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Hunting season dates vary by state, species, weapon type, and even by zone within a state. This is a high-level overview to help you plan; always confirm specific dates with your state's wildlife agency before booking a lease or buying tags.
Texas's General Season runs early November to early January for the North Zone and into mid-January for the South Zone. Oklahoma's general gun deer season is typically the last two weeks of November plus a December stretch. Arkansas runs general gun from mid-November through early December, with extensions in some zones. Georgia's general gun season opens in late October and runs through mid-January in most counties. Alabama's deer season is one of the longest in the country, often stretching late October through February depending on zone. Mississippi runs mid-November through January. Louisiana opens in October and runs into mid-January depending on area.
Most southern states open archery for deer in late September or early October — Texas (October 1 statewide), Oklahoma (early October), Arkansas (late September), Alabama (mid-October), Georgia (mid-September), and many others. Archery seasons typically run through general gun and into the late-season periods, giving bowhunters substantially longer windows than rifle hunters.
Spring turkey is the social hunt of the year across the southern US. Most states open March or April: Texas (March 14 to mid-May depending on zone), Oklahoma (early April), Arkansas (mid-April), Georgia (late March), Alabama (late March), Mississippi (mid-March).
Dove openers are some of the most-anticipated days on the hunting calendar. Most states open September 1 (Texas North Zone, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Georgia, Alabama) and run in split seasons through November or December.
Many states offer muzzleloader-only seasons or special late seasons that extend into January or February. These are often antlerless-only or have other restrictions and are worth checking — they extend your effective season dramatically.
Season dates shift slightly year-to-year, and zone-specific regulations, antler restrictions, and bag limits vary widely. Before booking a lease tied to a specific season, confirm the dates on your state's wildlife agency website (TPWD, Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation, Arkansas Game & Fish, Georgia DNR, Alabama Conservation, etc.). This article is intended as a planning overview, not regulatory authority.
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