New York 2026-27 Hunting Season Dates
Quick answer
New York's listed 2026-27 firearm deer season runs Oct 1, 2026-Jan 31, 2027.
Regular (Bow-only) White-tailed Deer opens Oct 1, 2026 and closes Dec 31, 2026.
Early Firearms Black Bear opens Sep 12, 2026 and closes Sep 27, 2026.
The tables below keep the rest of the listed seasons together by species, with source links back to New York DEC.
- firearm deer
- Oct 1, 2026-Jan 31, 2027
- archery deer
- Oct 1-Dec 31, 2026
- bear
- Sep 12-27, 2026
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Key seasons by species
We summarize official agency information and link to the source for verification. Regulations can change, and zone details matter. Always confirm final dates, bag limits, permits, and legal requirements with New York DEC before hunting.
Deer
50 listed rowsWhite-tailed Deer
Early Antlerless
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
No Early Antlerless season in Northern Zone
Zone: Northern Zone
White-tailed Deer
Special Firearms
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
No Special Firearms season in Southern Zone
Zone: Southern Zone
White-tailed Deer
Special Firearms
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
No Special Firearms season in Northern Zone
Zone: Northern Zone
White-tailed Deer
Early Antlerless
Sep 13-21, 2025
Bow and crossbow only. 9 consecutive days beginning 2nd Saturday of September.
Zone: Suffolk County (WMU 1C)
White-tailed Deer
Early Antlerless
Sep 13-21, 2025
9 consecutive days beginning 2nd Saturday of September. WMUs 4J and 8C bow and crossbow only.
Zone: Southern Zone - WMUs 3M, 3R, 8A, 8F, 8G, 8J, 8N, 9A, 9F (firearms, bows, crossbow); WMUs 4J, 8C (bow and crossbow only)
White-tailed Deer
Early Antlerless
Sep 13-21, 2025
Bow and crossbow only. 9 consecutive days beginning 2nd Saturday of September.
Zone: Westchester County (WMU 3S)
White-tailed Deer
Early Antlerless
Sep 13-21, 2025
WMUs 3M, 3R, 8A, 8F, 8G, 8J, 8N, 9A, 9F: firearms, bows, crossbow. WMUs 4J, 8C: bow and crossbow only. 9 consecutive days beginning the 2nd Saturday of September.
Zone: Southern Zone (WMUs 3M, 3R, 8A, 8F, 8G, 8J, 8N, 9A, 9F - firearms, bows, crossbow; WMUs 4J, 8C - bow and crossbow only)
White-tailed Deer
Bowhunting
Sep 27-Oct 24, 2025
Also Dec. 8 - Dec. 14 for WMUs 5A, 5G, 5J, 6A, 6C, 6G, 6H only. Crossbows may be used during all bowhunting seasons.
Zone: Northern Zone
White-tailed Deer
Archery (Bowhunting)
Sep 27-Oct 24, 2025
Primary bow season. Additional late bow: Dec. 8 - Dec. 14 in WMUs 5A, 5G, 5J, 6A, 6C, 6G, 6H only.
Zone: Northern Zone
White-tailed Deer
Firearm (Regular) - Bow and Crossbow Only
Oct 1, 2025-Jan 31, 2026
Bow and crossbow only. October 1 through January 31.
Zone: Suffolk County (WMU 1C)
White-tailed Deer
Archery (Bowhunting)
Oct 1-Nov 14, 2025
Primary bow season. Also Dec. 8 - Dec. 16 and Dec. 26 - Jan. 1. Crossbows may be used during all bowhunting seasons.
Zone: Southern Zone
White-tailed Deer
Firearm (Regular) - Bow and Crossbow Only
Oct 1-Dec 31, 2025
Bow and crossbow only. October 1 through December 31.
Zone: Westchester County (WMU 3S)
Show 38 more deer rows
White-tailed Deer
Regular Season
Oct 1, 2025-Jan 31, 2026
Bow and crossbow only.
