As airgun hunting becomes increasingly popular across the United States, more hunters are asking a vital question: When is airgun hunting season in my state?
The answer isn’t always straightforward. That’s because airguns are not given a separate hunting season in most states—instead, they are typically allowed under existing firearm seasons, and sometimes during special small game seasons, depending on the species and regulations.
This guide offers a comprehensive state-by-state breakdown of airgun hunting seasons in 2025, including legal timeframes for big game and small game where airguns are permitted.
Note: Always verify dates with your state’s wildlife agency. Regulations are subject to change, and some regions may have county-specific rules or weapon-specific restrictions.
How Airgun Hunting Seasons Work
Airguns are usually classified under one of the following:
- Firearms season (most common for deer, hogs, exotics)
- Small game season (for species like squirrel, rabbit, raccoon, etc.)
- Predator season (for coyotes, bobcats, etc.)
- No special season — legality determined by species and method of take
Airbows, in particular, may have more restricted timing and are not allowed during archery-only seasons in most states.
Key to the Chart
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| ✅ | Legal for that game with airgun in 2025 |
| ⚠️ | Partially legal, with restrictions |
| ❌ | Not legal with airgun for that species |
| TBA | Awaiting 2025 update from state |
Airgun Hunting Season Chart – 2025
| State | Deer Season (Airgun) | Small Game Season (Airgun) | Airbow Allowed? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | ✅ | ✅ (Oct–Feb) | ✅ |
| Alaska | ❌ | ⚠️ Limited | ❌ |
| Arizona | ✅ (.35+ Cal Only) | ✅ | ⚠️ |
| Arkansas | ⚠️ (Firearms Season w/ permit) | ✅ | ❌ |
| California | ❌ | ✅ (Rabbits, Squirrels) | ❌ |
| Colorado | ❌ | ✅ (Small Game Only) | ❌ |
| Connecticut | ❌ | ✅ (Small Game Only) | ❌ |
| Delaware | ⚠️ (Airgun w/ permit) | ✅ | ❌ |
| Florida | ✅ (.30+ PCP) | ✅ | ✅ |
| Georgia | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Idaho | ❌ | ✅ (Non-Game/Predator Only) | ❌ |
| Illinois | ❌ | ⚠️ (Local jurisdiction) | ❌ |
| Indiana | ⚠️ (Airgun for exotics) | ✅ | ❌ |
| Iowa | ❌ | ✅ (Small Game Only) | ❌ |
| Kansas | ✅ (Big Bore Firearms Season) | ✅ | ⚠️ |
| Kentucky | ✅ (Firearms Season) | ✅ | ⚠️ |
| Louisiana | ✅ (.30+ PCP) | ✅ | ⚠️ |
| Maine | ❌ | ✅ (Limited Small Game) | ❌ |
| Maryland | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Massachusetts | ❌ | ✅ (Small Game Only) | ❌ |
| Michigan | ✅ (.35+ PCP) | ✅ | ⚠️ |
| Minnesota | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Mississippi | ✅ (.35+ PCP) | ✅ | ⚠️ |
| Missouri | ✅ (.40+ Cal) | ✅ | ✅ |
| Montana | ❌ | ✅ (Predator Only) | ❌ |
| Nebraska | ✅ | ✅ | ⚠️ |
| Nevada | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ |
| New Hampshire | ❌ | ✅ (Squirrels Only) | ❌ |
| New Jersey | ❌ | ✅ (Small Game Only) | ❌ |
| New Mexico | ✅ | ✅ | ⚠️ |
| New York | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ |
| North Carolina | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| North Dakota | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Ohio | ✅ (.35+ PCP) | ✅ | ⚠️ |
| Oklahoma | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Oregon | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Pennsylvania | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Rhode Island | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ |
| South Carolina | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| South Dakota | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Tennessee | ✅ (.35+ PCP) | ✅ | ✅ |
| Texas | ✅ (.30+ PCP) | ✅ (by species) | ✅ (Firearms only) |
| Utah | ❌ | ✅ (Coyotes, small game) | ❌ |
| Vermont | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Virginia | ✅ (.35+ PCP) | ✅ | ⚠️ |
| Washington | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ |
| West Virginia | ✅ (.45+ PCP) | ✅ | ❌ |
| Wisconsin | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Wyoming | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ |
States with Airgun-Specific Big Game Regulations
Some states provide specific language in their hunting manuals or online codes related to minimum calibers or foot-pound energy requirements for airgun hunters pursuing big game.
- Texas: .30 caliber PCP or larger
- Florida: .30 caliber PCP with ≥215 ft-lbs
- Missouri: .40 caliber minimum
- Michigan: .35+ caliber
Understanding Airgun Use During Firearms Season
In most cases, you can hunt with an airgun during the state’s designated general firearms season, provided:
- The species is legal to hunt with an airgun
- Your airgun meets the state’s caliber and energy requirements
- You hold the appropriate license and tags
Airbows and Their Seasons
Airbows, like the Umarex AirSaber Elite X2, are powerful and accurate tools—but they are often excluded from archery seasons because they do not use a bowstring.
How to Use This Chart
- Find your state
- Review which seasons apply for small game or big game airgun use
- Confirm minimum caliber/power requirements via your wildlife agency
- Check if airbows are permitted separately from traditional air rifles
- Bookmark your state’s hunting regulation website for updates
Final Thoughts
The 2025 airgun hunting season calendar reflects how far air-powered hunting has come—and how quickly regulations are evolving. States are gradually adapting their laws to reflect the capabilities of today’s high-performance airguns, many of which rival traditional muzzleloaders in power and precision.
Before heading afield, make sure your gear is legal, your season is open, and your ethics are in check. For those seeking high-performance air rifles and airbows designed for ethical hunting, UmarexUSA remains a leading resource for responsible hunters nationwide.
Disclaimer: This chart is provided for informational purposes only. Season dates, weapon legality, and species regulations are subject to change. Always verify with your state’s wildlife agency.
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