Hunting seasons in New York provide outdoor enthusiasts with opportunities to pursue a variety of game species throughout the year. New York is home to a diverse range of wildlife, and the state’s Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) carefully manages hunting seasons to ensure sustainable conservation and wildlife management practices.
Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or just starting, understanding the hunting seasons in New York is crucial to plan your hunting adventures responsibly and legally. This introduction will give you an overview of the key aspects of hunting seasons in New York, including the types of game available, regulations, and important hunting season dates to keep in mind. So, whether you’re interested in deer, turkey, waterfowl, or other game, read on to discover what New York’s hunting seasons have to offer.
When Does Hunting Season Begin?
The New York Department of Environmental Conservation regulates the hunting seasons for deer, elk, turkey, bear, quail, ruffed grouse, pheasant, ducks, and bobcats. On City-owned hunting sites, New York State hunting laws and regulations may also be in effect. Species, weapons, and location all affect the hunting seasons. In order to draw a bird into shooting range during the spring and fall turkey hunting seasons, the greatest wild turkey hunters employ a variety of sounds.
Find the full hunting season dates for 2023–2024 below.
| Season | Start Date | End Date |
| Bear – Early Southern Zone Certain WMUs. | Sep 9, 2023 | Sep 24, 2023 |
| Bear – Bow Northern Zone | Sep 16, 2023 | Oct 20, 2023 |
| Bear – Early Bow Northern Zone Certain WMUs | Sep 16, 2023 | Oct 20, 2023 |
| Bear – Early Bow Southern Zone | Oct 1, 2023 | Nov 17, 2023 |
| Bear – Bow Westchester County | Oct 1, 2023 | Dec 31, 2023 |
| Bear – Crossbow Northern Zone | Oct 11, 2023 | Oct 20, 2023 |
| Bear – Muzzleloader Northern Zone | Oct 14, 2023 | Oct 20, 2023 |
| Bear – Gun Northern Zone | Oct 21, 2023 | Dec 3, 2023 |
| Bear – Crossbow Southern No crossbow hunting is allowed in zones 4J and 8C. | Nov 4, 2023 | Nov 17, 2023 |
| Bear – Gun Southern Zone | Nov 18, 2023 | Dec 10, 2023 |
| Bear – Late Bow Southern Zone | Dec 11, 2023 | Dec 19, 2023 |
| Bear – Muzzleloader Southern Zone | Dec 11, 2023 | Dec 19, 2023 |
| Bobcat 1 No limit. Select units. | Oct 25, 2023 | Feb 15, 2024 |
| Bobcat 2 No limit. Select units. | Oct 25, 2023 | Nov 17, 2023 |
| Coyote | Oct 1, 2023 | Mar 31, 2024 |
| Deer – Early Bow Northern Zone | Sep 27, 2023 | Oct 20, 2023 |
| Deer – Westchester County Bowhunting only. | Oct 1, 2023 | Dec 31, 2023 |
| Deer – Early Bow Southern Zone | Oct 1, 2023 | Nov 17, 2023 |
| Deer – Bow Suffolk County | Oct 1, 2023 | Jan 31, 2024 |
| Deer – Muzzleloader Northern Zone 1 | Oct 14, 2023 | Oct 20, 2023 |
| Deer – Crossbow Southern Zone No hunting allowed in WMU’s 4J or 8C. | Nov 4, 2023 | Nov 17, 2023 |
| Deer – Gun South Zone | Nov 18, 2023 | Dec 10, 2023 |
| Deer – Muzzleloader Northern Zone 2 See regulations for zone restrictions. (WMUs 5A, 5G, 5J, 6A, 6C, 6G, 6H only) | Dec 4, 2023 | Dec 10, 2023 |
| Deer – Late Bow Northern Zone WMU’s 5A, 5G, 5J, 6A, 6C, 6G, and 6H. | Dec 4, 2023 | Dec 10, 2023 |
