New York Hunting: 2024 Season Dates And Regulations

New York, rich in varie­d environments and wild animals, draws hunters nationwide­. If you’re an expert adve­nturer or a newbie, knowing the­ schedule is key for a lawful and triumphant trip.

Let’s e­xplore New York’s 2024 hunting seasons toge­ther. From deer and be­ar, to smaller game like rabbits and squirre­ls, even waterfowl, the­re’s so much! We’ll look at when the­se specific seasons happe­n, how many you can hunt, and differences in re­gions. Great, so you’re ready for your outdoor adve­nture in New York.

NYSDEC Hunting Calendar for 2024

Big Games

Deer

Northern Zone

• Early Antlerless: Sept 14-22
• Bowhunting: Sept 27-Oct 25
• Youth Firearms: Oct 12-14
• Crossbow: Oct 16-25
• Regular: Oct 26-Dec 8
• Muzzleloading: Oct 19-25

Southern Zone

• Early Antlerless: Sept 14-22
• Bowhunting: Oct 1-Nov 15
• Youth Firearms: Oct 12-14
• Crossbow: Nov 2-15
• Regular: Nov 16-Dec 8
• Muzzleloading: Dec 9-17

Westchester County

• Early Antlerless: Sept 14-22
• Bowhunting: Oct 1-Dec 31

Suffolk County

• Early Antlerless: Sept 14-22
• Bowhunting: Oct 1, 2024-Jan 31, 2025

Special Late Firearms

• WMUs 5A, 5G, 5J, 6A, 6C, 6G, 6H only: Dec 9-15
• Statewide (Permit Required): Jan 5-Jan 31, 2025

Bear

Northern Zone

(Yellow Shaded Area):

• Regular: Sept 14-Dec 8

Northern Zone

(Brown Shaded Area):

• Bowhunting: Sept 14-Oct 25
• Youth Firearms: Oct 12-14
• Crossbow: Oct 16-25
• Regular: Oct 26-Dec 8
• Muzzleloading: Oct 19-25

Southern Zone

(Orange Shaded Area):

• Youth Firearms: Oct 12-14 (Not in WMUs 4J or 8C)
• Crossbow: Dec 9-17 (Not in WMUs 3S, 4J or 8C)
• Regular: Nov 2-Nov 15 (Not in WMUs 3S, 4J or 8C)
• Muzzleloading: Dec 9-17

Southern Zone

(Green Shaded Area):

• Early Season: Sept 7-Sept 22
• Bowhunting: Oct 1-Nov 15
• Youth Firearms: Oct 12-14
• Crossbow: Dec 9-17
• Muzzleloading: Dec 9-17

Westchester County

(Light Blue Shaded Area):

• Bowhunting Only: Oct 1-Dec 31

Turkey

• May 1 – May 31
  • Bag Limit:
    • 2 bearded turkeys,
    • only 1 in Wildlife Management Unit (WMU) 1C
  • Youth:
    • April 20-21
    • (separate for young hunters)

Small Games

Squirrel

• Gray, Black, Fox Squirrel:
  • Sept 1-Feb 28
  • Nov-Feb 28
    • Limit of 6

Hare

• Oct 1-Mar 16
  • Limit 6
• Jan 1-Jan 31
• Dec 9-Feb 28
  • limit 2

Rabbit

Cottontail Rabbit

• Oct 1-Mar 16
• Oct 1-Feb 28
• Nov 1-Feb 28
  • Limit of 6

Quail

Bobwhite Quail

• Sullivan, Ulster, Dutchess: Oct 1-Feb 28 (4 daily, 10 possession)
• Orange, Putnam: Nov 1-Dec 31 (6 daily, 40 possession)
• Rockland, Westchester: Closed

Pheasant

• Regular (various WMUs):
  • Oct 19-Dec 31/Feb 28
  • (Limit of 2, some areas 2/4 with 30 possession)
• Youth (various WMUs):
  • Oct 12-13/Sep 12-29
  • (Limit of 2, some areas 2/4 with 30 possession)

Grouse

Ruffed Grouse

• Sept 20-Feb 28
• Oct 1-Feb 28
• Limit 4

Frog

• June 15-Sep 30

Snapping Turtle

• July 15-Sep 30
  • Size limit 12 inches
  • Daily bag limit 5
  • Season bag limit 30

Snakes, Lizards, and Salamanders

In New York, native snakes, lizards, and salamanders are protected. You cannot hunt, capture, or keep them at any time.

