New York Bear Season 2026
New York bear season dates start with Sep 19-Dec 6, 2026. The table below keeps every listed bear row together with zones and notes where available.
Quick answer
New York's listed 2026 bear season runs Sep 19-Dec 6, 2026.
Regular Bowhunting Only Black Bear opens Oct 1, 2026 and closes Dec 31, 2026.
Early Bowhunting Black Bear opens Oct 1, 2026 and closes Nov 20, 2026.
The tables below keep the rest of the listed seasons together by species, with source links back to New York DEC.
Bear
Black Bear
Regular
Northern Zone regular bear season. Bowhunting Sept. 19 - Oct. 23, Muzzleloading Oct. 17 - Oct. 23, Regular Oct. 24 - Dec. 6
Zone: Northern Zone (Adirondacks and Western Periphery)
Black Bear
Regular Bowhunting Only
Regular bowhunting only bear season Westchester County
Zone: Westchester County (WMU 3S)
Black Bear
Early Bowhunting
Early bowhunting bear season Southern Zone
Zone: Southern Zone
Black Bear
Youth Firearms
Youth Firearms Big Game Hunt ages 12-15. See Page 45 for details.
Zone: Northern and Southern Zone
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)
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Nearby bear seasons
New York Bear Season FAQ
When does bear season open in New York?
September 12, 2026 is the earliest listed bear opener in New York — early firearms black bear runs Sep 12-27, 2026. Confirm zone and permit details with New York DEC.
What are the 2026 bear season dates in New York?
New York lists 8 bear season windows: Early Firearms Black Bear (Sep 12-27, 2026); Regular Black Bear (Sep 19-Dec 6, 2026); Regular Bowhunting Only Black Bear (Oct 1-Dec 31, 2026); Early Bowhunting Black Bear (Oct 1-Nov 20, 2026); Youth Firearms Black Bear (Oct 10-12, 2026); Regular Firearms Black Bear (Nov 21-Dec 13, 2026); Late Bowhunting Black Bear (Dec 14-22, 2026); Late Muzzleloading Black Bear (Dec 14-22, 2026). Always verify against New York DEC before hunting.
Are there different bear seasons in New York?
Yes — New York lists separate bear seasons for Early Firearms Black Bear, Regular Black Bear, Regular Bowhunting Only Black Bear, Early Bowhunting Black Bear, Youth Firearms Black Bear, Regular Firearms Black Bear. Each can carry its own dates, zones, and weapon rules; see the table above and New York DEC.
Do I need a license to hunt bear in New York?
Yes. New York generally requires the appropriate hunting license, and bear hunting may also require tags, permits, stamps, or zone authorizations. Confirm requirements with New York DEC.