Hawaii Bird Hunting

Seasons Span November – January 2025

State Drought Monitor – Upland hunting conditions are often highly dependent upon moisture for both habitat production and bird survival.

Season Dates

The game bird hunting season in Hawaii runs from November 2, 2025, through January 26, 2026, open on Saturdays, Sundays, and State Holidays across various public hunting units and private lands (with landowner permission). Some units may offer additional weekday hunting opportunities by permit, with details posted on the Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) website. Specific units and their schedules include:

  • Units A, B, E, H, I: Saturdays, Sundays, Mondays, and State Holidays.
  • Unit J: Weekends, Mondays, and State Holidays (archery only).
  • Unit L: Saturdays and Sundays only.
  • Kuaokala GMA, Kuaokala Forest Reserve, Mokuleia PHA (Unit 1), Makua Keaau PHA (Unit 2), Kula Forest Reserve, Kaonoulu Ranch (Unit C), Kahakuloa GMA, West Maui Forest Reserve (Unit F): Saturdays, Sundays, and State Holidays.

Required Licenses and Costs:

  • Hawaii Hunting License: Required for all hunters. Costs $10 for residents and $95 for non-residents. Available online at https://www.ehawaii.gov/DLNR/hunting/, DOFAW offices, or registered vendors.
  • Hawaii Wildlife Conservation Stamp: Required, costs $10, must be endorsed and affixed to the hunting license.
  • Hunter Education: All applicants must provide proof of completing a hunter education course recognized by the National Hunter Education Association, except those born before January 1, 1972, with a prior Hawaii hunting license issued before July 1, 1990.
  • Firearm Registration: Firearms brought from outside Hawaii must be registered with the county Chief of Police within 48 hours of arrival. Minors (15 and under) using firearms need a county police permit.

Daily Bag Limits and Possession Limits

(based on Parker Ranch data, as specific 2025-26 statewide limits are not fully detailed in provided sources):

  • Ringneck and Blue Pheasant: 3 birds (cocks only), daily; possession limit not specified but typically triple the daily limit.
  • Kalij Pheasant: 3 birds (either sex), daily; possession limit not specified.
  • California, Japanese, and Gambel’s Quail: 15 birds (either sex), daily; possession limit not specified.
  • Chukar, Gray Francolin, Black Francolin: 8 birds (either sex), daily; possession limit not specified.
  • Erckel’s Francolin: 3 birds (either sex), daily; possession limit not specified.
  • Sandgrouse, Mourning Dove, Spotted Dove: 10 birds (either sex), daily; possession limit not specified.

Additional Notes:

  • Hunting is permitted from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset. Artificial light use is illegal.
  • Only shotguns, bows, and arrows are allowed for game bird hunting.
  • Hunters must check in and out at designated hunter check-in stations or via the OuterSpatial app.
  • On private lands, landowner permission is required, and additional rules (e.g., blaze orange) may apply.
  • Game mammal hunting is closed in Units C, E, and F during the bird season but resumes the first Saturday of February 2026.

For the most accurate and updated regulations, check with DOFAW or official resources like https://dlnr.hawaii.gov and https://www.eregulations.com.