>>1932511Fish and Game are separate departments controlled locally by each state. BLM manages US govt. property. Forest service does forests.
I can't speak for every state's fish and game, but typically we have designated hunting seasons for specific game. These seasons can be a few days, to weeks, to months, to year round depending on the species. The regulations for hunting hours, equipment, etc. are provided in (generally) free pamphlets at licensed vendors where you can purchase your licenses. These rules are also available online through the state's website. The states designate specific rules for different hunting areas, and some areas with very limited number of licenses choose by a lottery, or a point system. The low license numbers for regions is meant to regulate game numbers in different areas. Licenses can either be for one species (deer, elk, cougar, turkey) or for multiple species on one license purchase (small game in my state includes upland bird like pheasant, chukar, quail, and also small stuff like rabbits, squirrels). Some of these licenses also require you to purchase a 'tag' to mark your animal - deer tags are typically taped/zip-tied to an antler after marking it.
We have game wardens / fish cops who drive around and check to make sure everyone is following the rules. It's not uncommon to see a gamey around public land near the opening day, but unless your breaking the law, they tend to be pretty friendly. Have a license, hunter's education card (proof you attended hunter's education), appropriate equipment (hunter orange if required), and of course, landowner permission.
I was lucky enough to hunt the south island last year. Dad and I pulled a red deer, fallow deer, and a tahr, but not enough time for a chamois. Very different hunting attitude in NZ. Also tussocks are based to sit on. I definitely liked your ability to buy suppressors without massive background checks/paperwork.
