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 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 Season | Hunting Start Date | Hunting End Date | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bobcat-2 | Tuesday, October 25, 2022 | Friday, November 18, 2022 | There is no limit. (Select units) |
| Bobcat-1 | Tuesday, October 25, 2022 | Wednesday, February 15, 2023 | There is no limit. (Select units) |
Coyote Season
| New York Coyote Season | Hunting Start Date | Hunting End Date | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coyote | Saturday, October 01, 2022 | Sunday, March 26, 2023 | (Statewide) There is no limit. |
NY Bear Season
| New York Bear Season | Hunting Start Date | Hunting End Date | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bear (Early Southern Zone) | Saturday, September 10, 2022 | Sunday, September 25, 2022 | Certain WMUs. |
| Bear (Early Bow Northern Zone) | Saturday, September 17, 2022 | Sunday, December 04, 2022 | Certain WMUs |
| Bear (Bow Northern Zone) | Saturday, September 17, 2022 | Friday, October 21, 2022 | |
| Bear (Early Bow Southern Zone) | Saturday, October 01, 2022 | Friday, November 18, 2022 | |
| Bear (Bow Westchester County) | Saturday, October 01, 2022 | Saturday, December 31, 2022 | |
| Bear (Crossbow Northern Zone) | Wednesday, October 12, 2022 | Friday, October 21, 2022 | |
| Bear (Muzzleloader Northern Zone) | Saturday, October 15, 2022 | Friday, October 21, 2022 | |
| Bear (Gun Northern Zone) | Saturday, October 22, 2022 | Sunday, December 04, 2022 | |
| Bear (Crossbow Southern) | Saturday, November 05, 2022 | Friday, November 18, 2022 | Zones 4J and 8C do not permit crossbow hunting. |
| Bear (Gun Southern Zone) | Saturday, November 19, 2022 | Sunday, December 11, 2022 | |
| Bear (Muzzleloader Southern Zone) | Monday, December 12, 2022 | Tuesday, December 20, 2022 | |
| Bear (Late Bow Southern Zone) | Monday, December 12, 2022 | Tuesday, December 20, 2022 |
Deer Season
| NY Deer Season | Hunting Start Date | Hunting End Date | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deer (Gun Northern Zone) | Oct 22, 0022 | Sunday, December 04, 2022 | |
| Deer (Early Bow Northern Zone) | Tuesday, September 27, 2022 | Friday, October 21, 2022 | |
| Deer (Bow Suffolk County) | Saturday, October 01, 2022 | Tuesday, January 31, 2023 | |
| Deer (Westchester County) | Saturday, October 01, 2022 | Saturday, December 31, 2022 | Bowhunting only. |
| Deer (Early Bow Southern Zone) | Saturday, October 01, 2022 | Friday, November 18, 2022 | |
| Deer (Muzzleloader Northern Zone 1) | Saturday, October 15, 2022 | Friday, October 21, 2022 | See regulations for zone restrictions. |
| Deer (Crossbow Southern Zone) | Saturday, November 05, 2022 | Friday, November 18, 2022 | Hunting is prohibited in WMU's 4J and 8C. |
| Deer (Gun South Zone) | Saturday, November 19, 2022 | Sunday, December 11, 2022 | |
| Deer (Muzzleloader Northern Zone 2) | Monday, December 05, 2022 | Sunday, December 11, 2022 | See regulations for zone restrictions. |
| Deer (Late Bow Northern Zone) | Monday, December 05, 2022 | Sunday, December 11, 2022 | WMU’s 5A, 5G, 5J, 6A, 6C, 6G, and 6H. |
| Deer (Late Bow Southern Zone 1) | Monday, December 12, 2022 | Tuesday, December 20, 2022 | |
| Deer (Muzzleloader Southern Zone 1) | Monday, December 12, 2022 | Tuesday, December 20, 2022 | South Zone |
| Deer (Late Bow Southern Zone 2) | Monday, December 26, 2022 | Sunday, January 01, 2023 | |