| Deer – Late Bow Southern Zone 1 | Dec 11, 2023 | Dec 19, 2023 |
| Deer – Muzzleloader Southern Zone 1 South Zone | Dec 12, 2023 | Dec 20, 2023 |
| Deer – Muzzleloader Southern Zone 2 | Dec 26, 2023 | Jan 1, 2024 |
| Deer – Late Bow Southern Zone 2 | Dec 26, 2023 | Jan 1, 2024 |
| Deer – Special Firearms Suffolk County Permit Required. | Jan 7, 2024 | Jan 31, 2024 |
| Duck – Northeast Zone 2 Bag limit 6 ducks per day. | Oct 4, 2023 | Dec 10, 2023 |
| Duck – Lake Champlain 1 Bag limit 6 ducks per day. | Oct 7, 2023 | Oct 11, 2023 |
| Duck – Northeast Zone 1 Bag limit 6 ducks per day. | Oct 7, 2023 | Oct 29, 2023 |
| Duck – Western Zone 1 Bag limit 6 ducks per day. | Oct 21, 2023 | Nov 12, 2023 |
| Duck – Southeast Zone 1 Bag limit 6 ducks per day. | Oct 21, 2023 | Dec 3, 2023 |
| Duck – Lake Champlain 2 Bag limit 6 ducks per day. | Nov 4, 2023 | Dec 28, 2023 |
| Duck – Long Island 1 Bag limit 6 ducks per day. | Nov 18, 2023 | Nov 26, 2023 |
| Duck – Western Zone 2 Bag limit 6 ducks per day. | Nov 25, 2023 | Dec 31, 2023 |
| Duck – Southeast Zone 2 Bag limit 6 ducks per day. | Dec 9, 2023 | Dec 24, 2023 |
| Duck – Long Island 2 Bag limit 6 ducks per day. | Dec 9, 2023 | Jan 28, 2024 |
| Goose – Canada Goose – Statewide Excludes Long Island Zones. See regulations for bag limits. | Sep 1, 2023 | Feb 21, 2024 |
| Goose – Canada Goose – Long Island Eastern Zone 1 See regulations for bag limits. | Sep 5, 2023 | Sep 30, 2023 |
| Goose – Canada Goose – Long Island Central Zone 1 See regulations for bag limits. | Sep 5, 2023 | Sep 30, 2023 |
| Goose – Snow Goose – Lake Champlain Zone 1 See regulations for bag limits. | Oct 1, 2023 | Dec 31, 2023 |
| Goose – Snow Goose NE, W, and SE Zones. See regulations for bag limits. | Oct 1, 2023 | Apr 15, 2024 |
| Goose – Canada Goose – Long Island Western Zone 1 See regulations for bag limits. | Oct 7, 2023 | Oct 22, 2023 |
| Goose – Canada Goose – Long Island Western Zone 1 See regulations for bag limits. | Oct 7, 2023 | Oct 22, 2023 |
| Goose – Brant See regulations for bag limits. | Oct 14, 2023 | Nov 12, 2023 |
| Goose – Canada Goose – Lake Champlain Zone 2 See regulations for bag limits. | Oct 14, 2023 | Nov 27, 2023 |
| Goose – Brant – Lake Champlain Zone See regulations for bag limits. | Oct 14, 2023 | Nov 12, 2023 |
| Goose – Canada Goose – Northeast Zone 3 See regulations for bag limits. | Oct 28, 2023 | Dec 11, 2023 |
| Goose – Canada Goose – East Central Zone 2 See regulations for bag limits. | Oct 28, 2023 | Nov 17, 2023 |
| Goose – Canada Goose – South Zone 2 See regulations for bag limits. | Oct 28, 2023 | Nov 17, 2023 |
| Goose – Canada Goose – Hudson Valley 2 See regulations for bag limits. | Oct 28, 2023 | Nov 11, 2023 |
| Goose – Canada Goose – Northeast Zone 2 See regulations for bag limits. | Oct 28, 2023 | Dec 11, 2023 |
| Goose – Canada Goose – West Central Zone 2 See regulations for bag limits. | Oct 28, 2023 | Nov 26, 2023 |
| Goose – Canada Goose – Long Island Eastern Zone 2 See regulations for bag limits. | Nov 18, 2023 | Nov 26, 2023 |
| Goose – Canada Goose – Long Island Western Zone 2 See regulations for bag limits. | Nov 18, 2023 | Nov 26, 2023 |
| Goose – Canada Goose – Long Island Central Zone 2 See regulations for bag limits. | Nov 18, 2023 | Nov 26, 2023 |
