New York Hunting Seasons by Region – 2025 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: 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.
Here’s a summary of key species and their hunting periods:
| Species | Season Start | Season End | Hunting Methods |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deer (Northern Zone) | Oct. 26, 2024 | Dec. 8, 2024 | Firearms, Bow, Crossbow, Muzzleloader |
| Deer (Southern Zone) | Nov. 16, 2024 | Dec. 8, 2024 | Firearms, Bow, Crossbow, Muzzleloader |
| Black Bear (Northern) | Sept. 14, 2024 | Dec. 8, 2024 | Varies by specific WMU |
| Black Bear (Southern) | Nov. 16, 2024 | Dec. 8, 2024 | Firearms, Bow, Crossbow, Muzzleloader |
| Wild Turkey (Spring) | May 1, 2025 | May 31, 2025 | Shotgun, Bow |
| Wild Turkey (Fall) | Varies by zone | Varies by zone | Shotgun, Bow |
| Waterfowl | Varies by zone | Varies by zone | Shotgun |
| Small Game | Varies by species | Varies by species | Varies by species |
Let’s explore each of these opportunities in greater detail.
Big Game Hunting: Deer & Bear Seasons
White-tailed Deer 🦌
The white-tailed deer remains New York’s most pursued big game species, with distinct seasons across different zones.
Northern Zone Deer Seasons:
- Early Bowhunting: Sept. 27 – Oct. 25, 2024
- Early Muzzleloading: Oct. 19 – Oct. 25, 2024
- Regular Season: Oct. 26 – Dec. 8, 2024
- Late Bow & Muzzleloading (select WMUs): Dec. 9 – Dec. 15, 2024
- Youth Firearms Weekend: Oct. 12 – Oct. 14, 2024
Southern Zone Deer Seasons:
- Early Antlerless (select WMUs): Sept. 14 – 22, 2024
- Early Bowhunting: Oct. 1 – Nov. 15, 2024
- Regular Season: Nov. 16 – Dec. 8, 2024
- Late Bow & Muzzleloading: Dec. 9 – Dec. 17, 2024 and Dec. 26 – Jan. 1, 2025
- Youth Firearms Weekend: Oct. 12 – Oct. 14, 2024
Special Area Deer Seasons:
- Westchester County (WMU 3S): Oct. 1 – Dec. 31, 2024 (bow only)
- Suffolk County (WMU 1C): Oct. 1, 2024 – Jan. 31, 2025 (bow only), with special firearms season Jan. 5 – Jan. 31, 2025 (special permit required)
Black Bear 🐻
Bear hunting in New York is divided into several management zones with varying season dates.
Northern Zone Bear Seasons:
- Regular Season: Sept. 14 – Dec. 8, 2024 (Adirondack region)
- Early Bowhunting: Sept. 14 – Oct. 25, 2024 (Western periphery)
- Early Muzzleloading: Oct. 19 – Oct. 25, 2024 (Western periphery)
- Regular Season: Oct. 26 – Dec. 8, 2024 (Western periphery)
Southern Zone Bear Seasons:
- Early Firearms (select WMUs): Sept. 7 – Sept. 22, 2024
- Early Bowhunting: Oct. 1 – Nov. 15, 2024
- Regular Season: Nov. 16 – Dec. 8, 2024
- Late Bow & Muzzleloading: Dec. 9 – Dec. 17, 2024
Bear hunters should note that it’s illegal to shoot cubs, bears from a group, or bears in their dens in the Southern Zone.
Turkey Season: Spring, Fall & Youth Hunts 🦃
Wild turkey hunting is a cherished tradition in New York, with both spring and fall seasons.
