This guide covers all the essential information for the NYS hunting season 2025-2026, including season dates, hunting regulations, and more.
NYS Hunting Season Dates by Game Species
NYS White-tailed Deer Season Dates
Hunters using a crossbow in the Northern Zone during the last 10 days of early bow season are exempt from the antlered deer-only rule of the early muzzleloader season in WMU 6N, despite overlapping dates.
Early Antlerless:
Northern Zone: No season
Southern Zone: Sept. 13 – 21
- WMUs 3M, 3R, 8A, 8F, 8G, 8J, 8N, 9A, 9F (firearms, bows, crossbow)
- WMUs 4J, 8C (bow only)
Westchester County (WMU 3S): Sept. 13 – 21 (bow only)
Suffolk County (WMU 1C): Sept. 13 – 21 (bow only)
Bowhunting:
Northern Zone:
- Sept. 27 – Oct. 24
- Dec. 8 – Dec. 14 (WMUs 5A, 5G, 5J, 6A, 6C, 6G, 6H only)
Southern Zone:
- Oct. 1 – Nov. 14
- Dec. 8 – Dec. 16
- Dec. 26 – Jan. 1
Westchester County (WMU 3S): Oct. 1 – Dec. 31 (bow only)
Suffolk County (WMU 1C): Oct. 1, 2025 – Jan. 31, 2026 (bow only)
Youth Firearms:
Northern Zone: Oct. 11 – Oct. 13
Southern Zone: Oct. 11 – Oct. 13 (Not in WMUs 4J or 8C)
Westchester County (WMU 3S): No season
Suffolk County (WMU 1C): No season
Crossbow:
Northern Zone: Oct. 15 – Oct. 24
Southern Zone: Nov. 1 – Nov. 14 (Not in WMUs 4J or 8C)
Westchester County (WMU 3S): No season
Suffolk County (WMU 1C): No season
Regular Season:
Northern Zone: Oct. 25 – Dec. 7
Southern Zone: Nov. 15 – Dec. 7
Westchester County (WMU 3S): No season
Suffolk County (WMU 1C): Oct. 1, 2025 – Jan. 31, 2026 (bow only)
Muzzleloading:
Northern Zone:
- Oct. 18 – Oct. 24
- Dec. 8 – Dec. 14 (WMUs 5A, 5G, 5J, 6A, 6C, 6G, 6H only)
Southern Zone:
- Dec. 8 – Dec. 16 (Not in WMUs 4J or 8C)
- Dec. 26 – Jan. 1 (Not in WMUs 4J or 8C)
Westchester County (WMU 3S): No season
Suffolk County (WMU 1C): No season
Special Late Firearms Season:
Northern Zone: No season
Southern Zone: No season
Westchester County (WMU 3S): No season
Suffolk County (WMU 1C): Jan. 4 – Jan. 31, 2026 (Special Permit Required)
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NYS Bear Seasons Dates
Early bear hunters may use a bow, crossbow, muzzleloader, handgun, shotgun, or rifle (where permitted).
Northern Zone:
Youth Firearms: Only Oct. 11 – Oct. 13
Regular Season: Only Sept. 13 – Dec. 7
Early, Bowhunting, Crossbow, and Muzzleloading seasons closed.
Bowhunting: Sept. 13 – Oct. 24
Youth Firearms: Oct. 11 – Oct. 13
Crossbow: Oct. 15 – Oct. 24
Regular Season: Oct. 25 – Dec. 7
Muzzleloading: Oct. 18 – Oct. 24
Early season closed.
Southern Zone
Bowhunting: Oct. 1 – Nov. 14, Dec. 8 – Dec. 16
Youth Firearms: Oct. 11 – Oct. 13 (Not in WMUs 4J or 8C)
Crossbow: Nov. 1 – Nov. 14 (Not in WMUs 4J or 8C)
Regular Season: Nov. 15 – Dec. 7
Muzzleloading: Dec. 8 – Dec. 16
Early season closed.
Early Season: Sept. 6 – Sept. 21
Bowhunting: Oct. 1 – Nov. 14, Dec. 8 – Dec. 16
Youth Firearms: Oct. 11 – Oct. 13
Crossbow: Nov. 1 – Nov. 14
Regular Season: Nov. 15 – Dec. 7
Muzzleloading: Dec. 8 – Dec. 16
Westchester County (WMU 3S)
Regular Season: Oct. 1 – Dec. 31 (bow only)
Early, Bowhunting, Youth, Crossbow, and Muzzleloading seasons closed.