| Goose – Canada Goose – South Zone 3 See regulations for bag limits. | Nov 25, 2023 | Jan 21, 2024 |
| Goose – Snow Goose – Long Island See regulations for bag limits. | Nov 25, 2023 | Mar 10, 2024 |
| Goose – Canada Goose – Long Island Western Zone 3 See regulations for bag limits. | Dec 6, 2023 | Feb 21, 2024 |
| Goose – Canada Goose – Long Island Eastern Zone 3 See regulations for bag limits. | Dec 9, 2023 | Jan 28, 2024 |
| Goose – Canada Goose – Long Island Central Zone 3 See regulations for bag limits. | Dec 9, 2023 | Feb 7, 2024 |
| Goose – Canada Goose – Hudson Valley 3 See regulations for bag limits. | Dec 9, 2023 | Jan 7, 2024 |
| Goose – Canada Goose – West Central Zone 3 See regulations for bag limits. | Dec 26, 2023 | Jan 9, 2024 |
| Goose – Brant – Long Island 2 See regulations for bag limits. | Dec 30, 2023 | Jan 28, 2024 |
| Goose – Brant – Long Island 1 See regulations for bag limits. | Dec 30, 2023 | Jan 28, 2024 |
| Goose – Snow Goose – Lake Champlain Zone 2 See regulations for bag limits. | Jan 6, 2024 | Apr 15, 2024 |
| Ruffed Grouse – North Zone Bag limit 4 per day. | Sep 20, 2023 | Feb 29, 2024 |
| Ruffed Grouse – South Zone Bag limit 4 per day. | Oct 1, 2023 | Feb 29, 2024 |
| Pheasant – Cocks Bag limit 2 per day (cocks only). | Oct 1, 2023 | Feb 29, 2024 |
| Pheasant – Cocks & Hens 1 Bag limit 2 per day (cocks and hens). | Oct 1, 2023 | Feb 29, 2024 |
| Pheasant – Cocks & Hens 2 Bag limit 2 per day (cocks and hens). | Oct 1, 2023 | Feb 29, 2024 |
| Pheasant – Cocks 2 Bag limit 2 per day (cocks only). | Nov 1, 2023 | Dec 31, 2023 |
| Pheasant – Cocks & Hens 3 Bag limit 2 per day (cocks and hens). | Nov 1, 2023 | Dec 31, 2023 |
| Bobwhite Quail – Early Bag limit 4 per day. Orange and Putnam Counties. | Oct 1, 2023 | Feb 29, 2024 |
| Bobwhite Quail – Late Bag limit 6 per day. Nassau and Suffolk Counties. | Nov 1, 2023 | Dec 31, 2023 |
| Rabbit – Cottontail Season dates vary by location. Check regulations. | Oct 1, 2023 | Feb 29, 2024 |
| Rabbit – Varying Hare Hunting Season dates vary by location. Check regulations. | Oct 1, 2023 | Feb 29, 2024 |
| Turkey – Fall Northern Zone Bag limit 1 bird of either sex statewide. | Oct 1, 2023 | Oct 14, 2023 |
| Turkey – Fall Southern Zone Bag limit 1 bird of either sex statewide. | Oct 15, 2023 | Oct 28, 2023 |
| Turkey – Fall 1C WMU: 1C bag limit 1 bird of either sex statewide. | Nov 19, 2023 | Dec 2, 2023 |
| Turkey – Youth Spring Bag limit 1 bearded turkey. | Apr 20, 2024 | Apr 21, 2024 |
| Turkey – Spring Statewide Bag limit 2 bearded turkeys (one per day). | May 1, 2024 | May 31, 2024 |
Big Game Youth Hunt:
The annual Youth Hunting Big Game Hunt takes place in New York from October 8–10, accepting young hunters aged 12–15 from all around the state (with the exception of Suffolk and Westchester counties and places that only allow bowhunting). Young people as young as 12 or 13 may use a rifle to shoot deer in the upstate New York region, depending on the county’s rules. If they are 14 or 15, young hunters of any age are allowed to kill one bear and one deer of either gender. On deer without antlers, three tags—regular season, DMP, and Deer Management Assistance Program — may be used.
