Hawaii Hunting

Hawaii is renowned for its picturesque beaches and tropical climate, attracting tourists from around the world. However, beyond its stunning landscapes and warm weather, Hawaii offers a significant hunting experience. The state is home to various game species, including mouflon sheep, black-tailed deer, feral goats, and hogs. Furthermore, Hawaii boasts a rich array of wildlife management areas spread across its numerous islands.

Hawaii Hunting Regulation

Hunting regulations in Hawaii can vary from one region to another, with each region referred to as a hunting unit. The Hawaii Division for Wildlife and Forestry is responsible for enforcing these hunting laws, requirements, and regulations.

License, Permits, and Tags Regulations

Before embarking on a hunting trip in Hawaii, there are several crucial regulations that hunters must be aware of:

Hunters must possess a valid Hawaii hunting license or any required tags and permit for the game they wish to pursue while in a hunting area.
Transferring hunting permits, tags, and stamps to other individuals is strictly prohibited.
Hunting permits, tags, and stamps are valid only for the specified dates and for the designated permit holder.
In wildlife management areas with check stations, hunters and their assistants must check in both before and after hunting.
By signing a Hawaii hunting license, permit, tag, or stamp, hunters agree to comply with all the conditions and terms outlined. They must also adhere to all hunting laws and regulations and allow inspections by wildlife and forestry department workers.

To apply for a valid Hawaii hunting license, hunters must be at least 10 years old and have completed a hunter education course, accompanied by a certificate as proof.

Firearms and Archery Regulations for Hunting

When it comes to using firearms and archery equipment while hunting in Hawaii, certain laws and restrictions apply:

Hunters must possess a valid hunting license or have a license to have hunting firearms and archery equipment. Discharging a firearm on public hunting lands without a valid license is strictly prohibited.
Each hunter is allowed to possess only one firearm or archery equipment suitable for the game they intend to hunt. However, hunters assisting others may carry additional firearms. All hunting equipment must be made available for inspection upon request by the Hawaii Wildlife and Forestry Department.
Archery or firearm equipment is prohibited in public hunting lands during closed seasons or on designated no-hunting days.
Hunters must not possess loaded firearms or archery equipment after reaching the bag limit for a specific game.
Specific regulations apply to hunting with dogs in Hawaii. The use of certain hunting equipment, such as rifles with cartridges rated less than 12,000-foot pounds, is prohibited.

For Bow and Arrow Hunting:

Bows must meet certain specifications, including a minimum weight of 45 pounds for a 28-inch draw for longbows, 35 pounds for recurve bows, and 30 pounds for compound bows.
The use of arrows with explosive heads or heads coated with drugs, chemicals, or poisons to incapacitate games and wildlife is strictly prohibited. Legal arrows must have a minimum cutting diameter of ¾ width for the inch allowed.

Hunting Dogs Regulation

Hunting dogs are permitted in Hawaii but must adhere to specific regulations:

Hunters must not leave their dogs unattended during the hunting period. Dogs must accompany hunters and remain under their control at all times, except when actively pursuing game.
Hunters are entirely responsible for their dogs’ actions, including any damages or injuries caused by the dogs.
Dogs must be under the owner’s voice control at all times. In hunting areas, safety zones, and closed areas, owners must physically restrain their dogs.
Dogs must carry identification at all times, especially when in public areas or pursuing games.

Vehicles and Aircraft Restrictions

While hunting in Hawaii, certain rules apply to the use of vehicles:

Only four-wheeled vehicles are permitted in public hunting lands.
Aircraft cannot be used to transport or herd mammal games. Hunting from aircraft is strictly prohibited, except under specific permits issued by the department.
Motorized vehicles, including motorcycles and other terrain vehicles, are prohibited in hunting areas except for designated roads. Vehicles must be parked within 25 feet of maintained roads.
Firearms or archery equipment must not be carried or discharged from vehicles or carriers, except for disabled hunters with appropriate permits.

