The 2020 deer rifle season within the Lana‘i Cooperative Game Management Area is being cancelled due to concerns over the spread of COVID-19. The season was scheduled to run through May 17, 2020. The DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) reports efforts are underway to notify hunters who are impacted by this cancellation. A new date for the hunt has not been set, but DOFAW noted that it will make every effort to provide an Axis deer hunting opportunity later this the year if the risk of spreading the coronavirus is no longer a threat.

The Lana‘i deer hunting season is very popular, bringing hundreds of visitors to the island from in-state and out-of-state. With both domestic and interisland travel restricted and passengers under mandatory self-quarantine measures, it would be very difficult for hunters to even get to Lana‘i.  DLNR Chairperson Suzanne Case said, “While we are very disappointed to have to cancel this hunt, the health and safety of Lana‘i’s residents, the hunting community, and our staff is our highest priority”.

Photo courtesy DLNR