Big Island hunting to temporarily revert to standard rules used 2 years ago

Hunting rules on Hawaiʻi Island related to adaptive management authority for game birds and game mammals are being updated, pending approval from the Board of Land and Natural Resources.

Two years ago, the Board of Land and Natural Resources approved adaptive management rule changes for Hawaiʻi Island under Hawaiʻi Administrative Rules Chapter 13-122 (Game Birds) and Chapter 13-123 (Game Mammals). They included adjustments to season lengths, bag limits and tag requirements for several hunting areas on Hawaiʻi Island.

These adaptive rules took effect on March 18, 2024 and were scheduled to expire on March 18, 2026, so the Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife has been actively working to extend adaptive management for Hawaiʻi Island.

The Department will submit a proposed adaptive management rule change for the Board of Land and Natural Resources consideration. For now, hunting on Hawaiʻi Island for all hunts will temporarily go back to the standard rules, Exhibit 1 of HAR Chapter 13-122 (Game Birds), and Exhibit 11 of HAR Chapter 13-123 (Game Mammals).

The primary hunting opportunities affected during this temporary return include:

• Puʻuanahulu Archery Season
• Puʻuwaʻawaʻa Archery Season
• Spring Turkey Season on Hawaiʻi Island

Hunters are strongly encouraged to purchase their hunting tagsin person since the rules expired on March 18.  Review current regulations carefully and stay informed as the Board of Land and Natural Resources meeting approaches.

The Division of Forestry and Wildlife recognizes that this temporary change may be confusing for both the hunting public and enforcement officers. The division is committed to working closely with conservation and enforcement staff during this period to help educate hunters and ensure understanding of the applicable rules.

Officers and members of the public seeking clarification are encouraged to contact the Division of Forestry and Wildlife directly for assistance.

For detailed information on these measures, please visit the Division of Forestry and Wildlife website or contact the office at 808-974-4221.