Open Carry While Hunting in Hawaii

Open carry is generally allowed for hunting activities in Hawaii, except during bow hunting. Concealed carry while hunting is also not permitted.

Harassment Laws to Protect Hunting Activities

Hawaii has enacted harassment laws to safeguard hunting activities within the state. These laws include the following provisions:

Deliberately preventing or disrupting legal hunting activities that may impact the game or the hunter’s success is strictly prohibited.
Performing any stimuli that affect the behavior of the game or wildlife is not allowed.
Any activity that affects hunting property or wildlife in a way that harms animals is prohibited.
Limiting access or movement of hunters in designated hunting areas is not allowed.
Entering state or private wildlife areas or water bodies without permission is considered a violation of these laws.

Hawaii Hunting Licenses, Permits, and Tags

Hawaii offers various hunting licenses, permits, and tags based on residency:

Hawaii Hunting License:

Available for both residents and non-residents hunting on all islands in Hawaii.
Costs $10 for residents and $95 for non-residents.

Blacktail Deer License:

Available for residents and non-residents to take black-tailed deer in all Hawaii islands.
Costs $5 for residents and non-residents.

Blacktail Deer Rifle Tag:

Required for hunting blacktail deer with rifles in all Hawaii islands.
Available for residents and non-residents and costs $10 and $25, respectively.

Blacktail Deer Muzzleloader Tag:

Required for hunting blacktail deer with muzzleloader firearms in all Hawaii islands.
Available for residents and non-residents and costs $5 and $25, respectively.

Blacktail Deer Archery Tag:

Required for hunting blacktail deer with archery devices on all Hawaii islands.
Available for residents and non-residents and costs $5 and $25, respectively.

Feral Goat Rifle Tag Lottery Application:

Required for hunting feral goats with a rifle on Kauai Island.
Available to residents and non-residents through a lottery application, with fees of $5 and $10 for residents and non-residents, respectively.

Feral Goat Muzzleloader Permit Tags:

Required for hunting feral goats with muzzleloader firearms in Kauai Island.
Available for residents and non-residents and costs $5 and $10, respectively.

Feral Goats Annual Archery Permit:

Required for hunting feral goats with archery devices on Kauai Island.
Valid for one year and available for residents and non-residents, with fees of $5 and $25, respectively.

Feral Pig Hunt Season Permit:

Required for hunting feral pigs during their season on Kauai Island.
Available for residents and non-residents and costs $5 and $25, respectively.

Special Hunt Application:

Required for participation in the Kauai Island special hunt.
Available for residents and non-residents and costs $5.

Special Hunt Permits for Deer, Swine, and Goat:

Required for participating in deer, pigs, and goats’ special hunt during their season in Kauai Island.
Available for residents and non-residents and costs $10 and $25, respectively.

Mouflon Sheep Season Lottery Application:

Application fee to hunt Mouflon sheep on Lanai Island.
Issued based on a lottery and available to residents and non-residents for $10.

Mouflon Sheep Season Tag:

Required for Mouflon sheep hunting in Lanai Island if selected.
Available to residents and non-residents for $20 and $125, respectively.

Axis Deer Season Lottery Application:

Application fee for hunting axis deer in Lanai Island.
Issued based on a lottery and available to residents and non-residents for $10.

Axis Deer Season Tag:

Required for axis deer hunting in Lanai Island if selected.
Available to residents and non-residents for $20 and $125, respectively.

Puu Waawaa Tag for Feral Sheep and Goat:

Allows hunting of Puu Waawaa feral sheep and goats in Hawaii.
Available for residents and non-residents and costs $10 and $25, respectively.

Puuanahulu Tag for Feral Sheep and Goat:

Allows hunting of Puuanahulu feral sheep and goats in Hawaii.
Available for residents and non-residents and costs $10 and $25, respectively.