Zone: Suffolk County (WMU 1C)
White-tailed Deer
Regular Season
Oct 1-Dec 31, 2025
Bow and crossbow only.
Zone: Westchester County (WMU 3S)
White-tailed Deer
Bowhunting
Oct 1-Nov 14, 2025
Also Dec. 8 - Dec. 16 and Dec. 26 - Jan. 1. Crossbows may be used during all bowhunting seasons.
Zone: Southern Zone
White-tailed Deer
Youth Firearms
Oct 11-13, 2025
Youth ages 12-15. Columbus Day Weekend.
Zone: Northern Zone
White-tailed Deer
Youth Firearms
Oct 11-13, 2025
Not in WMUs 4J or 8C. Youth ages 12-15. Columbus Day Weekend.
Zone: Southern Zone
White-tailed Deer
Youth Firearms
Oct 11-13, 2025
Youth ages 12-15. Columbus Day Weekend. Not in WMUs 4J or 8C.
Zone: Southern Zone (Not in WMUs 4J or 8C)
White-tailed Deer
Muzzleloader
Oct 18-24, 2025
Early muzzleloading: 7 consecutive days beginning 1st Saturday after Columbus Day. Additional late muzzleloading Dec. 8 - Dec. 14 in WMUs 5A, 5G, 5J, 6A, 6C, 6G, 6H only.
Zone: Northern Zone
White-tailed Deer
Firearm (Regular)
Oct 25-Dec 7, 2025
44 consecutive days beginning 2nd Saturday after Columbus Day.
Zone: Northern Zone
White-tailed Deer
Regular Firearms
Oct 25-Dec 7, 2025
44 consecutive days beginning on the 2nd Saturday after Columbus Day.
Zone: Northern Zone
White-tailed Deer
Firearm (Regular)
Nov 15-Dec 7, 2025
23 consecutive days beginning 3rd Saturday in November.
Zone: Southern Zone
White-tailed Deer
Regular Firearms
Nov 15-Dec 7, 2025
23 consecutive days beginning the 3rd Saturday in November.
Zone: Southern Zone
White-tailed Deer
Archery (Bowhunting) - Late 1
Dec 8-16, 2025
Late bow season, 9 days immediately following regular season.
Zone: Southern Zone
White-tailed Deer
Muzzleloader - Late 1
Dec 8-16, 2025
Not in WMUs 4J or 8C. 9 days immediately following regular season.
Zone: Southern Zone
White-tailed Deer
Archery (Bowhunting) - Late
Dec 8-14, 2025
Late bowhunting season in select WMUs only.
Zone: Northern Zone - WMUs 5A, 5G, 5J, 6A, 6C, 6G, 6H only
White-tailed Deer
Muzzleloader - Late
Dec 8-14, 2025
Late muzzleloading season in select WMUs only.
Zone: Northern Zone - WMUs 5A, 5G, 5J, 6A, 6C, 6G, 6H only
White-tailed Deer
Bowhunting Late
Dec 8-16, 2025
Also Dec. 26 - Jan. 1. Crossbows may be used during all bowhunting seasons.
Zone: Southern Zone
White-tailed Deer
Muzzleloading Late
Dec 8-14, 2025
Late muzzleloading extension for select WMUs only.
Zone: Northern Zone (WMUs 5A, 5G, 5J, 6A, 6C, 6G, 6H only)
White-tailed Deer
Bowhunting Late
Dec 8-14, 2025
Late bow extension for select WMUs only. Crossbows may be used during all bowhunting seasons.
Zone: Northern Zone (WMUs 5A, 5G, 5J, 6A, 6C, 6G, 6H only)
White-tailed Deer
Muzzleloader
Dec 8-16, 2025
Not in WMUs 4J or 8C. 9 consecutive days immediately following the regular season.
