Archery-only season for white-tailed deer, mule deer and wild turkey opens Saturday, October 3, and runs through Friday, November. 6. Check the Outdoor Annual for the types of archery and crossbow equipment that are allowed for taking game, as well as other bowhunting regulations and specific county regulations.
Prospects for white-tailed deer are good across the state since spring rains allowed many regions to recover from last year’s very dry fall and winter. If you’re looking for new bowhunting grounds, check out our more than 1 million acres of public hunting lands. All you need to access them is an Annual Public Hunting Permit ($48).
What You Need to Know
Bowhunters must carry the following in the field:
- Hunter Education Certification – keep the proof in your pocket!
- Hunting License
- Archery Endorsement
- For wild turkey hunters: Upland Game Bird Endorsement
Hunter Education is required for everyone born after Sept. 1, 1971. If you’ve misplaced your Hunter Ed card, print a free copy online.
Get your license and endorsements at retailers or online.
Mule deer and white-tailed deer hunters need to review current Chronic Wasting Disease(CWD) information, and check the list of CWD Containment and Surveillance Zones, testing requirements and carcass movement restrictions. New for the 2020-21 season, a CWD zone has been established in Kimble County.
