Printer-friendlyBig Game Hunting Information
Hunting Deer in New York
Deer hunting is one of the most popular sporting opportunities in New York State. Properly controlled deer hunting is an important tool in managing deer populations; striking a balance in wildlife and habitat resources. Deer populations have been on the upswings since the turn of the 20th century through carefully monitored hunting regulations and improved habitat. Some deer hunting related topic, precautions, programs and data are provided on this page for your reference.
Bear in New York
New York State has between 6,000 to 7,000 black bears in the wild. They are about 4 to 7 foot long from nose to tail with small eyes, rounded ears, a long snout, a large body, a short tail, shaggy hair, and can come in different shades of black, brown, cinnamon, and blond. Almost all New York black bears are black. Black bears are naturally shy animals and would normally avoid human contact whenever possible.
Black bear hunting is permitted in the fall in certain Wildlife Management Units primarily within the Adirondack, Catskill (455 kb PDF) and Allegany regions. Hunting is the primary management tool to control the bear population.
More about Big Game Hunting Information:
- Deer and Bear Harvests - This page contains links to recent white-tailed deer and black bear harvest reports.
- 2007 Deer Hunting Season Forecasts - What should you expect for deer hunting in 2007
- Historic Black Bear Harvest - Black Bear harvest in New York
- Venison Donation Program - Information about programs that promote the donation of venison to feed the hungry
- Pilot Antler Restriction Project - The pilot antler restriction program in the Southern Catskills has been expanded and now includes WMUs 3C, 3H, 3J & 3K.
- Big Game News Briefs - Compilations of program status reports, events, and anecdotes pertaining to deer and bear management across New York.
- CWD Regulations for Hunters - Due to the spread of Chronic Wasting Disease within the United States and Canada, special restrictions have been place on the importation of carcasses and parts of big game animals hunted outside of New York State.
- CWD Information for Deer Hunters in Oneida and Madison Counties - The discovery of CWD in Oneida county prompted DEC to adopt new regulations governing the movement of deer dead or alive out of the CWD Containment Zone.
