New York 2026-27 Hunting Season Dates
Quick answer
New York's 2026-27 firearm deer season opens between October 24, 2026 and November 21, 2026 depending on zone; the last zone closes December 13, 2026.
Archery deer season opens October 1, 2026 in every zone and closes between December 31, 2026 and January 31, 2027 depending on zone.
Duck season opens between October 10, 2026 and November 21, 2026 depending on zone; the last zone closes January 31, 2027.
The tables below keep the rest of the listed seasons together by species, with source links back to New York DEC.
- firearm deer
- opens Oct 24-Nov 21, 2026 by zone
- archery deer
- Oct 1-Dec 31, 2026; later in some zones
- duck
- opens Oct 10-Nov 21, 2026 by zone
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Key seasons by species
How to read New York's seasons
Northern versus Southern Zone changes the dates
New York splits deer hunting between its Northern and Southern Zones, each with its own regular firearm, archery, and muzzleloader dates, and Deer Management Permits govern antlerless harvest by Wildlife Management Unit.
Confirm your zone, WMU, and permit status with the official New York State DEC source before planning.
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
17 listed rowsWhite-tailed Deer
Regular Bowhunting Only
Regular season restricted to bowhunting only
Zone: Suffolk County (WMU 1C)
White-tailed Deer
Early Bowhunting
Early bowhunting Southern Zone
Zone: Southern Zone
White-tailed Deer
Regular Bowhunting Only
Regular season restricted to bowhunting only
Zone: Westchester County (WMU 3S)
White-tailed Deer
Regular Firearms
Regular season Northern Zone
Zone: Northern Zone
White-tailed Deer
Regular Firearms
Regular season Southern Zone
Zone: Southern Zone
White-tailed Deer
Muzzleloader - Deer of Either Sex (Late)
Deer of Either Sex; open WMUs shown on muzzleloading map.
Zone: Northern Zone (some WMUs)
White-tailed Deer
Late Bowhunting
Late bowhunting WMUs 5A, 5G, 5J, 6A, 6C, 6G, and 6H only
Zone: Northern Zone
White-tailed Deer
Muzzleloader - Deer of Either Sex
Muzzleloader Southern Zone
Zone: Southern Zone
White-tailed Deer
Late Bowhunting
Late bowhunting Southern Zone
Zone: Southern Zone
White-tailed Deer
Late Bowhunting
Late bowhunting Southern Zone
Zone: Southern Zone
White-tailed Deer
Muzzleloader - Deer of Either Sex
Muzzleloader Southern Zone
Zone: Southern Zone
White-tailed Deer
Special Firearms
Permit required. See Page 45 for details.
Zone: Suffolk County (WMU 1C)
| Season | Dates | Status |
|---|---|---|
| White-tailed DeerEarly Antlerless · Southern Zone (some WMUs)Eligible Tags: DMP and DMAP. Open Areas (bow-only): 1C, 3S, 4J, 8C. Open Areas (firearms & bows): 3M, 3P, 3R, 6P, 7F, 7H, 7J, 7R, 8A, 8F, 8G, 8H, 8J, 8N, 8R, 8S, 9A, 9F, 9G | Closed | |
| White-tailed DeerEarly Bowhunting · Northern ZoneEarly bowhunting for all WMUs in Northern Zone | Closed | |
| White-tailed DeerYouth Firearms · Northern and Southern ZoneYouth Firearms Big Game Hunt ages 12-15. Eligible Tags: DMP and DMAP. See Page 45 for details. | Closed | |
| White-tailed DeerMuzzleloader - Antlered Deer Only · Northern Zone (WMU 6N)Antlered Deer Only. | Closed | |
| White-tailed DeerMuzzleloader - Deer of Either Sex · Northern Zone (some WMUs)Deer of Either Sex; open WMUs shown on muzzleloading map. | Closed |
Turkey
Wild Turkey
Fall - Regular
Hunting hours: Sunrise to sunset. One carcass tag valid in any fall turkey hunting zone. Save one leg for population monitoring.