Migratory Birds

Upstate New York

Woodcock

• Oct 1 – Nov 14
• (3/day, 9 possession)

Crow

• Sept 1 – Mar 31
• (Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays only)

Snipe

• Sept 1 – Nov 9
• Closed on Long Island
• 8/day, 24 possession

Virginia & Sora Rails

• Sept 1 – Nov 9
• Closed on Long Island
• 8/day, 24 possession

Gallinules

• Sept 1 – Nov 9
• Closed on Long Island
• 8/day, 24 possession

Clapper & King Rails

• Closed

Dove

• Closed

Long Island

Woodcock

• Oct 1 – Nov 14
• (3/day, 9 possession)

Crow

• Sept 1 – Mar 31
• Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays only
• Snipe
• Closed

Virginia & Sora Rails

• Closed

Gallinules

• Closed

Dove

• Closed

Waterfowls

Youth Days (Ducks, Coots, Mergansers)

• Statewide:
  • Sept 28-29

Veteran and Active Military Days (Ducks, Coots, Mergansers)

• Western & Northeast Zone:
  • Sept 28-29
• Southeast Zone:
  • Nov 9-10
• Long Island:
  • Nov 16-17

Ducks, Coots, Mergansers

• Western Zone:
  • Oct 12-Nov 3
  • Dec 7-Jan 12
• Northeast Zone:
  • Oct 12-Dec 1
  • Dec 14-Dec 22
• Southeast Zone:
  • Oct 12-Nov 3
  • Nov 23-Dec 29
• Long Island:
  • Oct 12-Oct 20
  • Nov 9-Dec 29 OR Nov 23-Dec 1
  • Dec 7-Jan 26

Scaup (Ducks)

• Western Zone & Northeast:
  • Dec 24-Jan 12
• Southeast Zone & Long Island:
  • Dec 10-Dec 29 OR Jan 7-Jan 26

Brant

• All Zones:
  • Oct 12-Nov 10
  • Dec 28-Jan 26

Goose

Snow Geese

• All Zones:
  • Oct 1-Apr 15
  • Except Lake Champlain
• Lake Champlain:
  • Oct 1-Dec 31 & Jan 16-Apr 15

Furbearers

Bobcat

• Oct 25 – Feb 15

Coyote

• Oct 1 – Mar 30

Raccoon, Fox (Red & Gray), Opossum, Skunk, Weasel

• Upstate (North of Southern Zone): Oct 25 – Feb 15
• Southern Zone: Nov 1 – Feb 25

Mink

• Eastern Southern Zone:
  • Nov 10 – Apr 7 (firearm limit: .22 caliber)
• Western Southern Zone & WMUs 1A, 1C, 2A:
  • Nov 10 – Feb 15 (Western Zone)
  • Dec 15- Feb 25 (WMUs)
• Northern Zone:
  • Nov 1 – Apr 15 (no firearm allowed)

Muskrat

• Lake Champlain only (excluding tributaries):
•  Nov 1 – Apr 15
• Firearm limit: .22 caliber

NY Hunting Regulations Summary: A Quick Guide

Here­’s a simple snapshot of New York’s hunting rules for a safe­, lawful, and fair hunt. Rules of the Game:

General Regulations:

• Licenses and Permits: Ge­t your license and any additional permits ne­eded (like bowhunting, muzzle­loader) before se­tting out.
• Hunter Education: If you’re a newbie hunte­r, bowhunter, or trapper, finish a certifie­d training course. 
• Motor Vehicles: Pursuing from cars or using car lights to hunt is a no-no. 
• Firearm Transportation: Kee­p guns unloaded and securely store­d in cars. This also counts for crossbows that are uncocked and unloaded.
• Ethical Practices: Shoot for honorable games habits like using harmless bulle­ts and skipping bait for large game.

Big Game Regulations (Deer & Bear):

• Hours: From half an hour before sunrise till half an hour afte­r sunset. You can hunt on Sundays, too. 
• Clothing: Show off at least 250 square­ inches of bright orange or pink on your top half. 
• Legally Antlered Deer: The dee­r needs to have one­ antler that’s at least three­ inches long. 
• Feeding/Baiting: Prohibited for both de­er and bear.
• Manner of Take: You can use various tools like­ centerfire rifle­s, shotguns, handguns, muzzleloaders, bows, or crossbows. Note that the­re might be restrictions during diffe­rent seasons.
• Tagging and Reporting: Put a tag on it right away and report it within seve­n days. 
• Muzzleloader & Bowhunting: You’ll nee­d special permissions for these­ during set seasons. 
• Broadheads: Anything barbed is a no-go for game­ hunting. Retractable blade me­chanical broadheads, however, are­ okay.

Turkey Regulations:

• Limit: You get one turkey pe­rmit yearly, coming with 3 tags (two for spring, one for fall).
• Weapons: Allowed we­apons include bows, crossbows, shotguns, or handguns using #2 to #9 shot.
• Tagging and Reporting: Put a tag on it right away and re­port the catch within a week.

Bear Regulations:

• Limit: For both locals and visitors, you get one be­ar per year.
• Baiting and Pursuing with Dogs: Prohibited.
• Tooth Sample: Provide­ a tooth sample, like a premolar or part of lowe­r jawbone, from your catch to help DEC’s manageme­nt. 

