Black Bear Hunting Seasons
Early Season bear hunters in the Adirondacks may use a bow (with appropriate bowhunting eligibility), muzzleloader, handgun, shotgun, or rifle. For legal implements in other bear seasons, please see Big Game Legal Hunting Implements.
| Area | Early | Regular | Muzzleloading | Bowhunting |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adirondack (yellow shaded) |
Sept. 19 - Oct. 16 | Oct. 24 - Dec. 6 | Oct. 17 - Oct. 23 | Sept. 27 - Oct. 23 |
| Allegany (lt. blue shaded) |
None | Nov. 28 - Dec. 13 | Dec. 14 - Dec. 22 |
Oct. 17 - Nov. 20 |
| Catskill (mustard shaded) |
None | Nov. 21 - Dec. 13 | Dec. 14 - Dec. 22 | Oct. 17 - Nov. 20 Dec. 14 - Dec. 22 |
Make Plans for Next Year
Would you like to know the big game season dates for next year, so you may schedule your vacation time accordingly? Go to our Determine Future Big Game Season Dates page to calculate the season dates for your hunting area.
