New York Hunting Seasons 2023 [Latest NYS Hunting Rules]

Welcome to the highly awaited New York Hunting Seasons 2023-2024, when hunters around the state await amazing outdoor activities. New York has ample wildlife in its extensive woods and gorgeous rivers. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or a newbie eager to enjoy the thrill of the chase, the 2023 hunting season offers many chances to connect with nature, test your abilities, and make memories.

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation hunting seasons are thrilling. With early bear, Canada goose, and deer hunting seasons already underway, it’s the perfect time to delve into the essential hunting guide for the New York 2023 season. This guide includes start and end dates, bag limits, regulations, and vital hunting information. Let’s check into it!

What are the dates for hunting season in NY 2023-2024?

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.

NY Big Game Hunting Important dates

Hunting Seasons Summary	Dates
Northern Zone Bowhunting	27-Sep
Southern Zone Bowhunting	1-Oct
Northern Zone Muzzleloader	Oct 14 - Oct 20
Northern Zone Firearms	Begins on Oct 21
Crossbow Use	Last 10 days of Northern Zone bow season (Oct 11 - Oct 20)
	Last 14 days of Southern Zone bow season (Nov 4 - Nov 17)
Youth Big Game Hunt	Columbus/Indigenous Peoples' Day weekend, Oct 7-9

NY Hunting Season by Game Species

NY Deer Season 2023-2024

The New York deer hunting seasons for 2023–2024 comprise an antlerless-only season in mid-September, a standard season for guns, crossbows, and vertical bows, a late bow season, a muzzleloading season, and a Suffolk County special weapons season.

Early Antlerless Deer Season

Early Antlerless Deer Area	Dates	Eligible Methods
Northern Zone	NA
Southern Zone	Sept. 9 - 17	Firearms, bows, crossbow
	WMUs 3M, 3R, 8A,
	8F, 8G, 8J, 8N,
	9A, 9F
	WMUs 4J, 8C	Bowhunting only
Westchester County	Sept. 9 - 17	Bowhunting only
	(WMU 3S)
Suffolk County	Sept. 9 - 17	Bowhunting only
	(WMU 1C)

Regular Deer Season

Regular Deer Season Area	Dates	Eligible WMUs
Northern Zone	Oct. 21 - Dec. 3
Southern Zone	Nov. 18 - Dec. 10
Westchester County	Oct. 1 - Dec. 31	WMU 3S (bowhunting only)
Suffolk County	Oct. 1, 2023 - Jan. 31, 2024	WMU 1C (bowhunting only)

Bow hunting Deer Season

Bowhunting Deer Area	Dates	Eligible WMUs
Northern Zone	Sept. 27 - Oct. 20
	Dec. 4 - Dec. 10	WMUs 5A, 5G, 5J, 6A, 6C, 6G, 6H only
Southern Zone	Oct. 1 - Nov. 17
	Dec. 11 - Dec. 19
	Dec. 26 - Jan. 1
Westchester County	Oct. 1 - Dec. 31	WMU 3S (bowhunting only)
Suffolk County	Oct. 1, 2023 - Jan. 31, 2024	WMU 1C (bowhunting only)

Crossbow Deer Season

Crossbow Deer Area	Dates	Eligible WMUs
Northern Zone	Oct. 11 - Oct. 20
Southern Zone	Nov. 4 - Nov. 17	Not in WMUs 4J or 8C
Westchester County	NA	WMU 3S
Suffolk County	NA	WMU 1C

Muzzleloading Deer Season

Muzzleloading Deer Area	Dates	Eligible WMUs
Northern Zone	Oct. 14 - Oct. 20
	Dec. 4 - Dec. 10	WMUs 5A, 5G, 5J, 6A, 6C, 6G, 6H only
Southern Zone	Dec. 12 - Dec. 20	Except bowhunting only WMUs 4J and 8C
	Dec. 26 - Jan. 1	Except bowhunting only WMUs 4J and 8C
Westchester County		WMU 3S
Suffolk County		WMU 1C