Zone: Statewide (open zones per map)
Wild Turkey
Spring Youth
Hunting hours: 1/2 hour before sunrise to noon. Eligible youth hunters ages 12-15 with Junior Hunting License and Turkey Permit. Must be accompanied by adult mentor. Youth hunt bag limit counts toward regular season limit of 2 bearded birds.
Zone: Same as regular spring season
Wild Turkey
Spring - Regular
Hunting hours: 1/2 hour before sunrise to noon. One turkey permit per year includes three carcass tags (two for spring, one for fall). No dogs allowed during spring season. No electronic calling devices. Youth hunt bird (if taken April 24-25) counts toward the 2-bird spring bag limit; second bird may be taken beginning May 1.
Zone: All open areas statewide
Wild Turkey
Fall - Regular
Hunting hours: Sunrise to sunset. One carcass tag valid in any fall turkey hunting zone. Save one leg for population monitoring.
Zone: Statewide (open zones per map)
Wild Turkey
Fall - Regular
Hunting hours: Sunrise to sunset. One carcass tag valid in any fall turkey hunting zone. Save one leg for population monitoring.
Zone: Statewide (open zones per map)
Bear
Black Bear
Regular
Northern Zone regular bear season
Zone: Northern Zone - Adirondacks (WMUs 5A, 5C, 5F, 5G, 5H, 5J, 6C, 6F, 6H, 6J)
Black Bear
Early Bowhunting
Early bowhunting bear season Southern Zone
Zone: Southern Zone
Black Bear
Regular Bowhunting Only
Regular bowhunting only bear season Westchester County
Zone: Westchester County (WMU 3S)
Black Bear
Regular
Zone: Northern Zone - Western Periphery (WMUs 6A, 6G, 6K, 6N)
Black Bear
Regular Firearms
Regular bear season Southern Zone
Zone: Southern Zone
Black Bear
Late Bowhunting
Late bowhunting bear season Southern Zone
Zone: Southern Zone
Black Bear
Late Muzzleloading
Late muzzleloading bear season Southern Zone
Zone: Southern Zone
Black Bear
Early Firearms
Early firearms bear season Southern Zone
Zone: Southern Zone (some WMUs)
Black Bear
Bowhunting
Zone: Northern Zone - Western Periphery (WMUs 6A, 6G, 6K, 6N)
Black Bear
Youth Firearms
Youth Firearms Big Game Hunt ages 12-15. See Page 45 for details.
Zone: Northern and Southern Zone
Black Bear
Muzzleloader
Zone: Northern Zone - Western Periphery (WMUs 6A, 6G, 6K, 6N)
Waterfowl
63 listed rowsBrant
Regular
Non-toxic shot required.
Zone: Southeast Zone
Brant
Regular
Non-toxic shot required.
Zone: Western Zone
Brant
Regular
Non-toxic shot required.
Zone: Lake Champlain Zone
Brant
Regular
Non-toxic shot required. HIP registration and duck stamp required for hunters 16+.
Zone: Northeast Zone
Canada Geese
Regular
Zone: Lake Champlain Goose Hunting Area
Canada Geese
Regular
Zone: South Goose Hunting Area
Canada Geese
Regular
Third split: Dec. 12 - Dec. 19 with daily limit 3.
Zone: Northeast Goose Hunting Area
Canada Geese
Regular
Zone: East Central Goose Hunting Area
Ducks and Coots
Regular
Second split: Dec. 12 - Dec. 20. Non-toxic shot required. HIP registration and duck stamp required for hunters 16+.
Zone: Northeast Zone
Snow Geese
Regular
Second period: Feb. 26 - Mar. 10. Pending regulatory changes to Spring Conservation Order. Snow geese may be taken until 1/2 hour after sunset when all other waterfowl seasons are closed.
Zone: Northeast Zone
Snow Geese
Regular
Second period: Feb. 26 - Mar. 10. Pending regulatory changes to Spring Conservation Order.
Zone: Lake Champlain Zone
Waterfowl (Falconry)
Falconry
Waterfowl taken via falconry.
