For many hunters, the thrill of the hunt is not just about the time spent in the wilderness, but also about the anticipation and preparation that comes with applying for coveted hunting permits. In the United States, the GOHUNT application process is a critical step for hunters seeking to secure tags for various species, from deer and elk to bighorn sheep and moose. Each year, thousands of hunters submit their applications, hoping to be selected for a chance to pursue their desired game.
Understanding the GOHUNT application deadlines is essential for any hunter looking to increase their chances of success. Missing a deadline or failing to submit an application correctly can result in disappointment and a year without the opportunity to hunt. In this article, we will delve into the six essential GOHUNT application deadlines that hunters need to know, covering the most popular species and application periods.
1. January Application Deadline for Western Big Game Species
For hunters targeting big game species in western states such as Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming, the January application deadline is crucial. This period typically applies to species like deer, elk, antelope, moose, and bighorn sheep.
Key Dates:
- January 1st: Applications open for western big game species.
- January 31st (or the last Tuesday in January): Applications close.
2. February Application Deadline for Mountain Goat and Bighorn Sheep
Hunters interested in pursuing mountain goat and bighorn sheep in states like Alaska, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming must be aware of the February application deadline. These species are highly coveted, and the application process is competitive.
Key Dates:
- February 1st: Applications open for mountain goat and bighorn sheep.
- February 28th (or the last day in February): Applications close.
3. March Application Deadline for Spring Turkey and Bear
As winter begins to thaw, hunters start preparing for the spring hunting season, particularly for turkey and bear. States like Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin offer spring turkey and bear hunting opportunities.
Key Dates:
- March 1st: Applications open for spring turkey and bear.
- March 31st (or the last day in March): Applications close.
4. April Application Deadline for Antelope and Deer
The April application deadline is significant for hunters interested in pursuing antelope and deer in states like Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.
Key Dates:
- April 1st: Applications open for antelope and deer.
- April 30th (or the last day in April): Applications close.
5. May Application Deadline for Elk and Moose
Elk and moose hunting opportunities are highly sought after, and the May application deadline is critical for hunters. States like Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming offer elk and moose hunting.
Key Dates:
- May 1st: Applications open for elk and moose.
- May 31st (or the last day in May): Applications close.
6. June Application Deadline for Fall Turkey and Bear
As the spring hunting season comes to a close, hunters begin preparing for the fall season, particularly for turkey and bear. States like Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin offer fall turkey and bear hunting opportunities.
Key Dates:
- June 1st: Applications open for fall turkey and bear.
- June 30th (or the last day in June): Applications close.
By understanding and keeping track of these six essential GOHUNT application deadlines, hunters can increase their chances of success and make the most of their hunting experience.
What is the GOHUNT application deadline for western big game species?
+The application deadline for western big game species is typically the last Tuesday in January.
Which states offer spring turkey and bear hunting opportunities?
+States like Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin offer spring turkey and bear hunting opportunities.
What is the application deadline for elk and moose?
+The application deadline for elk and moose is typically the last day in May.