General Big Game Hunting Regulations
Illegal Hunting Methods:
- Fully automatic firearms
- Firearms or bows with artificial lights or laser beams
- Firearms with silencers
- Autoloading firearms holding more than 6 shells (except pistols with barrels <8 inches)
- Rimfire ammunition firearms
- Shotguns <20 gauge or loaded with non-single projectile shells
- Bows with <35-pound draw weight
- Dogs, aircraft, bait, salt licks, air guns, air bows, traps, or snares
- Arrows with barbed broadheads, heads <7/8 inches wide, or <2 sharp edges
Additional Rules:
- Hunters may carry a .22 caliber rimfire handgun (with a NYS pistol permit) during deer or bear seasons but cannot use it to take game.
- Firearms are prohibited during bowhunting or when accompanying bowhunters.
- It is illegal to harvest deer or bear in water or sell their meat. Other parts may be sold if tagged with hunter details.
- Bear gallbladders/bile cannot be sold without the bear carcass tag.
- Antlered deer must have at least one antler ≥3 inches long.
- In the Southern Zone, it is illegal to shoot cubs, bears known to be cubs, bears from a group, or bears in dens.
Bag Limits:
- Hunters may take one bear per license year.
- Deer limits depend on licenses and tags; multiple deer may be taken in a day with proper tags.
Regulations for Tagging, Transporting, and Reporting Harvested Deer and Bear
Tagging:
- Use the appropriate carcass tag for the species and season.
- Fill out the tag with harvest details (month, date, and signature in permanent ink).
- Place the tag in a weatherproof case and attach it to the animal.
- Tags are not required while dragging or carrying the carcass but must be attached upon reaching a camp, home, or transport point.
- Keep the tag attached until the carcass is processed.
- Report the harvest within 7 days. Unreported harvests are considered illegal.
Transporting:
- By the Hunter: Tagged deer or bear may be transported inside or outside a vehicle.
- By Others: Attach an additional tag with the names, addresses, and signatures of the hunter and transporter.
Meat Transport:
- Tag each portion with the hunter’s name, address, license number, date of processing, and signature.
- Packaged portions require one tag labeled “venison.” If transported by someone else, attach an additional tag with the transporter’s details.
Special Cases:
- Headless Carcasses: Retain evidence of sex and tag with the taxidermist’s name and address.
- Male Deer Heads: Tag with the hunter’s details, antler points, and taxidermist information.
- Doe Heads (Antlers ≥3 inches): Follow the same tagging procedure as male deer heads.
- Boned-Out Meat: Retain the carcass tag with the meat.
Failure to follow these regulations may result in penalties.
Hunter Safety Regulations
New York maintains a strong safety record for deer and bear hunting through these regulations:
Fluorescent Clothing Requirement: Hunters and those accompanying them must wear at least 250 square inches of solid or patterned fluorescent orange or pink above the waist, visible from all directions, or a hat with at least 50% fluorescent material.
Hunting Hours: Hunting is allowed from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset to ensure proper visibility for identifying targets and surroundings. Refer to the Hunting and Trapping Regulations Guide for exact times.
For more safety tips, visit DEC’s Hunter Education Program webpage.
Regulations to Keep NY Deer CWD-Free
Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) threatens New York’s deer and moose populations. To prevent its introduction, New York restricts the importation of carcasses and high-risk parts from CWD-susceptible deer species harvested outside the state. Illegally imported carcasses or parts will be confiscated and destroyed.
CWD-Susceptible Species: White-tailed deer, mule deer, elk, moose, sika deer, caribou, and reindeer.
Out-of-State Hunters Must:
- Do not bring whole carcasses or intact heads of CWD-susceptible species into New York.
- Only bring deboned venison, cleaned skull caps, antlers (no flesh), hides, cleaned teeth, or finished taxidermy.
- Label all allowed parts with species, harvest location, and hunter’s name and address.
- Notify DEC within 24 hours if imported deer tests positive for CWD.
For more details, watch DEC’s CWD prevention video.
Closed Areas:
Hunting deer and bear is prohibited in the following locations:
- City of Binghamton
- Erie County (Buffalo Area): Bounded by Tonawanda Creek, Route 78, Greiner Road, Route 268, Route 5, Ransom Road, Route 33, Route 20, Route 20A, and Lake Erie.