Zone: Northeast, Southeast, and Western Waterfowl Zones
| Season | Dates | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Waterfowl (Falconry)Falconry · Long Island Waterfowl ZoneWaterfowl taken via falconry. | Open | |
| Canada GeeseRegular · West Central Goose Hunting Area | Upcoming | |
| Canada GeeseRegular · Hudson Valley Goose Hunting Area | Upcoming | |
| Canada GeeseRegular · Western Long Island Goose Hunting AreaNo separate September season listed for Western zone. | Upcoming | |
| Ducks and CootsMilitary/Veteran Days · Long Island ZoneActive military and veterans only. | Upcoming | |
| Ducks and CootsYouth Days · Long Island ZoneJunior hunters 12-15 only. | Upcoming | |
| Ducks and CootsMilitary/Veteran Days · Western ZoneActive military and veterans only. | Upcoming | |
| Ducks and CootsRegular · Southeast ZoneSecond split of duck season. Non-toxic shot required. | Upcoming | |
| ScaupRegular · Northeast ZoneSecond split: Dec. 12 - Dec. 20. Scaup limit 2/day during specified 20-day period. | Upcoming | |
| Canada GeeseRegular · Eastern Long Island Goose Hunting Area | Upcoming | |
| Canada GeeseRegular · Central Long Island Goose Hunting Area | Upcoming | |
| Ducks and CootsRegular · Lake Champlain ZoneSecond split of duck season. Non-toxic shot required. | Upcoming | |
| Ducks and CootsRegular · Long Island ZoneSecond split: Dec. 12 - Jan. 31. Non-toxic shot required. | Upcoming | |
| Snow GeeseRegular · Long Island ZonePending regulatory changes to Spring Conservation Order. | Upcoming | |
| Snow GeeseRegular · Western ZonePending regulatory changes to Spring Conservation Order. | Upcoming | |
| Snow GeeseRegular · Southeast ZonePending regulatory changes to Spring Conservation Order. | Upcoming | |
| Canada GeeseRegular · Lake Champlain Goose Hunting Area | Upcoming | |
| Canada GeeseRegular · Eastern Long Island Goose Hunting Area | Upcoming | |
| Canada GeeseRegular · East Central Goose Hunting Area | Upcoming | |
| Canada GeeseRegular · Central Long Island Goose Hunting Area | Upcoming | |
| Ducks and CootsRegular · Western ZoneSecond split of duck season. Non-toxic shot required. | Upcoming | |
| ScaupRegular · Lake Champlain ZoneScaup 2/day during specified 20-day period. | Upcoming | |
| ScaupRegular · Southeast ZoneScaup 2/day during specified 20-day period. | Upcoming | |
| Canada GeeseRegular · Northeast Goose Hunting Area | Upcoming | |
| Ducks and CootsRegular · Long Island ZoneSecond split of duck season. Non-toxic shot required. | Upcoming | |
| Ducks and CootsRegular · Northeast ZoneSecond split of duck season. Non-toxic shot required. | Upcoming | |
| ScaupRegular · Northeast ZoneSecond split of scaup 2/day period. | Upcoming | |
| ScaupRegular · Western ZoneScaup 2/day during specified 20-day period. | Upcoming | |
| BrantRegular · Long Island ZoneNon-toxic shot required. | Upcoming | |
| ScaupRegular · Long Island ZoneScaup 2/day during specified 20-day period. | Upcoming | |
| Snow GeeseConservation Order · Lake Champlain ZoneSpring Conservation Order period. Pending regulatory changes. | Upcoming | |
| Snow GeeseConservation Order · Northeast ZoneSpring Conservation Order period. Pending regulatory changes. Extended shooting hours may apply. | Upcoming | |
| Canada GeeseRegular · New York CitySeason closed in New York City (WMU 2A). | dates not listed | Closed |
