth hunting opportunities are available to anyone who is 17 years old or younger during the season dates. All hunters are required to have the appropriate licenses and permits.
HOW MANY ACRES OF PUBLIC HUNTING?
650,000 – 2.5% of the State
HUNTING REGULATIONS
Hunting Regulations can be found at https://dam.assets.ohio.gov/image/upload/ohiodnr.gov/documents/wildlife/laws-regs-licenses/Ohio%20Hunting%20and%20Trapping%20Regulations%20ENGLISH.pdf.
OKLAHOMA
2024 Deer Harvest – 125,785
NR Annual Hunting – $209.00
NR Youth Super Hunting (17 and younger) – $151.00
NR Youth 5-Day Hunting – $76.00
NR Deer Archery – $501.00
NR Deer Muzzleloader – $501.00
NR Deer Gun – $501.00
WHAT DOES THIS ALLOW?
Oklahoma is a two-buck state. The annual season bag limit is six deer. Youth only need to purchase a hunting license. Non-resident adults need to purchase a hunting license and deer license for the specific season/weapon type they want to hunt. Six deer may be taken during the archery season. Two deer may be taken during youth deer gun season, and those count towards the hunters combined season limit of six deer but are not included as part of the hunter’s regular deer gun season limit of four. Four may be taken during deer muzzleloader season. Four may be taken during deer gun season. Antlerless deer may only be harvested during firearm seasons on specified days and in zones open to antlerless harvest. These seasons all adhere to the annual bag limit of six deer. There is a holiday antlerless deer gun where two may be taken, and those do not count toward the hunter’s combined season limit of six deer.
HOW MANY ACRES OF PUBLIC HUNTING?
1.4 million – 3.2% of the State
HUNTING REGULATIONS
Hunting Regulations can be found at https://www.wildlifedepartment.com/sites/default/files/2024-07/24-25-Fishing-Hunting-Regulations%282%29.pdf.
PENNSYLVANIA
2024 Deer Harvest – 476,880
NR Hunting License – $101.97
NR Youth Hunting License (12-16) – $41.97
NR Archery License – $26.97
NR Muzzleloader License – $21.97
NR Antlerless License – $26.97
NR DMAP Permit – $35.97
NR Ag Tag – $1.97
WHAT DOES THIS ALLOW?
Pennsylvania is a one-buck state. One antlerless deer may be taken for each antlerless license or permit held. The general hunting license includes one antlered deer tag. An unused, antlered deer harvest tag from a general hunting license can be used to take an antlerless deer during the after-Christmas flintlock muzzleloader season. This is the only season in which the antlered tag can be used for antlerless deer, and each participant in the flintlock muzzleloader season must have a muzzleloader license in addition to a general license. With the exception of that, each hunter must possess an antlerless deer license, DMAP permit, or Ag Tag permit in order to hunt or harvest antlerless deer. Each hunter is limited to holding a maximum of six unfilled antlerless deer licenses, except in WMUs 5C and 5D where the limit is 15 unfilled licenses. Hunters who reach their maximum limit may apply for and obtain additional licenses as they harvest antlerless deer and report them, so long as licenses remain available. For purchasing antlerless licenses, the state sells in four different rounds. Each round allows for the purchase of a specific number of licenses. See the regulations for more details. DMAP is a deer management assistance program that allows hunters to assist landowners in achieving deer-management goals. The Ag Tag is a program that allows hunters to harvest antlerless deer on agricultural lands where they’re causing damage. The Ag Tag is obtained by receiving a coupon from a landowner and redeeming it at a license-issuing agent.
HOW MANY ACRES OF PUBLIC HUNTING?
3.5 million – 12.2% of the State
HUNTING REGULATIONS
Hunting Regulations can be found at https://read.nxtbook.com/pgc/huntingtrapping/20252026/antlerless_licenses.html.
RHODE ISLAND
2023 Deer Harvest – 2,794
NR Hunting License – $58.00
NR Tourist Hunting License 3-Day – $23.00
NR Youth Hunting License (12-14) – $43.00
NR Deer Permit – $27.50
WHAT DOES THIS ALLOW?
