New York Hunting Seasons 2023 [Updated]

Open seasons have been designated by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. Hunting seasons for many species have begun in New York. Early bear, Canada goose, and season hunting seasons will begin on September 1 and September 10, respectively, in designated wildlife management areas, according to the DEC.

We went out to build the most basic hunting handbook for the New York 2023 hunting seasons that we could. If you want to learn about the season’s start and finish dates, the restrictions and bag limits, the licensing requirements, and have access to useful information, here is the place to be. You’ll like the information in this article. Let’s check into it!

New York Hunting Season
New York Hunting Season

New York Hunting Seasons

Deer, elk, turkey, bear, quail, ruffed grouse, pheasant, ducks, and bobcat hunting seasons are all subject to regulation in New York by the state’s Department of Environmental Conservation. The hunting rules and restrictions of New York State may also be applicable on City-owned hunting grounds. The hunting seasons vary depending on the species, weapon, and location. The best turkey hunters use a variety of sounds to get a bird within shooting distance during the spring and autumn turkey hunting seasons.

Find below the complete New York hunting schedules

Bobcat Season

New York Bobcat SeasonHunting Start DateHunting End DateNote
Bobcat-2Tuesday, October 25, 2022Friday, November 18, 2022There is no limit. (Select units)
Bobcat-1Tuesday, October 25, 2022Wednesday, February 15, 2023There is no limit. (Select units)

Coyote Season

New York Coyote SeasonHunting Start DateHunting End DateNote
CoyoteSaturday, October 01, 2022Sunday, March 26, 2023(Statewide) There is no limit.

NY Bear Season

New York Bear SeasonHunting Start DateHunting End DateNote
Bear (Early Southern Zone)Saturday, September 10, 2022Sunday, September 25, 2022Certain WMUs.
Bear (Early Bow Northern Zone)Saturday, September 17, 2022Sunday, December 04, 2022Certain WMUs
Bear (Bow Northern Zone)Saturday, September 17, 2022Friday, October 21, 2022
Bear (Early Bow Southern Zone)Saturday, October 01, 2022Friday, November 18, 2022
Bear (Bow Westchester County)Saturday, October 01, 2022Saturday, December 31, 2022
Bear (Crossbow Northern Zone)Wednesday, October 12, 2022Friday, October 21, 2022
Bear (Muzzleloader Northern Zone)Saturday, October 15, 2022Friday, October 21, 2022
Bear (Gun Northern Zone)Saturday, October 22, 2022Sunday, December 04, 2022
Bear (Crossbow Southern)Saturday, November 05, 2022Friday, November 18, 2022Zones 4J and 8C do not permit crossbow hunting.
Bear (Gun Southern Zone)Saturday, November 19, 2022Sunday, December 11, 2022
Bear (Muzzleloader Southern Zone)Monday, December 12, 2022Tuesday, December 20, 2022
Bear (Late Bow Southern Zone)Monday, December 12, 2022Tuesday, December 20, 2022

Deer Season

NY Deer SeasonHunting Start DateHunting End DateNote
Deer (Gun Northern Zone)Oct 22, 0022Sunday, December 04, 2022
Deer (Early Bow Northern Zone)Tuesday, September 27, 2022Friday, October 21, 2022
Deer (Bow Suffolk County)Saturday, October 01, 2022Tuesday, January 31, 2023
Deer (Westchester County)Saturday, October 01, 2022Saturday, December 31, 2022Bowhunting only.
Deer (Early Bow Southern Zone)Saturday, October 01, 2022Friday, November 18, 2022
Deer (Muzzleloader Northern Zone 1)Saturday, October 15, 2022Friday, October 21, 2022See regulations for zone restrictions.
Deer (Crossbow Southern Zone)Saturday, November 05, 2022Friday, November 18, 2022Hunting is prohibited in WMU's 4J and 8C.
Deer (Gun South Zone)Saturday, November 19, 2022Sunday, December 11, 2022
Deer (Muzzleloader Northern Zone 2)Monday, December 05, 2022Sunday, December 11, 2022See regulations for zone restrictions.
Deer (Late Bow Northern Zone)Monday, December 05, 2022Sunday, December 11, 2022WMU’s 5A, 5G, 5J, 6A, 6C, 6G, and 6H.
Deer (Late Bow Southern Zone 1)Monday, December 12, 2022Tuesday, December 20, 2022
Deer (Muzzleloader Southern Zone 1)Monday, December 12, 2022Tuesday, December 20, 2022South Zone
Deer (Late Bow Southern Zone 2)Monday, December 26, 2022Sunday, January 01, 2023
Deer (Muzzleloader Southern Zone 2)Monday, December 26, 2022Sunday, January 01, 2023
Deer (Special Firearms Suffolk County)Sunday, January 01, 2023Tuesday, January 31, 2023Permit Required.