Hawaii Hunting Season 2020/21

Hunting seasons in Hawaii vary across its islands and wildlife management areas:

Hunting in Kauai Island:

Hawaii Feral Pigs Hunting Season (Available all year round)
Hawaii Feral Goats Hunting Season (Available all year round)
Hawaii Deer Hunting Season (Available all year round)

Hunting in Oahu Island:

Hawaii Pigs Hunting Season (Available all year round)
Hawaii Goats Hunting Season (Available all year round)

Hunting in Molokai Island:

Hawaii Feral Pigs Hunting Season (Available all year round)
Hawaii Feral Goats Hunting Seasons (Available all year round)

Hunting on Lanai Island:

Hawaii Mouflon Sheep Hunting Seasons (July to August)
Hawaii Axis Deer Hunting Seasons (February to March)

Please note that specific dates for each game season will vary based on the hunting unit, hunter’s residency, and method of hunting.

Hunting on Maui Island:

Hawaii Feral Pigs Hunting Season (Available all year round)
Hawaii Feral Goats Hunting Seasons (Available all year round)

Hunting in Hawaii Island:

Hawaii Feral Pigs Hunting Season (Available all year round)
Hawaii Feral Goats Hunting Seasons (Available all year round)
Hawaii Wild Sheep Hunting (Available all year round)

For all islands in the state, some regions will define hunting dates for games and weapon seasons. It is essential to know the regulations in each area to ensure legal hunting.

Hawaii Wildlife Games and Fish

Hawaii offers a diverse range of game species, making it an attractive destination for hunting enthusiasts:

Hawaii Axis Deer Hunting:

The Island of Lanai is home to a significant population of axis deer in Hawaii, making it one of the largest ranges for this species worldwide. Hunters can observe up to a hundred deer on Lanai Island, particularly in thickly forested and mountainous areas.

Hawaii Feral Pig Hunting:

Feral pig hunting is prevalent on the big island of Hawaii, with specific zones designated for hunting on public lands. Maui Island, Oahu Island, Kauai Island, and Molokai Island also provide opportunities for hunting feral pigs.

Hawaii Mountain Goat Hunting:

Mountain goats in Hawaii originally received as gifts, but eventually escaped domestication, leading to a considerable increase in their population across the state. They inhabit mountainous areas and semi-barren lava fields on various islands.

Hawaii Mouflon Sheep Hunting:

Black Hawaiian and mouflon sheep are the two common sheep species found in Hawaii. Mouflon sheep hunting is available on some of the state’s islands, with populations residing in the upland forested regions of Mauna Kea slopes.

Hawaii Turkey Hunting:

Wild turkey hunting is popular in Hawaii, thanks to their introduction to the state in the 1960s. Turkey hunting is available year-round.

Hawaii Pheasant Hunting:

Pheasants inhabit specific areas in Hawaii, such as the volcano area, Hawaii National Park, and the state bird park area. Hunting for pheasants is best during sunset and sunrise when they are more active.

Hawaii Quail Hunting:

The most common quail in Hawaii is the Californian quail, also known as Golovin quail. These birds have a small size of approximately 9 to 11 inches and are covered with brown feathers.

Hawaii Shooting Ranges

Hawaii provides public shooting ranges for firearm enthusiasts:

County of Hawaii Trap & Skeet Range
Koko Head Shooting Complex
Maui Trap & Gun Club
Ukumehame Firing Range

Hawaii Hunting Lands for Sale and Lease

For those interested in owning or leasing hunting lands in Hawaii, there are various options available:

Lands for Sale:

