New York Hunting Seasons by Region – 2025-2026 Game Overview
Welcome to your ultimate resource for exploring the Empire State’s rich hunting traditions! Whether you’re a seasoned outdoorsperson or just beginning your hunting journey, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about New York’s diverse wildlife hunting opportunities. From the dense Adirondack forests to the rolling hills of the Southern Zone, we’ve compiled all the essential information on seasons, zones, regulations, and licensing to help you plan your perfect hunting adventure.
Quick Season Overview: 2025-2026 New York Hunting at a Glance
New York offers some of the country’s most varied wildlife opportunities, with distinct seasons for big game, turkey, waterfowl, small game, and furbearers. The state is divided into several wildlife management zones, each with specific regulations designed to maintain healthy wildlife populations while providing excellent sporting opportunities.
Summary of Key Species
| Species | Open Dates | Method | Daily Bag |
|---|---|---|---|
| White-tailed Deer | Sept. 27 – Jan. 31* | Bow/Firearm/Muzzleloader | Varies by WMU |
| Black Bear | Sept. 6 – Dec. 31* | Bow/Firearm/Muzzleloader | 1 |
| Wild Turkey | April 2025/Oct. 2025 | Shotgun/Bow | 1-2 daily |
| Ducks/Mergansers | Oct. 11 – Jan. 25* | Shotgun (non-toxic) | 6 daily |
| Canada Geese | Sept. 1 – Feb. 22* | Shotgun (non-toxic) | 1-15 by zone |
| Ruffed Grouse | Sept. 15 – Feb. 28 | Shotgun/Bow | 4 daily |
| Cottontail Rabbit | Oct. 1 – Feb. 28* | Various | 4 daily |
| Gray Squirrel | Sept. 1 – Feb. 28* | Various | 6 daily |
*Dates vary by Wildlife Management Unit
All Big Game: Archery & Rifle 🦌
White-tailed Deer Opportunities
Northern Zone
- Early Bowhunting: Sept. 27 – Oct. 24, Dec. 8 – Dec. 14 (select WMUs)
- Regular Firearms: Oct. 25 – Dec. 7
- Muzzleloader: Oct. 18 – Oct. 24, Dec. 8 – Dec. 14 (select WMUs)
- Youth Firearms (ages 12-15): Oct. 11 – Oct. 13
Southern Zone
- Early Antlerless: Sept. 13 – Sept. 21 (select WMUs)
- Archery: Oct. 1 – Nov. 14, Dec. 8 – Dec. 16, Dec. 26 – Jan. 1
- Regular Firearms: Nov. 15 – Dec. 7
- Muzzleloader: Dec. 8 – Dec. 16, Dec. 26 – Jan. 1
Special Areas
- Westchester County (WMU 3S): Oct. 1 – Dec. 31 (bow only)
- Suffolk County (WMU 1C): Oct. 1, 2025 – Jan. 31, 2026 (bow only)
🎟️ Tag Requirements: Deer Management Permits (DMPs) required for antlerless deer in most areas. Purchase through DEC license sales agents or online.
Black Bear Pursuits 🐻
Northern Zone
- Early: Sept. 13 – Sept. 21 (yellow-shaded areas on DEC map)
- Archery: Sept. 13 – Oct. 24 (orange-shaded areas)
- Regular: Oct. 25 – Dec. 7
- Muzzleloader: Oct. 18 – Oct. 24
Southern Zone
- Early Firearms: Sept. 6 – Sept. 21 (green-shaded areas)
- Archery: Oct. 1 – Nov. 14, Dec. 8 – Dec. 16
- Regular: Nov. 15 – Dec. 7
- Muzzleloader: Dec. 8 – Dec. 16
Westchester County: Oct. 1 – Dec. 31 (bow only)
🔗 Crossbow Note: Permitted during respective firearms periods (except youth days and WMUs 1C, 3S, 4J, 8C).
