Printer-friendlyHunting
Hunting is among the most popular forms of wildlife recreation in New York State. Nearly 700,000 New Yorkers and over 50,000 nonresidents hunt in the Empire State.
New York offers many exciting opportunities to hunt a large variety of wildlife, including big game, small game, game birds and furbearers.
About 85 percent of New York State is private property and that is where most hunting occurs. Most private property is posted against trespass, but many landowners will allow access if people ask permission. Hunters should ask permission on private lands whether or not it is posted. There are also abundant state lands, such as Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) and some parks, on which to hunt.
Hunting supports wildlife conservation programs, through license fees and taxes on firearms and ammunition, including the successful Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration program. It also provides substantial economic benefit to New York retailers and the tourism industry. Regulated hunting helps manage some wildlife populations to prevent crop and environmental damage.
Hunting is closely regulated by the Department of Environmental Conservation. The populations of wildlife hunted in New York are secure.
Hunters must complete a mandatory hunter education course to obtain a hunting license. Hunters following safety rules taught in those courses have made hunting one of the safest types of recreation.
2007-08 Hunting & Trapping
Guide
The 2007-2008 Hunting and Trapping Guide is available for download as a complete document and is also available in a series of smaller PDF documents covering specific areas of interest.
More about Hunting:
- General Hunting Regulations - Regulations applying to all hunting in New York State; regulations for specific game species are found under Small Game/Furbearers, Big Game, Migratory Game Bird and Trapping
- Big Game Seasons and Regulations - Information and links to big game seasons and hunting regulations
- Big Game Hunting Information - Links to information about hunting for deer and bear in New York State
- Small Game and Furbearer Seasons and Regulations - A synopsis of New York State regulations for hunting small game and furbearers
- Small Game Hunting Information - Small game hunting opportunities in New York State.
- Migratory Game Bird Seasons and Regulations - A summary of State and Federal rules that apply to the taking, possession, shipping, transporting and storing of migratory waterfowl
- Wildlife Management Units - A key to wildlife management units in New York State, providing links to boundary descriptions of each
- New York Hunting and Trapping Guide - New York State Hunting & Trapping Guide for 2007-2008.
- Hunting on Long Island - Long Island Hunting Opportunities.
- NYS Sportsman Education Program - All first-time hunters, bowhunters and trappers must pass one or more courses before they can get a license in New York State. The courses are free of charge. Trained instructors certified by the Department of Environmental Conservation teach safe and responsible outdoors practices and the important role of hunters in conservation.
- Places to Hunt in New York - Places to Hunt
