open season


noun

a specific season or time of year when it is legal to catch or hunt for fish or game protected at all other times by the law.
a period of time in which a person or thing is exposed to criticism, attack, or recrimination: Election year is open season on all incumbents.

Origin of open season

An Americanism dating back to 1895–1900

British Dictionary definitions for open season

open season

noun

a specified period of time in the year when it is legal to hunt or kill game or fish protected at other times by law
(often foll by on) a time when criticism or mistreatment is common open season on women employees