Skip to content
A graphic of the state of New York representing New York hunting seasons.
Field Guide  /  State Hunting Guide

The Guide to the New York Hunting Seasons 2025

Author Image for Teri Williams

10 Minute Read

The bright lights of New York City aren’t the only things that shine in New York! If you live in New York state, you know that hunting is one of the most popular ways people get outdoors for some recreation. It’s also a popular place for non-residents to hunt, drawing more than 50,000 out-of-state hunters each season.

Besides fame and fortune, what can you hunt in New York? It’s an ideal area for hunting whitetail, waterfowl, turkey, and even bears. 

Before you head for a hunt, you’ll need to research open season dates, how to get a license, and bag limits. So, we’ve compiled a guide to the New York hunting seasons for 2025.

Plus, we’ll help you find and mark the best spots to hunt throughout the state so you know the best places to find the game you’re after. Keep reading for the HuntWise guide to hunting in New York.  

Updated June 25, 2025

A map of the United States highlight New York, represents New York hunting concept.

Why Do Hunters Hunt in New York?

As we mentioned, it’s one of the best ways to get outdoors. Whether you hunt deer annually or prefer a wild turkey for your Thanksgiving meal, hunting in New York definitely delivers an excellent experience. 

The state is almost home to 6,000-7,000 black bears, so if a trophy hunt is on your list of to-dos this year, planning a bear hunt in New York could be the adventure you’re looking for. 

However, if you prefer smaller game, there are plenty of ducks, geese, and furbearers to harvest.  

Where Should I Hunt?

We don’t recommend hunting in Times Square. 

You’ll want to venture out of the city and explore New York’s hilly terrain and lowlands around the St. Lawrence River and Lake Ontario. You’ll also have good success in the swamps and forests throughout the state. 

The state offers various Wildlife Management Areas, Forest Preserves, and State Parks and Forests for public-area hunting. Additionally, 85 percent of the land is privately owned, with a majority of landowners offering private land hunting opportunities throughout the season. 

Depending on the game you plan to hunt this season, HuntWise can help you target (and mark) the best hunting areas. So, when it’s time for deer, bear, or turkey season, you already know where to go for a more successful day in the field. 

A bear eating grass in a field, New York hunting seasons concept.

When Can I Hunt?

Paying close attention to season open and close dates (and hunting areas) is crucial to make sure you hunt legally throughout the season. If you’re ready to get your license and tags and plan your hunt, here’s the info you need for the hunting season NY offers this year. 

Note: some dates below are updated for 2025. As the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYDEC) provides additional dates for 2025-2026, we'll update this resource. 

 

New York State Dear Hunting Season

Deer hunting in New York takes place within different hunting zones. You’ll also choose season dates based on how you hunt (firearm, bow, or muzzleloader). 

Northern Zone

  • Bowhunting: 
    • September 27 – October 24, 2025
    • December 8 – 14, 2025 (WMUs 5A, 5G, 5J, 6A, 6C, 6G, 6H only)
  • Crossbow: October 15 – 24, 2025 
  • Regular Season: October 25 – December 7, 2025
  • Muzzleloader: 
    • October 18 – 24, 2025 
    • December 8 – 14, 2025 (WMUs 5A, 5G, 5J, 6A, 6C, 6G, 6H only)
  • Youth Firearms: October 11 – 13, 2025

Southern Zone

  • Early Antlerless: September 13 – 21, 2025 (WMUs  3M, 3R, 8A, 8F, 8G, 8J, 8N, 9A, 9F Firearms, bows, crossbows), (WMUs 4J, 8C bow only)
  • Bowhunting: 
    • October 1 – November 14, 2025
    • December 8 – 16, 2025
    • December 26, 2025 – January 1, 2026
  • Crossbow: November 1 – 14, 2025 (Except in WMUs 4J or 8C)
  • Regular Season: November 15 – December 7, 2026
  • Muzzleloader: 
    • December 8 – 16, 2025 (except WMUs 4J or 8C)
    • December 26, 2025 – January 1, 2026 (except WMUs 4J or 8C)
  • Youth Firearms: October 11 – 13, 2025 (except WMUs 4J or 8C)

Westchester County (WMU 3S)

  • Early Antlerless (Bow Only): September 13 – 21, 2025
  • Regular (Bow Only): October 1 – December 31, 2025

Suffolk County (WMU 1C)

  • Early Antlerless (Bow Only): September 13 – 21, 2025
  • Regular (Bow Only): October 1, 2025 – January 31, 2026
  • Special Late Firearms (Permit Required): January 4 – 31, 2026

Turkey

Turkey season dates are also based on different hunt areas throughout the state, as noted by the colored shading. 

  • 2025 Spring Season (All Areas Except White): 
    • General: May 1 – 31, 2025
    • Youth: April 26 – 27, 2025
  • Fall Season:
    • Yellow areas: October 1 – 14
    • Light Blue Areas: October 19 – November 1
    • Orange Areas: November 16 – 29

Black Bear Season

Check the Black Bear hunting map for the season dates for specific color-shaded areas within Zones. 