- Herkimer County (Big Moose Lake Area): Bounded by Judson Road, Higby Road, Big Moose Road, Martin Road, and the lake shore.
- Herkimer & Hamilton Counties: Bounded by Route 28 (Old Forge to Inlet) and South Shore Road (Inlet to Old Forge).
- Nassau County: Entire county.
- New York City: Entire city.
Deer Management Permits (DMPs)
General Rules:
- DMPs allow hunters to take one antlerless deer per permit in addition to deer taken with a regular license or bow/muzzleloading privileges.
- DMPs cannot be used for antlered deer (antlers ≥3″).
- Permits are valid only in the Wildlife Management Unit (WMU) they are issued for.
- Hunters may transfer or receive up to 2 DMPs from others.
Application Details:
- Deadline: Oct. 1, 2025. Applications open Aug. 1, 2025, at license outlets, online, or by phone.
- Eligibility: Hunters aged 12+ with a regular hunting license.
- Fee: $10 (waived for Junior Hunters, Junior Bowhunters, and Lifetime License holders before Oct. 1, 2009).
- Landowners: Preference given to those owning 50+ contiguous acres in the WMU. Bring tax map ID and SWIS code when applying.
- Disabled Veterans: Preference for NY residents with ≥40% service-related disability (documentation required).
- Preference Points: Increase selection chances but are not WMU-specific. Points are used for first-choice WMUs and carried over if not selected.
Selection Priority:
- Landowners (50+ acres) and Disabled Veterans.
- NY residents with 3 preference points.
- NY residents with 1–2 points.
- NY residents without points.
- Non-residents with 1–2 points.
- Non-residents without points.
Additional Opportunities:
- Bonus DMPs: Available in WMUs 1C, 3S, 4J, and 8C after reporting a filled DMP. Bonus tags are added automatically and can be printed online or obtained from DEC offices.
- Leftover DMPs: Available starting Nov. 1 on a first-come, first-served basis at license outlets. No fee for prior applicants; $10 for first-time applicants (fee waived for eligible hunters).
Deer Management Assistance Program (DMAP): Provides site-specific antlerless deer tags to landowners or managers for open hunting seasons. Hunters must report harvests.
For more details, visit the DEC website or contact regional offices.
How to Transfer a DMP Carcass Tag
Original Hunter:
- Sign the bottom of the DMP tag.
- Give the tag to the receiving hunter.
Receiving Hunter:
- Record the DMP Tag# on the DMP Consignment section of their hunting license.
- If an antlerless deer is taken, report the harvest using the transferred DMP DOC# and their own date of birth via:
- Automated system: 1-866-426-3778
- Online: dec.ny.gov/things-to-do/hunting/report-your-harvest
Key Rules:
- Hunters may receive up to two transferred DMPs per year.
- DMPs can be transferred back to the original hunter or to another hunter, who must also record the DOC# on their license.
- Hunting licenses are non-transferable; only DMP tags can be transferred.
- A hunter must physically possess the DMP tag when taking an antlerless deer. Tags cannot be shared in the field.
Reporting Reminder:
The hunter who takes the deer must report the harvest using the transferred DMP DOC# and required details.
NYS Turkey Seasons Dates
NYS Turkey Hunting Rules and Regulations
General Rules:
- 1 turkey permit per year includes 3 tags: 2 for spring, 1 for fall.
- If your bag limit is filled, you may call turkeys for another licensed hunter but cannot carry a weapon.
- If a turkey is unfit for consumption, DEC may issue a replacement permit (carcass must be surrendered).
Manner of Taking:
- Carry your hunting license and turkey permit while hunting.
- Allowed Weapons:
- Bow or crossbow (14+ years, not in Westchester/Suffolk).
- Shotgun or handgun (shot size #2–#9).
- Muzzleloading shotgun.
- Prohibited Weapons:
- Rifles, air guns, or handguns firing bullets.
- Dogs allowed only in fall season.
- No bait, electronic calls, or live decoys.
- Decoys and scopes are permitted.
Tagging, Possession, and Reporting:
- Fill out and attach the carcass tag immediately after harvest.
- Tags must remain attached until the turkey is prepared for eating.
- To give a turkey to someone else, attach a tag with your and the recipient’s details.
