NY State Hunting Updates

New York deer regulations for 2026 introduce expanded DMP transfers and Earn-A-Buck options in select WMUs, plus youth shotgun hunting for...

Deer hunting splits into Northern and Southern Zones with distinct bow, regular, and muzzleloader dates.

• Northern Zone: Bow Sept 27-Oct 23; Regular...

NYSDEC details zone-specific deer and bear seasons with clear start dates and rules.

• Northern Zone bear: Regular season runs 1st Saturday after 2nd...

• Key dates: Applications due Sept 14 2026 at 4 PM; lottery Sept 15; results Sept 18.
• Hunt periods: Early bow Oct 1–Nov 20; regular Nov 21–Dec 13;...

New York landowners must apply by August 1 for the DEC Deer Management Assistance Program to receive additional antlerless deer tags for...

Waterfowl hunting in New York's Finger Lakes offers strong early experience for new hunters. Key regulations include HIP registration, a Federal...

• New accessible archery stands and adaptive birding tools now available under the 'These Lands Are for Everyone' initiative
• 40 color-enhancing...

Hunting camps are rapidly becoming extinct in NYS, erasing a longstanding tradition for many hunters.

Early summer is when black bears are most active in New York as they forage extensively for food, increasing human encounters. The DEC stresses never feeding bears, since rewards encourage bold, aggressive behavior and intentional feeding is illegal.

DEC's draft OPDMD policy would permit motor vehicles like ATVs in Wilderness areas for disabled hunters, conflicting with the Master Plan's ban on...

Subscribers can now access New York’s statewide fishing and hunting report from July 16, 2026, with hunting seasons on the mind alongside fishing updates.

New York faces declining hunter numbers even as deer populations rise, prompting calls to lower the small game hunting age.

• DEC already runs junior...

NY hunters can build bowhunting skills at Tri County Archers' 3D shoot in Wallkill running 7-11 AM today, one of many HuntFishNY events offering target shooting and introduction to bowhunting for all ability levels.

Register now for the NYSDEC in-person Trapper Education Program Course on August 16, 2026. Find a course near you via the DEC website.

DEC has expanded fisher and marten trapping opportunities in Upstate New York through new regulations.

• New areas opened to fisher trapping with...

NY hunters still have time to enter the 2026 Antlerless Deer Permit Lottery and boost their season.

• Deadline is July 30 at 11:59 pm EST with no...

Deer Hunting Regulation Changes

• 🔥 Earn-a-Second-Buck System: Hunters must harvest an antlerless deer before receiving a second buck tag, with...

Two major acquisitions will add nearly 4,000 acres to the Adirondack Forest Preserve, directly expanding public hunting opportunities.

• Drake...

New York DEC is expanding antlerless harvest options across multiple WMUs to address growing deer populations that harm habitat and increase...

New York's updated pheasant management plan prioritizes drawing more hunters into the field rather than restoring wild populations.

• Pheasant...