axis deer hunting in hawaii – Go Hawaii Outfitters

Dreaming of hunting in paradise? Hawaii offers a unique and breathtaking hunting experience, from pursuing feral pigs in lush rainforests and axis deer on arid plains to hunting Spanish goats on volcanic slopes. But before you pack your gear and book your flight, understanding Hawaii’s specific hunting license requirements is your first and most crucial step.

Navigating the regulations can seem complex, but don’t worry—this guide from Go Hawaii Outfitters will break down exactly what you need to know to hunt legally and responsibly in the Aloha State.

The Golden Rule: It’s a Two-Step Process

Forget what you know about other states. In Hawaii, simply having a hunting license is not enough. You must have both:

1. A Valid Hawaii Hunting License.
2. A Permit for the specific area you plan to hunt (often called a Hunter Access Permit).

As stated on the official eHawaii.gov portal, “A hunting license alone does not allow you to hunt. You must have a permit for the area you wish to hunt.” You cannot get a permit without first having a valid hunting license. Think of the license as your permission to hunt in the state, and the permit as your key to a specific piece of land.

Who Needs a Hawaii Hunting License?

Generally, anyone 15 years of age or older must have a hunting license to hunt any game bird or mammal in Hawaii. This applies to both residents and non-residents.
Exceptions:
Landowners hunting on their own land do not need a license (but may need permits for certain game).
Minors under 15 are not required to have a license, but they must be accompanied by a licensed adult. The adult is responsible for ensuring all hunting laws are followed.

Step 1: Getting Your Hawaii Hunting License

You can purchase your Hawaii hunting license online, by mail, or in person.

Online (Recommended): The easiest method for most people is through the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) website. You’ll need to create an account, complete a brief online hunter education quiz (if you haven’t already certified), and pay with a credit card. You can print your license immediately.
In Person: Licenses are sold at various Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) offices on all major islands and at some licensed fishing and hunting supply stores.
By Mail: You can download an application form from the DLNR website and mail it with a check or money order.

License Fees (Subject to change):

Resident: $20
Non-Resident: $105
Term: All hunting licenses are valid for a strict one-year term from July 1 through June 30 of the following year (the state’s fiscal year), regardless of when you purchase it. This is a critical detail to remember for trip planning.

Mandatory Hunter Education

This is a key point clarified on the state website: All hunters, regardless of age, must show proof of having successfully completed a hunter education course to purchase a hunting license.

Hawaii recognizes hunter education certifications from all other states and Canadian provinces.
If you haven’t taken a course, Hawaii offers an online option followed by a short, in-person field day. You can complete the online portion to purchase a temporary license before attending the field day.

Step 2: Securing Your Hunter Access Permit

This is where many newcomers get tripped up. Hawaii’s public hunting areas are managed as either:

Public Hunting Areas (PHAs): Require a Hunter Access Permit, which is typically free. You must apply for these for a specific island and season. Availability is often limited and may be issued via lottery for certain units.
Non-Public Hunting Areas: These are private or state lands that may require a special, often paid, permit. This includes many Ungulate Control Areas designed to manage populations of pigs, goats, and deer.

How to Get a Permit:

1. Identify Your Target Area: Use the Go Hunt Hawaii website to explore maps and see which units are open for hunting and what game is available. Need help choosing? The team at Go Hawaii Outfitters has intimate knowledge of the islands’ hunting units and can help guide you based on your goals and season.
2. Check the Schedule: Hunting seasons for specific game and areas are broken into periods. You must apply for the correct period.
3. Apply Online: The online portal is the primary way to apply for free Public Hunting Area permits. For controlled hunts, there is usually a lottery application window.
4. Carry It With You: Your permit must be in your possession while hunting, along with your hunting license and government-issued ID.

Key Things to Remember & Pro Tips

Island-Specific Rules: Regulations can vary significantly from island to island (Oahu, Maui, Kauai, Hawaii Island, Lanai, Molokai). Always check the rules for the specific island you plan to hunt on.
Tags & Reporting: For certain game, like axis deer on Lanai or Molokai, you may need to draw a tag in addition to your permit. Furthermore, harvest reporting is mandatory for all game taken. You must report your harvest through the Go Hunt Hawaii system, even if you were unsuccessful. This data is critical for managing game populations.
Respect the `Aina (Land): Hawaii’s ecosystem is fragile and unique. Practice Leave No Trace principles, pack out all your trash, and be respectful of cultural sites and private property.
Start Early: Begin your license and permit process weeks or even months in advance, especially if you’re aiming for a coveted controlled hunt lottery spot. Remember the July-June license term when planning your calendar.