| Deer (Muzzleloader Southern Zone 2) | Monday, December 26, 2022 | Sunday, January 01, 2023 | |
| Deer (Special Firearms Suffolk County) | Sunday, January 01, 2023 | Tuesday, January 31, 2023 | Permit Required. |
Rabbit Season
| New York Rabbit Season | Hunting Start Date | Hunting End Date | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rabbit (Cottontail) | Saturday, October 01, 2022 | Sunday, March 19, 2023 | Season dates vary by location. (Check regulations) |
| Rabbit (Varying Hare Hunting) | Saturday, October 01, 2022 | Sunday, March 19, 2023 | Season dates vary by location. (Check regulations) |
Duck Season
| New York Duck Season | Hunting Start Date | Hunting End Date | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duck (Northeast Zone-1) | Saturday, October 01, 2022 | Sunday, October 23, 2022 | A bag limit of 6 ducks per day. |
| Duck (Southeast Zone-1) | Saturday, October 15, 2022 | Sunday, November 27, 2022 | A bag limit of 6 ducks per day. |
| Duck (Lake Champlain 1) | Saturday, October 15, 2022 | Sunday, October 23, 2022 | A bag limit of 6 ducks per day. |
| Duck (Western Zone-1) | Saturday, October 15, 2022 | Sunday, November 06, 2022 | A bag limit of 6 ducks per day. |
| Duck (Lake Champlain 2) | Saturday, October 29, 2022 | Sunday, December 18, 2022 | A bag limit of 6 ducks per day. |
| Duck (Northeast Zone-2) | Saturday, October 29, 2022 | Sunday, December 04, 2022 | A bag limit of 6 ducks per day. |
| Duck (Long Island-1) | Saturday, November 19, 2022 | Sunday, November 27, 2022 | A bag limit of 6 ducks per day. |
| Duck (Western Zone-2) | Saturday, November 26, 2022 | Sunday, January 01, 2023 | A bag limit of 6 ducks per day. |
| Duck (Southeast Zone-2) | Saturday, December 03, 2022 | Sunday, December 18, 2022 | A bag limit of 6 ducks per day. |
| Duck (Long Island-2) | Saturday, December 10, 2022 | Sunday, January 29, 2023 | A bag limit of 6 ducks per day. |
Goose Season
| New York Goose Season | Hunting Start Date | Hunting End Date | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Goose (Canada Goose Statewide) | Thursday, September 01, 2022 | Sunday, September 25, 2022 | Long Island Zones are excluded. Check the rules for bag restrictions. |
| Goose (Canada Goose Long Island Eastern Zone 1) | Tuesday, September 06, 2022 | Friday, September 30, 2022 | Check the rules for bag restrictions. |
| Goose (Canada Goose Long Island Central Zone 1) | Tuesday, September 06, 2022 | Friday, September 30, 2022 | Check the rules for bag restrictions. |
| Goose (Snow Goose Lake Champlain Zone 1) | Saturday, October 01, 2022 | Saturday, December 31, 2022 | Check the rules for bag restrictions. |
| Goose (Brant) | Saturday, October 01, 2022 | Saturday, November 19, 2022 | NE, W, and SE Zones. See regulations for bag limits. |
| Goose (Snow Goose) | Saturday, October 01, 2022 | Saturday, April 15, 2023 | NE, W, and SE Zones. See regulations for bag limits. |
| Goose (Canada Goose Long Island Western Zone 1) | Saturday, October 08, 2022 | Sunday, October 23, 2022 | Check the rules for bag restrictions. |
| Goose (Canada Goose Lake Champlain Zone 2) | Saturday, October 15, 2022 | Sunday, November 13, 2022 | Check the rules for bag restrictions. |
| Goose (Brant – Lake Champlain Zone) | Saturday, October 15, 2022 | Saturday, December 03, 2022 | Check the rules for bag restrictions. |
| Goose (Canada Goose East Central Zone 2) | Saturday, October 22, 2022 | Sunday, November 20, 2022 | Check the rules for bag restrictions. |