Zone: Southern Zone (Not in WMUs 4J or 8C)
White-tailed Deer
Archery (Bowhunting) - Late 2
Dec 26, 2025-Jan 1, 2026
Second late bow period, Dec. 26 through Jan. 1.
Zone: Southern Zone
White-tailed Deer
Muzzleloader - Late 2
Dec 26, 2025-Jan 1, 2026
Not in WMUs 4J or 8C. Dec. 26 through Jan. 1.
Zone: Southern Zone
White-tailed Deer
Bowhunting Late
Dec 26, 2025-Jan 1, 2026
Crossbows may be used during all bowhunting seasons.
Zone: Southern Zone
White-tailed Deer
Muzzleloading Late
Dec 26, 2025-Jan 1, 2026
Not in WMUs 4J or 8C.
Zone: Southern Zone (Not in WMUs 4J or 8C)
White-tailed Deer
Special Late Firearms
Jan 4-31, 2026
Special Permit Required. 1st Sunday in January through January 31.
Zone: Suffolk County (WMU 1C)
White-tailed Deer
Early Antlerless
Sep 12-20, 2026
Firearms and bows in WMUs 3M, 3P, 3R, 6P, 7F, 7H, 7J, 7R, 8A, 8F, 8G, 8H, 8J, 8N, 8R, 8S, 9A, 9F, and 9G. Bow-only in WMUs 1C, 3S, 4J, and 8C.
Zone: Southern Zone
White-tailed Deer
Early Antlerless
Sep 12-20, 2026
Bow-only
Zone: Westchester County (WMU 3S)
White-tailed Deer
Early Antlerless
Sep 12-20, 2026
Bow-only
Zone: Suffolk County (WMU 1C)
White-tailed Deer
Bowhunting
Sep 27-Oct 23, 2026
Additional late bowhunting Dec. 7 - Dec. 13 in WMUs 5A, 5G, 5J, 6A, 6C, 6G, 6H only. Crossbows may be used during all bowhunting seasons.
Zone: Northern Zone
White-tailed Deer
Regular (Bow-only)
Oct 1-Dec 31, 2026
Bow-only. No Youth Firearms, Muzzleloading, or Special Firearms season.
Zone: Westchester County (WMU 3S)
White-tailed Deer
Regular (Bow-only)
Oct 1, 2026-Jan 31, 2027
Bow-only
Zone: Suffolk County (WMU 1C)
White-tailed Deer
Bowhunting
Oct 1, 2026-Jan 1, 2027
Seasons: Oct. 1 - Nov. 20, Dec. 14 - Dec. 22, Dec. 26 - Jan. 1. Crossbows may be used during all bowhunting seasons.
Zone: Southern Zone
White-tailed Deer
Youth Firearms
Oct 10-12, 2026
Youth ages 12-15. Columbus Day Weekend.
Zone: Northern Zone
White-tailed Deer
Youth Firearms
Oct 10-12, 2026
Not in WMUs 1C, 3S, 4J or 8C. Youth ages 12-15. Columbus Day Weekend.
Zone: Southern Zone
White-tailed Deer
Muzzleloader
Oct 17-23, 2026
Additional late muzzleloading Dec. 7 - Dec. 13 in WMUs 5A, 5G, 5J, 6A, 6C, 6G, 6H only.
Zone: Northern Zone
White-tailed Deer
Regular Firearms
Oct 24-Dec 6, 2026
Zone: Northern Zone
White-tailed Deer
Regular Firearms
Nov 21-Dec 13, 2026
Zone: Southern Zone
White-tailed Deer
Muzzleloader
Dec 14, 2026-Jan 1, 2027
Dec. 14 - Dec. 22 and Dec. 26 - Jan. 1. Not in WMUs 1C, 3S, 4J or 8C.
