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Hunting on Long Island

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Public Hunting Areas on Long Island

Public hunting opportunities are provided by DEC on state owned land and through cooperative agreements with state and county parks (permit required). Programs exist to assist new hunters in finding hunting opportunities.

Suffolk County Department of Parks, Recreation, and Conservation (631-854-4949) offers waterfowl and deer hunting programs in some of its parks. The county waterfowl program at South Haven County Park is especially geared toward the novice waterfowler. The National Park Service (631-281-3010) permits waterfowl hunting from the Fire Island National Seashore.

Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge is located on the south shore of Long Island in Suffolk County. This area offers deer and youth turkey hunting opportunities. State and refuge permits are required. For current information on seasons, permits, maps and regulations, contact: Refuge Manager, Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge, 340 Smith Road, Shirley, NY 11967; (631) 286-0485 or visit Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge's website (leaves DEC website).

Special access permits are required for all controlled hunting areas. Individuals should obtain landowner permission prior to hunting on private property. Private lands are often posted; however, with some work, open areas can be found.

Sporting Licenses can be purchased online.

A free 3-year Managed Land Access Permit is required. Visit DEC's nForm page if you need information on how to obtain a NY.gov account, which is required for these permits.

2023 Spring Turkey Season Information for Hunting on DEC Managed Lands in WMU 1C

Season Dates: May 1st through May 31st.

Hunting Hours: One half hour before sunrise until noon.

Manner of Taking: Hunters may hunt with a shotgun loaded with shot no larger than number 2 and no smaller than number 9, or with a bow. Hunters may not use crossbows, rifles, or handguns.

Valid License & Tags: Hunters must have a valid New York State hunting license and a turkey permit to participate in the hunt.

Spring Turkey Season Bag Limit for WMU 1C:

A permittee may take:

  • No more than one bearded turkey per day; and
  • No more than one bearded turkey in WMU 1C

Visit DEC's Turkey Hunting Regulations page for more information on regulations.

The demand for spring turkey hunting on DEC-managed lands makes it necessary for hunters to follow specific procedures to ensure an equal hunting opportunity for all.

Step 1: Enter drawing for DEC-managed lands

To hunt for spring turkey on DEC-managed lands, you must enter a drawing. All entries must be received by 4:45 p.m. on March 13, 2023.

To enter the drawing, hunters must complete the Long Island State Lands Spring Turkey Drawing Registration Form (leaves DEC website).

To complete the survey and enter the drawing, hunters must fill out their name, email address, DEC customer ID, and list the top three properties that they wish to hunt. Once the survey is completed and submitted, you have been entered into the drawing. Your drawing number will be returned via email after the drawing date.

For general questions, or for those unable to access the survey online, please call DEC's Region 1 Wildlife office at (631) 444-0310. Callers may need to leave a message; all messages will be returned as soon as possible.

Online applications will be accepted through 4:45 p.m. March 13, 2023. Anyone unable to complete the online survey should contact the office at (631) 444-0310 before March 13th.

You may only send one entry. Any individual who sends more than one entry will have all of their entries removed from the drawing. Hunting parties are limited to three hunters. Each member of a three-hunter party may send one entry.

Step 2: Receive a drawing number

Prior to the reservation week you will receive a drawing number via email. This drawing number will indicate the day and time in which you are to call to make a reservation to hunt. Reservations will be taken over the phone the week of March 27, 2023.

The email you will receive will contain your drawing number which will be used to determine what day and time to call to make a reservation to hunt.

Step 3: Make a hunting reservation

When making a reservation, you must have each of the following items with you:

  1. Drawing Number & Instructions email (please use the provided spaces on the sheet to help expedite the reservation process).
  2. Hunting License

Reservations will be made over the phone at the time indicated by your drawing number or any open reservation time slot thereafter. You may have another person call to represent you, but your representative must know your preferred area and date.

Drawing numbers are not transferable and may only be used to make one reservation.

After making a reservation, you will receive a daily access permit and parking permit via e-mail. These must be printed prior to your hunt date. Each hunter in your party must have a printed daily access permit.

