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Game Bird Hunting (summary)

A summary of game bird hunting in Hawaii.

Game Bird Hunting Guide
Version October 30, 2001 
 
General Hunting Information Game mammal hunting opportunities are offered on the six major islands in the State of Hawaii: (Kauai, Oahu, Maui, Molokai, Lanai and the big island of Hawaii). Each of these islands has one or more State-designated public hunting areas (called Hunting Units), which are open for hunting at certain times during each year. Game mammal hunting opportunities are also available on private lands as well. Occasionally, the Division of Forestry & Wildlife (DOFAW) may modify or cancel a hunting season in a particular area to adjust for changes in weather conditions or animal populations. THIS DOCUMENT SHOULD THEREFORE ONLY BE USED AS A GENERAL GUIDE. The following cited reference should be consulted when legal wording or intent is concerned: “Title 13, Chapter 123, Rules Regulating Game Mammal Hunting, Hawaii Revised Statutes”. 
 
Please contact the local DOFAW office on the island where you are planning to hunt prior to your arrival. They will provide you with the most current information on hunting seasons, hunting areas the local conditions. In addition, certain hunting opportunities require special permits or tags that are only available by lottery. 
 
Hunting License Requirements All persons are required to have a valid Hawaii hunting license on their person to hunt or have a bagged game mammal in their possession. Resident hunting licenses cost $10.00 and non-resident licenses are $95.00. A license may be obtained via the internet at http://www.ehawaiigov.org/DLNR/hunting/, from any Division of Forestry and Wildlife Office (DOFAW) or from any registered hunting license vendor. A list of registered hunting license vendors is available at any DOFAW Office. A current-year, $5.00 Hawaii Wildlife Conservation Stamp is also required to hunt. The stamp must be endorsed across the front by the hunter and affixed to their hunting license in the space provided.
 
All hunting license applicants must show proof of having successfully completed a hunter education course that is recognized by the National Hunter Education Association. The only exception to this requirement is if a person was born before January 1, 1972, and can show proof of having been issued a Hawaii hunting license before July 1, 1990. However, completion of a hunter education course is still recommended. A person is considered to be a resident of Hawaii if they have resided in the State of Hawaii for at least one year. Active duty military personnel and their dependents stationed in Hawaii are also considered to be residents for the purposes of obtaining a hunting license. 
 
The following offices may also be contacted for additional requirements and information related to hunting in Hawaii: Hawwaii Division of Conservation And Resources Enforcement (DOCARE) 1151 Punchbowl Street, Room 311 Honolulu, HI 96813 Tel (808) 587-0077 Fax (808) 587-0080 http://www.hawaii.gov/dlnr/dcre/ Hawaii Hunter Education Program 1130 North Nimitz Highway #212-A Honolulu, HI 96817 (808) 587-0200 Fax (808) 587-0205 http://www.hawaii.gov/dlnr/dcre/ 
 
The following game birds may be hunted during legal game bird hunting seasons that are announced by the Department of Land and Natural Resources on public and private land on the islands indicated below:

 

 

Requirements in Public Hunting Areas:  Rules,based on hunter safety considerations and the environmental considerations have been established in these areas. Any person who hunts, serves as a guide, accompanies or assists a hunter on public hunting area is required to wear an exterior blaze orange garment which may be a shirt, vest, coat or jacket while they are engaged in those activities. The blaze orange material must be commercially manufactured and may be either solid or mesh with a maximum mesh size of one-eighth inch. The use of camouflage orange is prohibited. Blaze orange garments are not required on designated archery only public hunting areas.


Hunting Hours Game mammals may be hunted from one-half hour before sunrise until one-half hour after sunset, year-round. It is illegal to hunt during the period between one-half hour after sunset and one-half hour before sunrise or to hunt utilizing any form of artificial light. Legal hunting hours on private land are the same as on public hunting areas. 


Legal Hunting Animals and Weapons Only shotguns, and bow and arrow may be used to hunt game birds.  The use of BB or larger sized shot is prohibited except during the Spring Turkey Hunt. Firearms and ammunition brought into the State must be registered with the Chief of Police of the county of one’s residence, business or sojourn within 48 hours after their arrival.  Contact the district police station on the appropriate island or an office of the Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement for further information.  Minors (15 years of age and younger) who hunt using a firearm are must be accompanied by a licensed non-hunting adult. 


Hunting on Private Land Any person, who hunts game birds on private land, must possess a valid State of Hawaii hunting license and have the permission of the landowner. Game bird hunting is allowed on both public hunting units and private lands only during declared game bird hunting seasons and during legal hunting hours, which are established and regulated by the State. Game birds may be hunted from one-half hour before sunrise until one-half hour after sunset during established game bird hunting seasons.  It is illegal to hunt during the period between one-half hour after sunset and one-half hour before sunrise or to hunt utilizing any form of artificial light.

Landowners may add any additional requirements they feel are necessary to supplement State Game Bird Hunting Rules on their land.  For example, the wearing of blaze orange is not a requirement unless the landowner deems it to be one. (Game mammals, on the other hand, may be hunted year round on private lands if the hunter possesses a valid hunting license and has the landowner’s permission.) 


Registering Firearms and Ammunition Firearms and ammunition brought into the State from outside must be registered within 48 hours after their arrival with the Chief of Police of the county of one's residence, business or sojourn. Contact the district police station on the appropriate island or an office of the Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement. Minors (15 years of age and younger) who hunt using a firearm are required to obtain a permit from the county police department. 


Thank you for your interest in hunting in Hawaii. While you are hunting in our state, please be respectful of the landowners, the land, other people, and the plants and animals that make Hawaii unique. If we all do so, then generations to come will have the same opportunities and abundant resources that we enjoy today. We wish you a safe, fun and productive experience while hunting in Hawaii. Malama pono. 


Affirmative Action Statement The Department of Land and Natural Resources receives financial support under a variety of federal programs. Under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; Section 504 of The Rehabilitation Act of 1973; Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and the laws of the State of Hawaii, the U.S. Government and the State of Hawaii prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, and disability. If you believe that you have been discriminated against in any program, activity or facility, or if you desire further information please write to: Affirmative Action Officer Department of Land and Natural Resources Personnel Office 1151 Punchbowl St., Rm. 321 Honolulu, Hawaii 96813

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