Rhode Island is a two-buck state, except in zone 3 where only one buck is allowed. The antlerless bag limit is zone dependent, ranging from two to unlimited. The state is broken down into four zones. Zone 1 is three antlerless deer. Zone 2 is two antlerless deer. Zone 3 is two antlerless deer. Zone 4 is unlimited antlerless deer. Antlerless limits are per zone, and hunters may harvest each limit within each zone in a hunting year cumulative across all weapons/seasons. The hunting license allows you to hunt in the state, and to harvest a deer, you must purchase a deer permit. Deer permits are sex, weapon, and zone specific. Youth hunters need to purchase the youth license to hunt, and all other hunting permit requirements and hunting regulations per season pertain to youth hunters. Dates for youth hunts vary depending on season and zone.
HOW MANY ACRES OF PUBLIC HUNTING?
55,000 – 8.1% of the State
HUNTING REGULATIONS
Hunting Regulations can be found at https://www.eregulations.com/assets/docs/guides/24RIHD_LR.pdf.
SOUTH CAROLINA
2024 Deer Harvest – 172,617
NR State Hunting License – $125.00
NR 10-Day State Hunting License – $75.00
NR 3-Day State Hunting License – $40.00
NR Big Game Permit – $100.00
NR Wildlife Management Area – $76.00
NR Individual Antlerless Deer Tags – $10.00
NR Unrestricted Buck Deer Tag – $50.00
NR Additional Unrestricted Buck Deer Tag – $20.00
NR Restricted Buck Deer Tag – $20.00
NR Youth – FREE
WHAT DOES THIS ALLOW?
South Carolina is a four-buck state, two unrestricted and two restricted buck tags. Hunters may purchase up to four antlerless tags. The daily limit is two deer. A hunting license and big game permit is required to hunt, and to harvest deer, additional tags are required. A maximum of one unrestricted tag may be purchased at the $50 price before an additional unrestricted buck tag can be purchased at $20. There is no size restriction on bucks with those tags. Two restricted buck tags can be purchased but only after the $50 unrestricted tag has been bought. The restriction is four points on one side or 12 inches inside minimum spread. The state is broken down into four game zones. Each zone has different limits and season dates. See the regulations for more detail. Youth receive a base set of tags for free by request and then may purchase one antler restriction buck tag ($50) and up to four individual antlerless tags ($10).
HOW MANY ACRES OF PUBLIC HUNTING?
1.3 million – 6.3% of the State
HUNTING REGULATIONS
Hunting Regulations can be found at https://www.eregulations.com/assets/docs/guides/24SCAB_LR6.pdf.
TENNESSEE
2024 Deer Harvest – 167,980
NR Youth Under 12 – FREE
NR Youth (13-15) 7-Day All Game – $26.00
NR Youth All Game Annual – $41.00
NR 7-Day All Game – $214.00
NR All Game Annual – $305.00
NR WMA Non-Quota Big Game – $24.00
NR Cherokee WMA Big Game Non-Quota – $18.00
NR Annual Hunt/Camp Permit Land Between the Lakes – $50.00
WHAT DOES THIS ALLOW?
Tennessee is a two-buck state. The bag limit of two bucks may be exceeded if taken as a bonus deer (only on certain WMAs), under the Earn-A-Buck program in a CWD positive county, or as a replacement buck. Hunters will
receive a replacement buck if they harvest a CWD-positive antlered deer, upon official notice from TWRA. There is no limit on the number of replacement bucks. Each antlerless deer harvested in a CWD-positive county and submitted for CWD testing earns an additional antlered deer. Hunters may earn an unlimited number of antlered deer for harvest in CWD-positive counties. Antlerless deer hunters may harvest up to the unit antlerless bag limit in each DMU. Moving to a different county within the same DMU does not increase the hunter’s bag limit. The state is broken down into six different deer management units (DMU). Young sportsman’s deer hunts are for youths ages 6-16 unless otherwise noted. Proper licenses and permits are required. Age 16 is considered a youth, but they must purchase and obtain the same permits and licenses as adults.