Bear Season

Area	Dates	Shaded Portions
Early Bear Season
Northern Zone	Yellow and Brown
Southern Zone	Orange
	Green	Sept. 9 - Sept. 24
Westchester County		Light Blue
Bear Bowhunting Season
Area	Dates	Shaded Portions
Northern Zone	Yellow and Brown	Sept. 16 - Oct. 20
Southern Zone	Orange	Oct. 1 - Nov. 17
		Dec. 11 - Dec. 19
	Green	Oct. 1 - Nov. 17
		Dec. 11 - Dec. 19
Westchester County		Same as Regular Season
Bear Crossbow Season
Area	Dates	Shaded Portions
Northern Zone	Yellow and Brown	Oct. 12 - Oct. 21
Southern Zone	Orange	Nov. 4 - Nov. 17
		(Not in WMUs 3S, 4J or 8C)
	Green	Nov. 4 - Nov. 17
Westchester County		Light Blue
Regular Bear Season
Area	Dates	Shaded Portions
Northern Zone	Yellow and Brown	Sept. 17 - Dec. 4
Southern Zone	Orange	Nov. 18 - Dec. 10
	Green	Nov. 18 - Dec. 10
Westchester County		Oct. 1 - Dec. 31
		(Bowhunting only, Light Blue)
Bear Muzzleloading Season
Area	Dates	Shaded Portions
Northern Zone	Yellow and Brown	Oct. 15 - Oct. 21
Southern Zone	Orange	Dec. 11 - Dec. 19
	Green	Dec. 11 - Dec. 19
Westchester County		Light Blue

Turkey Season

Spring Turkey Hunt
Hunt Type	Start Date	End Date
Spring Turkey Hunt	1-May	31-May
Youth Turkey Hunt
Hunt Type	Start Date	End Date
Youth Turkey Hunt	22-Apr	23-Apr
Fall Turkey Hunt
Hunt Type	Start Date	End Date
Fall Turkey Hunt	1-Oct	14-Oct
	15-Oct	28-Oct
	19-Nov	2-Dec
Area 1A & 2A
Area	Status
1A	Closed
2A	Closed

Ruffed Grouse Season

NY Ruffed Grouse Season	Hunting Start Date	Hunting End Date	Note
Ruffed Grouse (North Zone)	20-Sep-23	29-Feb-24	A bag limit of 4 per day.
Ruffed Grouse (South Zone)	1-Oct-23	29-Feb-24	A bag limit of 4 per day.

Pheasant Season

NY Pheasant Season	Hunting Start Date	Hunting End Date	Note
Regular Season	21-Oct-23	31-Dec-23	Bag limit of 2
Regular Season	21-Oct-23	1-Feb-24	Bag limit of 2
Regular Season	1-Oct-23	1-Feb-24	Bag limit of 2
Regular Season	1-Nov-23	31-Dec-23	Bag limit of 4
Regular Season	1-Nov-23	31-Dec-23	Bag limit of 4
Youth Hunt Season	14-Oct-23	15-Oct-23	Bag limit of 2
Youth Hunt Season	14-Oct-23	15-Oct-23	Bag limit of 2
Youth Hunt Season	23-Sep-23	24-Sep-23	Bag limit of 2
Youth Hunt Season	28-Oct-23	29-Oct-23	Bag limit of 4 and Possession Limit of 30
Youth Hunt Season	28-Oct-23	29-Oct-23	Bag limit of 4 and Possession Limit of 30

Quail Season

New York Quail Season	Hunting Start Date	Hunting End Date	Note
Bobwhite Quail (Early)	1-Oct-23	29-Feb-24	A bag limit of 4 per day. Orange and Putnam Counties.
Bobwhite Quail (Late)	1-Nov-23	31-Dec-23	A bag limit of 6 per day. Nassau and Suffolk Counties.