| Goose (Canada Goose Northeast Zone 2) | Saturday, October 22, 2022 | Sunday, October 23, 2022 | Check the rules for bag restrictions. |
| Goose (Canada Goose South Zone 2) | Saturday, October 22, 2022 | Thursday, November 17, 2022 | Check the rules for bag restrictions. |
| Goose (Canada Goose West Central Zone 2) | Saturday, October 22, 2022 | Sunday, November 06, 2022 | Check the rules for bag restrictions. |
| Goose (Canada Goose Northeast Zone 3) | Saturday, October 29, 2022 | Friday, November 25, 2022 | Check the rules for bag restrictions. |
| Goose (Canada Goose Hudson Valley 2) | Saturday, November 05, 2022 | Friday, November 18, 2022 | Check the rules for bag restrictions. |
| Goose (Canada Goose Long Island Western Zone 2) | Saturday, November 19, 2022 | Sunday, November 27, 2022 | Check the rules for bag restrictions. |
| Goose (Canada Goose Long Island Eastern Zone 2) | Saturday, November 19, 2022 | Sunday, November 27, 2022 | Check the rules for bag restrictions. |
| Goose (Brant – Long Island 1) | Saturday, November 19, 2022 | Sunday, November 27, 2022 | Check the rules for bag restrictions. |
| Goose (Canada Goose Long Island Central Zone 2) | Saturday, November 19, 2022 | Sunday, November 27, 2022 | Check the rules for bag restrictions. |
| Goose (Snow Goose Long Island) | Thursday, November 24, 2022 | Friday, March 10, 2023 | Check the rules for bag restrictions. |
| Goose (Canada Goose South Zone 3) | Saturday, November 26, 2022 | Sunday, January 15, 2023 | Check the rules for bag restrictions. |
| Goose (Canada Goose Hudson Valley 3) | Saturday, December 03, 2022 | Sunday, December 18, 2022 | Check the rules for bag restrictions. |
| Goose (Canada Goose Long Island Western Zone 3) | Wednesday, December 07, 2022 | Wednesday, February 22, 2023 | Check the rules for bag restrictions. |
| Goose (Canada Goose Long Island Central Zone 3) | Saturday, December 10, 2022 | Wednesday, February 08, 2023 | Check the rules for bag restrictions. |
| Goose (Canada Goose Long Island Eastern Zone 3) | Saturday, December 10, 2022 | Sunday, January 29, 2023 | Check the rules for bag restrictions. |
| Goose (Canada Goose West Central Zone 3) | Monday, December 19, 2022 | Sunday, January 01, 2023 | Check the rules for bag restrictions. |
| Goose (Brant – Long Island 2) | Tuesday, December 20, 2022 | Sunday, January 29, 2023 | Check the rules for bag restrictions. |
| Goose (Snow Goose Lake Champlain Zone 2) | Monday, January 16, 2023 | Saturday, April 15, 2023 | Check the rules for bag restrictions. |
Ruffed Grouse Season
| NY Ruffed Grouse Season | Hunting Start Date | Hunting End Date | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ruffed Grouse (North Zone) | Tuesday, September 20, 2022 | Tuesday, February 28, 2023 | A bag limit of 4 per day. |
| Ruffed Grouse (South Zone) | Saturday, October 01, 2022 | Tuesday, February 28, 2023 | A bag limit of 4 per day. |
Pheasant Season
| New York Pheasant Season | Hunting Start Date | Hunting End Date | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pheasant (Cocks & Hens 2) | Saturday, October 01, 2022 | Tuesday, February 28, 2023 | A bag limit of 2 per day (cocks and hens). |
| Pheasant (Cocks) | Saturday, October 15, 2022 | Saturday, December 31, 2022 | A bag limit of 2 per day (cocks only). |
| Pheasant (Cocks & Hens 1) | Saturday, October 15, 2022 | Tuesday, February 28, 2023 | A bag limit of 2 per day (cocks and hens). |
