2026 Season Dates

Season Type Opens Closes Notes
Archery Oct 18, 2026 Nov 16, 2026 Statewide
Rifle / Firearm Dec 6, 2026 Feb 22, 2027 Antlered deer
Muzzleloader Nov 22, 2026 Dec 5, 2026 Check regulations

Always verify dates with your state DNR before purchasing a license or hunting.

2026 Rut Timeline

Pre-Rut Oct 15 – Oct 24
Peak Rut Oct 25 – Feb 25
Post-Rut Nov 10 – Nov 24
Second Rut Nov 25 – Feb 28

Best Days to Hunt in Florida 2026

These windows combine open season, peak rut phase, and favorable conditions. Exact scoring matches the main RutPlanner best-days logic.

1
Dec 6, 2026
Peak Rut Rifle Preferred
96/100
2
Jan 14, 2027
Peak Rut
96/100
3
Feb 22, 2027
Pre/Peak Rut
96/100

Florida Deer Hunting FAQ