Turkey Season: Spring, Fall, Youth 🦃
Spring Gobbler Period
Statewide (north of Bronx): May dates TBD for 2025
- Hours: ½ hour before sunrise to noon
- Bag Limit: 1 bearded bird daily
- Method: Shotgun, bow, crossbow
Fall Multi-Season
Six Zone System: October dates vary by zone
- Hours: Sunrise to sunset
- Bag Limit: 1 daily (either sex)
- Method: Shotgun, bow, crossbow
Youth Turkey Opportunities
Special Weekend: Dates TBD for junior hunters (12-15 years)
- Supervision Required: Licensed adult mentor
- Areas: Select Wildlife Management Units
- Bag: 1 bearded bird
Furbearers 🦊
Coyote
Statewide (except Long Island/NYC): Oct. 1 – Mar. 29
- Hours: 24/7 permitted
- Bag: Unlimited
- Method: Various firearms, bow, crossbow
Raccoon, Fox, Skunk, Opossum & Weasel
Long Island/NYC: Nov. 1 – Feb. 25 Rest of State: Oct. 25 – Feb. 15
- Hours: 24/7 (weasel: sunrise to sunset only)
- Bag: Unlimited
- Method: Various
Bobcat
Northern Zone: Dec. 1 – Feb. 15 Southern Zone: Dec. 15 – Feb. 15
- Bag: 1 daily
- Special: Possession tag and sealing required
🎟️ Furbearer Requirements: Possession tags mandatory for bobcat, otter, fisher, marten.
Upland Birds 🐦
Ruffed Grouse
Northern Zone: Sept. 15 – Feb. 28 Southern Zone: Oct. 1 – Feb. 28
- Daily Bag: 4
- Hours: Sunrise to sunset
- Method: Shotgun, bow
Ring-necked Pheasant
Statewide: Oct. 1 – Feb. 28
- Daily Bag: 2 roosters
- Hours: Sunrise to sunset
- Special: Check DEC release sites
Bobwhite Quail
Southern Zone Only: Nov. 1 – Feb. 28
- Daily Bag: 4
- Hours: Sunrise to sunset
Upland Animals 🐿️
Cottontail Rabbit
Long Island/NYC: Nov. 1 – Feb. 28 Rest of State: Oct. 1 – Feb. 28
- Daily Bag: 4
- Special: RHDV2 awareness recommended
Varying Hare
Northern Areas: Oct. 1 – Mar. 31 Southern Areas: Oct. 15 – Mar. 15
- Daily Bag: 4
- Hours: Sunrise to sunset
Other Small Games
| Species | Dates | Daily Bag | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gray/Fox/Black Squirrel | Sept. 1 – Feb. 28* | 6 total | Sunrise-sunset |
| Red Squirrel | Year-round | Unlimited | Anytime |
| Bullfrog | June 15 – Sept. 30 | Unlimited | Day/night |
| Snapping Turtle | July 15 – Sept. 30 | 5 | Day/night |
*Long Island/NYC: Nov. 1 – Feb. 28
Migratory Birds 🪶
Woodcock
Statewide: Oct. 1 – Nov. 14
- Daily Bag: 3
- Possession: 9
- HIP Registration: Required
American Crow
Statewide: Sept. 1 – Mar. 31
- Days: Friday through Monday only
- Bag: Unlimited
- Hours: Sunrise to sunset
Rails & Snipe
Upstate Only: Sept. 1 – Nov. 9
- Virginia/Sora Rails: 8 daily
- Snipe: 8 daily
- Non-toxic Shot: Required
Ducks, Scaup, Mergansers, Geese 🦆
Duck & Merganser Periods
Western Zone: Oct. 11 – Nov. 2, Dec. 6 – Jan. 11 Northeast Zone: Oct. 11 – Nov. 30, Dec. 13 – Dec. 21 Lake Champlain: Oct. 11 – Nov. 2, Nov. 22 – Dec. 28 Southeast Zone: Oct. 11 – Oct. 19, Nov. 8 – Dec. 28 Long Island: Nov. 22 – Nov. 30, Dec. 6 – Jan. 25
- Daily Bag: 6 (species-specific sub-limits apply)
- Possession: 18
- Hours: ½ hour before sunrise to sunset
- Shot: Non-toxic required
Special Scaup Allowances
Enhanced 2-bird daily limits during specified 20-day periods per zone.