NY Migratory Bird Season

Woodcock Season

Woodcock Area	Dates	Bag Limit
Upstate NY (1,3)	Oct. 1 - Nov. 14	3 per day
Long Island (2,3)	Oct. 1 - Nov. 14	3 per day

Woodcock Regulations:

• HIP Registration Not Required
• Shooting Hours Sunrise to Sunset          
• Non-Toxic Shot not required     
• Fed Migratory Bird Stamp NOT Required

Crow Seasons

NY Crow Area	Dates	Bag Limit
Upstate NY (1,3)	Sept. 1 - Mar. 31	None
Long Island (2,3)	Sept. 1 - Mar. 31	None

Crow Regulations:

• HIP Registration Not Required
• Shooting Hours Sunrise to Sunset          
• Non-Toxic Shot not required     
• Fed Migratory Bird Stamp NOT Required
• Hunting on Fri., Sat., Sun. & Mon. ONLY;
• Rifles and amplified calls permitted

Snipe Season

NY Snipe Area	Dates	Bag Limit
Upstate NY (1,3)	Sept. 1 - Nov. 9	8 per day
Long Island (2,3)	Closed	N/A

Snipe Regulations

• HIP Registration Required
• Shooting Hours: 1/2-Hr Before Sunrise to Sunset
• Non-Toxic Shot required           
• Fed Migratory Bird Stamp NOT Required

Virginia & Sora Rails Season

NY Virginia & Sora Rails Area	Dates	Bag Limit
Upstate NY (1,3)	Sept. 1 - Nov. 9	8 per day
Long Island (2,3)	Closed	N/A

Virginia & Sora Rails Regulations

• HIP Registration Required
• Shooting Hours: 1/2-Hr Before Sunrise to Sunset
• Non-Toxic Shot required           
• Fed Migratory Bird Stamp NOT Required

Gallinules Season

NY Gallinules Area	Dates	Bag Limit
Upstate NY (1,3)	Sept. 1 - Nov. 9	8 per day
Long Island (2,3)	Closed	N/A

Gallinules Regulations

• HIP Registration Required
• Shooting Hours: 1/2-Hr Before Sunrise to Sunset
• Non-Toxic Shot required           
• Fed Migratory Bird Stamp NOT Required

Clapper & King Rails Season

NY Clapper & King Rails Area	Dates	Bag Limit
Upstate NY (1,3)	Closed	N/A
Long Island (2,3)	Closed	N/A

New York Waterfowl Hunting

Regular Waterfowl Season

NY Waterfowl Hunting	Season Dates	Daily Limit	Possession Limit
Ducks
Species	Ducks	6	18
Western	Oct. 21 - Nov. 12	6	18
Northeast	Oct. 7 - Oct. 29	6	18
Lake Champlain	Oct. 7 - Oct. 11	6	18
Southeast	Oct. 21 - Dec. 3	6	18
Long Island	Nov. 18 - Nov. 26	6	18
Coots
Species	Coots	15	45
Western	Oct. 21 - Nov. 12	15	45
Northeast	Oct. 7 - Oct. 29	15	45
Lake Champlain	Oct. 7 - Oct. 11	15	45
Southeast	Oct. 21 - Dec. 3	15	45
Long Island	Nov. 18 - Nov. 26	15	45
Mergansers
Species	Mergansers	6	18
Western	Nov. 25 - Dec. 31	6	18
Northeast	Nov. 4 - Dec. 10	6	18
Lake Champlain	Nov. 4 - Dec. 28	6	18
Southeast	Dec. 9 - Dec. 24	6	18
Long Island	Dec. 9 - Jan. 28	6	18
Scaup (2 bird daily bag limit)
Species	Scaup
Western	Dec. 12 - Dec. 31
Northeast	Nov. 15 - Dec. 4
Lake Champlain	Dec. 9 - Dec. 28
Southeast	Nov. 30 - Dec. 3, Dec. 9-24
Long Island	Jan. 9 - Jan. 28
Snow Geese
Species	Snow Geese	25	no limit
Western	Oct. 1 - Apr. 15	25	no limit
Northeast	Oct. 1 - Apr. 15	25	no limit
Lake Champlain	Oct. 1 - Dec. 31	25	no limit
Southeast	Oct. 1 - Apr. 15	25	no limit
Long Island	Nov. 25 - Mar. 10	25	no limit
Brant
Species	Brant	1	3
Western	Oct. 14 - Nov. 12	1	3
Northeast	Oct. 14 - Nov. 12	1	3
Lake Champlain	Oct. 14 - Nov. 12	1	3
Southeast	Oct. 14 - Nov. 12	1	3
Long Island	Dec. 30 - Jan. 28	1	3
Youth Days
Species	Ducks
Western	Sept 30 & Oct. 1
Northeast	Sept. 23 & 24
Lake Champlain	Sept. 23 & 24
Southeast	Sept. 23 & 24
Long Island	Nov. 4 & Nov. 5
Veteran and Active Military Days
Species	Ducks
Western	Oct. 7 & Jan. 20
Northeast	Sept. 23 & 24
Lake Champlain	No special season
Southeast	Sept. 23 & 24
Long Island	Nov. 11 & Nov. 12