Rabbit Season

New York Rabbit SeasonHunting Start DateHunting End DateNote
Rabbit (Cottontail)Saturday, October 01, 2022Sunday, March 19, 2023Season dates vary by location. (Check regulations)
Rabbit (Varying Hare Hunting)Saturday, October 01, 2022Sunday, March 19, 2023Season dates vary by location. (Check regulations)

Duck Season

New York Duck SeasonHunting Start DateHunting End DateNote
Duck (Northeast Zone-1)Saturday, October 01, 2022Sunday, October 23, 2022A bag limit of 6 ducks per day.
Duck (Southeast Zone-1)Saturday, October 15, 2022Sunday, November 27, 2022A bag limit of 6 ducks per day.
Duck (Lake Champlain 1)Saturday, October 15, 2022Sunday, October 23, 2022A bag limit of 6 ducks per day.
Duck (Western Zone-1)Saturday, October 15, 2022Sunday, November 06, 2022A bag limit of 6 ducks per day.
Duck (Lake Champlain 2)Saturday, October 29, 2022Sunday, December 18, 2022A bag limit of 6 ducks per day.
Duck (Northeast Zone-2)Saturday, October 29, 2022Sunday, December 04, 2022A bag limit of 6 ducks per day.
Duck (Long Island-1)Saturday, November 19, 2022Sunday, November 27, 2022A bag limit of 6 ducks per day.
Duck (Western Zone-2)Saturday, November 26, 2022Sunday, January 01, 2023A bag limit of 6 ducks per day.
Duck (Southeast Zone-2)Saturday, December 03, 2022Sunday, December 18, 2022A bag limit of 6 ducks per day.
Duck (Long Island-2)Saturday, December 10, 2022Sunday, January 29, 2023A bag limit of 6 ducks per day.

Goose Season

New York Goose SeasonHunting Start DateHunting End DateNote
Goose (Canada Goose Statewide)Thursday, September 01, 2022Sunday, September 25, 2022Long Island Zones are excluded. Check the rules for bag restrictions.
Goose (Canada Goose Long Island Eastern Zone 1)Tuesday, September 06, 2022Friday, September 30, 2022Check the rules for bag restrictions.
Goose (Canada Goose Long Island Central Zone 1)Tuesday, September 06, 2022Friday, September 30, 2022Check the rules for bag restrictions.
Goose (Snow Goose Lake Champlain Zone 1)Saturday, October 01, 2022Saturday, December 31, 2022Check the rules for bag restrictions.
Goose (Brant)Saturday, October 01, 2022Saturday, November 19, 2022NE, W, and SE Zones. See regulations for bag limits.
Goose (Snow Goose)Saturday, October 01, 2022Saturday, April 15, 2023NE, W, and SE Zones. See regulations for bag limits.
Goose (Canada Goose Long Island Western Zone 1)Saturday, October 08, 2022Sunday, October 23, 2022Check the rules for bag restrictions.
Goose (Canada Goose Lake Champlain Zone 2)Saturday, October 15, 2022Sunday, November 13, 2022Check the rules for bag restrictions.
Goose (Brant – Lake Champlain Zone)Saturday, October 15, 2022Saturday, December 03, 2022Check the rules for bag restrictions.
Goose (Canada Goose East Central Zone 2)Saturday, October 22, 2022Sunday, November 20, 2022Check the rules for bag restrictions.
Goose (Canada Goose Northeast Zone 2)Saturday, October 22, 2022Sunday, October 23, 2022Check the rules for bag restrictions.
Goose (Canada Goose South Zone 2)Saturday, October 22, 2022Thursday, November 17, 2022Check the rules for bag restrictions.
Goose (Canada Goose West Central Zone 2)Saturday, October 22, 2022Sunday, November 06, 2022Check the rules for bag restrictions.
Goose (Canada Goose Northeast Zone 3)Saturday, October 29, 2022Friday, November 25, 2022Check the rules for bag restrictions.
Goose (Canada Goose Hudson Valley 2)Saturday, November 05, 2022Friday, November 18, 2022Check the rules for bag restrictions.
Goose (Canada Goose Long Island Western Zone 2)Saturday, November 19, 2022Sunday, November 27, 2022Check the rules for bag restrictions.
Goose (Canada Goose Long Island Eastern Zone 2)Saturday, November 19, 2022Sunday, November 27, 2022Check the rules for bag restrictions.
Goose (Brant – Long Island 1)Saturday, November 19, 2022Sunday, November 27, 2022Check the rules for bag restrictions.
Goose (Canada Goose Long Island Central Zone 2)Saturday, November 19, 2022Sunday, November 27, 2022Check the rules for bag restrictions.
Goose (Snow Goose Long Island)Thursday, November 24, 2022Friday, March 10, 2023Check the rules for bag restrictions.
Goose (Canada Goose South Zone 3)Saturday, November 26, 2022Sunday, January 15, 2023Check the rules for bag restrictions.
Goose (Canada Goose Hudson Valley 3)Saturday, December 03, 2022Sunday, December 18, 2022Check the rules for bag restrictions.
Goose (Canada Goose Long Island Western Zone 3)Wednesday, December 07, 2022Wednesday, February 22, 2023Check the rules for bag restrictions.
Goose (Canada Goose Long Island Central Zone 3)Saturday, December 10, 2022Wednesday, February 08, 2023Check the rules for bag restrictions.
Goose (Canada Goose Long Island Eastern Zone 3)Saturday, December 10, 2022Sunday, January 29, 2023Check the rules for bag restrictions.
Goose (Canada Goose West Central Zone 3)Monday, December 19, 2022Sunday, January 01, 2023Check the rules for bag restrictions.
Goose (Brant – Long Island 2)Tuesday, December 20, 2022Sunday, January 29, 2023Check the rules for bag restrictions.
Goose (Snow Goose Lake Champlain Zone 2)Monday, January 16, 2023Saturday, April 15, 2023Check the rules for bag restrictions.