| Pheasant (Cocks & Hens 3) | Tuesday, November 01, 2022 | Saturday, December 31, 2022 | A bag limit of 2 per day (cocks and hens). |
| Pheasant (Cocks 2) | Tuesday, November 01, 2022 | Saturday, December 31, 2022 | A bag limit of 2 per day (cocks only). |
Quail Season
| New York Quail Season | Hunting Start Date | Hunting End Date | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bobwhite Quail (Early) | Saturday, October 01, 2022 | Tuesday, February 28, 2023 | A bag limit of 4 per day. Orange and Putnam Counties. |
| Bobwhite Quail (Late) | Tuesday, November 01, 2022 | Saturday, December 31, 2022 | A bag limit of 6 per day. Nassau and Suffolk Counties. |
Turkey Season
| New York Turkey Season | Hunting Start Date | Hunting End Date | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Turkey (Fall Northern Zone) | Saturday, October 01, 2022 | Friday, October 14, 2022 | Bag limit 1 bird of either sex statewide. |
| Turkey (Fall Southern Zone) | Saturday, October 15, 2022 | Friday, October 28, 2022 | Bag limit 1 bird of either sex statewide. |
| Turkey (Fall 1C) | Saturday, November 19, 2022 | Friday, December 02, 2022 | WMU: 1C bag limit 1 bird of either sex statewide. |
| Turkey (Youth Spring) | Saturday, April 22, 2023 | Sunday, April 23, 2023 | Bag limit 1 bearded turkey. |
| Turkey (Spring Statewide) | Monday, May 01, 2023 | Wednesday, May 31, 2023 | Bag limit 2 bearded turkeys (one per day). |
Migratory Game Bird Hunting Seasons
| Migratory Game Bird Hunting Seasons | Hunting Dates | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 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) | Closed | NA |
| Clapper & King Rails (Long Island) (refer to note 2&3 below) | Closed | NA |
- All of New York State to the north of the Bronx-Westchester County line is referred to as upstate New York.
- All WMUs 1A and 1C are located on Long Island (Nassau and Suffolk counties).
- 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 Season | Hunting Start Date | Hunting End Date | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Raccoon, Red Fox, Gray Fox, Skunk, Coyote Opossum & Weasel | Tuesday, October 25, 2022 | Wednesday, February 15, 2023 | There is no bag limit |
| Tuesday, October 25, 2022 | Wednesday, February 15, 2023 | There is no bag limit |
|
| Tuesday, November 01, 2022 | Saturday, February 25, 2023 | There is no bag limit | |
| Mink & Muskrat Trapping Season | Tuesday, November 01, 2022 | Saturday, April 15, 2023 | There is no bag limit |
| Thursday, November 10, 2022 | Wednesday, February 15, 2023 | There is no bag limit | |
| Thursday, November 10, 2022 | Friday, April 07, 2023 | There is no bag limit | |
Fisher & Marten | Tuesday, November 01, 2022 | Wednesday, November 30, 2022 | A bag limit of 6 Marten and no bag limit for Fisher |
| Tuesday, October 25, 2022 | Sunday, October 30, 2022 | Fisher only and no bag limits | |
| Tuesday, October 25, 2022 | Saturday, December 10, 2022 | Fisher only and no bag limits | |
| Bobcat | Tuesday, October 25, 2022 | Wednesday, February 15, 2023 | There is no bag limit |
| Tuesday, October 25, 2022 | Friday, November 18, 2022 | There is no bag limit | |
| Beaver | Tuesday, November 01, 2022 | Friday, April 07, 2023 | There is no bag limit |
| Thursday, November 10, 2022 | Friday, April 07, 2023 | There is no bag limit | |
| River Otter | Thursday, November 10, 2022 | Friday, April 07, 2023 | There is no bag limit |
| Thursday, November 10, 2022 | Tuesday, February 28, 2023 | There 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.