- Report harvests within 7 days via phone (1-866-GAMERPT), online, or the HuntFishNY app.
Fall Turkey Season:
- One bird of either sex per fall tag, usable in any fall zone.
- Save one leg for DEC instructions after reporting.
Spring Turkey Season:
- Two bearded birds allowed (one per day).
- Record spur, beard, and weight measurements for reporting.
- Spur: Measure from tip to base (nearest ¼ inch).
- Beard: Measure from tip to base (nearest ¼ inch).
- Weight: Record to the nearest pound.
Spring Youth Hunt:
- For hunters aged 12–15 with a Junior Hunting License and Turkey Permit. Must be accompanied by a licensed adult (who may assist but not carry a weapon or hunt).
- Bag limit: One bearded bird (counts toward the youth’s spring limit of two).
- All other turkey hunting regulations apply.
NYS SMALL GAME SEASON
Pheasant – Hunting Dates, Zones, Bag Limits, Hours
Bobwhite Quail – Hunting Dates, Zones, Bag Limits, Hours
Ruffed Grouse – Hunting Dates, Zones, Bag Limits, Hours
Fox & Squirrel – Hunting Dates, Zones, Bag Limits, Hours
Varying Hare – Hunting Dates, Zones, Bag Limits, Hours
Frogs:
- Species: Includes various frogs and toads (e.g., bullfrog, green frog, wood frog).
- Exceptions: No taking of leopard frogs in WMUs 1A, 1C, 2A; no taking of northern cricket frogs or eastern spadefoot toads statewide.
- License: Fishing or hunting license required (hunting license for gun/bow).
- Season: June 15–September 30.
- Area: All WMUs (with exceptions above).
- Limits: No size, daily, or season bag limits.
- Hunting Hours: Day or night (no guns at night).
Snapping Turtles:
- License: Hunting license required.
- Legal Implements: Firearm or bow only.
- Season: July 15–September 30.
- Area: Statewide.
- Size Limit: Carapace must be 12 inches or longer.
- Bag Limits: 5 per day, 30 per season.
- Hunting Hours: Day or night.
- Health Advisory: Trim fat, discard liver and eggs before cooking (call 1-800-458-1158 for details).
Snakes, Lizards, and Salamanders:
- Harvesting, taking, or possessing native species is prohibited.
NYS Small Game Hunting Regulations
Use of Hunting Dogs
Hunting Rules:
- Dogs may be used for small game hunting, except for spring turkey.
- In the Northern Zone, hunters with dogs may not possess rifles larger than .22 caliber rimfire or shotguns with slugs/buckshot (except for coyote hunting). Crossbows are also prohibited when hunting small game with dogs.
Training Rules:
- Train dogs on raccoon, fox, coyote, and bobcat: July 1–April 15.
- Train dogs on other small game: August 15–April 15.
- Training on private land is allowed year-round with written permission (no wild game, blank ammo only).
Control:
- Keep dogs under control, especially on deer-inhabited lands.
- Do not allow dogs to pursue game on posted land without permission.
- Report stray dogs to local ECO or animal control.
Protect Rabbits and Hares from RHDV2
Rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus 2 (RHDV2) is highly lethal and easily transmitted. To protect wild rabbit and hare populations:
- Avoid contact with domestic rabbits.
- Wear gloves when handling carcasses and dispose of them properly (landfill or deep burial).
- Disinfect hunting gear after out-of-state travel with a 10% bleach solution.
- Avoid states with RHDV2 outbreaks and do not bring rabbit carcasses into NY.
- Do not transport rabbits/hares to train dogs.
- Minimize contact between dogs and rabbit carcasses (dogs can carry the virus).
- Report sick or dead rabbits to DEC Wildlife Health Program (518-478-2203; [email protected]).
What is a Migratory Game Bird?
- Includes wild ducks, geese, brant, coot, rails, gallinules, woodcock, and snipe.
- Crows are not federally classified as migratory game birds but follow similar regulations in NY.
- Mourning doves are federally classified but not hunted in NY.
NYS Webless Migratory Game Bird Dates
Upstate New York: Includes all areas north of the Bronx-Westchester County boundary.
Long Island: Includes WMUs 1A and 1C (Nassau and Suffolk counties).
New York City: Hunting is closed for all species listed (WMU 2A: Bronx, Kings, Queens, New York, and Richmond counties).