Deer Season Types
The three main categories of deer hunting seasons are bowhunting, muzzleloader, and regular.The northern and southern regions of the state have various season dates that start and end at different times.
The “early” bow and muzzleloader seasons, the “regular” season, and then the “late” bow and muzzleloader seasons all take place in the northern zone. Beginning on September 27, early bow season is open until the Friday before the regular season.
Throughout the final 10 days of this deer hunting season, crossbows are permitted. The first Saturday after Columbus Day marks the beginning of the early muzzleloader seasons, which are open for seven days. After that, the regular season begins on the second Saturday following Columbus Day and lasts for 44 straight days.
Last but not least, the seven-day late bow and muzzleloader season follows the regular deer hunting season. The seasons in the southern zone follow a pattern similar to that in the northern zone. Instead of an early muzzleloader season, there is an early guns season.
The second Saturday in September marks the start of the early firearms season, which lasts for nine days. Beginning on October 1st, the early bowhunting season is open until the Friday before the regular season. Throughout the final 14 days of this season, crossbows are permitted. The regular season runs for 23 days straight starting on the third Saturday in November. Following the normal season, there is a nine-day late bow and muzzleloader season.
The youth hunt season in both zones is held on Columbus Day weekend for all three days (Saturday, Sunday, and Monday).
Hunting Rules In New York
Hunting with a permitted weapon is required during the various deer season types. You must also possess the appropriate license or privilege for each season type, as was already specified. The specifics of each season type are listed below:
Bowhunting Season
Hunters may utilize archery tools such as long bows, compound bows, and recurve bows during the bowhunting season. These bows cannot have any mechanical devices attached to them that help draw, hold, or release the bowstring, and their minimum draw weight must be 35 pounds.
Broadheads on arrows must have a minimum diameter of 7/8 inches and at least two distinct cutting edges. Any kind of barbed broadhead is prohibited.
Crossbows are permitted, but only toward the end of the campaign. They must include a bow, string, and either compound or recurve limbs mounted to a stock that are at least 17 inches wide. A functioning safety and trigger like that of a gun must be present on the stock. Crossbows must be at least 24 inches long and have a minimum launch distance of 14 inches for an arrow or bolt. 100 to 200 pounds must be the draw weight.
The arrow or bolt must have a broadhead that meets the strict specifications for bows, and optical sights are permitted. In the counties of Suffolk, Nassau, and Westchester, crossbow hunting is prohibited. This time of year, all firearms are prohibited.
Muzzleloader Season
Guns that fire a single shot through the muzzle are called muzzleloaders. These weapons may have fiber optic sights or scopes and must be at least .44 caliber or greater. Muzzleloading pistols are permitted, but you need a permit from the state of New York.
During the muzzleloader season, double-barreled muzzleloaders and revolvers with percussion caps are prohibited. Bows are not permitted during this time; crossbows are. Cartridge-firing modern rifles and handguns are prohibited.
Regular Season
Rifles and handguns that use centerfire cartridges are among the firearms that are permitted during the regular hunting season. Buckshot is prohibited; shotguns that shoot a single projectile and are at least 20 gauges in size are permitted. This rule does not apply to pistols with barrel lengths shorter than 8 inches, which are allowed to contain more than six bullets.
If your gun holds more than six shots, you can modify it to make it hold fewer bullets. Anyone who owns a handgun is required to have a pistol permit issued by the state of New York. During the normal season, bows, crossbows, and muzzleloaders are all permitted. It should be noted that using any gun for hunting is prohibited in Westchester County and Long Island.