HOW MANY ACRES OF PUBLIC HUNTING?
2.4 million – 9% of the State
HUNTING REGULATIONS
Hunting Regulations can be found at https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/twra/documents/guide/TN-Hunting-Guide.pdf.
VERMONT
2024 Deer Harvest – 17,312
NR Youth Hunting (17 and younger) – $25.00
NR Hunting – $102.00
NR Archery Deer – $38.00
NR Archery-Only Deer – $75.00
NR Muzzleloader Deer – $40.00
WHAT DOES THIS ALLOW?
Vermont is a one-buck state. The season annual bag limit is four deer. The state is broken down into different WMUs. In some units, a legal buck has an antler with two or more points, and in other units, it is one antler with 3 inches or longer. The archery-only deer license includes a hunting license. No other permit or license is needed to hunt deer. The seasons are broken down into archery, novice and youth weekend, muzzleloader antlerless, regular November, and muzzleloader deer seasons. The greatest deer densities are found in the northwest and southwest corners of the state and along the Connecticut River. The high elevation mountains that run north to south and the northeastern quarter of the state have fewer deer but more remote country for hunters who like to get into bigger woods. Youth and novice hunters are allowed to take two legal bucks, provided that one is taken during the youth or novice season, not to exceed the annual limit of four deer. A novice is a person who purchased their first hunting license within the past 12 months and is 16 years of age or older. To participate in the novice deer hunt, a qualified person must have a hunting license, follow the requirements of the youth deer season, and get a free novice deer tag.
HOW MANY ACRES OF PUBLIC HUNTING?
600,000 – 10.1% of the State
HUNTING REGULATIONS
Hunting Regulations can be found at https://www.eregulations.com/assets/docs/guides/25VTHD_LR2.pdf.
VIRGINIA
2024 Deer Harvest – 205,759
NR Youth (Under 12) – $13.00
NR Youth (12-15) – $16.00
NR Youth Combination Hunting License – $31.00
NR Hunting License – $111.00
NR 3-Day Hunt License – $60.00
NR Deer License – $86.00
NR Youth (12-15) Deer – $16.00
NR Youth (Under 12) – $13.00
NR Archery License – $31.00
NR Muzzleloader License – $31.00
NR Bonus Deer – $31.00
National Forest Permit – $4.00
Virginia State Forest Use Permit – $16.00
WHAT DOES THIS ALLOW?
Virginia is a two or three-buck state. East of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the annual bag limit is six deer. No more than two can be harvested a day. The daily bag limit for deer shall be unlimited in Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, and Prince William counties and in all cities and towns east of the Blue Ridge except in the cities of Chesapeake, Suffolk, and Virginia Beach. However, no more than three antlered deer may be killed in a license year. Only one deer per day may be taken on National Forest lands and Department-owned and Department-managed lands east of the Blue Ridge. West of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the bag limit for deer shall be two a day and five a license year. Of the five-deer limit, no more than two may be antlered deer and at least three must be antlerless deer. The daily bag limit for deer shall be unlimited in all cities and towns west of the Blue Ridge. However, no more than two antlered deer may be taken in a license year. Only one deer per day may be taken on National Forest lands and Department-owned and Department-managed lands west of the Blue Ridge. If a deer hunter kills two antlered bucks in a license year in Alleghany, Bath, Highland, or Rockbridge County, at least one of the bucks must have at least four antler points, 1 inch or longer, on one side of the antlers.
HOW MANY ACRES OF PUBLIC HUNTING?
1.9 million – 7.5% of the State
HUNTING REGULATIONS
Hunting Regulations can be found at https://www.eregulations.com/assets/docs/guides/24VAHD_LR2.pdf.