Note:

• Youth Days provide enhanced hunting chances for youth hunters 12–15 with a junior hunting license. Young hunters may hunt ducks, coots, mergansers, Canada geese, and brant in each zone. Youth Days have the same daily bag restrictions for these species as the regular season. However, the September Canada goose bag limitations do not apply. A licensed adult hunter with a HIP registration and duck stamp for safety and instruction must accompany young hunters. The mentor cannot carry a rifle, longbow, or crossbow when hunting. However, hunters who are not mentoring the young are not restricted.

• New York allows six ducks daily, including mergansers and sea ducks like scoters, eiders, and long-tailed ducks. Certain species are restricted. Hunters cannot take harlequin ducks, and within the daily limit of 6, they can take no more than 4 mallards (2 of which can be hens), 3 wood ducks, 2 black ducks, 1 pintail, 1 scaup (except during the specified 20-day period mentioned in the season’s table where 2 may be taken), 2 redheads, 2 canvasback, or 4 sea ducks (with no more than 3 scoters, 3 eiders, or 3 long-tailed ducks). The 3 eiders can only have one hen. The daily limit for other New York duck species is 6.

Canada Geese Season

NY Canada Geese Season	Season Dates	Daily Limit
Northeast	Sept 1 - Sept 25	15
	Oct 28 - Dec 11	3
West Central	Sept 1 - Sept 25	15
	Oct 28 - Nov 26	3
	Dec 26 - Jan 9	3
Lake Champlain	Sept 1 - Sept 25	8
	Oct 14 - Nov 27	3
	Dec 1 - Jan 6	5
East Central	Sept 1- Sept 25	15
	Oct 28 - Nov 17	3
	Nov 25 - Dec 18	3
Hudson Valley	Sept 1 - Sept 25	15
	Oct 28 - Nov 11	3
	Dec 9 - Jan 7	3
South	Sept 1 - Sept 25	15
	Oct 28 - Nov 17	5
	Nov 25-Jan 21	5

Long Island Canada Geese Season

Long Island Canada Geese Season	Season Dates	Daily Limit
Western	Oct 7 - Oct 22	8
	Nov 18 - Nov 26	8
	Dec 6 - Feb 21	8
Central	Sept 5 Sept 30	15
	Nov 18 - Nov 26	3
	Dec 9 - Feb 7	3
Eastern	Sept 5 - Sept 30	15
	Nov 18-Nov 26	2
	Dec 9-Jan 28	2

Squirrel Season

NY Squirrel Season	Hunting Start Date	Hunting End Date	Limits
Gray, Black & Fox Squirrel	1-Sep-23	29-Feb-24	6
Gray, Black & Fox Squirrel	1-Nov-23	29-Feb-24	6

