Hunting Season 2025–2026 and Bag Limits in New York NY: Full Guide for Hunters 🦌

New York State offers one of the most diverse hunting landscapes in the Northeast, with distinct zones, species-specific regulations, and a strong emphasis on conservation. This guide provides verified dates, bag limits, licensing info, and expert tips for the 2025–2026 hunting season. 🦌 White-Tailed Deer Season NYS Northern Zone • Bowhunting: September 27 – October 24, 2025 • Crossbow: October 15 – October 24, 2025 • Regular Firearms: October 25 – December 7, 2025 • Muzzleloader: October 18 – October 24 and December 8 – December 14 (select WMUs) • Youth Firearms Weekend: October 11 – October 13, 2025 Southern Zone • Early Antlerless (select WMUs): September 13 – September 21, 2025 • Bowhunting: October 1 – November 14 and December 8 – December 16, 2025 • Crossbow: November 1 – November 14, 2025 • Regular Firearms: November 15 – December 7, 2025 • Muzzleloader: December 8 – December 16 and December 26 – January 1, 2026 • Youth Firearms Weekend: October 11 – October 13, 2025 Special Zones • Westchester County (WMU 3S): October 1 – December 31, 2025 (bow only) • Suffolk County (WMU 1C): October 1, 2025 – January 31, 2026 (bow only); January 4 – January 31, 2026 (special firearms permit required) Bag Limits • Antlered Deer: 1 per license year statewide • Antlerless Deer: Requires valid Deer Management Permit (DMP) • Additional Tags: Available via bowhunting, muzzleloading, DMAP, or youth permits 🦃 Wild Turkey Season NYS Spring 2026 • Dates: May 1 – May 31 • Bag Limit: 2 bearded turkeys (1 per day) Fall 2025 • Dates: Varies by zone (October–November) • Bag Limit: 1 bird of either sex 🐻 Black Bear Hunting Season NYS 2025–2026 Northern Zone • Bowhunting: September 13 – October 24 • Firearms: October 25 – December 7 • Youth Firearms: October 11 – October 13 Southern Zone • Bowhunting: October 1 – November 14 • Firearms: November 15 – December 7 • Muzzleloader: December 8 – December 16 Bag Limit • 1 bear per license year • No cubs or bears in dens may be taken 🦆 Waterfowl & Migratory Birds Hunting Season 2025–2026 NYS Duck Season (Western Zone) • October 11 – November 2 and December 6 – January 11 Canada Goose (Most Zones) • September 1 – 25 and October–February (varies by zone) Bag Limits • Ducks: 6 daily (e.g., max 2 mallards) • Geese: 5–15 depending on zone • Woodcock: 3 daily • Snipe, Rails, Gallinules: 8 daily All waterfowl hunters must register with HIP and carry a Federal Duck Stamp (age 16+). 🐇 Small Game Hunting Season 2025–2026 NYS Common Dates • Squirrel & Rabbit: September 1, 2025 – February 28, 2026 • Pheasant: October 1, 2025 – February 28, 2026 (stocked areas only) • Ruffed Grouse: September 20, 2025 – February 28, 2026 Bag Limits • Squirrel/Rabbit: 6 daily • Pheasant: 2 daily (male only in some regions) • Grouse: 4 daily 🦊 Furbearers Hunting Season 2025–2026 NY Season Dates • Coyote: October 1 – March 30 (no bag limit) • Fox (Red & Gray): October 25 – February 15 • Bobcat: October 25 – February 15 (select WMUs) • Raccoon, Opossum, Skunk, Weasel: October 25 – February 15 Notes • Night hunting allowed for some species • Bobcat requires special tag • Trapping requires separate license 🧠 Key Regulations & Reminders • Licensing: All hunters must hold a valid NYS hunting license. Purchase via DECALS • Reporting: Deer, bear, and turkey harvests must be reported within 7 days • CWD Rules: No import of whole carcasses from out-of-state • Youth Hunts: Special weekends for ages 12–15 (October 11–13 for deer & bear) • Safety Gear: Blaze orange/pink required during firearms seasons (250 sq. inches minimum) • Legal Implements: Vary by zone—check DEC guidelines for rifles, shotguns, bows, and crossbows 📚 Stay Updated • Download the official 2025–2026 Hunting & Trapping Regulations Guide • Attend DEC public meetings for WMU-specific updates • Use the HuntFish NY App for harvest reporting and zone maps New York’s hunting seasons and bag limits are shaped by wildlife management goals and ecological needs. While the 2025–2026 dates and rules are not yet finalized (typically released in mid-2025), this guide provides projections based on historical patterns. Hunters must confirm details via the [NYS DEC website](https://www.dec.ny.gov) closer to the season. 🦌 Looking to plan your next hunt in New York? The 2025–2026 Hunting Season offers expansive opportunities for deer, turkey, bear, waterfowl, and small game across NY’s diverse Wildlife Management Units. With verified dates and bag limits now available from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, hunters can confidently prepare for bowhunting, muzzleloader, and firearms seasons. Whether you’re exploring public lands in the Adirondacks, stalking geese in the Finger Lakes, or pursuing trophy bucks in the Southern Tier, this season promises challenge and reward for ethical sportsmen and women. Visit dec.ny.gov for the latest regulations and zone-specific updates. NY Hunting Season 2025–2026 FAQ 1. When does deer season start in New York for 2025? Deer season start dates depend on region and hunting method: • Northern Zone bowhunting: Starts September 27, 2025 • Southern Zone bowhunting: Begins October 1, 2025 • Firearms season typically begins late October (Northern) and mid-November (Southern) 2. Do I need a separate license to hunt deer, turkey, or bear? All hunters must purchase a base hunting license, and depending on your target species: • Deer: Add-on bow/muzzleloader privileges, DMP tags for antlerless deer • Turkey: Base license covers spring and fall • Bear: Included in big game license 3. Can I use crossbows during archery season? Yes, but only during specific dates within archery season (e.g., Oct 15–24 in Northern Zone and Nov 1–14 in Southern Zone). You must have bowhunting privileges. 4. What are the antler restrictions for deer hunting? (WMUs)