Resources are Your Best Friend

Official Website: Hunting in Hawaii ePortal – This is your one-stop shop for licenses, permits, regulations, maps, and harvest reporting.
Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW): Contact the local office on the island you wish to hunt for the most current information.
Go Hawaii Outfitters: For those looking to simplify the process and maximize their success, booking a guided hunt with us ensures all permits, licenses, and access are handled for you. We provide expert knowledge of the terrain, game patterns, and regulations, allowing you to focus on the experience.

Hunting in Hawaii is an unforgettable adventure. By taking the time to understand and secure the proper licenses and permits, you ensure your trip is legal, ethical, and set up for success. Now get out there and enjoy the incredible hunting opportunities that the islands have to offer.

Hawaii – the paradise known for its beautiful landscapes, amazing islands, extensive grasslands and a wide variety of species to hunt. Hunting in Hawaii is popular among the tourists due to several factors such as thick and extreme backwoods, different types of creatures and obviously their delightful meat. You get to hunt a number of animals like the Axis deer, Hawaiian Boar, Black Hawaiian Sheep, Mouflon and Dove on the islands of Hawaii. However, axis deer hunting is among the most popular activities.

Now, why axis deer hunting is so popular in Hawaii? How these deer were introduced in Hawaii? What’s the history behind their hunting? Answers to these questions are important. So this article covers everything that you need to know about Hawaii’s hunting scenario.

•The history of Axis Deer in Hawaii: The history of Axis Deer can be traced back to 1867 when King Kamehameha V received ‘eight animals’ as a gift from Hong Kong. That day, for the first time, Hawaiians saw ‘Axis deer’ on the islands of Molokai. Then after a few years, they were introduced in other Hawaiian islands—Lanai and Maui to increase the hunting opportunities.

But in the 1950s, the population of axis deer started to increase by 20-30 percent every year as there were no natural predators on the Hawaiian Islands. This dramatic increase in their population affected the natural areas and agricultural lands of the locals. According to scientists, axis deer were causing serious damage to landscapes and therefore, the government decided to abandon the further release of deer in Hawaii.

As per the survey, axis deer caused damage of $1 million during the past few years for farmers, ranchers, and resorts in Maui Island. Due to their abundant population, the deer used to eat Hawaii’s native ebony tree, the lama, native olive tree and mint grown on the island of Lanai. This resulted in the extinction of these vegetations and transformed a rich native forest into a desert-like landscape. So to tackle this problem, the government allowed axis deer hunting Hawaii in several public and private islands. In this way, the hunting came into being in Hawaii.

•The Current Scenario Of Hunting in Hawaii: Hawaii attracts more than 8.3 million tourists from all over the globe, who spend approximately over $16 billion every year. Due to dense woodland and abundant species of animals in Hawaii, it is considered as an ideal hunting destination today. Especially Axis Deer Hunting Hawaii, which is popular due to its high protein meat and demand in the international market.

Statistically, every year, more than 50 Axis deer are been hunted for a number of purposes such as recreation, ecological balance, deer meat, and so on. As a result, Hawaii is the state that currently tops the hunting friendly list, providing the best hunting opportunities and experiences to the avid hunters. However, for the best hunting experience, one must follow the Hawaii Hunting Tips.

•Rules For Hunting In A Private Property In Hawaii: Hunting in Hawaii can definitely offer you once-in-a-lifetime experience, but not without rules and regulations. Yes, there are laws that one must abide by to make the most of this activity.

Here are the common rules to hunt on both public and private properties:

1.If you are a non-resident, you have to pay a certain amount as the permit fee.

2.It’s mandatory to complete a hunter education course and avail a Hawaiian Hunting license from The Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources to be able to hunt in Hawaii.

3.Apart from the license, you should also carry a safety card and a letter of exception.

However, for hunting on a private island specifically, there are additional Hawaii Hunting Rules and Regulations, which must be followed sincerely:

1.Before hunting, it’s mandatory to have written permission from the owner of the island while abiding the state hunting laws. Note: If you’re caught trespassing on the private island with a loaded firearm, you will be heavily penalized or can even face imprisonment for 10 years.

2.Hunters cannot disturb, remove, take or steal things such as fossils, monuments, burial sites, and antiquities from the private island. The hunters only have access to the land for hunting or recreational purposes; everything else on the property belongs to the owner and must be left as it is.

3.Game mammals can be hunted only with a valid hunting license and the landowner’s permission on private land (subject to few exceptions).

4.If the hunter brings his/her own gun, it’s compulsory to register it with the local police department before the hunt.

All in all, Hawaii is not just a beach paradise but also a destination to hunt some exotic species of animals, mammals, and birds. Hunting in Hawaii is a unique experience in itself that provides a perfect finale to your Hawaiian tour.

So what are you waiting for? It’s time to up your hunting game and get ready to chase big.

Tag: axis deer hunting in hawaii

Hunting Hawaii License Requirements: What Every Hunter Should Know

The Golden Rule: It’s a Two-Step Process

Axis Deer Hunting In Hawaii: History And The Current Scenario