Firearm deer season 2026: when each state opens
The general firearm deer season openers for 2026, each taken from the state wildlife agency's own season page (checked November 6, 2026). Pick a state for its free hunting unit and public land maps, which Cartahaven shows your GPS position on with no signal.
Archery, muzzleloader, youth and antlerless seasons differ. Always read your state's regulations.
| State | Opens |
|---|---|
| New York | Saturday, October 24 |
| Minnesota | Saturday, November 7 |
| New Hampshire | Wednesday, November 11 |
| Indiana | Saturday, November 14 |
| Kentucky | Saturday, November 14 |
| Missouri | Saturday, November 14 |
| Vermont | Saturday, November 14 |
| Virginia | Saturday, November 14 |
| Illinois | Friday, November 20 |
| New York | Saturday, November 21 |
| Wisconsin | Saturday, November 21 |
| West Virginia | Monday, November 23 |
| Maryland | Saturday, November 28 |
| Pennsylvania | Saturday, November 28 |
| Ohio | Monday, November 30 |
| Iowa | Saturday, December 5 |
| New Jersey | Monday, December 7 |