Northern Zone

  • Yellow Areas:
    • Regular Season: September 13 – December 7, 2025
    • Youth Firearms: October 11 – 13, 2025
       
  • Orange Areas:
    • Bowhunting: September 13 – October 24, 2025
    • Youth Firearms: October 11 – 13, 2025
    • Crossbow: October 15 – 24, 2025
    • Regular Season: October 25 – December 7, 2025
    • Muzzleloading: October 18 – 24, 2025

Southern Zone

  • Light Blue Areas:
    • Bowhunting: October 1 – November 14, 2025 and December 8 – 16, 2025
    • Youth Firearms: October 11 – 13, 2025 (Except WMUs 4J or 8C)
    • Crossbow: November 1 – 14, 2025
    • Regular Season: November 15 – December 7, 2025
    • Muzzleloading: December 8 – 16, 2025
       
  • Green Areas:
    • Early: September 6 – 21, 2025
    • Bowhunting: October 1 – November 14, 2025 and December 8 – 16, 2025 
    • Youth Firearms: October 11 – 13, 2025
    • Crossbow: November 1 – 14, 2025
    • Regular Season: November 15 – December 7, 2025
    • Muzzleloading: December 8 – 16, 2025

Westchester County (Dark Blue Areas)

  • Regular (Bow Only): October 1 – December 31, 2025

Waterfowl

  • Youth Waterfowl Hunting Days
    • Western, Northeast, Lake Champlain, Southeast: September 27 – 28, 2025
    • Long Island: November 8 – 9, 2025
       
  • Veteran and Active Military Waterfowl Hunting Days
    • Western: November 8 – 9, 2025
    • Northeast and Southeast: September 27 – 28, 2025
    • Lake Champlain: No special season
    • Long Island: November 8 – 9, 2025
       
  • Ducks, Coots, Mergansers:
    • Western Zone: October 11 – November 2, 2025 and December 6, 2025 – January 11, 2026
    • Northeast: October 11 – November 30, 2025 and December 13 – 21, 2025
    • Lake Champlain: October 11 – November 2, 2025 and November 22 – December 28, 2025
    • Southeast: October 11 – 19, 2025 and November 8 – December 28, 2025
    • Long Island: November 22 – 30, 2025 and December 6, 2025 – January 25, 2026
       
  • Scaup:
    • Western Zone: December 23, 2025 – January 11, 2026
    • Northeast: November 2 – 30, 2025 and December 13 – 21, 2025
    • Lake Champlain and Southeast: December 9 – 28, 2025
    • Long Island: January 6 – 25, 2026
       
  • Snow Geese:
    • Western, Northeast, and Southeast: October 3, 2025 – April 15, 2026
    • Lake Champlain and Southeast: October 1 – December 31, 2025 and January 16 – April 15, 2026
    • Long Island: November 24, 2025 – March 10, 2026
       
  • Brant:
    • Western, Northeast, Lake Champlain, Southeast: October 11 – November 9, 2025
    • Long Island: December 27, 2025 – January 25, 2026
       
  • Canada Goose:
    • Northeast: September 1 – 25, 2025, October 25 – November 14, 2025, and November 22 – 30, 2025
    • West Central: September 1 – 25, 2025, October 25 – November 14, 2025, and December 6 – 14, 2025
    • East Central: September 1 – 25, 2025, October 25 – November 14, 2025, and November 22 – 30, 2025
    • Hudson Valley: September 1 – 25, 2025 and November 8 – December 7, 2025
    • Lake Champlain: September 1 – 25, 2025, October 11 – November 9, 2025, and December 1, 2025 – January 19, 2026
    • South: September 1 – 25, 2025, October 25, 2025 – January 12, 2026
    • Western Long Island: November 8, 2025 – February 22, 2026
    • Central Long Island: September 2 – 30, 2025, November 22 – 30, 2025, and December 6, 2025 – February 4, 2026
    • Eastern Long Island: September 2 – 30, 2025, November 22 – 30, 2025, and December 6, 2025 – January 25, 2026

Webless Migratory Birds

  • Upstate New York: 
    • Woodcock: October 1 – November 14, 2025
    • Crow: September 1, 2025 – March 31, 2026
    • Snipe: Sept 1 – November 9, 2025
    • Virginia & Sora Rails: Sept 1 – November 9, 2025
    • Gallinules: Sept 1 – November 9, 2025
    • Clapper and King Rail: Closed
       
  • Long Island: 
    • Woodcock: October 1 – November 14, 2025
    • Crow: September 1, 2025 – March 31, 2026
    • Snipe: Closed
    • Virginia & Sora Rails: Closed
    • Clapper and King Rail: Closed
    • Gallinules: Closed

Small Game

  • Grouse:
    • Yellow Areas: September 20, 2025 – February 28, 2026
    • Light Blue Areas: October 1, 2025– February 28, 2026
  • Quail:
    • Yellow Areas: October 1, 2025 – February 28, 2026
    • Light Blue Areas: November 1 – December 31, 2025 
  • Rabbit:
    • Yellow Areas: October 1, 2025 – March 15, 2026
    • Light Blue Areas: October 1, 2025 – February 28, 2026
    • Orange Areas: November 1, 2025 – February 28, 2026
  • Pheasant:
    • Yellow Areas (Regular): October 1, 2025 – February 28, 2026
    • Yellow Areas (Youth Hunt): September 27 – 28, 2025
       
