The 5 Earliest Deer Seasons in America

We are well into August, and we are all looking forward to deer season, right? Well, MOST of us are … that’s because deer seasons are already underway in some parts of the country!

That’s right, and we bet you will be surprised at the states where guys and gals are already drawing down on deer and releasing arrows!

Here’s our Top 5 list. Please note that most of these dates are not set in stone every year. They often change with the calendar year and sometimes only include small portions (zones) of the state in question.

5. Wyoming – Sept. 1. This season opening date for archery (including crossbows) is one of the most consistent opening dates in all of North America.

Mackenzie Pelo (left) captured video of Dan Schmidt’s successful Wyoming hunt at Trophy Ridge Outfitters in September 2022. Photo by David Gilane.

4. Idaho – Aug. 30. It varies by zone and by year.

3. Florida – July 30. Also varies by zone and year, but Floridians have one of the earliest archery openers.

Deer & Deer Hunting’s Daniel Schmidt with a fine Florida buck. Photo by David Gilane.

2. South Carolina – Aug. 15. In Zones 2, 3 and 6, deer hunters get a head start on the rest of the country.

1. California – July 9. This date can vary for the state’s limited bowhunting areas, but it is the earliest deer hunting season in America. Gun-hunters don’t get a chance until Aug. 12 at the earliest. California has both mule deer and blacktails.