Woodcock
- Upstate New York: Oct. 1 – Nov. 14
- Long Island: Oct. 1 – Nov. 14
- Bag Limit: 3/day, 9 in possession
- Shooting Hours: Sunrise to sunset
- Non-Toxic Shot: Not required
- HIP Registration: Required
- Other: Federal Migratory Bird Stamp not required
Crow
- Upstate New York: Sept. 1 – Mar. 31
- Long Island: Sept. 1 – Mar. 31
- Bag Limit: None
- Shooting Hours: Sunrise to sunset
- Non-Toxic Shot: Not required
- HIP Registration: Not required
- Other: Hunting allowed Fri.–Mon.; rifles and electronic calls permitted; Federal Migratory Bird Stamp not required
Snipe
- Upstate New York: Sept. 1 – Nov. 9
- Long Island: Closed
- Bag Limit: 8/day, 24 in possession
- Shooting Hours: 30 minutes before sunrise to sunset
- Non-Toxic Shot: Required
- HIP Registration: Required
- Other: Federal Migratory Bird Stamp not required
Virginia & Sora Rails
- Upstate New York: Sept. 1 – Nov. 9
- Long Island: Closed
- Bag Limit: 8/day, 24 in possession
- Shooting Hours: 30 minutes before sunrise to sunset
- Non-Toxic Shot: Required
- HIP Registration: Required
- Other: Federal Migratory Bird Stamp not required
Gallinules
- Upstate New York: Sept. 1 – Nov. 9
- Long Island: Closed
- Bag Limit: 8/day, 24 in possession
- Shooting Hours: 30 minutes before sunrise to sunset
- Non-Toxic Shot: Required
- HIP Registration: Required
- Other: Federal Migratory Bird Stamp not required
Clapper & King Rails
- Upstate New York: Closed
- Long Island: Closed
NYS Waterfowl Hunting Dates
Youth Days
- Western, Northeast, Lake Champlain, Southeast Zones: Sept. 27–28
- Long Island Zone: Nov. 8–9
Veteran and Active Military Days
- Western, Long Island Zones: Nov. 8–9
- Northeast, Southeast Zones: Sept. 27–28
- Lake Champlain Zone: No special season
Ducks, Coots, and Mergansers
- Western Zone: Oct. 11–Nov. 2, Dec. 6–Jan. 11
- Northeast Zone: Oct. 11–Nov. 30, Dec. 13–Dec. 21
- Lake Champlain Zone: Oct. 11–Nov. 2, Nov. 22–Dec. 28
- Southeast Zone: Oct. 11–Oct. 19, Nov. 8–Dec. 28
- Long Island Zone: Nov. 22–Nov. 30, Dec. 6–Jan. 25
Scaup (2-bird daily bag limit)
- Western Zone: Dec. 23–Jan. 11
- Northeast Zone: Nov. 2–Nov. 30, Dec. 13–Dec. 21
- Lake Champlain Zone: Dec. 9–Dec. 28
- Southeast Zone: Dec. 9–Dec. 28
- Long Island Zone: Jan. 6–Jan. 25
Snow Geese
- Western, Northeast, Southeast Zones: Oct. 3–Apr. 15
- Lake Champlain Zone: Oct. 1–Dec. 31, Jan. 16–Apr. 15
- Long Island Zone: Nov. 24–Mar. 10
Brant
- Western, Northeast, Lake Champlain, Southeast Zones: Oct. 11–Nov. 9
- Long Island Zone: Oct. 11–Nov. 9, Dec. 27–Jan. 25
NYS Canada Goose Hunting Dates
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NYS Waterfowl & Migratory Game Bird Regulations
Waterfowl Bag Limits
- Ducks, Sea Ducks, Mergansers: 6/day, 18 possession (species-specific limits apply).
- Daily limit of 6 ducks includes mergansers and sea ducks.
- Restrictions:
- No harlequin ducks.
- Max: 4 mallards (2 hens), 3 wood ducks, 2 black ducks, 3 pintails, 2 redheads, 2 canvasbacks, 4 sea ducks (max 3 scoters, 3 eiders, 3 long-tailed ducks; only 1 hen eider).
- Coot: 15/day, 45 possession.
- Snow Geese: 25/day, no possession limit.
- Brant: 1/day, 3 possession.
- Canada Geese: Limits vary by zone (see map).
- Youth Hunt: Same as above, with special Canada goose limits.