Spring Turkey Season:
- Youth Hunt Weekend: April 20-21, 2025
- Regular Season: May 1 – May 31, 2025
- Bag Limit: Two bearded turkeys (only one per day)
- Hunting Hours: Half-hour before sunrise to noon
- Open Areas: All of upstate New York (north of the Bronx)
Fall Turkey Season:
- Northern Zone: Oct. 1 – Oct. 14, 2024
- Southern Zone: Oct. 19 – Nov. 1, 2024
- Long Island (parts): Nov. 16 – Nov. 29, 2024
- Hunting Hours: Sunrise to sunset
- Bag Limit: One bird of either sex per season
Turkey hunters must possess a hunting license and turkey permit. The spring season focuses on bearded turkeys (typically males), while the fall season allows for harvest of either sex.
Furbearer Hunting Seasons 🦊
New York offers various opportunities for hunting furbearers, with specific seasons by species.
Key Furbearer Seasons:
- Bobcat: Oct. 25 – Feb. 15, 2025 (varies by zone)
- Coyote: Oct. 1, 2024 – Mar. 29, 2025 (statewide)
- Fox (Red & Gray): Oct. 25, 2024 – Feb. 15, 2025
- Raccoon: Oct. 25, 2024 – Feb. 15, 2025
- Opossum: Oct. 25, 2024 – Feb. 15, 2025
- Skunk: Oct. 25, 2024 – Feb. 15, 2025
- Weasel: Oct. 25, 2024 – Feb. 15, 2025
Furbearer hunters need a valid hunting license, and special tags are required for bobcat. There are no bag limits for these species, but all harvests should be reported according to regulations.
Small Game Opportunities 🐰
New York offers diverse small game hunting with species-specific seasons.
Key Small Game Seasons:
- Cottontail Rabbit: Varies by zone (Oct. 1, 2024 – Feb. 28, 2025 in most areas)
- Pheasant: Varies by zone (Oct. 1 – Dec. 31, 2024 in many areas)
- Ruffed Grouse: Sept. 20, 2024 – Feb. 28, 2025 (varies by zone)
- Squirrel: Sept. 1, 2024 – Feb. 28, 2025 (varies by zone)
- Varying Hare (Snowshoe): Varies by zone (Oct. through Mar.)
- Bobwhite Quail: Oct. 1 – Feb. 28, 2025 (limited areas)
Small game hunting provides excellent opportunities for beginning hunters and can be pursued with lighter equipment and less specialized gear than big game hunting.
Waterfowl & Migratory Bird Hunting 🦆
New York is divided into five waterfowl hunting zones, each with specific season dates for ducks, geese, and other migratory birds.
Duck Seasons by Zone (2024-2025):
- Western Zone: Oct. 11 – Nov. 2, 2024 and Dec. 6, 2024 – Jan. 11, 2025
- Northeast Zone: Oct. 11 – Nov. 30, 2024 and Dec. 13 – Dec. 21, 2024
- Lake Champlain Zone: Oct. 11 – Nov. 2, 2024 and Nov. 22 – Dec. 28, 2024
- Southeast Zone: Oct. 11 – Oct. 19, 2024 and Nov. 8 – Dec. 28, 2024
- Long Island Zone: Nov. 22 – Nov. 30, 2024 and Dec. 6, 2024 – Jan. 25, 2025
Canada Goose Seasons:
Canada goose hunting is managed with special attention across nine different goose hunting areas throughout the state. The most common seasons include:
- September Season: Sept. 1-25, 2024 (most zones)
- Regular Season: Varies by zone (Oct. through Feb.)
Other Migratory Birds:
- Woodcock: Oct. 1 – Nov. 14, 2024
- Snipe: Sept. 1 – Nov. 9, 2024
- Rail: Sept. 1 – Nov. 9, 2024
- Crow: Sept. 1, 2024 – Mar. 31, 2025 (Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays only)
All waterfowl hunters must register for the Harvest Information Program (HIP) and possess a federal duck stamp (except for woodcock, crow, rail, snipe, and gallinule).
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
Ready to plan your next adventure? Check out these related resources:
- Pennsylvania Hunting Seasons
- Vermont Hunting Seasons
- Connecticut Hunting Seasons
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!
