Shooting Hours by Species

Deer hunting follows the standard 30/30 rule in nearly all states. The only notable exception is Wisconsin, which uses 30 minutes before sunrise to 20 minutes after sunset during gun deer season.

For archery and muzzleloader seasons, shooting hours may vary slightly. Always check your state's regulations for season-specific rules.

Turkey shooting hours are notably different from deer in most states. Evening shooting is typically restricted, ending at sunset rather than 30 minutes after.

Several states, including Missouri and Illinois, have midday closures during spring turkey season (ending at 1:00 PM) for part or all of the season. This protects nesting hens during afternoon hours.

Critical difference: Unlike deer and other big game, waterfowl hunting typically cannot begin before sunrise. Many states explicitly prohibit any shooting before the sun rises.

The reasoning is safety-related: identifying waterfowl species in low light is difficult, and the risk of shooting protected species increases significantly before sunrise.

Key Points for Waterfowl Hunters

• Check your state's specific opening time - some allow 30 min before sunrise, others require waiting until sunrise
• Shooting must stop at sunset in all states (no 30-minute extension)
• Special hunt areas (refuges, WMAs) may have additional restrictions
• Early and late seasons may have different hours than regular season

Elk hunting follows the standard big game shooting hours rule across all states with elk populations. This includes Colorado, Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, and Pennsylvania (among others with reintroduced herds).

Unlike turkey and waterfowl, there are no significant variations in elk shooting hours between states. However, specific management units or seasons may have additional restrictions - always check unit-specific regulations.

Bear hunting generally follows the standard 30/30 shooting hours rule in states where bear hunting is legal. States with bear hunting include Alaska, Pennsylvania, Michigan, New York, North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, Tennessee, Maine, and others.

Some states with over-the-counter bear tags (like Idaho in certain units) may have longer seasons, but shooting hours remain consistent with standard big game rules.

Dove, like waterfowl, are migratory birds subject to federal frameworks. Many states restrict dove hunting to end at sunset rather than allowing the 30-minute extension after sunset.

Opening day special hours: Some states (including Texas and Arizona) start dove season at noon on opening day, then switch to regular morning hours for the remainder of the season.