General Hunting Regulations

Wanton Waste—It is illegal to intentionally leave or abandon any portion of any wildlife that is commonly used as human food.

Dogs may be used in hunting wildlife—except deer, turkey, muskrat, mink, river otter and beaver. The hunting of furbearers with dogs during daylight hours is prohibited statewide from Nov. 1 through the close of the November portion of the firearms deer season and during the antlerless portion in counties that are open during that portion. Dogs may not be used to hunt squirrels and rabbits during the daylight hours of the November portion of the firearms deer season in the following counties: Butler, Carter, Dent, Iron, Madison, Oregon, Reynolds, Ripley, Shannon and Wayne.

While hunting, all dogs, except for those used by waterfowl and game bird hunters, must wear a collar with the owner’s full name and address, Conservation Number or complete telephone number. For training dogs, wildlife that can be hunted with dogs may be chased, but not taken. Only a pistol with blank ammunition may be used during daylight hours to train dogs during closed seasons. A hunting permit or exception is required when training dogs that are chasing wildlife.

Hunting Near Flood Waters or Fire

Wildlife, except waterfowl, may not be pursued or taken while trapped or surrounded by flood waters or while fleeing from flood waters or fire.

Motor driven conveyances may not be used to take, drive or molest wildlife. Deer may not be hunted from a boat with a motor attached; however, a motor boat may be used to hunt other wildlife if the motor is shut off and the boat’s forward progress has stopped.

Artificial lights may be used only to hunt bullfrogs and green frogs, or to hunt raccoons and other furbearing animals when treed with the aid of dogs. Using lights to search for, spot, illuminate, harass or disturb other wildlife is a violation of the Wildlife Code. Landowners and lessees may use artificial lights on their property, but while doing so may not be in possession of or be in the company of someone who possesses a firearm, bow or other implement used to take wildlife.

Public Roadways

You may not take any wildlife from or across a public roadway with a firearm, bow or crossbow. A Conibear-type trap may be used adjacent to public roadways only if set underwater in permanent waters.

Night vision and thermal imagery equipment may not be possessed while in the possession of any firearm, bow or other implement whereby wildlife could be taken.

Poisons, tranquilizing drugs, chemicals or explosives may not be used to take wildlife.

Electronic calls may be used to pursue and take crows, furbearers and light geese during the Conservation Order only, but without the aid of an artificial light or night-vision equipment. Mouth and hand calls may be used any time. Electronic calls or electronically activated calls may not be used or possessed while hunting species other than crows, furbearers or light geese during the Conservation Order.

Giving Away Wildlife

You may give wildlife to another person, but it will continue to be a part of your daily limit for the day when taken. Deer and turkey must be labeled with your full name, address, date taken and Telecheck confirmation number. All other wildlife must be labeled with your full name, address, permit number, species and the date taken. Wildlife received as a gift will be included in the possession limit of the person you give it to.

Wildlife Identification

You must keep any wildlife you take separate or identifiable from that of any other hunter.