Recent Hunting Rules Changes
This is a summary of significant changes for 2008-09. Check the guide for other minor changes such as season dates.
New Junior Hunter Mentoring Program.
14 and 15 year olds can now hunt deer and bear with a firearm. See the Junior Hunter Mentoring Program for more details.
New Areas Open for Black Bear Hunting
DEC has adopted new regulations that expand bear hunting to 13 additional Wildlife Management Units (WMUs) in central and western New York. The regulations are in effect immediately and will allow hunters to pursue bears in these areas during the bowhunting, regular, and muzzleloading bear hunting seasons in the Southern Zone. The expansion is a continuation of efforts to manage bear population growth and range expansion. See our Black Bear Hunting Seasons page for a map of the areas opening to bear hunting.
New Laws Allows Big Game Hunters to Use Rifles in several Counties.
Madison County: Legislation approved in August, 2008 allows rifle use for big game hunting in Madison County. This law includes a 1-year sunset and will expire in 2009.
Chemung, Steuben and Yates Counties: Legislation enacted in 2007 allowed big game hunters to use rifles in these counties for 1 year. A new law, approved in July, 2008 extends this authority for three more years, expiring in 2011.