Step 4: On reservation day

On the morning which you are to hunt, you must have:

  1. A printed parking permit displayed in your windshield. Only one car per party permitted at parking spot.
  2. A daily access permit printed and completed for each member of your hunting party. The daily access permits must be carried with you when on the property.
  3. Report directly to your reserved parking spot no more than 2 hours prior to sunrise (Legal hunting hours are ½ hour before sunrise until noon).

There will be no in person reservations made at the check station or at the regional office. You must make your reservation over the phone.

If you are unable to make your scheduled reservation, we encourage you to call and cancel so that it may be made available to others. Please call (631) 380-3312 Monday - Friday between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. to cancel your reservation.

There will be no day of or standby reservations. You must make your reservation over the phone during the designated times.

  • Reservation for unfilled spots will only be taken at the dates and times listed below.
  • All reservations will be filled on a first call basis
  • One reservation will be allowed per phone call
  • Reservation can be made by calling (631) 380-3312
Unfilled Spots Reservation Times
Call Monday to Friday between
9 a.m. and 3 p.m. beginning on:		 For reservations between:
April 24 May 1 - May 7
May 1 May 8 - May 14
May 8 May 15 - May 21
May 15 May 22 - May 28
May 22 May 29 - May 31

Hunters are required to report the harvest of turkey within 7 days of take. You may report your harvest using one of these methods

DEC-Managed Properties and Spots Open to Spring Turkey Hunting

The following state-managed properties will be open for spring turkey hunting. Properties that do not require a reservation can be accessed with a Managed Land Access Permit.

  • Barcelona Neck Cooperative Hunting Area (shotgun/archery, reservations required)
    • Parking spots: 1, 2, 3
  • Calverton Woods (archery only, no reservation required)
    • Parking spots: 1 & 2
  • Carmans River Pine Barrens State Forest (archery only, no reservation required)
    • Carman's River Parking spot: 1
  • East Bartlett (archery only, no reservation required)
    • Parking spot: 16
  • Henry's Hollow (shotgun/archery, reservations required)
    • Parking spot: 1
  • Kings Park (archery only, no reservation required)
    • Parking spot: 1(2)
  • Otis Pike
    • Parking spots: 2, 4-7, 9, 10, 14, 20, 22, 25, 26, 28-35, 39-45, 47-50, 52, 55, 59, 63 (shotgun/archery, reservation required)
    • Parking spots: 13, 16, 38, 56, 57, 60, 65, 66 (archery only, no reservation required)
  • Ridge (archery only, no reservation required)
    • Parking spot: 1
  • Rocky Point
    • Parking spots: 1-6, 9-15, 17, 19-22, 25-30, 32, 34, 36-38, 40, 42-45, 50 (shotgun/archery, reservation required)
    • Parking spots: 7, 33 (archery only, no reservation required)
  • Sarnoff (shotgun/archery, reservation required)
    • Parking spots: 3, 5, 7-20
  • Westhampton
    • Parking spot: 1 (shotgun/archery, reservation required)
    • Parking spot: 2 (archery only, no reservation required)

Tidal Wetlands Properties (archery only, no reservation required)

  • Fireplace Neck
  • Havens Point
  • Long Beach Bay

Small Game Hunting on Long Island

Small game hunting consists primarily of a two-month season for stocked pheasants. Pheasants are stocked in various locations on DEC managed hunting areas throughout the season, which runs from November 1 through December 31. There is also a four-month season for cottontail rabbits and squirrels from November 1 through the end of February.

Eastern wild turkey provides and exciting hunting opportunity for hunters, with a fall hunting season and a youth spring season.

Seasons are also open at varying times for woodcock, crow, fox, and raccoon.

Check various hunting season dates and bag limits.

Each small game species offers a different challenge, and those familiar with a species' habits and habitat requirements will be most successful. A well-trained dog is also a beneficial companion and is almost a necessity for some species.

Deer Hunting on Long Island

There is an abundant population of white-tailed deer in Suffolk County. Deer hunting opportunities consist of an archery season from October 1 to January 31, and a shotgun and muzzleloader season in January. The shotgun season is closely regulated with written landowner permission required of each hunter in addition to his or her big game license. Annually, more than 3,000 deer are taken during these two seasons.

