NEW YORK LAWS & REGULATIONS

Wondering what the Laws and Regulations are for Hunting in New York?

The Department of Environmental Conservation of New York conserves, improves and protects New York’s natural resources and environment and to prevent, abate and control water, land and air pollution, in order to enhance the health, safety and welfare of the people. As hunting season begins in New York, all hunters must have a valid hunting license along with other required permits and stamps depending on the hunted specie. Any resident or nonresident born after January 1, 1972, must have completed an approved hunter education program in Iowa or another state to buy a hunting license. It is unlawful that hunters trespass private land without permission as well as surpassing the daily limit. State law prohibits the use of aircrafts as an aid to locate game and hunt in a powered-on vehicle. It is also illegal to shoot across public roads and waters, and kill or shoot-at any game without the intention of retrieving it.

*Visit New York’s Hunting Regulations Guide for More Information*

FEATURED ANIMALS

DEER

Deer is the most hunted game animal in New York. To have a successful hunt during the deer season, all hunters must have a hunting license, harvest record, and deer tags. Hunters must possess a current bowhunting or junior bowhunting privilege to participate during the bowhunting seasons. The number of deer a hunter may take depends upon the licenses and privileges purchased. A legally antlered deer must have at least one antler that is three inches or longer measured from the base of the burr.

General Season: Oct. 24 – Dec. 22, 2020
Archery Season: Sept. 27 – Jan. 31, 2021

*Seasons differ based on sex, antlerless and buck hunts in different zones – Visit New York’s Deer Seasons for specific zones/season dates*

WILD TURKEY

The excitement of a turkey hunt is always an awesome experience. To hunt turkey, hunters will need a hunting license and a turkey permit. Hunters may hunt with a bow or crossbow, but they may not hunt turkey with a crossbow in the fall in the Northern Zone if you are using dogs. A crossbow may not be used in Westchester or Suffolk counties. Hunters can hunt with a shotgun or handgun only when using shot no larger than #2 and no smaller than #8 however hunters can not take a turkey with a rifle, or with a handgun firing a bullet. All successful hunters must fill out the tag which comes with your permit and attach it to any turkey you shoot immediately.

Fall Season: Oct. 1 – Dec. 4, 2020 (Season daily limit: 1 bird per gender)
Spring Season: May 1, 2021 – May 31, 2021 (Season daily limit: 1 bird per gender – 2 in posession)

*Seasons differ in different zones – Visit New York’s Turkey Seasons for specific zones/season dates*

Black Bear

The black bear is the most challenging of New York’s big game mammals. New York residents and non-residents must have a hunting license to pursue bear during the early and regular seasons. Hunters may take one bear by gun or bow each license year. To hunt during the archery or muzzleloading seasons, hunters must purchase the respective privilege. Successful hunters who harvest a bear are required by law to report their take within 7 days. Specific clothing attire is also mandatory in which hunters must use 250 sq. in. of a flourescent orange/pink shirt or vest.

General Season: Oct. 17 – Dec. 22, 2020
Archery Season: Sept. 19 – Dec. 31, 2020

*Seasons differ in different zones – Visit New York’s Black Bear Seasons for specific zones/season dates*