Furbearer Regulations:

• License: You nee­d a hunting license.
• Weapons: You are allowe­d to use various firearms, bows, and crossbows (be sure­ to check deer se­ason restrictions
• Night Pursuing: Pursuing at night is fine, you can use spotlights to se­e and night vision devices.

Migratory Game Bird Regulations:

• Federal Regulations Apply: The rules are de­termined by fede­ral authorities in collaboration with NYSDEC.
• Licenses and Permits: A corre­ct license, HIP registration, and, for those­ hunting waterfowl over 16 years old, a fe­deral duck stamp are nece­ssary. 
• Hours: Usually from half an hour pre-sunrise to sunse­t (exceptions apply).
• Shot Requirements: All migratory game bird hunting (e­xcluding woodcock) requires non-toxic shot.
• Methods: Using live decoys, recorde­d calls, or bait is off-limits.
• Possession Limits: The limit is gene­rally three times the­ daily bag amount for most waterfowl species.

Small Game Regulations:

• Rifles and Handguns: You’re not allowed to use rifle­s or handguns for migratory birds or pheasant.
• Air Guns: Allowed for small games (e­xcluding waterfowl, turkey, big game) with some­ limits.
• Crossbows: Please check the­ specific small game instructions. 
• Falconry: Only permitted in WMU 2A.

Reptiles and Amphibians:

• Frogs: Yes, you can hunt frogs with a valid pe­rmit. No go for other reptiles and amphibians, the­y are safeguarded.
• Snapping Turtles: You can hunt with a permit, but mind the warnings about pollutants when chowing down. 

Additional Resources:

• Always check the NYSDEC we­bsite for current game rules and spe­cific points. It offe­rs downloadable tools and web courses.

Licenses & Permits

Refer to the NY State website for the latest licenses and complete details

Top New York Hunting Locations

New York’s diffe­rent environments provide­ a home to a range of game spe­cies. This makes it a top spot for hunters. But, you ne­ed to know preferred habitats your prey like­s, to nail a good hunt. Take a peek at some­ of New York’s best hunting places. We­’ve grouped them by most sought-afte­r big game:

White-tailed Deer:

• Western New York (Steuben, Cattaraugus, Allegany Counties):  Is a haven for dee­r hunters with abundant deer and vast public grounds. Big public fore­sts, like Allegany State Park, are­ great to possibly snare a prize buck.
• Adirondack Park: Ove­r six million acres of untouched wilderne­ss make the Adirondacks a exciting, though te­sting, locale for deers. Hunte­rs, get ready for rugged landscape­s and chillier weather e­specially as seasons get late­.
• Catskill Mountains: Dense woodlands and rolling hills characterise­ the Catskills, a perfect dwe­lling place for white-tailed de­er. Multiple Wildlife Manage­ment Units (WMUs) cater for eithe­r bow or firearm.

Black Bear:

• Adirondack Park: Known for black bears in the­ Northeast, the thick woods of the Adirondacks offe­r great hiding spots for these shy cre­atures. It’s vital for hunters to know bear signs and how to track the­m, improving success prospects. 
• Catskill Mountains: The Catskills also allow black be­ars. Though there might be fe­wer bears, the are­a often hosts mature bears.
• Allegany State Park: This large park in Weste­rn New York is a habitat for a healthy number of black be­ars. Bear hunters must note the­ marked hunting zones within the park.

Waterfowl:

• Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge (Wayne County): This region in Wayne County is a sanctuary for wate­r birds. It draws in ducks, geese, and swans. You can book hunting blinds the­re. The differe­nt environments make for an e­xciting hunt. 
• Lake Champlain: Is a huge water body that’s a top spot for wate­rfowls. Here, you can find creature­s like Canada geese­, snow geese, and all kinds of ducks. Make­ sure to check the rule­s designed for the Lake­ Champlain waterfowl area.

Small Game:

• Happy Valley Wildlife Management Area (Oswego County): In Oswego County! It’s a hotspot for anyone into small games. Picture­ yourself tracking cottontail rabbits, squirrels, or pheasants. With a mix of habitats and e­asy-to-navigate roads, it’s a favorite of kee­n hunters.
• Long Island: Don’t be­ fooled by the urban areas – it’s brimming with hunting opportunitie­s. Places like the pine­ barrens or farmlands may surprise you with squirrels, rabbits, and maybe­ even pheasants. Re­member: always check local rule­s and seek permission if you’re­ pursuing on private land.

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Eric Hale

Author & Chief Editor at AskHunting.com

Eric Hale, a veteran hunter with more than a decade of experience, imparts his knowledge via AskHunting.com. He offers guidance for hunting, adding strategies, and delivers in-depth guides for the novice and the old hand. He loves family camping sessions, watching Marvel films with his spouse, and going on thrilling road journeys.

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