Rabbit Season

New York Rabbit Season	Hunting Start Date	Hunting End Date	Note
Rabbit (Cottontail)	1-Oct-23	17-Mar-24	6 bag limit
Rabbit (Cottontail)	1-Oct-23	29-Feb-24	6 bag limit
Rabbit (Cottontail)	1-Nov-23	29-Feb-24	6 bag limit
Varying Hare Rabbit Hunting	1-Oct-23	17-Mar-24	6 bag limit
Varying Hare Rabbit Hunting	1-Jan-24	31-Jan-24	2 bag limit
Varying Hare Rabbit Hunting	11-Dec-23	29-Feb-24	2 bag limit

NY Furbearer Hunting Season

Fox Season

NY Fox Season	Hunting Start Date	Hunting End Date	Limit
Red & Gray	1-Nov-23	25-Feb-24	No Bag Limit
Red & Gray	25-Oct-23	15-Feb-24	No Bag Limit

Bobcat Season

New York Bobcat Season	Hunting Start Date	Hunting End Date	Note
Bobcat-2	25-Oct	18-Nov	There is no limit. (Select units)
Bobcat-1	25-Oct	15-Feb	There is no limit. (Select units)

Coyote Season

New York Coyote Season	Hunting Start Date	Hunting End Date	Note
Coyote	1-Oct	26-Mar	(Statewide) There is no limit.

Raccoon Season

Species	Hunting Start Date	Hunting End Date	Limit
Raccoon	1-Nov-23	25-Feb-24	No Bag Limit
Raccoon	25-Oct-23	15-Feb-24	No Bag Limit

Skunk Season

Species	Hunting Start Date	Hunting End Date	Limit
Skunk	1-Nov-23	25-Feb-24	No Bag Limit
	25-Oct-23	15-Feb-24	No Bag Limit

Opossum & Weasel Season

Species	Hunting Start Date	Hunting End Date	Limit
Opossum & Weasel	1-Nov-23	25-Feb-24	No Bag Limit
	25-Oct-23	15-Feb-24	No Bag Limit

NY Furbearer Trapping Season

NY Furbearer Trapping Season	Hunting Start Date	Hunting End Date	Note
Raccoon, Red Fox, Gray Fox, Skunk, Coyote Opossum & Weasel	25-Oct-23	15-Feb-24	There is no bag limit
	25-Oct-23	15-Feb-24	There is no bag limit
	1-Nov-23	25-Feb-24	There is no bag limit
Mink & Muskrat Trapping Season	1-Nov-23	15-Apr-24	There is no bag limit
	10-Nov-23	15-Feb-24	There is no bag limit
	10-Nov-23	7-Apr-24	There is no bag limit
`	15-Dec-23	25-Feb-24
Fisher & Marten	1-Nov-23	30-Nov-23	A bag limit of 6 Marten and no bag limit for Fisher
	25-Oct-23	30-Oct-23	Fisher only and no bag limits
	25-Oct-23	10-Dec-23	Fisher only and no bag limits
Bobcat	25-Oct-23	15-Feb-24	There is no bag limit
	25-Oct-23	18-Nov-23	There is no bag limit
Beaver	1-Nov-23	7-Apr-24	There is no bag limit
	10-Nov-23	7-Apr-24	There is no bag limit
River Otter	10-Nov-23	7-Apr-24	There is no bag limit
	10-Nov-23	28-Feb-24	There is no bag limit

Lottery Entries Open for Duck Hunting Opening Weekend at Oak Orchard and Tonawanda Wildlife Management Areas 2023