Youth Pheasant Hunting on Long Island

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has announced the dated for the Long Island youth hunt for pheasants. This year, junior hunters ages 12-15 will have a special two-day hunting season on October 30 &31, 2021 in Suffolk & Nassau Counties (Wildlife Management Units 1C & 1A).

Pheasant hunting was one of the first hunting experiences for many of today's adult hunters, and this two-day hunt will help maintain this traditional introduction to hunting. The excitement of a cackling rooster bursting out of the grassy cover will be an encounter a new hunter won't soon forget! Less crowded hunting conditions, experiences adult hunters and dog handlers, and mild weather combine to provide an exceptional upland hunting experience for junior hunters.

Requirements to take part in the Long Island youth pheasant hunt include:

  • Hunters must be 12-15 years off age, must have completed a Hunter Education course, and must have a junior hunting license.
  • Youth 12-13 years of age must be accompanies by a parent, legal guardian, or adult over 21 years of age, with written permission from their parent or legal guardian.
  • The accompanying adult must have a valid hunting license. The adult may assist the youth hunter, but may not carry a firearm.
  • Shooting hours are form sunrise to sunset each day.
  • The bag limit for the youth weekend is two birds.
  • All other pheasant hunting regulations are in effect.

DEC is releasing adult pheasants on specific sites for the Youth Pheasant Hunt weekend. Junior hunters can hunt the DEC properties listed below with a good chance of finding released birds. A free 3-year Managed Land Access Permit is required to hunt these areas. Visit DEC's nForm page is you need information on how to obtain a NY.gov account, which is required for these permits.

Rocky Point Natural Resources Management Area parking areas:

2, 3, 4, 5, 9, 10, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20, 21, 26, 27, 28, 30, 40, 41, 42

Otis Pike Preserve parking areas:

1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 36, 37, 39, 40, 41, 42, 48

A permission form is available in the Hunting and Trapping guide for parents/legal guardians to allow a licensed hunter to accompany their junior hunter in the field.

Waterfowl Hunting on Long Island

Long Island holds the majority of New York's wintering waterfowl. Tens of thousands of ducks and geese of at least 28 species are available to Long Island's waterfowlers.

Most tidal areas are publicly owned and can be hunted without special permission; access, however, is often difficult. The successful hunt generally requires a seaworthy grassboat, well-camouflaged with salt hay, or a scooter painted to resemble waves or ice for open bay broadbill rigs. For the hunter willing to scout for land, some good freshwater shooting of puddle ducks can still be found in eastern Suffolk. The east end also provides excellent goose shooting from leased lands or guided blinds.

See the brochure An Introduction to Waterfowl Hunting on Long Island, available from the DEC Region 1 office in Stony Brook, for more information.

On Long Island, Waterfowl Hunter Education courses are offered once or twice a year, and are recommended for both novice and seasoned hunters. Call (631) 444-0255 or visit our Hunter Education page for more information on courses on Long Island and in NYC.

How Tides Affect Waterfowl Hunting

The tide is a major consideration in waterfowl hunting on Long Island. It influences the behavior of birds, and significantly affects navigation. The tide range (the difference between high and low tide) varies greatly across Long Island, from as much as 8 to 10 feet in Port Washington (western north shore), to as little as a foot or less in Moriches Bay. Most areas fall in between, with a 3 to 5 foot range.

There are approximately 12 hours between one high tide and the next, with low tide falling half-way in between. The highs and lows for the following day occur roughly 1 hour later. The specific details of each tide cycle (how high and how low, how quickly it changes, and at what time they occur) is influenced by many factors, including: location, geography (juxtaposition of islands vs. open water), distance to the nearest inlet(s), lunar phase, wind and storm surges (both local and ones out to sea).

It is important for a hunter to know the tides (both times and extent) to get the most out of a hunting trip, and to return safely. Even a one foot drop in water level can leave a hunter stranded with water too shallow to navigate, and muck too thick to walk through. Strong, fast currents can develop that can challenge a boater's navigational skills, or even sweep a boat out to sea. Tide tables are available from many sources, including; newspapers, local TV stations, local marinas and bait shops, weather services at The Weather Channel and via the internet NOAA, Saltwatertides, Tide and Current Predictor (links leave DEC website).