Zone: Southern Zone
White-tailed Deer
Special Firearms
Jan 3-31, 2027
Special Permit Required
Zone: Suffolk County (WMU 1C)
Bear
50 listed rowsBlack Bear
Early Firearms
Sep 6-21, 2025
16 consecutive days beginning the 1st Saturday after Labor Day. Early Season bear hunters may use bow, crossbow, muzzleloader, handgun, shotgun, or rifle (where allowed).
Zone: Southern Zone - Green shaded portion
Black Bear
Early Firearm
Sep 6-21, 2025
16 consecutive days beginning 1st Saturday after Labor Day. Early season hunters may use bow, crossbow, muzzleloader, handgun, shotgun, or rifle where allowed.
Zone: Southern Zone - Green shaded portion
Black Bear
Regular Firearms
Sep 13-Dec 7, 2025
1st Saturday after the 2nd Monday in September through the Sunday immediately following the 1st Saturday in December.
Zone: Northern Zone - Yellow shaded portion (Adirondacks WMUs 5A, 5C, 5F, 5G, 5H, 5J, 6C, 6F, 6H, 6J)
Black Bear
Archery (Bowhunting)
Sep 13-Oct 24, 2025
Early bowhunting: 1st Saturday after 2nd Monday in September through Friday immediately preceding the regular season.
Zone: Northern Zone - Western Periphery (WMUs 6A, 6G, 6K, 6N) - Orange shaded portion
Black Bear
Bowhunting
Sep 13-Oct 24, 2025
1st Saturday after the 2nd Monday in September through the Friday immediately preceding the regular season. Crossbows may be used during all bowhunting seasons.
Zone: Northern Zone - Orange shaded portion (Western Periphery WMUs 6A, 6G, 6K, 6N)
Black Bear
Firearm (Regular)
Sep 13-Dec 7, 2025
Regular season: 1st Saturday after 2nd Monday in September through Sunday immediately following 1st Saturday in December.
Zone: Northern Zone - Adirondacks (WMUs 5A, 5C, 5F, 5G, 5H, 5J, 6C, 6F, 6H, 6J) - Yellow shaded portion
Black Bear
Firearm (Regular) - Bow and Crossbow Only
Oct 1-Dec 31, 2025
Bow and crossbow only. October 1 through December 31.
Zone: Westchester County (WMU 3S) - Dark blue shaded portion
Black Bear
Archery (Bowhunting)
Oct 1-Nov 14, 2025
Also Dec. 8 - Dec. 16. Crossbows may be used during all bowhunting seasons.
Zone: Southern Zone - Light blue shaded portion
Black Bear
Bowhunting
Oct 1-Nov 14, 2025
Also Dec. 8 - Dec. 16. Crossbows may be used during all bowhunting seasons.
Zone: Southern Zone - Light blue shaded portion
Black Bear
Regular Season
Oct 1-Dec 31, 2025
Bow and crossbow only. No early, youth, or muzzleloading season.
Zone: Westchester County (WMU 3S) - Dark blue shaded portion
Black Bear
Archery (Bowhunting)
Oct 1-Nov 14, 2025
Also Dec. 8 - Dec. 16. Crossbows may be used during all bowhunting seasons.
Zone: Southern Zone - Green shaded portion
Black Bear
Bowhunting
Oct 1-Nov 14, 2025
Also Dec. 8 - Dec. 16. Crossbows may be used during all bowhunting seasons.
Zone: Southern Zone - Green shaded portion
Show 38 more bear rows
Black Bear
Youth Firearms
Oct 11-13, 2025
Youth ages 12-15. Columbus Day Weekend. Not in WMUs 4J or 8C.
Zone: Southern Zone - Light blue shaded portion (Not in WMUs 4J or 8C)
Black Bear
Youth Firearms
Oct 11-13, 2025
Youth ages 12-15. Columbus Day Weekend.
Zone: Southern Zone - Green shaded portion
Black Bear
Youth Firearms
Oct 11-13, 2025
Youth ages 12-15. Columbus Day Weekend.