Youth Hunt Season
Each year, a weekend is reserved for hunting deer for young hunters, aged 12 to 17. During this season, adults are not permitted to go hunting. Depending on the hunter’s age, different requirements and weapons are permitted.
If they have finished both a hunter education and a bowhunter education course, young hunters between the ages of 12 and 13 are permitted to hunt with a bow. In addition, they have to get a junior bowhunting permit and be accompanied by an adult (a parent, guardian, or “youth mentor”) who is 21 or older.
The adult must have a license to hunt during the same season and at least three years of expertise in taking deer with a bow. Only counties that want to opt in by enacting a local legislation enabling it based on a new rule that was established in 2021 may enable youth hunters aged 12 to 13 to use a gun or crossbow.
Similar to 12 to 13-year-olds, youth hunters between the ages of 14 and 15 may use a bow, gun, or crossbow but must be accompanied by an adult. 16 to 17-year-olds who are learning to shoot deer for the first time must be accompanied by an adult (18 years of age or older) who has at least one year of experience and a license that is valid for the same season.
An elevated stand or tree stand cannot be utilized when a child is being hunted with; the accompanying adult must always keep physical control over the child.
Overall Regulations and Safety
In New York, there are various laws and guidelines governing deer hunting. Here are a few noteworthy examples to remember. Review and comprehend the regulations as they pertain to you before setting out on your first hunting expedition.
- Hunting or taking wildlife while operating a motor vehicle, using the lights of the vehicle, or while on or from a public road is prohibited.
- It is forbidden to hunt over any area that has been baited to draw deer or with the use of bait.
- Firearms, crossbows, or bow firing over any area of a public highway is prohibited.
- To discharge a handgun within 500 feet of a school, playground, active factory, or a church is prohibited. It’s also against the law to approach a house, farm building, or other occupied structure within 500 feet of it without the owner’s permission. The only difference between crossbows and bows is the required distance, which is 250 feet for crossbows and 150 feet for bows.
- Any shotgun, rifle, or crossbow must be emptied before being transported or kept in a motor vehicle. The magazine and chamber must both be empty. When the arrow or bolt is taken out and the crossbow is not cocked, it is said to be unloaded.
- On state-owned land, it is prohibited to cut or harm trees with nails or other hardware in order to build a tree stand, blind, or other construction. If you are on private property, you need the owner’s consent.
- The window for a holiday deer hunt is from a half-hour before dawn until a half-hour after dusk.
- Anyone using a rifle to shoot deer or anyone with them must wear clothing with at least 250 square inches of fluorescent orange or fluorescent pink that is worn above the waist and is clearly visible from all angles. Although the orange or pink color must make up at least 50% of the clothing, it may be patterned (camouflage). Hunters may substitute a helmet or cap with at least 50% neon orange or fluorescent pink on the exterior for clothing. All angles must be able to see the hat.
- A deer with antlers is required to have at least one antler that is 3″ or longer.
- It is forbidden to take a deer while it is submerged in water.
- When bowhunting or during muzzleloader season, firearm possession is prohibited. This rule applies to both the hunter and anyone who is with the hunter.
- Always obtain official authorization from the landowner before hunting on private property.
- It is not permitted to use dogs or any form of aircraft, including radio-controlled drones, to aid in finding or hunting deer.
- The deer flesh you harvest cannot be sold to others. In addition to the meat, taxidermy mounts, hides, skulls, and antlers may also be sold.
All hunters should prioritize hunting safely. Nobody wants to be hurt while having fun outside. Hunting involves handling guns, so you should treat them with respect.
When not ready to shoot, keep the weapon aimed in a safe direction and wait to pull the trigger. Verify that your target is a deer and that you can tell whether it has antlers or not by looking at its antlers. Knowing what lies beyond your aim is more crucial. Is there another deer just beyond the one you were aiming for if you fired your shot and missed it?
