Hunting in Hawaii: 3 Animals To Hunt in the Spring

In Hawaii, as in many states, fall is the optimal hunting season and offers the most opportunities for hunters. In the spring, however, some species are off-limits, possibly because it’s their breeding season or because the state wants to give them a chance to replenish their numbers.

A few species, though, are fair game for anyone wanting to enjoy the warm weather and take in the outdoors while practicing their hunting skills. Hunting in Hawaii in the spring offers multiple opportunities for hunters, especially if you’re content to focus on smaller prey.

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The following species, for example, are all legal to hunt during spring in Hawaii, according to the state’s Department of Land and Natural Resources:

1. Wild Turkey
The spring wild turkey hunt season lasts all of March; you can bag two bearded turkeys per season. You can hunt from a half-hour before sunrise to a half-hour after sunset. Dogs are not allowed on the hunting grounds.

You’ll need a special tag to participate in the turkey hunt and must have it in your possession at all times during the hunt, according to the state's DLNR. On private land, you must also have the owner’s permission to hunt there.

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2. Wild Pigs (some areas)
The rules regarding wild pig hunting vary by location, with some offering it year-round. However, in other areas it’s only legal to hunt wild pigs through April. You can hunt using knives or bow and arrow, and may bring your dog, but cannot hunt using rifles or muzzleloaders during this spring season.

Most hunters prefer using a dog to chase pigs and a knife to kill them, but if you take your dog onto the hunting ground you must keep him under control any time you’re not physically stalking your prey, DLNR reports.

3. Doves
Hawaii holds a special spring season through the end of March for hunting barred doves. You can bag 20 birds of either sex per day, and can hunt on Saturdays, Sundays, and state holidays, according to the DLNR.

This spring season, which is limited to private land, requires permission from the property owner in addition to a valid Hawaii hunting license.

This article is for information only. Please check current regulations before hunting.

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• Hunting in Delaware: 6 Animals to Hunt in the Spring