| Canada GeeseRegular · Northeast Goose Hunting AreaSeptember season. Second split: Oct. 24 - Nov. 29 and Dec. 12 - Dec. 19 with daily limit of 3. | Closed | |
| Canada GeeseRegular · Lake Champlain Goose Hunting AreaSeptember season. Second split: Oct. 10 - Nov. 23 (limit 3) and Dec. 1 - Jan. 4 (limit 5). | Closed | |
| Canada GeeseRegular · West Central Goose Hunting AreaSeptember season. Second split: Nov. 7 - Dec. 21 with daily limit of 3. | Closed | |
| Canada GeeseRegular · Hudson Valley Goose Hunting AreaSeptember season. Second split: Nov. 7 - Dec. 21 with daily limit of 3. | Closed | |
| Canada GeeseRegular · South Goose Hunting AreaSeptember season. Second split: Oct. 24 - Jan. 11 with daily limit of 5. | Closed | |
| Canada GeeseRegular · East Central Goose Hunting AreaSeptember season. Second split: Oct. 24 - Nov. 20 (limit 3) and Dec. 5 - Dec. 21 (limit 3). | Closed | |
| Canada GeeseRegular · Eastern Long Island Goose Hunting AreaSeptember season. Second split: Nov. 21 - Nov. 29 (limit 2) and Dec. 5 - Jan. 24 (limit 2). | Closed | |
| Canada GeeseRegular · Central Long Island Goose Hunting AreaSeptember season. Second split: Nov. 21 - Nov. 29 (limit 3) and Dec. 5 - Feb. 3 (limit 3). | Closed | |
| Ducks and CootsMilitary/Veteran Days · Southeast ZoneActive military and veterans only. | Closed | |
| Ducks and CootsYouth Days · Northeast ZoneJunior hunters 12-15 with junior hunting license only. Must be accompanied by licensed adult hunter with HIP and duck stamp. Adult mentor may not carry firearm. | Closed | |
| Ducks and CootsYouth Days · Southeast ZoneJunior hunters 12-15 only. | Closed | |
| Ducks and CootsYouth Days · Lake Champlain ZoneJunior hunters 12-15 only. No military days available in Lake Champlain zone per federal requirements. | Closed | |
| Ducks and CootsMilitary/Veteran Days · Northeast ZoneActive military and veterans only. Must carry qualifying ID. Lake Champlain zone has no military days per federal requirements. | Closed | |
| Ducks and CootsYouth Days · Western ZoneJunior hunters 12-15 only. | Closed | |
| Ducks and CootsRegular · Western ZoneSecond split: Dec. 5 - Jan. 10. Non-toxic shot required. | Closed |
Showing 60 of 63 listed waterfowl rows, open and upcoming seasons first. See all 63 New York waterfowl seasons →
Pheasant
Ring-necked Pheasant
Regular Season
Hunting hours sunrise to sunset. Cocks and hens. WMU 2A: hunting by falconry only.
Zone: Yellow zone (cocks & hens, Oct. 1 - Feb. 28)
Ring-necked Pheasant
Regular Season
Hunting hours sunrise to sunset. Cocks and hens.
Zone: Light blue zone (cocks & hens, Oct. 17 - Feb. 28)
Ring-necked Pheasant
Regular Season
Hunting hours sunrise to sunset. Cocks only.
Zone: Green zone (cocks only, Oct. 17 - Dec. 31)
Ring-necked Pheasant
Regular Season
Hunting hours sunrise to sunset. Daily bag 2 (youth hunt) or 4 (regular season), season bag 30. Orange zone cocks & hens; blue zone cocks only east of Shinnecock Canal & Inlet. WMU 2A no youth hunt; falconry only.
Zone: Orange/Blue Long Island zone (Nov. 1 - Dec. 31)
Ring-necked Pheasant
Youth Hunt
Youth hunt. Cocks and hens. WMU 2A: no youth hunt, hunting by falconry only.
Zone: Yellow zone youth hunt dates
Ring-necked Pheasant
Youth Hunt
Youth hunt. Light blue zone cocks & hens; green zone cocks only.
Zone: Light blue/Green zone youth hunt dates
Ring-necked Pheasant
Youth Hunt
Youth hunt. Daily bag 2 (youth) or 4 (regular), season bag 30. WMU 2A: no youth hunt, hunting by falconry only.