Canada Goose Season
- Shooting Hours: 30 minutes before sunrise to sunset (extended to 30 minutes after sunset in September, except during other waterfowl seasons).
- Bag Limits: Vary by zone; possession limit is 3x daily limit.
- Non-Toxic Shot: Required.
- Other Rules:
- HIP registration required.
- During September (when other waterfowl seasons are closed), electronic calls and shotguns holding more than 3 shells are allowed (max 6 shells).
- Cackling and white-fronted geese count toward Canada goose limits.
General Regulations:
- License Requirements: Hunters must carry a valid NY hunting license and register annually with the Harvest Information Program (HIP) (valid July 1–June 30).
- Duck Stamp: Required for hunters 16+ hunting waterfowl; not needed for coot, rails, gallinules, woodcock, or snipe.
- Purchase Options:
- Physical stamp: Available at post offices, sporting goods stores, and wildlife refuges. Must be signed to be valid.
- E-Duck Stamp: Buy online at DuckStamp.com. Includes a mobile wallet pass and physical stamp mailed later.
- Purchase Options:
- Hunting Hours:
- Woodcock: Sunrise to sunset.
- Other migratory birds: 30 minutes before sunrise to sunset.
- Canada geese (Sept) and snow geese (Jan 15–Apr 15): Until 30 minutes after sunset.
- Non-Toxic Shot: Required for all migratory birds except woodcock. Approved shot types include steel, bismuth-tin, tungsten alloys, etc.
- Duck Hunting Blinds:
- Must display the owner’s full name and address.
- Remove blinds from lakes by March 15 annually.
- Reporting Banded Birds: Report band recoveries online or to the Bird Banding Lab (Laurel, MD).
Prohibitions on Methods of Take
Migratory game birds may NOT be taken:
- With traps, snares, nets, rifles, pistols, shotguns larger than 10-gauge, or shotguns holding more than 3 shells (exceptions: snow geese and September Canada geese).
- From sink boxes, motorized vehicles, or powered boats (except for retrieving birds).
- Using live decoys, recorded bird calls, or bait (baited areas remain illegal for 10 days after bait removal).
- By driving, rallying, or chasing birds with motorized vehicles or sailboats.
Wanton Waste and Field Possession
- Hunters must make reasonable efforts to retrieve and kill wounded birds, which count toward the daily bag limit.
- Field possession limit: One daily bag limit may be transported to a vehicle, lodging, or preservation facility.
- Birds must not be fully field-dressed; the head or one fully feathered wing must remain attached during transport.
Possession, Tagging, and Shipment
- Possession limit: Three times the daily bag limit (except snow geese).
- Birds left with another person or facility must be tagged with:
- Hunter’s name, address, and signature.
- Number and species of birds.
- Date of kill.
- Violations of state regulations are also federal violations.
For more details, consult federal and state regulations.
Youth Days (Waterfowl)
- Open to junior hunters (ages 12–15) with a junior hunting license.
- Species: Ducks, coots, mergansers, Canada geese, and brant.
- Bag limits: Same as regular season (excludes September Canada goose limits).
- Requirements: Must be accompanied by a licensed adult hunter (with HIP registration and duck stamp). The adult mentor may not carry a firearm, bow, or crossbow.
Military Days (Waterfowl)
- Open to active military and veterans (as defined in U.S. Code Title 38).
- Bag limits: Same as regular season (excludes September Canada goose limits).
- Lake Champlain Zone: No military days due to Vermont regulations.
General Rules:
- Small game includes upland/migratory game birds, small mammals, certain furbearers, reptiles, and amphibians.
- Rifles/handguns cannot be used for pheasants or migratory birds.
- Air guns may be used for squirrels, rabbits, grouse, furbearers (e.g., raccoons, coyotes), and unprotected species but not for waterfowl, pheasants, turkeys, or big game.
- Crossbows are prohibited in the Northern Zone when hunting small game with or near dogs but allowed for other small game (except in Westchester and Suffolk counties).
- WMU 2A permits hunting by falconry only.
Game Birds:
- Possessing or releasing migratory or upland game birds requires proper DEC licenses. Contact the DEC Special Licenses Unit for details.
Falconry:
- Migratory Game Birds: Ducks, geese, brant, coot, rails, gallinules, woodcock, snipe, and crows.
- Migratory Waterfowl: Ducks, geese, brant, and coot.