Event	Details
Event Type	Waterfowl Hunting Permit Lottery for Duck Hunting Opening Weekend
Hunting Areas	Oak Orchard Wildlife Management Area (WMA) and Tonawanda WMA
Hunting Dates	October 21 and 22, 2023 (first Saturday and Sunday of Western Zone duck season)
Application Deadline	15-Sep-23
Permit Distribution	Random lottery
Permits Issued	• Oak Orchard WMA: 50 permits • Tonawanda WMA: 100 permits
Location of WMAs	Primarily in Genesee and Niagara counties, with small portions in Orleans and Erie counties
Permit Purpose	Promote hunter safety, reduce conflicts, and enhance hunting quality during high-use days
Contact	DEC Iroquois Wildlife Field Office: (585) 948-5182
Alternate Application	If unable to complete online survey, contact the office before Sept. 15 deadline
Form to Apply for the lottery	Apply Here

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 and 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. Three tags may be used on antlerless deer: regular season, DMP, and Deer Management Assistance Program.

Youth Big Game Hunting Rules

Youth Big Game Hunt Rules	Details
Eligible Hunters	12 to 15-year-old hunters (statewide, with the exception of Suffolk and Westchester counties and regions where bowhunting is only permitted)
Hunt Accompaniment	When hunting large game with a rifle, licensed 12- to 15-year-olds must be accompanied by an experienced, licensed adult.
Bag Limits	All junior hunters who qualify may take one deer of either sex and one bear at the ages of 14 and 15.
Tagging	A normal season tag, a tag from the Deer Management Assistance Program (DMAP), or a tag from the Deer Management Permit (DMP) may be used to tag antlerless deer that were shot during the youth hunt. Only the normal season tag may be used to tag antlerless deer.
Additional Rules	On pages 36 and 37 of the Hunting and Trapping Guide, as well as via the Junior Hunter Mentoring Program, are rules for young hunters and the adults who will serve as their mentors.

New York State’s 2023-24 Hunting and Trapping Licenses Now Available for Purchase!

Deer Management Permit (DMP) Application Deadline

Deer Management Permit	Deadline
Application Deadline	October 1
WMU Selection	Prior to application, hunters should be knowledgeable of the Wildlife Management Unit (WMU) they want to hunt in.

NY Hunting and Trapping Licenses 2023-2024

New York 2023-24 hunting and trapping season	Details
Licenses and Permits On Sale	NY Deer Management Permits (DMPs) and hunting and trapping licenses for 2023-24
Purchase Options	Online, at license-issuing agents, or by phone
License Validity	Hunting and trapping licenses are valid from September 1 to August 31, whereas fishing licenses are good for 365 days.
Supporting Conservation	License purchases fund DEC conservation efforts and preserve New York's fish and wildlife.
Habitat & Access Stamp	Consider purchasing a $5 Habitat & Access Stamp to support habitat conservation and access improvements
NY DEC Call Center Number	• Hunting and Fishing Licenses Purchase: 1-866-933-2257 • License Issues: 518-402-8843 • Hunter Education Information: 1-888-HuntEd2 (1-888-486-8332) • Wildlife Questions: 518-402-8883
Call Center Information	The DEC Call Center is open 7 a.m.–7 p.m. (Mon-Fri) and 9 a.m.–5 p.m. (Saturdays till Nov. 30). Phone orders for hunting permits may take 14 business days.
Requirements for Purchase	Contact information, DEC customer ID (if applicable), proof of residence, a valid credit card for online/phone payments, and hunter/trapper education or license are required for purchase.
Deer Management Permits (DMPs)	DMPs (antlerless deer tags) available in stores, via phone, and online until Oct. 1. Randomly selected. The DEC website has details.
Education for New Hunters and Trappers	Mandatory for first-time hunters to take classes before buying a license. In-person and online classes. DEC's website includes study resources and registration details.
Online Courses	NY citizens may take online hunter and bowhunter courses for $24.95 and $30, respectively. Hunting rights are granted upon passing. Details DEC's site
Bowhunter Education Course	Online certification available for bowhunters and access to Online Courses at https://www.bowhunter-ed.com/newyork/
Junior Hunters and Trappers	Junior hunters (12-15) and trappers (12+) may participate in DEC youth hunts and mentorship programs. Website opportunities and information from DEC.
HuntFishNY Mobile App	Provides digital licenses, reporting game harvests, and hunting/fishing info
Additional Hunting Opportunities	Early antlerless deer season, junior hunters, holiday deer hunt, and more
New York State DEC Website	https://www.dec.ny.gov/press/128238.html