Zone: Orange/Long Island zone youth hunt dates
Quail
Bobwhite Quail
General
Hunting hours sunrise to sunset.
Zone: Yellow zone (Orange and Putnam counties)
Bobwhite Quail
General
Hunting hours sunrise to sunset. Specific counties shown on map.
Zone: Blue zone (Nov. 1 - Dec. 31)
Grouse
Ruffed Grouse
General
Hunting hours sunrise to sunset. Daily bag 4. Spruce grouse is endangered and not legal to hunt. Zone dates vary by WMU; see map.
Zone: Yellow zone (Sept. 20 - Feb. 28)
Ruffed Grouse
General
Hunting hours sunrise to sunset. Daily bag 4. Some WMUs closed. Zone dates vary by WMU; see map.
Zone: Blue zone (Oct. 1 - Feb. 28)
Rabbit
Cottontail Rabbit
General
Hunting hours sunrise to sunset. Bag limit 6. Zone dates vary by WMU; see map.
Zone: Blue zone (Oct. 1 - Feb. 28)
Cottontail Rabbit
General
Hunting hours sunrise to sunset. Bag limit 6. Zone dates vary by WMU; see map.
Zone: Yellow zone (Oct. 1 - Mar. 21)
Cottontail Rabbit
General
Hunting hours sunrise to sunset. Bag limit 6. Zone dates vary by WMU; see map.
Zone: Orange zone (Nov. 1 - Feb. 28)
Varying Hare
General
Hunting hours sunrise to sunset. Daily bag limit 6. Zone dates vary by WMU; see map.
Zone: Yellow zone (Oct. 1 - Mar. 21)
Varying Hare
General
Hunting hours sunrise to sunset. Daily bag limit 2. Zone dates vary by WMU; see map.
Zone: Blue zone (Dec. 14 - Feb. 28)
Varying Hare
General
Hunting hours sunrise to sunset. Daily bag limit 2. Zone dates vary by WMU; see map.
Zone: Orange zone (Jan. 1 - Jan. 31)
Squirrel
Gray, Black & Fox Squirrel
General
Hunting hours sunrise to sunset. Red squirrels are unprotected and may be hunted at any time without limit. Zone dates vary by WMU; see map.
Zone: Yellow zone (Sept. 1 - Feb. 28)
Gray, Black & Fox Squirrel
General
Hunting hours sunrise to sunset. Red squirrels are unprotected and may be hunted at any time without limit. Zone dates vary by WMU; see map.
Zone: Orange zone (Nov. 1 - Feb. 28)
Furbearer
45 listed rowsBeaver
Trapping
No bag limits.
Zone: Northern zone (yellow on map)
Bobcat
Trapping
Must complete furbearer possession tag and get pelt sealed.
Zone: Limited zone (blue on map)
Bobcat
Hunting
Hunting hours: after sunrise on opening day; any hour day or night for rest of season. Must complete furbearer possession tag and get pelt sealed. Dates vary by zone; some areas Oct. 25 - Nov. 20, some closed.
Zone: Primary zone (yellow on map)
Bobcat
Hunting
Hunting hours: after sunrise on opening day; any hour day or night for rest of season. Must complete furbearer possession tag and get pelt sealed.
Zone: Limited zone (blue on map)
Bobcat
Trapping
Must complete furbearer possession tag and get pelt sealed. Season varies by zone.
Zone: Primary zone (yellow on map)
Gray Fox
Hunting
Hunting hours: after sunrise on opening day; any hour day or night for rest of season.
Zone: All other areas of New York
Gray Fox
Trapping
No bag limits. Bait restrictions apply in Adirondack WMUs when fisher/marten season is closed.
Zone: Most of state (yellow on map)
Gray Fox
Trapping
No bag limits.
Zone: Long Island and NYC area (blue on map), except closed for coyote
Gray Fox
Hunting
Hunting hours: after sunrise on opening day; any hour day or night for rest of season.
Zone: Long Island and NYC
Mink
Trapping
No bag limits for mink and muskrat.
Zone: Northern zone (yellow on map)
Muskrat
Trapping
No bag limits for mink and muskrat.