    • Light Blue Areas (Regular): October 18, 2025 – February 28, 2026
    • Light Blue Areas (Youth Hunt): October 11 – 12, 2025
       
    • Green Areas (Regular): October 18 – December 31, 2025
    • Green Areas (Youth Hunt): October 11 – 12, 2025
       
    • Orange and Blue Areas (Regular): November 1 – December 31, 2025
    • Orange Areas (Youth Hunt): October 25 – 26, 2025
  • Squirrel:
    • Yellow Areas: September 1, 2025 – February 28, 2026
    • Light Blue Areas: November 1, 2025 – February 28, 2026
  • Verying Hare:
    • Yellow Areas: October 1, 2025 – March 15, 2026
    • Light Blue Areas: December 8, 2025 – February 28, 2026
    • Orange Areas: January 1 – 31, 2026

Coyote

  • Statewide: October 1 – March 30
 

 

For additional information about these species (and others) and the latest details for hunting seasons and locations in New York, visit the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation website. You can also check with eRegulations for New York hunting information.

 

A whitetail buck calls, New York hunting seasons concept.

What Do I Need to Know About New York Hunting Regulations and Licenses?

Anyone twelve or older who hunts in New York needs a hunting license. Licenses are specific to age groups and how you hunt (bow or gun). Additionally, depending on what you hunt (small vs. big game), you’ll need the right permit for those hunts. 

What Are the Bag Limits for the New York Hunting Seasons?

How many bears, deer, or quails can you bring home this season? To comply with hunting regulations for the state of New York, make sure you know the bag limits for everything you plan to hunt. 

 

DeerBased on the tag and seasonGallinules8 per day (24 in possession)
Turkey

1 of either sex (Fall)
 

2 bearded birds (Spring)
1 bearded bird (Youth)

Woodcock3 per day (9 in possession) 
Grouse4 per daySnipe8 per day (24 in possession)
Quail4 or 6 per day (10 or 40 in possession), depending on the hunting areaCrowNo limit
Pheasant2 or 4 per day (30 in possession), depending on the hunting area Ducks, Seaducks, Mergansers6 per day (18 in possession)
Cottontail Rabbit6 per dayCoots15 per day (45 in possession)
Squirrel (Gray, Black, Fox)6 totalCanada Goose2-15 per day (depending on the hunting area)
Virginia and Sora Rails8 per day (24 in possession)Snow Geese25 per day (no possession limit)
King and Sora RailsClosedBrant1 per day (3 in possession)
Varying Hare 2 – 6 per day depemding on hunting areaCoyoteNo limit

 

For additional information and details about bag limits for deer, bear, and other species, visit the New York State DEC website. 

What Else Do I Need Before I Can Hunt?

A hunter safety certification is required for first-time hunters using firearms. If you’re a first-time bowhunter, you’ll also need a bowhunter education course before you can get your license.

You’ll also need the right gear! From clothing to optics, odor control, spotting scopes, binoculars, and more, HuntWise users can save hundreds on gear from our app partners. 

 

Close-up of a phone screen in a hunter's hands showing HuntWise, New York hunting season dates concept.

Tag Out During the New York Hunting Seasons with HuntWise

We know you’re excited to get out in the field! We hope this information is helpful for a safe and happy hunting season in New York. 

As you make your plans and gather your gear, make sure you’ve downloaded the HuntWise app. It provides up-to-date information on hunting in New York, including state regulations and season and license information. 

You’ll also be able to plan your hunt more strategically to gain an advantage over other hunters this year and increase your chances of tagging out. Use the Hunt Area & Custom Markers to select (or draw) and label your hunt areas on a map. Then, choose from hundreds of unique markers to identify landmarks, infrastructures, animal activity, and more. 

Download the app today and start your free trial! 
Enjoy free access for your first week — so you’re ready to hunt when the season opens.

Content and season dates reviewed and updated June 25, 2025.

More Content Like This

State Hunting Guide

The Guide to Michigan Hunting Seasons 2025

Teri Williams

Hunting in Michigan is a deep tradition, often marked by “going to deer camp” to start the season. With access to everything from turkey, deer, and even bear and elk, as well as many non-game species, hunters can hunt nearly year-round.Read More

Read More
State Hunting Guide

The Guide to Florida Hunting Seasons 2025

Teri Williams

Hunting in Florida is an adventure, with plenty of game variety for almost any hunter. Whether you call Florida home or you’re traveling there to add an Osceola turkey to your list of species wins, there’s rarely a dull moment when hunting the Sunshi...Read More

Read More
State Hunting Guide

The Guide to the Ohio Hunting Seasons 2025

Teri Williams

As one of the top states for hunting whitetail, Ohio is a destination hunting ground for many hunters. If you’re after a trophy buck, the Buckeye State could deliver for you this year. It’s also an excellent spot for hunting and trapping furbearers (...Read More

Read More

1 of 3