Ruffed Grouse Season

NY Ruffed Grouse SeasonHunting Start DateHunting End DateNote
Ruffed Grouse (North Zone)Tuesday, September 20, 2022Tuesday, February 28, 2023A bag limit of 4 per day.
Ruffed Grouse (South Zone)Saturday, October 01, 2022Tuesday, February 28, 2023A bag limit of 4 per day.

Pheasant Season

New York Pheasant SeasonHunting Start DateHunting End DateNote
Pheasant (Cocks & Hens 2)Saturday, October 01, 2022Tuesday, February 28, 2023A bag limit of 2 per day (cocks and hens).
Pheasant (Cocks)Saturday, October 15, 2022Saturday, December 31, 2022A bag limit of 2 per day (cocks only).
Pheasant (Cocks & Hens 1)Saturday, October 15, 2022Tuesday, February 28, 2023A bag limit of 2 per day (cocks and hens).
Pheasant (Cocks & Hens 3)Tuesday, November 01, 2022Saturday, December 31, 2022A bag limit of 2 per day (cocks and hens).
Pheasant (Cocks 2)Tuesday, November 01, 2022Saturday, December 31, 2022A bag limit of 2 per day (cocks only).

Quail Season

New York Quail SeasonHunting Start DateHunting End DateNote
Bobwhite Quail (Early)Saturday, October 01, 2022Tuesday, February 28, 2023A bag limit of 4 per day. Orange and Putnam Counties.
Bobwhite Quail (Late)Tuesday, November 01, 2022Saturday, December 31, 2022A bag limit of 6 per day. Nassau and Suffolk Counties.

Turkey Season

New York Turkey SeasonHunting Start DateHunting End DateNote
Turkey (Fall Northern Zone)Saturday, October 01, 2022Friday, October 14, 2022Bag limit 1 bird of either sex statewide.
Turkey (Fall Southern Zone)Saturday, October 15, 2022Friday, October 28, 2022Bag limit 1 bird of either sex statewide.
Turkey (Fall 1C)Saturday, November 19, 2022Friday, December 02, 2022WMU: 1C bag limit 1 bird of either sex statewide.
Turkey (Youth Spring)Saturday, April 22, 2023Sunday, April 23, 2023Bag limit 1 bearded turkey.
Turkey (Spring Statewide)Monday, May 01, 2023Wednesday, May 31, 2023Bag limit 2 bearded turkeys (one per day).

