Night Hunting Laws (USA)
50-State Guide: Is Night Vision Legal for Hunting?
Here's a guide on the legal status of using night vision equipment for hunting across the 50 U.S. states. Since hunting laws and regulations can change frequently and sometimes vary by species and hunting season, always check with your local Department of Natural Resources (DNR) or Wildlife Agency for the most current regulations. Many of the states that prohibit night vision for hunting still allow it for hunting vermin in order to protect your property. Here’s a quick overview of each state:
Alabama
- Allowed with Restrictions: Night vision devices are generally permitted for predator hunting, but you should consult state regulations for specific species and season rules.
Alaska
- Prohibited: Using night vision devices for hunting is generally illegal in Alaska.
Arizona
- Allowed with Restrictions: Night vision is permitted for some non-game species, but check state regulations, especially regarding coyote and predator hunting.
Arkansas
- Restricted: Night vision is prohibited for most types of hunting except under certain conditions; consult the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission for details.
California
- Prohibited: Night vision equipment, including infrared and thermal scopes, is typically illegal for hunting in California.
Colorado
- Prohibited: Using night vision is generally illegal for hunting in Colorado, though it may be used for non-hunting activities.
Connecticut
- Prohibited: Night vision is generally not permitted for hunting purposes.
Delaware
- Allowed with Restrictions: Delaware allows night hunting for certain species, but you must check specific regulations on night vision usage.
Florida
- Allowed with Restrictions: Night vision is generally allowed for hunting wild hogs and certain predators, but restrictions apply. Check with Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
Georgia
- Allowed with Restrictions: Generally permitted for non-game species such as feral hogs and coyotes, but always consult current regulations.
Hawaii
- Prohibited: Night vision devices are typically illegal for hunting in Hawaii.
Idaho
- Prohibited: Idaho prohibits the use of night vision equipment for hunting purposes.
Illinois
- Allowed with Restrictions: Generally allowed for certain species, but restrictions apply, so check local regulations.
Indiana
- Allowed with Restrictions: Indiana allows night vision devices for hunting coyotes and certain other non-game species, but restrictions apply.
Iowa
- Prohibited: Night vision is not permitted for hunting purposes in Iowa.
Kansas
- Allowed with Restrictions: Generally allowed for coyote and certain non-game species with restrictions.
Kentucky
- Allowed with Restrictions: Night vision is permitted for non-game species such as coyotes, but specific restrictions may apply.
Louisiana
- Allowed with Restrictions: Night vision devices may be used for certain non-game species with specific restrictions.
Maine
- Prohibited: Night vision is typically not permitted for hunting.
Maryland
- Allowed with Restrictions: Generally permitted for non-game species, but consult state regulations.
Massachusetts
- Prohibited: Night vision is generally prohibited for hunting.
Michigan
- Allowed with Restrictions: Permitted for certain species (e.g., coyotes) with restrictions.
Minnesota
- Allowed with Restrictions: Certain non-game species may be hunted with night vision, subject to restrictions.
Mississippi
- Allowed with Restrictions: Generally allowed for non-game animals with certain conditions.
Missouri
- Allowed with Restrictions: Permitted for certain species with restrictions.
Montana
- Prohibited: Night vision is typically prohibited for hunting.
Nebraska
- Allowed with Restrictions: Certain species (e.g., coyotes) may be hunted with night vision, subject to restrictions.
Nevada
- Prohibited: Night vision is generally not allowed for hunting in Nevada.
New Hampshire
- Prohibited: Night vision is typically not permitted for hunting.
New Jersey
- Prohibited: Night vision devices are generally not allowed for hunting in New Jersey.
New Mexico
- Allowed with Restrictions: Generally allowed for certain species with restrictions; consult local regulations.
New York
- Prohibited: Generally prohibited for hunting purposes.
North Carolina
- Allowed with Restrictions: Permitted for some species under certain conditions; check current regulations.
North Dakota
- Allowed with Restrictions: Some restrictions apply; consult the state’s Game and Fish Department.
Ohio
- Allowed with Restrictions: Generally permitted for certain non-game species with restrictions.
Oklahoma
- Allowed with Restrictions: Night vision is allowed for non-game species with certain conditions.
Oregon
- Prohibited: Night vision is generally prohibited for hunting.
Pennsylvania
- Prohibited: Night vision is typically not permitted for hunting in Pennsylvania.
Rhode Island
- Prohibited: Night vision is generally not permitted for hunting.
South Carolina
- Allowed with Restrictions: Allowed for certain non-game species with restrictions.
South Dakota
- Prohibited: Night vision is generally not allowed for hunting.
Tennessee
- Allowed with Restrictions: Permitted for non-game species with certain restrictions.
Texas
- Allowed with Restrictions: Night vision is allowed for certain species, like hogs and coyotes, but restrictions apply. Check the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
Utah
- Allowed with Restrictions: Generally permitted for some non-game species; restrictions apply.
Vermont
- Prohibited: Night vision is generally not allowed for hunting in Vermont.
Virginia
- Allowed with Restrictions: Night vision is allowed for certain species, but restrictions may apply.
Washington
- Prohibited: Night vision is typically not permitted for hunting in Washington.
West Virginia
- Allowed with Restrictions: Permitted for certain non-game species with specific regulations.
Wisconsin
- Allowed with Restrictions: Generally allowed for non-game species, but restrictions apply.
Wyoming
- Prohibited: Night vision is typically prohibited for hunting.
Important: This guide provides a general overview, but regulations vary widely and may change frequently. Always check with your state's DNR, Wildlife Agency, or equivalent before using night vision for hunting in your state.