Hunting Season 2025–2026 and Bag Limits in New York NY: A Guide for Hunters 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. 1. White-Tailed Deer **Seasons (Tentative):** - **Northern Zone:** - Archery: Late Sept–mid-Oct 2025 - Regular Firearms: Late Oct–early Dec 2025 - Muzzleloader: Mid-Dec 2025 (post-firearms season). - **Southern Zone:** - Archery: Mid-Oct–mid-Nov 2025 - Regular Firearms: 3rd Saturday in Nov–mid-Dec 2025 - Muzzleloader: Late Dec 2025–early Jan 2026. **Bag Limits:** - Varies by Wildlife Management Unit (WMU). Most WMUs allow 1 antlered buck annually. Antlerless permits (DMPs) are issued via lottery. - **Antler Restrictions:** Some WMUs require ≥3 points on one side. 2. Wild Turkey **Seasons:** - **Spring 2026:** May 1–31 (Southern Zone); dates may differ in Northern Zone. - **Fall 2025:** Oct–Nov (zone-specific; shorter in Northern Zone). **Bag Limits:** - **Spring:** 1 bearded bird. - **Fall:** 1 bird of either sex (varies by zone). 3. Black Bear **Seasons:** - **Northern Zone:** Sept–Dec 2025 (archery/firearms overlap). - **Southern Zone:** Nov–Dec 2025 (firearms only). **Bag Limits:** 1 bear per license year. Check WMU-specific closures. 4. Waterfowl **Federal Frameworks Guide State Dates:** - **Ducks:** Likely split seasons (Oct–Dec 2025 and Jan 2026). - **Canada Geese:** Varies by zone (e.g., Sept–Feb in some areas). **Daily Bag Limits (2024–2025 reference):** - Ducks: 6 (species-specific restrictions; e.g., 2 mallards max). - Geese: 5–15 depending on zone and species. 5. Small Game **Seasons (Typical):** - **Squirrel & Rabbit:** Sept 1, 2025–Feb 28, 2026. - **Pheasant:** Oct 1, 2025–Feb 2026 (stocked areas only). **Bag Limits:** - Squirrel/Rabbit: 6 daily. - Pheasant: 2 daily (male only in some regions). 6. Furbearers (Coyote, Fox, etc.) - **Coyote:** Open year-round in most areas. - **Fox & Bobcat:** Oct–Feb (check trapping vs. hunting rules). Key Reminders 1. **Licenses:** Required for all hunters. Purchase via [DECALS](https://decals.ny.gov). 2. **Mandatory Reporting:** Report deer, bear, and turkey harvests within 7 days. 3. **CWD Precautions:** Follow DEC guidelines for carcass transport and disposal. 4. **Youth Hunts:** Special weekends for young hunters (dates TBA). Stay Informed: - Attend DEC public meetings (spring 2025) for regulation updates. - Download the official **2025–2026 Hunting & Trapping Regulations Guide** (summer 2025). Happy Hunting—and always prioritize safety, ethics, and conservation! 🦌🎯