Zone: Northern Zone - Yellow shaded portion
Black Bear
Youth Firearms
Oct 11-13, 2025
Youth ages 12-15. Columbus Day Weekend.
Zone: Northern Zone - Orange shaded portion (Western Periphery WMUs 6A, 6G, 6K, 6N)
Black Bear
Youth Firearms
Oct 11-13, 2025
Youth ages 12-15. Columbus Day Weekend. Applies to both Adirondacks and Western Periphery zones.
Zone: Northern Zone - Yellow and Orange shaded portions
Black Bear
Youth Firearms
Oct 11-13, 2025
Not in WMUs 4J or 8C. Youth ages 12-15. Columbus Day Weekend.
Zone: Southern Zone - Light blue shaded portion
Black Bear
Muzzleloader
Oct 18-24, 2025
7 consecutive days beginning on the 1st Saturday after Columbus Day.
Zone: Northern Zone - Orange shaded portion (Western Periphery WMUs 6A, 6G, 6K, 6N)
Black Bear
Muzzleloader
Oct 18-24, 2025
Early muzzleloading: 7 consecutive days beginning 1st Saturday after Columbus Day.
Zone: Northern Zone - Western Periphery (WMUs 6A, 6G, 6K, 6N) - Orange shaded portion
Black Bear
Firearm (Regular)
Oct 25-Dec 7, 2025
2nd Saturday after Columbus Day through Sunday immediately following 1st Saturday in December.
Zone: Northern Zone - Western Periphery (WMUs 6A, 6G, 6K, 6N) - Orange shaded portion
Black Bear
Regular Firearms
Oct 25-Dec 7, 2025
2nd Saturday after Columbus Day through the Sunday immediately following the 1st Saturday in December.
Zone: Northern Zone - Orange shaded portion (Western Periphery WMUs 6A, 6G, 6K, 6N)
Black Bear
Firearm (Regular)
Nov 15-Dec 7, 2025
23 consecutive days beginning 3rd Saturday in November.
Zone: Southern Zone - Light blue shaded portion
Black Bear
Regular Firearms
Nov 15-Dec 7, 2025
23 consecutive days beginning the 3rd Saturday in November.
Zone: Southern Zone - Light blue shaded portion
Black Bear
Firearm (Regular)
Nov 15-Dec 7, 2025
23 consecutive days beginning 3rd Saturday in November.
Zone: Southern Zone - Green shaded portion
Black Bear
Regular Firearms
Nov 15-Dec 7, 2025
23 consecutive days beginning the 3rd Saturday in November.
Zone: Southern Zone - Green shaded portion
Black Bear
Bowhunting Late
Dec 8-16, 2025
Crossbows may be used during all bowhunting seasons.
Zone: Southern Zone - Light blue shaded portion
Black Bear
Archery (Bowhunting) - Late
Dec 8-16, 2025
9 days immediately following regular season.
Zone: Southern Zone - Green shaded portion
Black Bear
Muzzleloader - Late
Dec 8-16, 2025
9 days immediately following regular season.
Zone: Southern Zone - Light blue shaded portion
Black Bear
Muzzleloader
Dec 8-16, 2025
9 consecutive days immediately following the regular season.
Zone: Southern Zone - Light blue shaded portion
Black Bear
Archery (Bowhunting) - Late
Dec 8-16, 2025
9 days immediately following regular season.
Zone: Southern Zone - Light blue shaded portion
Black Bear
Muzzleloader - Late
Dec 8-16, 2025
9 days immediately following regular season.
Zone: Southern Zone - Green shaded portion
Black Bear
Bowhunting Late
Dec 8-16, 2025
Crossbows may be used during all bowhunting seasons.
Zone: Southern Zone - Green shaded portion
Black Bear
Muzzleloader
Dec 8-16, 2025
9 consecutive days immediately following the regular season.