Zone: Northern zone (yellow on map)
Opossum
Hunting
Hunting hours: after sunrise on opening day; any hour day or night for rest of season.
Zone: All other areas of New York
| Season | Dates | Status |
|---|---|---|
| BeaverTrapping · Southern zone (blue on map)No bag limits. | Upcoming | |
| FisherTrapping · Fisher only zone (yellow on map)Fisher only. No bag limits. | Upcoming | |
| FisherTrapping · Fisher only zone (blue on map)Fisher only. No bag limits. | Upcoming | |
| FisherTrapping · Fisher and marten zone (orange on map)Fisher and marten. To trap marten, free permit from Regional Wildlife Office required. Must complete furbearer possession tag and get pelt sealed. | Upcoming | |
| FisherTrapping · Fisher only zone (light blue on map)Fisher only. No bag limits. | Upcoming | |
| MartenTrapping · Fisher and marten zone (orange on map)Free permit required to trap marten. Must complete furbearer possession tag and get pelt sealed. | Upcoming | |
| MinkTrapping · Central zone (blue on map)No bag limits for mink and muskrat. | Upcoming | |
| MinkTrapping · Southern zone (light blue on map)No bag limits for mink and muskrat. | Upcoming | |
| MinkTrapping · Long Island zone (orange on map)No bag limits for mink and muskrat. | Upcoming | |
| MuskratTrapping · Southern zone (light blue on map)No bag limits for mink and muskrat. | Upcoming | |
| MuskratTrapping · Central zone (blue on map)No bag limits for mink and muskrat. | Upcoming | |
| MuskratTrapping · Long Island zone (orange on map)No bag limits for mink and muskrat. | Upcoming | |
| OpossumTrapping · Most of state (yellow on map)No bag limits. Bait restrictions apply in Adirondack WMUs when fisher/marten season is closed. | Open | |
| OpossumHunting · Long Island and NYCHunting hours: after sunrise on opening day; any hour day or night for rest of season. | Open | |
| OpossumTrapping · Long Island and NYC area (blue on map), except closed for coyoteNo bag limits. | Open | |
| RaccoonHunting · All other areas of New YorkHunting hours: after sunrise on opening day; any hour day or night for rest of season. | Open | |
| RaccoonTrapping · Most of state (yellow on map)No bag limits. Bait restrictions apply in Adirondack WMUs when fisher/marten season is closed. | Open | |
| RaccoonHunting · Long Island and NYCHunting hours: after sunrise on opening day; any hour day or night for rest of season. | Open | |
| RaccoonTrapping · Long Island and NYC area (blue on map), except closed for coyoteNo bag limits. | Open | |
| Red FoxHunting · All other areas of New YorkHunting hours: after sunrise on opening day; any hour day or night for rest of season. | Open | |
| Red FoxTrapping · Most of state (yellow on map)No bag limits. Bait restrictions apply in Adirondack WMUs when fisher/marten season is closed. | Open | |
| Red FoxTrapping · Long Island and NYC area (blue on map), except closed for coyoteNo bag limits. | Open | |
| Red FoxHunting · Long Island and NYCHunting hours: after sunrise on opening day; any hour day or night for rest of season. | Open | |
| River OtterTrapping · Northern zone (yellow on map)Must complete furbearer possession tag and get pelt sealed. | Open | |
| River OtterTrapping · Southern zone (blue on map)Must complete furbearer possession tag and get pelt sealed. | Upcoming | |
| SkunkHunting · All other areas of New YorkHunting hours: after sunrise on opening day; any hour day or night for rest of season. | Open | |
| SkunkTrapping · Most of state (yellow on map)No bag limits. Bait restrictions apply in Adirondack WMUs when fisher/marten season is closed. | Open | |
| SkunkHunting · Long Island and NYCHunting hours: after sunrise on opening day; any hour day or night for rest of season. | Open | |
| SkunkTrapping · Long Island and NYC area (blue on map), except closed for coyoteNo bag limits. | Open | |
| WeaselHunting · All other areas of New YorkHunting hours: after sunrise on opening day; any hour day or night for rest of season. Weasel may only be hunted from sunrise to sunset. | Open | |
| WeaselTrapping · Most of state (yellow on map)No bag limits. Bait restrictions apply in Adirondack WMUs when fisher/marten season is closed. | Open | |
| WeaselTrapping · Long Island and NYC area (blue on map), except closed for coyoteNo bag limits. Coyote is closed in this zone. | Open | |
| WeaselHunting · Long Island and NYCWeasel may only be hunted from sunrise to sunset. | Open |
Small Game
Small Game (Falconry)
Falconry
Must possess Falconry License and hunting license. Common crow only during open firearms season. Licensed falconer may take both male and female pheasants anywhere in the state.