Migratory Game Bird Hunting Seasons

Migratory Game Bird Hunting SeasonsHunting DatesNote
Woodcock (Upstate New York) (refer to note 1&3 below)Oct. 1 – Nov. 14• A bag limit of 3 per day and 9 in possession.
• Shooting hours-Sunrise to Sunset.
• HIP Registration not required.
• Fed Migratory Bird Stamp NOT Required
Woodcock (Long Island) (refer to note 2&3 below)Oct. 1 – Nov. 14• A bag limit of 3 per day and 9 in possession.
• Shooting hours-Sunrise to Sunset.
• HIP Registration not required.
• Fed Migratory Bird Stamp NOT Required
Crow (Upstate New York) (refer to note 1&3 below)Sept. 1 – Mar. 31• No bag limit
• Shooting hours-Sunrise to Sunset.
• HIP Registration not required.
• Hunting on Fri., Sat., Sun. & Mon. ONLY
• Fed Migratory Bird Stamp NOT Required
• Rifles and electronically amplified bird calls or sounds permitted
Crow (Long Island) (refer to note 2&3 below)Sept. 1 – Mar. 31• No bag limit
• Shooting hours-Sunrise to Sunset.
• HIP Registration not required.
• Hunting on Fri., Sat., Sun. & Mon. ONLY
• Fed Migratory Bird Stamp NOT Required
• Rifles and electronically amplified bird calls or sounds permitted
Snipe (Upstate New York) (refer to note 1&3 below)Sept. 1 – Nov. 9• 8 per day 24 in possession
• Shooting hours- 1/2-Hr Before Sunrise to Sunset
• HIP Registration Required.
• Hunting on Fri., Sat., Sun. & Mon. ONLY
• Fed Migratory Bird Stamp NOT Required
Snipe (Long Island)(refer to note 2&3 below)Closed• 8 per day 24 in possession
• Shooting hours- 1/2-Hr Before Sunrise to Sunset
• HIP Registration Required.
• Hunting on Fri., Sat., Sun. & Mon. ONLY
• Fed Migratory Bird Stamp NOT Required
Virginia & Sora Rails (Upstate New York) (refer to note 1&3 below)Sept. 1 – Nov. 9• 8 per day 24 in possession
• Shooting hours- 1/2-Hr Before Sunrise to Sunset
• HIP Registration Required.
• Hunting on Fri., Sat., Sun. & Mon. ONLY
• Fed Migratory Bird Stamp NOT Required
Virginia & Sora Rails (Long Island) (refer to note 2&3 below)Closed• 8 per day 24 in possession
• Shooting hours- 1/2-Hr Before Sunrise to Sunset
• HIP Registration Required.
• Hunting on Fri., Sat., Sun. & Mon. ONLY
• Fed Migratory Bird Stamp NOT Required
Gallinules (Upstate New York) (refer to note 1&3 below)Sept. 1 – Nov. 9• 8 per day 24 in possession
• Shooting hours- 1/2-Hr Before Sunrise to Sunset
• HIP Registration Required.
• Hunting on Fri., Sat., Sun. & Mon. ONLY
• Fed Migratory Bird Stamp NOT Required
Gallinules (Long Island) (refer to note 2&3 below)Closed• 8 per day 24 in possession
• Shooting hours- 1/2-Hr Before Sunrise to Sunset
• HIP Registration Required.
• Hunting on Fri., Sat., Sun. & Mon. ONLY
• Fed Migratory Bird Stamp NOT Required
Clapper & King Rails (Upstate New York) (refer to note 1&3 below)ClosedNA
Clapper & King Rails (Long Island) (refer to note 2&3 below)ClosedNA

  1. All of New York State to the north of the Bronx-Westchester County line is referred to as upstate New York.
  2. All WMUs 1A and 1C are located on Long Island (Nassau and Suffolk counties).
  3. All species mentioned in the table have their hunting seasons closed in New York City, which covers the whole of WMU 2A. (Bronx, Kings, Queens, New York, and Richmond counties).

Furbearer Trapping Season

NY Furbearer Trapping SeasonHunting Start DateHunting End DateNote
Raccoon, Red Fox, Gray Fox, Skunk, Coyote Opossum & WeaselTuesday, October 25, 2022Wednesday, February 15, 2023
There is no bag limit
Tuesday, October 25, 2022Wednesday, February 15, 2023
There is no bag limit
Tuesday, November 01, 2022Saturday, February 25, 2023There is no bag limit
Mink & Muskrat Trapping SeasonTuesday, November 01, 2022Saturday, April 15, 2023There is no bag limit
Thursday, November 10, 2022Wednesday, February 15, 2023There is no bag limit
Thursday, November 10, 2022Friday, April 07, 2023There is no bag limit