NY Hunting License Replacement

Information	Details
Address Change	Online
Address Change by Phone	1-866-933-2257
Address Change	By Email
License Issuing Agent	Agent Location
Replacement of Licenses/tags	Replacement Agents
Lifetime License Holders	License, tags, and back tag mailed by Sept. 1 each year if requirements met and profile updated.
	Replacement at agent location between Sept. 1 Nov. 1 for free; after Nov. 1, subject to fees.
Annual & New Lifetime License Purchases	Allow 14 business days to receive license and tags via mail.
	Replacement within 60 days of purchase through agent or License Sales office (M-F, 8am-4pm).
	Replacements after 60 days subject to fees.
Residency Qualifications	Permanent residency for more than 30 days; owning property not constituting residency.
Proof of Residency (Annual Licenses)	Various documents accepted as proof of residency
Nonresident Military Members & College Students	Eligible for resident fee with proper proof
Proof of Residency (Lifetime Licenses)	Various documents accepted as proof of residency
Military Personnel	Military domiciled within NYS eligible for lifetime licenses with proof
Proof of Age	Birth certificate, passport, driver's license, non-drivers photo ID
Licenses as Gifts	Only lifetime licenses for children under 16 can be gifted
Required Documents for Gift Purchases	Proof of age, proof of residency (parent/legal guardian proof for children 16 & under)
License Holder Responsibilities	Carry license while sporting; display to authorities if requested
	Respect private property; license doesn't grant access without permission
	Ensure accurate license info; errors invalidate license
	No license sharing; non-transferable
	Abide by regulations, harvest limits, and seasons

License & Tags Replacement Fees

Replacement	Fees	Note
Licenses for fishing, hunting or trapping	$5 (per transaction)	Annual and lifetime
Recreational marine fishing registration card	No fee
Carcass tag sets	$10	Per set (for deer, bear or turkey)
Hunting Back tags	No fee

NY Hunting license Cost

NY License/Privilege Type	Price
Hunting (Ages 16+)
NYS Resident 16–69	$22
NYS Resident 70+	$5
Military Disabled	$5
Patriot	FREE
Indigenous Peoples	FREE
Non-Resident 16+	$100
Junior Hunting (Ages 12–15)
NYS Resident 12–15	$5
Non-Resident 12–15	$5
Bowhunting Privilege (Ages 16+)
NYS Resident 16–69	$15
NYS Resident 70+	FREE
Military Disabled	FREE
Patriot	$15
Indigenous Peoples	FREE
Non-Resident 16+	$30
Junior Bowhunting (Ages 12–15)
NYS Resident 12–15	$4
Non-Resident 12–15	$4
Muzzleloader Privilege (Ages 12+)
NYS Resident 12–69	$15
NYS Resident 70+	FREE
Military Disabled	FREE
Patriot	$15
Indigenous Peoples	FREE
Non-Resident 12+	$30
Deer Management Permit Application (Ages 12+)
NYS Resident 12–15	FREE
NYS Resident 16+	$10
Military Disabled	$10
Patriot	$10
Indigenous Peoples	$10
Non-Resident 12–15	FREE
Non-Resident 16+	$10
Turkey Permit (Ages 12+)
NYS Resident 12+	$10
Military Disabled	$10
Patriot	$10
Indigenous Peoples	$10
Non-Resident 12+	$20
Trapping
NYS Resident 12–15	$5
NYS Resident 16–69	$20
NYS Resident 70+	$5
Military Disabled	$5
Patriot	FREE
Indigenous Peoples	FREE
Non-Resident 12–15	$5
Non-Resident 16+	$275

