2025–2026 U.S. Hunting Season Guide | Dates, Tags & Gear Tips

This article is edited by Trudave. With years of expertise in waterproof apparel and footwear, Trudave aims to provide impartial and professional advice on selecting hunting gear for different seasons. Please note that this article does not feature Trudave products, but if you find it helpful, we would appreciate your support! Visit our official website: https://trudavegear.com.

The Countdown’s On — Time to Get Your Dates Locked In

If you can already smell gun oil and pine needles in the air — same here. Every hunter knows that timing is everything. Each state’s got its own opener, its own set of rules, and you bet they’ll change something right before you go.

So before you start tossing decoys or zeroing your rifle, hit up your state’s Fish & Wildlife site for the 2025–2026 calendar. Archery, rifle, youth hunts — it’s all there.

Pro tip from the Trudave crew: Set a reminder on your phone for tag deadlines. We’ve all missed one before — and trust us, sitting home while your buddies fill tags hurts worse than cold water down your waders.

State-by-State Highlights — What to Expect This Season

Accuracy Note: Hunting season dates listed above are based on publicly available 2025–2026 state hunting calendars and wildlife agency summaries. However, exact opening and closing dates may vary by zone, weapon type, or special unit regulations. Wildlife agencies frequently adjust dates due to environmental factors, population surveys, or emergency directives.

For the most current and legally binding season dates, always refer directly to each state’s official Fish & Wildlife Department: Texas Parks & Wildlife, Montana FWP, Arkansas GFC, Wisconsin DNR, Florida FWC, Colorado Parks & Wildlife, North Dakota GFD, Alabama DCNR, Kentucky DFW, California DFW.

Trudave strives to ensure information accuracy, but regulations change frequently. Always verify before hunting.

Even the best hunters double-check their WMU zones. One wrong code on your tag can turn a dream trip into a fine — always review your local regulations and check for last-minute updates from each state’s Fish & Wildlife department.

Top Game to Chase — and the Gear That Keeps You Out There Longer

🦌 Deer Season

The bread and butter of hunting. Long hikes, cold mornings, and mud you’ll never wash off. That’s where the Trudave TrailMist Boots shine — warm, waterproof, and built for those 4 AM treks through soaked brush.

🐻 Bear & Elk

Bigger game means bigger miles. Some hunts are draw-only, so apply early. When the terrain turns rough, we trust Trudave IronWade Waders — reinforced seams, steel-shank support, and comfort you’ll thank us for after a 10-mile pack-out.

🦆 Waterfowl

From flooded timber in Arkansas to icy blinds in the Dakotas — if you’re chasing ducks, AquaFort Rain Suit and IronWade Chest Waders are your go-tos. 100% waterproof and mud-approved.

🦃 Turkey & Small Game

Light pack hunts mean mobility. Our crew swears by Seafarer Lite Boots — lightweight, slip-resistant, and perfect for spring gobbler season when you’re running and gunning through wet fields.

Tags, Draws & Licenses — Don’t Be That Guy

Nothing ruins a trip faster than showing up tagless. Every state’s got its own lottery or over-the-counter system. Apply early, save your confirmation, and keep a printed backup in your glove box.

Trudave Tip: Store your digital licenses in your phone’s “Favorites” folder — you’ll thank yourself when there’s no signal out in the field.

And hey — if you get lucky on your elk draw, shoot us a message. We love seeing Trudave gear in action out West.

Pick Your Zone — and Know Your Land

Scouting isn’t just a weekend thing; it’s part of the hunt. Whether it’s a public WMA or your buddy’s farm, know the terrain, water sources, and access points.

• Public Lands: Early bird gets the best spot.

• Private Property: A handshake and respect go a long way — rural landowners remember good hunters.

• Terrain: Mud, snow, or marsh — pick your gear accordingly. (Hint: TrailMist boots laugh at mud.)

• Weather: Always plan for worse. Rain turns to ice fast come November.

Apps like OnX or HuntStand help, but nothing beats boots on the ground — or waders in the water.

Pack Smart — Stay Dry, Warm, and Invisible

When the season hits, you don’t want to be second-guessing your setup. Here’s the field-tested Trudave-approved list:

• 🏹 Weapon tuned & sighted

• 🦺 Camo layers (mix Realtree or Mossy patterns)

• 🥾 Waterproof boots / waders — IronWade or TrailMist

• 🎒 Game bags, knives, gloves, flashlight

• 🧭 Map, compass, GPS backup

• 🏕️ Tent, stove, jerky, coffee

• 💧 Extra water & socks (never skip socks)

• 🔋 Batteries, power bank, headlamp

Every piece of Trudave gear is built with one goal — keep you focused on the hunt, not the weather.

Before You Head Out — Final Wisdom from the Field

• 🔥 Check for last-minute rule changes — droughts and fires shift schedules.

• 🦺 Blaze orange saves lives — don’t be shy about visibility.

• 📱 Log your harvests; many states require digital check-ins now.

• 🌾 Respect the land, pack out your trash, leave good tracks behind.

• 🍻 Celebrate right — clean your gun, crack a beer, relive the moment.

At Trudave, we say this a lot:

“Gear won’t make you a hunter — but the right gear lets you hunt like one.”

So load up your truck, zip your waders, and step into the season ready for whatever the wild throws your way.

See you in the blind, folks. 🦆

🦆 Gear Up. Stay Wild.

Built for hunters, made for legends — grab your Trudave gear and chase what sets your soul on fire.
Explore the wild. Own your season.

Authoritative Resources

If you'd like to learn more about hunting gear, outdoor activity safety, or related information, you can visit the following authoritative websites:

• National Rifle Association (NRA): https://www.nra.org/
• Outdoor Industry Association: https://outdoorindustry.org/
• Bureau of Land Management (BLM): https://www.blm.gov/
• Wildlife Conservation Society: https://www.wcs.org/

Additionally, if you're looking for high-quality waterproof gear, be sure to check out Trudave’s official website to explore our curated selection of products designed to keep you dry and comfortable during any outdoor adventure.

Thank you for reading and supporting us. We hope you have an extraordinary experience on every outdoor adventure you embark on!