Ninole, Hawaii (Hawaii County) – 70.18 acres
Pepeekeo, Hawaii (Hawaii County) – 23.96 acres
Ocean View, Hawaii (Hawaii County) – 1 acre
Pahoa, Hawaii (Hawaii County) – 0.18 acres
Pahoa, Hawaii (Hawaii County) – 0.35 acres
Papaaloa, Hawaii (Hawaii County) – 269.41 acres
Ainaloa, Hawaii (Hawaii County) – 0.28 acres
Pahoa, Hawaii (Hawaii County) – 0.2 acres
Kamuela, Hawaii (Hawaii County) – 13.37 acres
Keaau, Hawaii (Hawaii County) – 0.5 acres
Honokaa, Hawaii (Hawaii County) – 31.82 acres

Lands for Lease:

Wooded land with a pond outside Newbern, on County Road 39 – 20 acres

Conclusion

Hawaii’s beautiful landscapes and favorable climate attract hunters seeking unique and exciting hunting experiences. With a wide range of game species, hunting regulations, and designated wildlife management areas, Hawaii offers something for every hunting enthusiast. Whether you’re interested in pursuing feral pigs, axis deer, mouflon sheep, or any other game, you’ll find ample opportunities across the islands.

Remember to adhere to all hunting regulations, obtain the necessary permits, and hunt responsibly to preserve Hawaii’s natural beauty and wildlife for future generations.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Do I need a hunting license to hunt in Hawaii?

Yes, all hunters must possess a valid Hawaii hunting license or any required tags and permits before hunting in the state. These licenses and permits can be obtained from the Hawaii Division for Wildlife and Forestry.

What are the regulations for hunting with firearms and archery equipment in Hawaii?

Hunters must have a valid hunting license to possess and use firearms and archery equipment for hunting in Hawaii. They are only allowed to possess one firearm or archery equipment required for the game they are hunting. There are specific regulations for hunting with dogs while using firearms as well.

Is open carry allowed while hunting in Hawaii?

Yes, open carry is generally allowed for hunting activities in the state, except for bow hunting. However, concealed carry is not permitted while hunting in Hawaii.

Are there any restrictions on using vehicles and aircraft while hunting in Hawaii?

Yes, there are several regulations regarding the use of vehicles and aircraft for hunting in Hawaii. Four-wheeled vehicles are allowed on public hunting lands, but other motorized vehicles, including motorcycles, are prohibited unless they are on designated roads. The use of aircraft for hunting, including the discharge of firearms or archery devices, is strictly forbidden.

What are the available hunting licenses and tags in Hawaii, and how much do they cost?

Hawaii offers various hunting licenses, permits, and tags based on residency and the type of game. Prices vary for residents and non-residents. Some examples include the Hawaii Hunting License, Blacktail Deer License, Feral Goat Rifle Tag, Mouflon Sheep Season Tag, and many others. Prices range from $1 to $125, depending on the license or tag type.

Can you hunt in Hawaii?

Yes, there are opportunities for regulated hunting of game mammals, birds, and waterfowl in Hawaii. Licenses and permits specific to the island and the animal being hunted are required.

Can you hunt chickens in Hawaii?

No, feral chickens are not considered game birds in Hawaii and cannot be legally hunted. They are an introduced species and hunting them is prohibited by the state’s hunting regulations.

Where does Dog the Bounty Hunter live in Hawaii?

Duane “Dog” Chapman, the TV personality and bounty hunter, previously lived in Oahu with his family when he starred in Dog the Bounty Hunter. His exact former residence is not public knowledge.

Can you hunt mongoose in Hawaii?

Yes, small Indian mongooses are considered invasive species in Hawaii and can be hunted year-round without a hunting permit or bag limit. Proper hunting licenses are still required. Mongoose hunting helps control population spread.

How to get a hunting license in Hawaii:

To legally hunt in Hawaii, you must complete an approved hunter education course and then apply for the proper state hunting license for the island you will be on through the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources. Specific tags are also required for some game animals.

Can you duck hunt in Hawaii?

Yes, there are opportunities for duck hunting on most of Hawaii’s major islands during the designated waterfowl hunting season from November to January. Proper state and federal waterfowl stamps, a Hawaii hunting license, and a state permit are required.