Consider safety first before hunting if you intend to hunt from a high tree stand. It’s a frequent misconception that injuries from firearms cause the bulk of hunting mishaps. In actuality, falling injuries from hunters in tree stands account for the majority of hunting accidents.
Before going hunting, make sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions, comprehend your gear, and check it out. Replace any damaged or missing components you locate. Use a full-body safety harness and attach it to a rope that is fastened to the tree’s base and the tree directly above you. From the time your feet leave until you are back on the ground, keep your harness fastened to the safety rope.
Put a haul line on your tools, weapon, or bow. Once you are securely seated in your stand, raise them up. Additionally, carry your phone, knife, flashlight, whistle, and other emergency items in your pocket rather than a bag. In an emergency, you can be separated from your bag.
Hunting License Requirements
Anyone 12 years of age or older who wants to hunt must buy a hunting license. They are available for purchase online through DEC’s Automated Licensing System (DECALS), over 1200 agent sites in the state (usually sporting goods merchants), and over the phone by dialing the DEC call center.
A hunting license from another state is not accepted, so anyone who wants to hunt while visiting New York must obtain a New York non-resident hunting license. Children under the age of 12 are not permitted to hunt, and youths between 12 to 15 must obtain a youth license.
There are lifetime licenses available, and the price changes with age. Up until the age of 70, children under the age of five have the lowest costs; beyond that, the price is only $65 in 2022.
Every deer harvested needs to be marked. When you buy a license or permit for the hunting season you desire, the tags are also included. The regular season deer tag is included with the base hunting license, which is only good for the regular season.
You need to buy a permit for that season in addition to your base hunting license if you want to hunt during the other seasons. You need a bowhunting privilege permission to use a bow during bowhunting season. During the bowhunting season, this also holds true for young people. For hunters aged 12 to 15, a unique Junior Bowhunting Privilege Permit is available. An either-sex deer tag is included with these permits.
In a similar vein, in order to use a crossbow or muzzleloader during a muzzleloader season, you must get a muzzleloader privilege permit. An either-sex deer tag is also included with this permit. One either-sex tag and one antlerless deer tag are yours if you purchase both the bowhunting and muzzleloader rights. With the necessary hunting equipment, these tags can be worn during either hunting season.
There is a random drawing and application process for obtaining a deer management permit. This license is good for up to two more antlerless deer tags, but only in the designated Wildlife Management Unit. On October 1st, applications must be submitted. (antlerless-only deer season)
A hunter education course is required for all novice hunters who have never bought a hunting license. If you want to use a bow, you must also pass an approved bowhunter education course.
After April 1, 2014, hunters must either pass a hunter education course or the Crossbow Certificate of Qualification found in the NY DEC hunting guide in order to hunt with a crossbow. If they comply with IHEA-USA guidelines, Hunter Education courses from other states are recognized.
The DEC also offers the course online. Both formats are available in New York. Hunting licenses are required, and participants must be at least 11 years old. The course lasts at least seven hours.
Fines For Not Following Hunting Regulations
Hunting violations, such as taking deer outside of the designated hunting season, can result in severe fines. You can even go to jail or lose your hunting privileges. If you are traveling from another state and intend to bring a firearm, be aware that New York generally has stricter gun regulations than other states.
New York prohibits firearms-based hunting in several locations. In 2021, a guy was found guilty of illegally taking a whitetail deer and hunting from a moving car. He was sentenced to a $1900 fine and had his firearm impounded.
Even if you are found not guilty, court charges and legal fees can be pricey. Make sure you are familiar with the laws, guidelines, and license requirements before going hunting. Even if you are a seasoned hunter, it may be costly to ignore the nuances of New York’s regulations if you don’t take the time to review them.
