The hunting seasons in Hawaii are no less than bouts of reverie. People from several parts of the US come to enjoy these lavish and exciting adventures. Hunting in Hawaii is not restricted to deer, as some might think. There are many such animals you can hunt during respective seasons.
Some of these animals can be pursued throughout the year, while others have a specified time. You must have a legitimate permit and follow the rules, no matter which animal and season you choose. Hawaii has a strict no-tolerance policy for rule breakers, and you might have to give a hefty fine or face more serious charges if found doing so. We recommend you read a guide to hunting Hawaii season before embarking on your adventure.
If you are new to this activity or bored with the same game species, we have a list of animals you can hunt in Hawaii. Therefore, without further ado, let’s jump to business.
General Rules of Hunting in Hawaii
Before we list animals you can hunt in Hawaii, here are some basic rules we need you to know. Every kind of animal comes with its set number of rules, but these are almost universal rules you must remember, irrespective of the animal or the season.
- Hunters should hunt only in specific territories.
- A hunter’s license is a must.
- Use only legal and permitted weapons to kill animals.
- It is illegal to hunt after the specified hunting hours.
- Arms brought from outside the State must be registered with the concerned bodies of authority within 48 hours of arrival.
5 Game Animals in Hawaii You Need to Know About
- Feral Pigs
Feral pigs are not native to the island and were brought in by invaders. Since then, they have multiplied in numbers and made a great game for hunters. They are very popular among beginners and make for a great adventure. If you plan to hunt them at night, we suggest you get night vision goggles and searchlights for a better scope.
- Sheep
Sheep hunting is the signature of Lanai and the Big Island. You can hunt two varieties of sheep on the islands- Feral and Mouflon. The former reminds one of the Bighorn sheep, while the latter has a fluffy coat and is smaller in size. Mouflon sheep are unfamiliar with humans and can be a little difficult to spot and hunt. You
can hunt both species on Big Island, but hunting Feral sheep requires a lottery permit. They are not legal for hunting on any other island.
- Deer
The Black-Tailed and the Axis deer are not native to the Hawaiian islands. They are probably the most sought-after game species on the island.
Each island has its unique timing and regulations for hunting. So depending on which island you are located or wish to hunt, you shall have to respectively abide by the rules.
The Axis deer can be hunted on Maui, Molokai, and Lanai. They are more difficult to hunt as they camouflage well and have adapted well to regional hunters. Some Axis deer hunting tips might help you spot and lock them.
The Black-Tail deer are concentrated in the eastern states, and thus hunters are limited and must obtain a lottery permit before they can embark on their expedition.
- California Quail
California Quail is among the common birds you can hunt in Hawaiian islands like Molokai, Lanai, Big Island, etc. Quails are brownish birds with a black topknot and fluffy heads. A person cannot hunt more than 15 quails.
- Mourning Dove
The mourning dove is extremely common and can be found almost everywhere in North America. Hunters must use a 10-gauge shotgun or under and can kill only 10 birds at once. They can be spotted easily due to their distinctive sound at dawn or dusk.
Tips for Hawaiian Hunters
Now that you know the top 5 animals you can hunt in the Hawaiian region, it is time to take your leave. But before we do that, let us give some tips on hunting in Hawaii:
- Do not compromise on your weapons and supplies; choose the best hunting outfitters in Hawaii.
- Follow the rules as they ensure your safety.
- If you are disabled and require a vehicle, inform the concerned department beforehand and get a permit.
- Do not overstay in the hunting region after the permitted hours.
- Carry only permitted and legal weapons.
Bottomline
Hunting in Hawaii is always a pleasant experience, provided you have all the paperwork and possess the best hunting materials. Hunters must get the best supplies as it increases their chance of a kill and makes the adventure fruitful. Now you can choose among the above species as your next game according to your preference and expertise.
