Hunting Seasons & Licensing · NY
New York Hunting Seasons & Licensing
2025–2026 SeasonNew York is one of the most active hunting states in the country, with approximately 600,000 licensed hunters. The state offers diverse hunting across the Adirondack Mountains, Catskills, Finger Lakes, and Long Island. White-tailed deer, wild turkey, waterfowl, and black bear are the primary game species. New York manages over 4 million acres of state land open to hunting. The state uses different regulations by Wildlife Management Unit, with varying season dates, bag limits, and antler restrictions.
Dates shown are for the 2025–2026 season based on the most recent published regulations. Always verify current dates with the New York Department of Environmental Conservation before hunting.
Season Dates by Game Type
Big Game
| Species | Season | Dates | Bag Limit | Methods |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| White-tailed Deer | Early Archery | Oct 1 – Oct 17, 2025 (varies by region) | 1 antlered + antlerless by WMU | Bow and arrow, crossbow |
| White-tailed Deer | Regular Season | Nov 15 – Dec 7, 2025 (Southern Zone) / Oct 25 – Dec 7 (Northern Zone) | 1 antlered + antlerless by WMU | Rifle, shotgun, handgun, muzzleloader |
| White-tailed Deer | Late Archery/Muzzleloader | Dec 8 – Dec 21, 2025 | Antlerless by WMU | Bow, crossbow, muzzleloader |
| Black Bear | General | Sep through Dec (varies by region) | 1 bear per year | Rifle, shotgun, bow, muzzleloader |
White-tailed Deer (Regular Season): Northern and Southern Zones have different dates. Shotgun-only in select WMUs.
Black Bear (General): Adirondacks and Catskills primarily. Separate early and late seasons.
Turkey
| Species | Season | Dates | Bag Limit | Methods |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wild Turkey | Spring | May 1 – May 31, 2026 | 2 bearded turkeys | Shotgun, bow |
| Wild Turkey | Fall | Oct through Nov (varies by WMU) | 1 turkey either sex | Shotgun, bow |
Upland Game Birds
| Species | Season | Dates | Bag Limit | Methods |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ruffed Grouse | General | Oct 1 – Feb 28, 2026 | 4 daily | Shotgun |
| Ring-necked Pheasant | General | Oct 1 – Feb 28, 2026 | 2 daily | Shotgun |
| Woodcock | General | Oct 1 – Nov 14, 2025 | 3 daily / 9 possession | Shotgun |
Ring-necked Pheasant (General): Stocked birds on select state lands
Waterfowl
| Species | Season | Dates | Bag Limit | Methods |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ducks | General | Varies by zone — Oct through Jan | 6 daily (species-specific limits) | Shotgun (non-toxic shot required) |
Ducks (General): Federal duck stamp + HIP required. Atlantic Flyway.
Small Game
| Species | Season | Dates | Bag Limit | Methods |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cottontail Rabbit | General | Oct 1 – Feb 28, 2026 | 6 daily | Rifle, shotgun, handgun |
| Gray/Fox Squirrel | General | Sep 1 – Feb 28, 2026 | 6 daily | Rifle, shotgun, handgun |
Licensing
| License Type | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Resident Hunting License | $22 | — |
| Non-Resident Hunting License | $100 | — |
| Resident Deer Management Permit (antlerless) | $10 | By WMU — some by lottery |
| Non-Resident Big Game License | $100 | — |
| Resident Turkey Permit | $10 | — |
| Non-Resident Turkey Permit | $20 | — |
| Youth (12–15) | Free with hunter education | — |
| Senior (70+) | Free (resident) | — |
| Federal Duck Stamp | $25 | Required for waterfowl |
Tags, Draws & Lotteries
Most New York hunting licenses are available over the counter. Deer Management Permits (antlerless tags) are allocated by WMU — some are available over the counter, others require a lottery. Applications for DMP are typically due in October. There is no preference point system. Special permits for select WMAs may require a separate application.
Harvest Reporting
New York requires mandatory harvest reporting for all deer, bear, and turkey through the NY DEC HuntFishNY app, website, or by phone. Deer must be reported within 7 days of harvest. CWD surveillance is active — mandatory testing in designated CWD management areas in western New York.
New York Wildlife Resources
- New York Department of Environmental Conservation — Hunting Home →
- Current Hunting Regulations →
- Hunter Education →
- Violation Hotline: DEC TIPP Line: 1-844-332-3267
- USFWS Waterfowl Frameworks →
Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only. Season dates, bag limits, license fees, and regulations shown here are based on the most recently published data from the New York Department of Environmental Conservation and may not reflect last-minute changes, emergency closures, or special regulations. Always verify current regulations directly with your state wildlife agency before hunting. FirearmSelect does not provide legal advice and is not responsible for actions taken based on this information.