Canada Goose Zones
September Early Period: Sept. 1 – Sept. 25 (most zones)
- Bag: 8-15 daily by area
- Hours: Extended to ½ hour after sunset
Regular Period: Varies by zone (Oct. 25 – Feb. 22)
- Bag: 1-5 daily depending on management area
Other Waterfowls 🦢
Snow Geese
Most Zones: Oct. 3 – Apr. 15 Long Island: Nov. 24 – Mar. 10
- Daily Bag: 25
- Possession: Unlimited
- Conservation Order: Jan. 16 – Apr. 15
Brant
Most Zones: Oct. 11 – Nov. 9 Long Island: Dec. 27 – Jan. 25 (additional)
- Daily Bag: 1
- Possession: 3
More Games & Additional Opportunities
Youth/Military Special Days
Youth Waterfowl: Sept. 27-28 (most zones), Nov. 8-9 (Long Island) Military/Veteran Days: Available in select zones
Mink & Muskrat
Mink: Various dates by WMU (Nov. 1 – Apr. 15) Muskrat: Lake Champlain only (Nov. 1 – Apr. 15)
- Firearm Restrictions: .22 caliber maximum
New York Hunting Zones Map 🗺️
New York divides its hunting areas into distinct zones to better manage wildlife populations. The state’s Wildlife Management Units (WMUs) help biologists track and adjust harvest targets based on habitat conditions and population dynamics.
The most important division is between the Northern and Southern zones, which have significantly different season structures. You can view detailed Wildlife Management Unit maps on the DEC website.
License Requirements & Fees 📋
Resident Licenses (2024-2025):
- Annual Hunting License: $22 (ages 16-69), $5 (ages 70+)
- Junior Hunting License (ages 12-15): $5
- Bowhunting Privilege: $15
- Muzzleloading Privilege: $15
- Turkey Permit: $10
Non-Resident Licenses:
- Annual Hunting License: $100
- Junior Hunting License (ages 12-15): $5
- Bowhunting Privilege: $30
- Muzzleloading Privilege: $30
- Turkey Permit: $20
All hunters born on or after January 1, 1967, must complete a hunter education course before purchasing a hunting license. Special opportunities exist for junior hunters (ages 12-15) who must be accompanied by a licensed adult hunter.
Frequently Asked Questions ❓
Q: Do I need a special tag for deer hunting in New York?
A: Yes, your hunting license comes with tags for antlered deer. For antlerless deer, you’ll need to apply for Deer Management Permits (DMPs), which are issued through a lottery system.
Q: Where can I hunt in New York if I don’t own land?
A: New York offers over 5 million acres of state land open to hunting, including Wildlife Management Areas, State Forests, and Forest Preserve lands. Always check specific regulations for each property.
Q: Is night hunting allowed in New York?
A: Night hunting is prohibited for deer and bear. For some species like raccoon, opossum, and fox, night hunting is permitted but subject to specific regulations.
Q: What firearms are legal for deer hunting in New York?
A: Legal implements vary by zone and season but generally include centerfire rifles (where permitted), shotguns (20 gauge or larger), muzzleloaders, handguns (with NYS pistol permit), bows, and crossbows.
Q: How do I report my deer or bear harvest?
A: All deer and bear harvests must be reported within 7 days via phone, online, or through the DEC’s mobile app.
Explore More Hunting Opportunities
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Make the Most of Your New York Hunting Adventure
The Empire State offers some of the most diverse and rewarding hunting opportunities in the Northeast. From the iconic whitetail deer to the challenging pursuit of black bear, from the spring gobble of wild turkeys to the flights of waterfowl along the Atlantic Flyway, New York’s hunting traditions run deep.
Remember to always check the official regulations before heading afield, as season dates and regulations can change. Respect private property, follow ethical hunting practices, and take the time to scout your hunting areas well before the season opens. Whether you’re pursuing your first deer or continuing a generations-old family tradition, New York’s fields and forests await your responsible participation in wildlife conservation through hunting.
Happy hunting, and may your time in New York’s great outdoors create memories that last a lifetime!