Fisher & Marten
Tuesday, November 01, 2022Wednesday, November 30, 2022A bag limit of 6 Marten and no bag limit for Fisher
Tuesday, October 25, 2022Sunday, October 30, 2022Fisher only and no bag limits
Tuesday, October 25, 2022Saturday, December 10, 2022Fisher only and no bag limits
BobcatTuesday, October 25, 2022Wednesday, February 15, 2023There is no bag limit
Tuesday, October 25, 2022Friday, November 18, 2022There is no bag limit
BeaverTuesday, November 01, 2022Friday, April 07, 2023There is no bag limit
Thursday, November 10, 2022Friday, April 07, 2023There is no bag limit
River OtterThursday, November 10, 2022Friday, April 07, 2023There is no bag limit
Thursday, November 10, 2022Tuesday, February 28, 2023There is no bag limit

Hunting Regulations

  • It is illegal to hunt or take wildlife while in or on a motor vehicle, with the help of the vehicle’s lights, on or from any public road, with a firearm fitted with a silencer, an automatic weapon that fires as long as the trigger is held back, or a semi-automatic weapon that can hold more than six rounds (except for weapons modified to hold no more than six rounds when using rimfire ammunition like.22 or.17 caliber rounds). Hunting big game, upland game birds, turkey, or waterfowl over baited areas is also prohibited. (see General License Information)
  • You need permission from the owner or lessee to view animals with lights within 500 feet of a home or farm structure (when looking for deer or bears). Unless it’s a handgun, the weapon must be stored, secured in the trunk, or carried by someone who isn’t driving.
  • New York State regulations regulate firearms and crossbows. Rifles larger than.22 caliber rimfire and shotgun ammunition with slugs or balls are illegal in deer-hunting areas. Westchester and Long Island ban hunting with firearms. Suffolk, Nassau, and Westchester forbid crossbow hunting. Unless you’re hunting coyotes, the Northern Zone prohibits hunting with a dog and a rifle larger than.22 rimfire or a shotgun loaded with slug, ball, or buckshot. New York does not accept handgun licenses from other states. Semi-automatic rifle acquisition and transfer laws are detailed here. (See www.dec.ny.gov & https://safeact.ny.gov/resources-hunters for more information.)
  • Before transferring shotguns, rifles, and crossbows, they must be unloaded and uncocked. Unloading a muzzleloader involves removing the nipple cap, primer, priming powder, or battery. A loaded weapon may be stored in a motorboat that is not propelled or is propelled to recover dead or wounded game birds.
  • Unless you own, lease, are an immediate family member, an employee, or have the owner’s consent, it is illegal to discharge a firearm, crossbow, or bow in such a way that the load or arrow/bolt passes over a public highway within 500 feet (for firearms), 250 feet (for crossbows), or 150 feet (for bows) of any school, playground, factory, church, residence, farm building, or other structure in occupation or use. Waterfowl may be hunted over water within 500 feet of a dwelling or public facility if neither is closer than 500 feet in the direction of the shooting.
  • New York’s wildlife regulations exclude the porcupine, red squirrel, woodchuck, chipmunk, English sparrow, starling, rock pigeon, and monk parakeet. Hunting these non-protected animals with a bow, crossbow, or rifle needs a license. Hunters on licensed shooting preserves must follow the law while taking game animals during the open season.
  • According to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, first-time hunters, bowhunters, and trappers must take a course before getting a license (DEC). DEC began offering online and live hunter and bowhunter education by authorized volunteers in 2020. Visit DEC for information.
  • The free In-Person Hunter Education Program Courses teach hunters and trappers. Register for courses on the official website. Apply early! All courses need homework before attending. (See  https://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/92267.html for more information)
  • The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEChuntereducation )’s program offers online hunting and bow hunter education courses and examinations. After passing the examinations, people may obtain hunting or bowhunting licenses with the certificate. New York State residents may pay for online courses on their website. Trapper education may have been accessible online last season. (See https://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/92267.html)

Big Game Youth Hunt:

From October 8-10, New York hosts its annual Youth Big Game Hunt, welcoming young hunters aged 12-15 from around the state (except for Suffolk and Westchester counties, as well as bowhunting-only areas). Depending on the county’s regulations, youth as young as 12 or 13 may use a rifle to shoot deer in the upstate New York area. Youth hunters of any age are permitted to kill one deer of either gender and one bear if they are 14 or 15 years old. Three tags may be used on antlerless deer: regular season, DMP, and Deer Management Assistance Program. Please refer to the Hunting and Trapping Guide and the Junior Hunter Mentoring Program website for more details and limitations.

FAQs related New york Hunting Seasons

When does the New York hunting season start and end?

Depending on the kind of game being pursued, New York’s hunting season normally runs from September to December.

What types of animals can be hunted in New York during hunting season?

During hunting season in New York, hunters may pursue a wide variety of wildlife, including white-tailed deer, black bear, turkey, waterfowl, and small game like squirrels, rabbits, and grouse.

Leave a Comment