License Requirements:
- Falconry license, small game hunting license, and HIP registration (not required for crows).
- Federal Duck Stamp required for hunting migratory waterfowl.
Seasons:
- Regular Seasons: Falconers may hunt during regular seasons for each species.
- Extended Seasons:
- Western, Northeastern, Southeastern Zones: Ducks, coots, mergansers from Oct. 1–Jan. 13.
- Long Island Zone: Ducks, coots, mergansers from Nov. 1–Feb. 13.
- Lake Champlain Zone: No extended seasons; only regular seasons apply.
- Restrictions: Falconers cannot hunt Canada geese during special September or late seasons, or sea ducks outside regular/extended duck seasons.
Bag Limits:
- Falconry bag limit: 3/day, 6 in possession (all species combined).
- Raptors may feed on out-of-season or incorrect kills, but the carcass must be left at the site.
Hunting Hours:
- Waterfowl: 30 minutes before sunrise to sunset.
- Woodcock & Crows: Sunrise to sunset.
More Information:
- For hunting regulations, consult the annual Hunting Guide or contact DEC.
- For raptor care and possession, contact DEC’s Special Licenses Unit at 518-402-8985.
NYS Furbearer Season Dates
Bobcat Hunting Season & Bag Limits:
Coyote:
- Statewide (except Long Island & NYC): Oct. 1–Mar. 29.
- Hunting Hours: Day or night.
- Bag Limit: None.
Weasel, Opossum, Skunk, Raccoon, Fox:
- Long Island & NYC: Nov. 1–Feb. 25.
- All Other Areas: Oct. 25–Feb. 15.
- Hunting Hours: After sunrise on opening day; any time, day or night, for the rest of the season (weasel: sunrise to sunset only).
- Bag Limit: None.
Mink:
- Eastern Southern Zone: Nov. 10–Apr. 7 (firearms ≤.22 caliber).
- Western Southern Zone: Nov. 10–Feb. 15.
- WMUs 1A, 1C, 2A: Dec. 15–Feb. 25.
- Northern Zone: Nov. 1–Apr. 15 (no firearms allowed).
- Bag Limit: None.
Muskrat:
- Lake Champlain (excluding tributaries): Nov. 1–Apr. 15 (firearms ≤.22 caliber).
- Bag Limit: None.
General Furbearer Hunting Rules:
- License: A hunting license is required (trapping licenses do not allow hunting).
- Permitted Species: Red/gray fox, coyote, bobcat, raccoon, skunk, weasel, opossum, mink, and muskrat (in open seasons).
- Bobcat: Must be tagged and sealed.
- Calls: Electronic calls are allowed.
- Firearm Restrictions:
- Mink: Firearms ≤.22 caliber in the Southern Zone only.
- Muskrat: Firearms ≤.22 caliber on Lake Champlain only.
- Mink and muskrat cannot be hunted with firearms in the Northern Zone.
- Prohibited Methods:
- Hunting from motor vehicles, including ATVs and snowmobiles.
- Allowed Weapons: Handguns, shotguns, muzzleloading rifles, bows, crossbows, or air guns (except where restricted above).
Possession and Use of Rifles for Hunting Furbearers
Deer Season Status:
- If NO deer season is open: Any caliber rimfire or centerfire rifle may be used.
- If YES, deer season is open:
- If rifles are allowed for deer hunting: Any caliber rimfire or centerfire rifle may be used.
- If rifles are NOT allowed for deer hunting: Only rimfire rifles (.22 caliber or smaller) or centerfire rifles less than .22 caliber (e.g., .204, .17) may be used. Restrictions end after deer season closes.
County Restrictions: Rifles are NEVER allowed in Westchester, Nassau, and Suffolk counties.
Northern Zone Restrictions: Rifles larger than .22 caliber rimfire or .22-caliber+ centerfire are prohibited when accompanied by a dog, except for coyote hunting.
Hunting Furbearers at Night
- Permitted Devices: Spotlights, night vision, thermal, and laser devices (may be attached to firearms).
- Local Laws: Check with local officials for restrictions on discharging firearms at night.
Minimum Hunting Age: Hunters must be 12+ years old.
License Year: Licenses/permits valid Sept 1–Aug 31.
License Purchasing
Licenses for hunting, trapping, and fishing can be purchased:
- At 1,200+ agent locations in NY.