WEST VIRGINIA
2024 Deer Harvest – 111,646
NR Statewide Hunting/Trapping License (Class E) – $119.00
NR Youth (8-17) Sportsman Hunting (Class XXJ) – $16.00
NR Conservation/Law Enforcement Stamp (Class CS/LE) – $13.00
NR Archery Deer Hunting Stamp (Class UU) – $32.00
NR Additional Archery Deer Hunting Stamp (Class RRB) – $37.00
NR Additional Firearms Deer Hunting Stamp (Class RRG) – $43.00
NR Muzzleloader Deer Hunting Stamp (Class VV) – $32.00
NR Additional Muzzleloader Deer Hunting Stamp (Class RRM) – $37.00
NR Antlerless Deer Hunting Stamp (Class NN) – $27.00
National Forest Hunting/Trapping/Fishing Stamp (Class I) –$2.00 (required on National Forests)
WHAT DOES THIS ALLOW?
West Virginia is a two-buck state. A basic non-resident hunting license (Class E) with Class CS/LE stamp will allow you to hunt and harvest one buck during the firearms season. If you want to archery hunt, you need to purchase the Class UU stamp, and in certain counties, you may add two additional Class RRB stamps, potentially allowing you to harvest a total of three deer during archery season. One of the deer harvested on an RRB stamp must be antlerless. You can harvest either sex on your basic Class UU stamp. In certain counties, you may add up to three Class NN (antlerless) stamps. You may add an additional muzzleloader (class RRM) stamp. You must purchase your additional stamps before that season starts. Once the season has started, you cannot add additional stamps. Youth must possess a Class XXJ License + CS/LE stamp.
Here is an example for Tyler County:
Archery and Crossbow Seasons – Maximum season bag limit = 3
Buck Firearms Season – Maximum season bag limit = 2
Antlerless Firearms Seasons – Maximum season bag limit = 3
Muzzleloader Season – Maximum season bag limit = 2
If you bought your license and all additional stamps, you could legally harvest 10 deer. However, only two can be antlered. You may harvest two deer in a day, but only one can be antlered.
HOW MANY ACRES OF PUBLIC HUNTING?
1.4 million – 8% of the State
HUNTING REGULATIONS
Hunting Regulations can be found at https://wvdnr.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Pub_Regs_HuntTrap2425_DNR_WILD_digital_pp.pdf.
WISCONSIN
2024 Deer Harvest – 321,844
NR Youth Sports License – $36.00
NR Youth Gun Deer License – $36.00
NR Gun Deer License – $200.00
NR Archery License – $200.00
NR Crossbow License – $200.00
NR Youth Crossbow License – $77.00
NR Youth Conservation Patron License – $77.00
NR Conservation Patron License – $620.00
NR Bonus Antlerless Harvest Authorizations – $20.00
WHAT DOES THIS ALLOW?
Wisconsin is a two-buck state. One buck authorization is given with your gun deer license and one buck authorization is given with your archery license. Antlerless tags are zone/county specific and are awarded with your license. Depending on where you hunt, with your license, you will be allowed to select and add your antlerless tags for free. The southern zones/counties usually give out more tags. There is no cap, so everyone is granted the right to select as many tags as are allowed per person per area. The northern zones/counties are areas where you must purchase antlerless tags. Those are the bonus antlerless deer harvest authorizations. The bonus tags are limited and are sold on a first-come, first-served basis. Antlerless authorizations are not weapon/season specific; however, buck authorizations are weapon/season specific. Harvest authorizations are issued with each deer hunting license. The number and types of harvest authorizations issued with a deer hunting license may vary based on where in the state you are hunting. Some harvest authorizations are valid only during certain open seasons or when hunting in certain locations. Each harvest authorization allows the harvest of a single deer of the type specified. A buck deer harvest authorization is only valid for a buck, and an antlerless harvest authorization is only valid for antlerless deer. The youth and adult conservation patron license includes the archery license, crossbow license, and gun deer hunting license as well as other licenses and permits.
HOW MANY ACRES OF PUBLIC HUNTING?
5.7 million – 16.4% of the State
HUNTING REGULATIONS
Hunting Regulations can be found at https://widnr.widen.net/s/7nnzqjnmtq/2024-25-hunting-regulations.