New York Hunting Seasons Information and Regulations
*All information listed below is disclosed based on research we have conducted. We do our best to ensure that all information is up to date and accurate. However, rules and regulations are changing every day. Please make sure to verify your state-specific regulations prior to your hunt.
Beyond the hustle and bustle of New York City lies a hunting paradise! Hunters are presented with unparalleled bagging opportunities for deer, black bears, wild turkeys, and small game. Whether you’re from in-state or out-of-state, both residents and nonresidents alike can purchase an appropriate license online by providing proof of hunter education or previous portfolio credentials as well as identity verification. Even better news is that junior firearms & bow hunting permits are available to all resident/nonresident youths too!
If you’re hunting in New York, be sure to check the applicable methods and zones for your firearm before heading out. Many areas have different start and end dates as well, so make sure that you are aware of which ones apply to you! Make sure to check their official website, New York Department of Environmental Conservation site.
New York Deer Seasons
| Northern Zone | NA |
| Southern Zone Firearms | Sept. 9 – Sept. 17 |
| Southern Zone Bows/Crossbow | Sept. 9 – Sept. 17 |
| WMUs 3M, 3R, 8A, 8F, 8G, 8J, 8N, 9A, 9F | Sept. 9 – Sept. 17 |
| WMUs 4J, 8C | Bowhunting only |
| Westchester County (WMU 3S) | Sept. 9 – Sept. 17 |
| Suffolk County (WMU 1C) | Sept. 9 – Sept. 17 |
*New York regulates deer seasons by location. For specific dates within your region, visit the New York Department of Environmental Conservation site.
New York Black Bear Seasons
| Early Bear Season (Northern Zone) | Yellow and Brown – Sept. 9 – Sept. 24 |
| Early Bear Season (Southern Zone) | Orange – Sept. 9 – Sept. 24 |
| Early Bear Season (Green) | Sept. 9 – Sept. 24 |
| Early Bear Season (Westchester County) | Light Blue – Sept. 9 – Sept. 24 |
| Bear Bowhunting Season (Northern Zone) | Yellow and Brown – Sept. 16 – Oct. 20 |
| Bear Bowhunting Season (Southern Zone) | Orange – Oct. 1 – Nov. 17 |
| Bear Bowhunting Season (Southern Zone) | Dec. 11 – Dec. 19 |
| Bear Bowhunting Season (Green) | Oct. 1 – Nov. 17 |
| Bear Bowhunting Season (Green) | Dec. 11 – Dec. 19 |
| Bear Bowhunting Season (Westchester County) | Same as Regular Season |
| Bear Crossbow Season (Northern Zone) | Yellow and Brown – Oct. 12 – Oct. 21 |
| Bear Crossbow Season (Southern Zone) | Orange – Nov. 4 – Nov. 17 (Not in WMUs 3S, 4J or 8C) |
| Bear Crossbow Season (Green) | Nov. 4 – Nov. 17 |
| Bear Crossbow Season (Westchester County) | Light Blue – Oct. 12 – Oct. 21 |
| Regular Bear Season (Northern Zone) | Yellow and Brown – Sept. 17 – Dec. 4 |
| Regular Bear Season (Southern Zone) | Orange – Nov. 18 – Dec. 10 |
| Regular Bear Season (Green) | Nov. 18 – Dec. 10 |
| Regular Bear Season (Westchester County) | Oct. 1 – Dec. 31 (Bowhunting only, Light Blue) |
| Bear Muzzleloading Season (Northern Zone) | Yellow and Brown – Oct. 15 – Oct. 21 |
| Bear Muzzleloading Season (Southern Zone) | Orange – Dec. 11 – Dec. 19 |
| Bear Muzzleloading Season (Green) | Dec. 11 – Dec. 19 |
New York Wild Turkey Seasons
| Spring Turkey Hunt | May 1 – May 31 |
| Youth Turkey Hunt | Apr 22 – Apr 23 |
| Fall Turkey Hunt | Oct 1 – Oct 14, Oct 15 – Oct 28, Nov 19 – Dec 2 |
*Dates for the season vary by zone. Visit the visit the New York Department of Environmental Conservation site to learn more about hunting in a specific zone or area.
During the early months of spring, hunters in upstate New York (north of the Bronx) can begin hunting at half an hour before sunrise and must end by noon. The fall season is further divided into six regions with hours from dawn to dusk.
New York Small Game Seasons
| Bobwhite Quail | Oct. 1 – Feb. 28 |
| Rabbit | Oct. 1 – March 19 |
| Pheasant | Oct. 15 – Feb. 28 |
| Ruffed Grouse | Sept. 20 – Feb. 28 |
| Squirrel | Sept. 1 – Feb. 28 |
| Racoon, Fox, Skunk, Opossum, Weasel | Nov. 1 – Feb. 25 |
| Coyote | Oct. 1 – Mar. 26 |
*Dates for the season vary by zone. Visit the visit the New York Department of Environmental Conservation site to learn more about hunting in a specific zone or area.
New York Crossbow Regulations
Crossbow Specific Regulations: A crossbow must have compound or recurve limbs with:
a. minimum width of 17 inches (outer tip of limbs excluding wheels and cams, uncocked);
b. a minimum overall length from the butt of stock to the front of the limbs of 24 inches;
c. and be able to launch a minimum 14 inch arrow/bolt, not including the legal arrowhead.
d. It must have a draw weight of 100 to 200 pounds.
Crossbows may be used by any person age 12 or older to hunt deer and any person age 14 or older to hunt bear, unprotected wildlife and most small game species. Crossbows may not be used to take carp or any other fish.
New York Hunting License
Depending on your age, you may be required to have the Hunter Education Certificate in order to legally buy a license or permit to hunt. All first-time hunters must pass one or more courses before they can get a hunting license in New York. Make sure to check the official site of the New York Department of Environmental Conservation to know more about the specific requirements and guidelines in getting a license.
You do not need a hunting license if you are:
- A resident landowner primarily engaged in farming (including lessees and members of their immediate families) when small game hunting on farm lands they are occupying and cultivating.
- A Native American living and hunting on reservation land.
- Hunting on a licensed shooting preserve or big game shooting facility..
Make sure to check the official site of the New York Department of Environmental Conservation to know more about the specific requirements and guidelines in getting a license.
If you want to check out the next state on our list, click here to see North Carolina.
Or, you can check out the last state on our list, New Mexico.