- By phone: 1-866-933-2257 (M–F: 8AM–5PM, Sat: 9AM–5PM; extended hours Aug 1–Nov 30: M–F: 7AM–7PM).
- Online via DECALS: dec.ny.gov.
All major credit cards accepted.
Mandatory Education Requirements
Hunter Education:
- Required for those without proof of a prior hunting license.
- Minimum age: 11 years.
- Course: In-person or online, minimum 7 hours.
- Certificate must be added to your DEC profile before purchasing a license.
- DEC accepts hunter education certificates/licenses from other states/countries meeting IHEA-USA standards.
Bowhunter Education:
- Required to bowhunt for big game.
- Provide proof of completing an approved bowhunter education course (in-person or online) OR proof of a NY bowhunting license/stamp issued in 1980 or later.
Crossbow Education:
- Hunters must complete crossbow safety and hunting qualification requirements (see page 25 for details).
Residency Requirements
- Annual Resident License: Must live in NY for 30+ days before applying.
- Lifetime License: Must live in NY for 1+ year before purchase.
- Residency is defined as a fixed, permanent home (e.g., voter registration).
- Active military stationed in NY and full-time college students in NY qualify as residents.
Deer Hunting Privileges and Tags
- Hunting/Junior Hunting (ages 12–15):
- Ages 12+: Regular Season Deer Tag.
- Ages 14+: Regular Season Deer Tag + Bear Tag.
- Muzzleloading Privilege: Bow/Muzzleloader Either-Sex Tag.
- Junior Bowhunting/Bowhunting Privilege:
- Ages 12–13: Either-Sex Tag + Bear Tag.
- Ages 14–15: Either-Sex Tag (usable during the regular season with bowhunting equipment).
- Bowhunting & Muzzleloading Privileges:
- Receive one Bow/Muzzleloader Either-Sex Deer Tag and one Bow/Muzzleloader Antlerless Deer Tag (usable in either season with appropriate equipment).
- A hunting license is required to purchase bowhunting or muzzleloading privileges.
License Responsibilities
- Licenses/tags are non-transferable and must be carried while hunting.
- Illegal to possess another person’s license or hunt on private property without permission.
- Only one hunting license may be purchased per year.
- Licenses must be shown upon request to law enforcement or landowners.
- Verify license information upon receipt and sign the privilege page.
Valid Proof of Licenses and Tags
- Proof includes: printed copy (8.5″ x 11″), digital copy, or electronic license in HuntFishNY app.
- Carcass tags must be printed and filled out upon harvest.
Backtags
- Backtags are no longer required for hunting in New York State.
Hunting License Exceptions
No license required for: Resident farmers, lessees, and immediate family hunting small game on their farmland. Native Americans hunting on reservation lands.
Indigenous Nations & Patriot Licenses
Free hunting, fishing, and trapping licenses available to:
- Members of the Shinnecock, Unkechaug, and Six Nations residing on reservations (contact DEC at 518-402-8843).
- NYS residents who are active service members of the NYS Guard, US Reserve Forces, or certain US Armed Forces members (visit DEC website or call 518-402-8843).
Special Licenses for Hunters with Disabilities
Non-Ambulatory Hunter Permit:
- Allows qualified hunters to shoot from a stationary motorized vehicle off the highway.
- Eligibility: Physically unable to move without a mechanized aid (e.g., wheelchair).
Modified Longbow Authorization:
- Permits hunting with a bow equipped to hold it in a drawn position.
- Eligibility: Permanent inability to draw and hold a legal bow.
Modified Crossbow Permit:
- Allows hunting during bow season with a crossbow modified to fire via a breath tube.
- Eligibility: Permanent inability to hold, draw, or fire a legal bow.
- Note: Those able to pull a gun trigger do not qualify.
Reasonable Accommodation for Unmodified Crossbow Use:
- Permits use of an unmodified crossbow during bow season for individuals with disabilities not covered by other permits.
- Requires physician certification and submission of a request form.
For more information or to apply, visit dec.ny.gov, email [email protected], or call 518-402-8985. Apply well in advance of your intended hunt.
Lost Licenses
Free Replacement: Access your DECALS account online at decals.east.licensing.app to print licenses and tags for free.
Replacement at License Issuing Agents (LIA):
- License sheet: $5.
- Big game or turkey carcass tag sets: $10.
- Replacements via LIA or phone (1-866-933-2257) may include printing/mailing fees.