Popular Waterfowl Species to Hunt

Long Island has terrific waterfowl hunting opportunities. It's a major wintering area for greater scaup, Atlantic brant, and black ducks. The island sees an abundance of Canada geese, and have plenty of mallards. Just about every other species of duck common to New York can be found at one time or another, somewhere on Long Island. This includes species with no open season, such as an occasional harlequin duck or white-fronted goose, so hunters must be certain to identify their target before they shoot.

Canada geese are plentiful just about everywhere, due to the large population of resident geese. They love the athletic fields, golf courses, parks, sod farms, and lawns that cover Long Island. However, in the early 1990s, a dramatic decline in the migrant Atlantic Population geese resulted in harvest restrictions. The regular goose hunting seasons were shortened throughout most of the Atlantic Flyway from 1992/93 through 1995/96, and closed in 1996/97 and 1997/98.

During this period, biologists were able to clearly identify, delineate and evaluate a separate population of Canada geese. This North Atlantic population are the geese that migrate to and through Long Island and other parts of New England. The resulting management plan for this separate population allowed a return of a regular goose season to Long Island in 1998. In addition to the regular goose season, Long Island has a special season specifically for resident geese. This is in September for the Central and Eastern Zones of Long Island. Please note there is no September season in the Western Zone of Long Island. See the season brochure for details regarding zone boundaries and regulations.

Snow geese generally pass through the area early, often before the season opens. They tend to concentrate along the south shore. Most have their sights set on points south, like New Jersey. There are always a few groups that stick around, and one or two stragglers that hang out with the Canada geese. Incidental encounters like this seem to have increased in recent years.

Atlantic Brant are most abundant in the southern bays from the middle of the Great South Bay (GSB) westward.

Those species which prefer freshwater, such as wood ducks and hooded mergansers are more common on freshwater ponds inland or in brackish areas (which are plentiful along the south shore).

Check out the Waterfowl and Migratory Game Bird Hunting Seasons and Zones.

Waterfowl Hunting Seasons

The length of the hunting season, as well as bag limits are set annually at the Federal Level and based on current waterfowl populations and expectations for the future. For this reason, the season dates and limits usually change year to year, and hunters need to check the current waterfowl seasons before hunting.

On Long Island, as with other parts of the state, the dates of the waterfowl season vary from year to year. Tentative season dates are usually available in April, and finalized in late early summer. Keeping this in mind, the following generalities will give you an idea of the season dates on Long Island.

  • Regular duck, coots and mergansers: 60 days counting back from the last Sunday in January.
  • Sea Ducks: (eider, scoter and long-tailed ducks): concurrent with regular duck season.
  • Brant: similar to regular duck season, shortened in recent years due to decline in midwinter survey numbers.
  • Snow Geese: end of November through early March.
  • Canada Geese (early season for regular geese): the day after Labor Day through the end of September.
  • Canada Geese (regular): three zones, some portion of which coincides with the regular duck season.

Legal Requirements for Hunting Waterfowl

Ducks and geese are considered small game. To hunt them requires an annual New York State small game hunting license. All waterfowl hunters must also register with the Harvest Information Program (HIP) each year, in each state that they hunt. To register by phone, hunters can call an automated system 24 hrs/day, 7 days/week at 888-427-5447 or register online. When hunters register, they will be assigned a registration number, which they must have on them while hunting. A good place to record this number is on the back of the hunting license.

Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp

The final legal requirement for all waterfowl hunters age 16 and older is the purchase of a $25 Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp (link leaves DEC website)-better known simply as a "Federal Duck Stamp", which the hunter must sign across the face in ink to validate. Funds generated by these stamps go toward waterfowl management, primarily for the purchase of wetlands. The stamp must be carried while hunting as well. There is no requirement to affix the stamp anywhere, but many hunters stick it to the back of their hunting license. Since the duck stamp is a federal program, one stamp is valid nationwide, regardless of where one hunts. It also acts as a nationwide passport for entry into any National Wildlife Refuge open to the public (without it, each visit usually costs a fee.)

Duck stamps should be available at all US Post Offices; however, you may find any given office does not have them in stock when you visit. They are also available from some sporting goods shops, by phone (1-800-852-4897) or online (link leaves DEC website). Additional fees may apply for phone or internet orders. Both the Federal Duck Stamp and the HIP registration are valid from July 1 through June 30 of the next year, so you need a new duck stamp and new HIP number before each fall hunting season.

