Hawaii, though not a deer hunting hotspot, does house a few axis deer. These deer came to the islands in the early 1900s and found their home in specific zones. The 2024 deer hunting season in Hawaii provides a valuable chance for hunters to hunt this unique deer kind.
Axis deer are tinier than much North American deer types and boast antlers with multiple tips. They’re usually seen in wooded regions, especially on the islands of Oahu, Maui, and Hawaii. Chasing them is enjoyable but tough, as these creatures are agile and hard to catch.
In Lānaʻi, the axis deer season will kick off with archery, then youth and muzzleloader events. General rifle events will span many weekends, giving participants a lot of time to visit different game units. These regulated times foster an appreciation of nature and respect for wildlife. The bag limit also allows for two deer, aiding in controlling the deer population whilst offering numerous opportunities for success.
Lanai Axis Deer Application Dates
- Archery: September 16, 2024 – October 25, 2024
- Youth: September 16, 2024 – October 25, 2024
- Muzzleloader: September 16, 2024 – October 25, 2024
- General Rifle: September 16, 2024 – October 25, 2024
| Hunt Type | Dates |
| Lānaʻi Axis Deer | |
| Archery Hunt | February 5, 2025 – February 9, 2025 |
| February 12, 2025 – February 16, 2025 | |
| February 19, 2025 – February 23, 2025 | |
| February 26, 2025 – March 2, 2025 | |
| Youth Hunt | March 7, 2025 – March 9, 2025 (Fri-Sun) |
| Muzzleloader Hunt | March 14, 2025 – March 16, 2025 (Fri-Sun) |
| General Rifle Hunt | March 21, 2025 – June 1, 2025 (11 weekends, Fri-Sun) |
| Kauai Island Deer | |
| Deer Archery Permit (Units F, J, K, & L) | July 1, 2024 – December 29, 2024 |
| Muzzleloader Black-Tailed Deer Tag | September 6, 2025 – September 7, 2025 |
HI Deer Regulations
Here’s exciting news from Hawaii’s DLNR, specifically their DOFAW division! They’ve announced the Season dates and application schedule for 2025. Take note, starting September 18, applications will be up online, ready for hunters. Each applicant must pay a $10.00 fee, which won’t be refunded in any case. And don’t forget, buying a tag is a must for all hunters.
Tag Fees
- Hawaiʻi Residents: $20.00
- Non-Hawaiʻi Residents: $125.00
- Youth Hunters: Tag fees waived for youth-only hunts.
You can pay for your tags at the Lānaʻi check station with credit or debit cards. They only take cash in unique situations.
Hunting Conditions
- Lotteries may decide all hunts.
- The General Rifle season may offer Standby hunting depending on application numbers.
- Low application volumes may cancel some draws or weekends.
Bag Limits
- Bag Limit: Two axis deer—one doe, one of either sex.
- Hunters might have to buy a doe tag before another.
- Extra doe tags might be at the Lānaʻi check station based on deer count. • Based on mouflon sheep count, free tags for ewes could be available.
Assistance for Senior and Disabled Hunters
- Support for Older and Disabled Hunters
- One helper can go with old (65+) or disabled hunters. • Officials may ask for proper proof.
Application Process
- Hunters must use the designated website to apply.
- Early application helps as there are process timelines.
- Youth and Muzzleloader hunt participation may be lottery-based if too many apply.
Check-In and Check-Out Procedures
- Hunters must register at the Lānaʻi station before hunts.
- The OuterSpatial app enables online check-in and check-out.
- Show their ID and permit during registration.
- Must report their harvest data using the app, or in person.
Open Hunting Units
- Archery Hunt areas: 1, 2, and 3.
- Youth, Muzzleloader, and Rifle Hunts areas: 1 and 2.
Contact Information
Hunters may call these offices for more information:
- Oahu: (808) 587-0166
- Hawaii (Hilo): (808) 974-4221
- Kauai: (808) 274-3433
- Maui: (808) 984-8100
- Molokai: (808) 553-1745
- Lānaʻi: (808) 565-7916
Top Hawaii Deer Hunting Locations
Deer hunting in Hawaii might not be as common as other places, but you’ll still find spots to hunt axis deer. Let’s run through them:
Kauai: Axis deer might be rare here compared to other islands, but they’re still around. Take a trek through the island’s rough landscapes and forests to find these deer.
Oahu: This island holds the biggest number of Axis deer in Hawaii. You’re more likely to spot them in the thick woods of the island, generally in the central and north parts.
Maui: Maui also has a noteworthy number of Axis deer. Go into the mountains and woods of this island to seek these hard-to-find creatures.
Big Island of Hawaii: This Big Island has a lower number of Axis deer. However, you can locate them in the richly wooded parts of the island, those being Hamakua and Hilo areas particularly.