Zone: Southern Zone - Green shaded portion
Black Bear
Early Firearms
Sep 12-27, 2026
Early season hunters may use bow, crossbow, muzzleloader, handgun, shotgun, or rifle (where allowed).
Zone: Southern Zone - Green shaded
Black Bear
Regular Firearms
Sep 19-Dec 6, 2026
No Early or Bowhunting or Muzzleloading season in this area.
Zone: Northern Zone - Yellow shaded (Adirondacks WMUs 5A, 5C, 5F, 5G, 5H, 5J, 6C, 6F, 6H, 6J)
Black Bear
Bowhunting
Sep 19-Oct 23, 2026
Crossbows may be used during all bowhunting seasons.
Zone: Northern Zone - Orange shaded (WMUs 6A, 6G, 6K, 6N)
Black Bear
Regular (Bow-only)
Oct 1-Dec 31, 2026
Bow-only. No Early, Youth Firearms, or Muzzleloading season.
Zone: Westchester County (WMU 3S) - Dark blue shaded
Black Bear
Bowhunting
Oct 1-Dec 22, 2026
Seasons: Oct. 1 - Nov. 20, Dec. 14 - Dec. 22. Crossbows may be used during all bowhunting seasons.
Zone: Southern Zone - Green shaded
Black Bear
Bowhunting
Oct 1-Dec 22, 2026
Seasons: Oct. 1 - Nov. 20, Dec. 14 - Dec. 22. Not in WMUs 1C, 3S, 4J or 8C for Youth Firearms. Crossbows may be used during all bowhunting seasons.
Zone: Southern Zone - Light blue shaded
Black Bear
Youth Firearms
Oct 10-12, 2026
Youth ages 12-15. Columbus Day Weekend.
Zone: Northern Zone - Orange shaded (WMUs 6A, 6G, 6K, 6N)
Black Bear
Youth Firearms
Oct 10-12, 2026
Not in WMUs 1C, 3S, 4J or 8C.
Zone: Southern Zone - Light blue shaded
Black Bear
Youth Firearms
Oct 10-12, 2026
Youth ages 12-15. Columbus Day Weekend.
Zone: Southern Zone - Green shaded
Black Bear
Youth Firearms
Oct 10-12, 2026
Youth ages 12-15. Columbus Day Weekend.
Zone: Northern Zone - Yellow shaded (Adirondacks WMUs 5A, 5C, 5F, 5G, 5H, 5J, 6C, 6F, 6H, 6J)
Black Bear
Muzzleloader
Oct 17-23, 2026
Zone: Northern Zone - Orange shaded (WMUs 6A, 6G, 6K, 6N)
Black Bear
Regular Firearms
Oct 24-Dec 6, 2026
Zone: Northern Zone - Orange shaded (WMUs 6A, 6G, 6K, 6N)
Black Bear
Regular Firearms
Nov 21-Dec 13, 2026
Zone: Southern Zone - Green shaded
Black Bear
Regular Firearms
Nov 21-Dec 13, 2026
Zone: Southern Zone - Light blue shaded
Black Bear
Muzzleloader
Dec 14-22, 2026
Zone: Southern Zone - Green shaded
Black Bear
Muzzleloader
Dec 14-22, 2026
Zone: Southern Zone - Light blue shaded
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New York Hunting Season FAQ
When does deer season start in New York?
September 12, 2026 is the first listed deer opener for New York; it is early antlerless white-tailed deer Sep 12-20, 2026.
When is New York's firearm deer season?
Oct 1, 2026-Jan 31, 2027 is the listed firearm deer window for New York. Check zone and permit details with New York DEC before hunting.
When does spring turkey open in New York?
A current spring turkey opener is not listed for New York yet. Check New York DEC for the latest turkey dates.
Do I need a license to hunt in New York?
Yes. Hunters generally need the appropriate New York hunting license, and some seasons may require tags, permits, stamps, or zone-specific authorizations. Confirm final requirements with New York DEC.