Where Are The Public Hunting Areas In New York?
| Location | Acres | Zip | Game |
| Oswego | 3,966 | 13167 | Whitetail Deer, Duck |
| Chenango | 4,689 | 13832 | Whitetail Deer, Duck, Predator, Exotics |
| Cayuga | 54 | 13118 | Whitetail Deer, Turkey, Duck, Predator, Exotics |
| Oswego | 7,918 | 13437 | Whitetail Deer, Duck |
| Williamstown | 8,898 | 13493 | Whitetail Deer, Duck, Exotics |
| Onondaga | 1,686 | 13090 | Whitetail Deer, Duck, Exotics |
| Oswego | 1,771 | 13142 | Whitetail Deer, Duck, Exotics |
| Cayuga | 27 | 13034 | Duck |
| Newfield | 11,237 | 14867 | Whitetail Deer, Turkey, Duck, Exotics |
| Onondaga | 4,991 | 13039 | Whitetail Deer, Dove, Duck |
New York’s public hunting areas offer excellent amenities for hunters, including campgrounds, clean restrooms, toilets, and fresh water. In addition, hunters in New York must be at least 18 years old to hunt, and a license is not necessary at this age. However, while they are hunting animals, an adult should keep a close eye on them.
Hunting New York:
In this state, there are more than 700,000 resident hunters and 50,000 nonresident hunters each year. Deer, Black Bear, Duck, Turkey, Raccoon, and many other large and small game species are among the creatures that can be hunted in this state. This state is an excellent area for hunting because it has more than 3 million acres of hunting land. Before choosing to hunt, hunters should get the latest meteorological information. Since there are more private hunting grounds in New York state than there are public hunting grounds, most of the hunting grounds in this state have fences and gates around them to keep hunters safe while they hunt.
Other individuals beyond hunters use public hunting fields to see wildlife, go skiing, horseback riding, fishing, and other activities. Additionally, landowners and their families are required to wear the appropriate hunting orange and have a current hunting license when hunting on their property. When visiting this state, professional hunters always choose to hunt on hunting lands rather than on public hunting lands.
Western New York State Public Hunting Lands:
Public hunting lands in Western New York have designated areas where physically challenged people can hunt their preferred animals with ease. Additionally, sportsmen are permitted to bring their animals on hunting grounds, but they must be leashed and keep recent proof of pet vaccinations with them at all times.
Dogs are permitted on the hunting grounds, but they shouldn’t be utilized to shoot deer. Dogs, on the other hand, can be employed to locate injured deer. Additionally, it is forbidden to use narcotics and drink alcohol on hunting grounds. Additionally, hunters are allowed to camp on hunting grounds in New York for a maximum of 21 consecutive days. Last but not least, more than 50,000 hunters travel to this state every year to hunt big and small game, which helps to boost the economy of the state and raise awareness of hunting, which is regarded as one of the best outdoor activities in the US.
Public Hunting Lands in New York:
Both local hunters and hunters from other countries frequent the hunting grounds in New York. In addition to hunting, visitors can go fishing, hiking, horseback riding, trapping, skiing, and watching animals on the hunting grounds. The state’s weather conditions show that it rains all year long. Therefore, hunters must schedule their hunting trips in accordance with weather reports. Additionally, the majority of hunters only kill deer and hogs in the hunting grounds in this state. More than 0.5 million deer hunting licenses are sold in this state each year, which also helps to improve the state’s economic situation.
What guns and equipment can I use during hunting season?
Spotlighting
You may use lights to observe wildlife under the following conditions:
- If you’re looking for deer or bears, you cannot get within 500 feet of a house or farm building without the owner’s or lessee’s consent.
- When driving a car or being in a motor vehicle while using a light and no one is carrying a gun, a bow, or a crossbow, or if:
- the implement is taken down, or
- the implement is securely fastened in a case, or
- the implement is locked in the trunk of the vehicle, or
- the implement is a handgun
Possession of Firearms and Crossbows
During the open season for deer, it is illegal to:
- Possess shotgun rounds loaded with slugs or balls unless you have a valid hunting license (with a tag for the animal’s carcass) bear or deer hunting permit, or
- In locations where rifles are prohibited for taking deer, you are allowed to own a rifle larger than a 22-caliber rimfire. A rifle larger than.22-caliber rimfire is any centerfire or rimfire rifle that is chambered for a cartridge larger than 22-caliber. Muzzleloading rifles and centerfire rifles with a maximum caliber of 22 are permitted.