Zone: Statewide (areas open to hunting these species)
Migratory Birds
Gallinules
Regular
Shooting hours 1/2-hr before sunrise to sunset. Non-toxic shot required. HIP registration required. Federal Migratory Bird Stamp NOT required. Closed on Long Island.
Zone: Upstate New York
Snipe
Regular
Shooting hours 1/2-hr before sunrise to sunset. Non-toxic shot required. HIP registration required. Federal Migratory Bird Stamp NOT required. Closed on Long Island.
Zone: Upstate New York
Virginia Rail & Sora Rail
Regular
Shooting hours 1/2-hr before sunrise to sunset. Non-toxic shot required. HIP registration required. Federal Migratory Bird Stamp NOT required. Closed on Long Island.
Zone: Upstate New York
Woodcock
Regular
Shooting hours sunrise to sunset. Federal Migratory Bird Stamp NOT required. HIP registration required. Non-toxic shot NOT required.
Zone: Upstate New York
Woodcock
Regular
Shooting hours sunrise to sunset. Federal Migratory Bird Stamp NOT required. HIP registration required. Non-toxic shot NOT required.
Zone: Long Island
Clapper & King Rails
Regular
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
Season closed for Clapper & King Rails statewide.
Zone: All Zones
Coyote
Coyote
Hunting
May be hunted during the day or night.
Zone: Statewide except Long Island and New York City
Coyote
Trapping
No bag limits. Bait restrictions apply in Adirondack WMUs when fisher/marten season is closed.
Zone: Most of state (yellow on map)
Other
Crow
Regular
Hunting on Fri., Sat., Sun. & Mon. ONLY. Federal Migratory Bird Stamp NOT required. HIP registration NOT required. Rifles and electronically amplified bird calls or sounds permitted. Non-toxic shot NOT required.
Zone: Upstate New York
Crow
Regular
Hunting on Fri., Sat., Sun. & Mon. ONLY. Federal Migratory Bird Stamp NOT required. HIP registration NOT required. Rifles and electronically amplified bird calls or sounds permitted. Non-toxic shot NOT required.
Zone: Long Island
Frogs
General
Hunting hours any time day or night except no gun use at night (sunset to sunrise). Fishing or hunting license required for spear/club/hook/hand; hunting license required for gun/bow/crossbow.
Zone: All WMUs except leopard frogs not in 1A, 1C, 2A; northern cricket frogs and eastern spadefoot toads not taken anywhere
Snapping Turtle
General
Carapace must be 12 inches or longer. Hunting hours any time day or night. Only legal implement: gun, bow, or crossbow.
Zone: Statewide
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New York Hunting Season FAQ
When does deer season start in New York?
Archery deer season opens October 1, 2026 in every zone and closes between December 31, 2026 and January 31, 2027 depending on zone. Firearm deer season opens between October 24, 2026 and November 21, 2026 depending on zone; the last zone closes December 13, 2026. Dates can differ by zone and permit; confirm with New York DEC.
When is New York's firearm deer season?
Firearm deer season opens between October 24, 2026 and November 21, 2026 depending on zone; the last zone closes December 13, 2026. Check zone and permit details with New York DEC before hunting.
When does spring turkey open in New York?
Spring turkey season runs May 1-31, 2027 (All open areas statewide). Youth and other special hunts, where listed, open earlier.
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.
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