Stamps/Donation Cost

Stamps / Donations	Age/Special Qualifier	Cost
Habitat & Access Stamp	Any	$5
Venison Donation	Any	$1 or more
Federal Duck Stamp	16+	$25

NY Hunting Guides 2023

Printable NY Hunting Season Schedule

NY Hunting & Trapping Guide

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)

A Perspective on New York’s Outdoor Season

Fall in New York offers thrilling outdoor adventures, but safe and careful exploration of public areas is the highlight. This voyage requires careful preparation, from communicating your location and projected return with a trusted contact to wearing blazing orange or pink during hunting seasons to increase visibility. Outdoor enthusiasts who nod or greet one other while hiking or hunting form a distinct community, especially during hunting seasons.

The New York State Hunting and Trapping Regulations guide is essential for understanding hunting seasons by area and animal type. Knowing property-specific restrictions for state parks, wildlife management areas, and other public properties enhances the experience. These regions, essential for wildlife preservation, allow hunting, fishing, and trapping, stressing the need of safety, responsibility, and respect while exploring New York’s extensive public resources. View the video by NYSDEC below for a wonderful perspective.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does the New York hunting season start and end?

The New York hunting season for deer and bear is set to begin with bowhunting in the Northern Zone on September 27, 2023, and in the Southern Zone on October 1, 2023. In addition, a Youth Big Game Hunt for hunters aged 12 to 15 will be held from October 7–9, 2023. The Northern Zone’s early muzzleloader season for deer and bear begins on October 14, 2023, and the regular weapons season follows on October 21. Deer Management Permits (DMPs) have an application cutoff date of October 1, 2023. Hunters are urged to abide by the rules and report their kills within seven days in order to prevent Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in the deer and moose of New York.

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

In New York during the hunting season, various types of animals can be hunted. The types of animals that can be hunted include:

1. Deer (Regular, Bowhunting, Muzzleloading seasons)
2. Black Bear
3. Turkey (Fall and Spring seasons)
4. Waterfowl (Ducks, Coots, Canada Geese, Brant, Snow Geese)
5. Upland Birds (Woodcock, Crow, Snipe, Rails, Gallinules)
6. Small Game (Cottontail Rabbit, Pheasant, Bobwhite Quail, Raccoon, Fox, Skunk, Opossum, Weasel, Coyote, Varying Hare, Gray Squirrel, Red Squirrel)
7. Furbearers (Bobcat, River Otter, Fisher, Marten, Beaver, Mink, Muskrat)

Each type of animal has its own specific hunting season and regulations as mentioned in the page above.

What are the requirements for getting a hunting license in New York?

To get a New York hunting license, you must meet certain requirements. Firstly, you must be 12 years old. You must also complete a hunter safety course online or in person. This course teaches hunters how to hunt safely and responsibly. These requirements enable individuals to get hunting permits and hunt lawfully in New York.

What are the hunting dates for deer in New York using a crossbow during the 2023-2024 season for individuals over 60 years old?

New Yorkers over 60 may shoot deer with a crossbow during the 2023-2024 hunting season. Hunting is plentiful throughout the Regular Bow Season from October 1 to December 31. These dates provide senior hunters in New York more crossbow hunting options. This season, all Wildlife Management Units (WMUs) except 5A, 9A, and 27 allow crossbows.

NYSDEC Hunting Contacts

NYS Department	Contact Information
Sporting License Sales	1-866-933-2257
Sporting License Office	518-402-8843 or fw.information@dec.ny.gov
Hunter Education	1-888-HuntEd2 (1-888-486-8332) or Hunter@dec.ny.gov
Wildlife: Hunting on Long Island Information	631-444-0310 or wildlife.r1
Bureau of Wildlife	518-402-8883 or wildlife@dec.ny.gov
Special Licenses	518-402-8985 or SpecialLicenses@dec.ny.gov

Hunting Dates & Schedule Source:

dec.ny.gov