It is forbidden to carry or use a firearm for hunting in Westchester County or Long Island. Crossbow use for wildlife hunting is prohibited in the counties of Suffolk, Nassau, and Westchester.
Except while coyote hunting, it is forbidden to bring a dog along when carrying a rifle larger than one.22 rimfire or a shotgun loaded with slug, ball, or buckshot into the field in the Northern Zone.
In order to possess a handgun in New York, you need an NYS Pistol Permit. New York does not accept licenses from other states.
Transportation of Firearms
A crossbow must be taken down or unloaded (bolt removed and crossbow uncocked) in order to be transported or carried in or on a motor vehicle. Shotguns, rifles, and crossbows are also prohibited.
When the nipple cap is off, the primer is taken out, the primer powder is taken out of the flintlock pan, or the battery is taken out of an electric-fired muzzleloader, the muzzleloader is said to be unloaded.
When the arrow or bolt is taken out and the crossbow is uncocked, it is said to be unloaded. A loaded gun may be kept in a motorboat that isn’t moving or that is moving just to retrieve dead or injured birds while legally hunting migrating game birds.
When an adult is not present and a gun is present in a vehicle, the gun must be locked in a plastic or metal, hard-sided container, or safe and kept out of sight.
Discharge of Firearms, Crossbows, and Bows
It is illegal to discharge a firearm, crossbow, or bow:
- such that any portion of a public highway is crossed by the load, arrow, or bolt.
- Any school, playground, active factory, active church, or within 500 feet for a firearm, 250 feet for a crossbow, or 150 feet for a bow of any such place.
- Unless you own it, rent it, are an immediate family member, an employee, have the owner’s permission, or are within 500 feet, 250 feet, or 150 feet, respectively, of a residence, farm building, or other structure in occupation or use.
As long as neither is 500 feet away in the direction you are shooting, you are allowed to hunt ducks over water within 500 feet of a home or public building.
FAQs
What Types Of Deer Are Popular In New York?
Among the most prevalent deer species in the state are moose, mule deer, elk deer, and white-tailed deer. The most prevalent deer species and the most hunted species in New York are white-tailed deer. If you’re looking for larger deer, you might want to look for moose, which are found in the state’s northern and central regions.
When Does The Hunting Season In New York Begin And End?
The New York hunting season for 2023–2024 is scheduled to begin on September 1 and end on February 28. It’s crucial to keep in mind that the exact season dates for hunting particular species of animals may change.
During The Hunting Season, What Kinds Of Animals Are Legal To Hunt In New York?
White-tailed deer, black bear, turkey, waterfowl, and small game like squirrels, rabbits, and grouse are just a few of the animals that hunters can go for in New York throughout the hunting season.
What Else Is Popular To Hunt In New York?
The state offers a huge selection of games. Hunting enthusiasts frequently take down whitetail deer, wild turkeys, snow geese, and ducks. Hunting for small game, such as squirrels and rabbits, is also practiced nearby. A bow can be used to hunt bears, which is a fantastic alternative. For those seeking a different type of hunting, there is fox, coyote, and bobcat hunting. New York has something to offer any level of hunter, no matter what they are.
What Conditions Must Be Met In Order To Obtain A Hunting License In New York?
You must satisfy specific requirements in order to obtain a hunting license in New York. You must first be 12 years old. A hunter safety course must also be finished, either in person or online. Hunters who take this course will learn how to hunt ethically and safely. These conditions make it possible for people to obtain hunting licenses and engage in legal hunting in New York.
When Can Anyone Older Than 60 Years Old Hunt Deer In New York With A Crossbow During The 2023–2024 Season?
During the 2023–2024 hunting season, New Yorkers over 60 may use a crossbow to kill deer. Throughout the Regular Bow Season, which runs from October 1 to December 31, there is plenty of hunting. These season dates provide senior crossbow hunters in New York with more options. Except for WMUs 5A, 9A, and 27, all Wildlife Management Units (WMUs) this season permit crossbows.