USA: HAWAII - AXIS DEER HUNT

While technically open year-round, prime trophy Axis Deer hunts occur from April through September. Rut hunts occur from April through July. Feral Goat hunts are generally best in the winter months but are very plentiful and available year-round. Fishing side options are best February to September when the pelagic fish species find themselves around the Hawaiian Islands.

- Additional Trophy Axis buck: Can be taken on a flat-rate trophy fee, and situation dependant can include x1 extra hunting day. 

-Feral Goats: Can be taken as targets of opportunity on a flat-rate trophy fee, but usually booked as a separate 1-day hunt. 

-Polynesian Wild Boar: Can be taken as targets of opportunity on a flat-rate trophy fee, but usually booked as a separate 1-day hunt. 

-Big Game Fishing: Target Blue/Striped Marlin, Yellowfin Tuna, Wahoo & Mahi from a 40+ foot vessel. February to September is peak season, and full-day charters can accommodate up to 2-6 guests daily.

These 2-day Axis Deer hunts in Hawaii are action-packed, and conducted by spot & stalk style hunting strategies, but can be tailored to accommodate clients of any fitness level. Most Axis deer hunting in Hawaii occurs on strategic, private ranches, most of which see virtually no other hunting pressure. 

Start the day by cruising the various ranch roads accessing the properties in search of Axis Deer, stopping to glass at various key vantage points. The deer are generally plentiful, with both large resident and transient herds, ebbing and flowing throughout the hunting areas. This is especially true about various ranches in Molokai as they are bigger, and support larger herds of Axis Deer. 

The challenge when Axis Deer hunting in Hawaii lies in approaching a mature buck into shooting range, avoiding the herd’s many sentinel eyes. The land is often broken with sufficient clumps of vegetation to facilitate carefully planned, downwind stalks, with typical shooting ranges being inside 250 yards. Feral Goats and Polynesian Wild Boars can both be taken as targets of opportunity while Axis Deer hunting in Hawaii, or specially planned as 1-day hunts relocating to the best-producing hunting areas for those specific species. Goats and Boars are similarly hunted using spot & stalk style strategies.

While the occasional client brings a personal firearm from home, nearly all our clients rent the outfitter’s rifle for the Hawaiian Axis Deer hunt. Rifle rentals vary depending on the guide but generally are high-end bolt action rifles chambered in .270 or 7mm calibers, with quality optics and bipod or shooting sticks.   

Archery Axis deer hunting in Hawaii is legal and welcomed, if desired, for those wishing to increase the challenge level of the hunt.

The Hawaiian Islands are an active, dynamic and supremely beautiful string of volcanic islands, in the near geographic center of the Pacific Ocean. Considerable variation exists between the numerous and various hunting areas scattered across both Maui and Molokai. 

The east facing coast of the islands break the pacific weather and see more regular rainfall. Here the forests are lush and green almost year-round. 

The west facing coasts however, exhibit an ecological rain-shadow which sees a generally warm, dry and more sparsely vegetated landscape. Ribbons of trees, old lava fields and grassy meadows form unique coastal savannah type environments. 

The beaches are varied and plentiful, and the higher elevations (where most Axis Deer hunting in Hawaii is conducted) see slightly cooler conditions and more vegetated terrain. Occasional coffee, fruit or nut tree plantations and pasture grounds comprise some of the best areas for hunting Hawaiian Axis Deer. A dizzying line-up of flora and fauna species, both indigenous and introduced, now share these remote islands and call them home.

The Hawaiian Islands offer a generally static annual climate, with no truly defined seasons. Annual temperatures typically range between 75-85 degrees Fahrenheit. Overall, Maui would be slightly greener and wetter than Molokai which is dryer and slightly more arid. Conditions can vary greatly between the east- and west-facing sides of the islands. Typically, conditions for Axis Deer hunting in Hawaii are warm and dry. Crisp dewy mornings give way to warm sunny afternoons and cooler evenings. Rain is generally unlikely, aside from perhaps a few isolated clouds. This is a lovely, fair-weather hunt!

Clients provide their own accommodations during all Axis Deer hunts in Hawaii. Maui is teeming with hotels, bed & breakfasts, or Airbnbs to choose from. Every option is possible. Note that most Axis Deer hunting in Hawaii takes place in the central or western regions of the island, and in close proximity to many of the most popular accommodations (such as Wailea and Kihei), beaches and nightlife options, facilitating hunt logistics. Options to stay right near the hunting areas in more simple and rural bed & breakfasts is also possible. If renting an Airbnb, many come with full kitchens allowing hunters to freeze meat and trophies, and prepare their harvest for dinner, completing the experience! 

If hunting Hawai Axis Deer on Molokai, the outfitter can recommend several local hotels or bed and breakfasts for accommodation. The outfitter even owns a nice condo, which can be rented to clients for only $150/night (+ $150 cleaning fee). In addition, the outfitter also owns a truck, which is kept at the airport specifically for clients and can also be rented to hunters for only $75/day.

Drinks are provided in the field as part of the package while hunting Hawaiian Axis Deer, such as bottled water on ice to help hunt hard all day if needed. Meals are not included. Hotels or resorts offer complimentary breakfasts, and both Kihei and Wailea areas on Maui also have countless great restaurants to explore! If staying in an Airbnb, many have full kitchens, and there are various grocery stores and markets, bristling with tantalizing local Pacific ingredients, such as exotic fruit and fresh seafood, in addition to any harvested venison of course!

Destination City: If hunting Hawai Axis Deer in Maui, clients are asked to arrive at Kahului International airport (OGG) along the north central coast. Hunters usually rent a car upon arrival and settle into their personal accommodations, later coordinating either pick-up or a meeting place with the outfitter for the hunting days. If hunting Hawai Axis Deer on Molokai, connections occur at both Kahului and Honolulu, with Mokulele Airlines. 

Travel Suggestions: Kahului is easily reached by multiple airlines offering non-stop service from many North American or Pacific cities directly. Some international flights may be required to connect in Honolulu. A rental car while on the island is highly encouraged. Molokai is best reached from Maui, with multiple daily, 15-minute flights, facilitating easy 2-day Axis Deer hunts, even if vacationing on Maui.

There are taxidermists on Maui, and the outfitter can coordinate local taxidermist trophy drops if desired while Axis Deer hunting in Hawaii. A local taxidermist can prep & ship, or do the final work. European mounts are roughly $250 while shoulder mounts are approx. $850. 

Most clients however fly home directly with their trophies as checked baggage after Axis Deer hunting in Hawaii. None of the species require any special permits or CITES. Trophies are carefully caped and deboned in the field, and can be kept safely frozen (either at client accommodations or with the outfitter), until departure. Clients purchase a cooler for the flight home, and can coordinate with the outfitter for trophy/meat pick-up near the airport.

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