Waterfowl Hunting Areas on Long Island

View Long Island's public waterfowl hunting areas.

Hunting on Long Island is done in both Nassau and Suffolk Counties. The island is heavily urbanized in the west, gradually becoming less so as you travel east. Roughly halfway across Suffolk County, development becomes interspersed with tracts of agricultural areas (such as cabbage, corn and rye fields, and sod farms). The north shore is best described as an abrupt change from the land to the Long Island Sound, with deep water just off shore. The south shore has a more gradual transition, with most of Long Island being separated from the ocean by a barrier island. This geography provides a multitude of shallow bays, salt marshes and estuaries.

There are several DEC-managed tidal wetlands that are huntable from shore, but a dog or boat is generally needed for retrieving downed birds. A free 3-year Managed Land Access Permit is required to use this property. Visit DEC's nForm page if you need information on how to obtain a NY.gov account, which is required for these permits.

The Suffolk County Department of Parks, Recreation and Conservation also has six areas that are open to waterfowl hunting. These include Theodore Roosevelt (Montauk), Cedar Point (Sag Harbor), Hubbard (Flanders), and Southaven (Yaphank) County Parks. Access to hunting is also available through Smith's Point Park (Shirley) and Cupsogue Beach (West Hampton Dunes). County residents are given preference, but nonresidents are accommodated, space permitting. For more information, contact: Suffolk County Parks, P.O. Box 144, West Sayville, NY 11796; (631) 854-4949.

Fire Island National Seashore (F.I.N.S.), run by the National Park Service (NPS), has two areas open to waterfowl hunting. Fire Island National Seashore's East End Hunting Area is adjacent to the park's Otis Pike Fire Island High Dune Wilderness. A sportsman's recreational vehicle driving permit may be used to access the beach on the Atlantic Ocean side of wilderness area from September 15 through December 31, but access to the bay side of the island is by foot or shallow-draft vessel only. Waterfowl hunting is permitted only from Hayhole Point (west of the Wilderness Visitor Center and boardwalk) to Long Cove (east of Watch Hill). No hunting is allowed from the small bay islands north of Fire Island in this area. A portion of the Pattersquash Gun Club's hunting rights are within the boundaries of Fire Island National Seashore.

Fire Island's West End Hunting Area is restricted to shoreline waterfowl hunting from East Fire Island, West Fire Island, and Sexton Island.

You must first obtain a hunting permit from the Seashore. (Permits can be issued at the Wilderness Visitor Center (link leaves DEC website) or, when staff is available, at the West District Checkpoint, (631) 661-2556. Hunters need to bring their hunting license, driver's license, HIP number, and Federal duck stamp to get the permit.

Other areas:
In general, the bay bottom below the high tide mark is considered public domain and open to hunting. However, there are exceptions. For instance, the Town of Southampton (which claims ownership of the bay bottom) requires hunters in the town to be a resident, or in the company of a resident guide. The Pattersquash Gun Club has exclusive rights to much of Bellport Bay, including the bay bottom. It is possible for local municipalities (such as villages and towns) to pass ordinances prohibiting discharge of firearms. Since there are so many municipalities, and the laws can change at any time, DEC cannot keep track of all these ordinances. It is the responsibility of the hunter to know if a specific area is legal to hunt in before going afield (check with the town or village clerk's office, or local police department).

If a hunter encounters a "no discharge" or "no hunting" ordinance, they should try to obtain a copy of both the ordinance and a map of the municipalities' boundary lines. They may find out that the ordinance actually allows hunting under specific circumstances (such as over water, or under the permission of a landowner) or that the area they are looking at is actually out of the municipality's jurisdiction.

*Note: The State holds the authority to regulate hunting, and no lesser government can usurp that authority. Although "No Hunting" laws are not valid, they may nonetheless be on the books in some municipalities.

Access

Most of Long Island waterfowl hunting is done on the bays. It is advisable to avoid crossing the bay or any large expanse of open water during the winter. Dangerous weather conditions can form quickly.

There are a few public ramps, mostly operated by the town or county that are left open during the winter. Some are free; some require a permit or a fee. In general, town owned ramps require a permit (the fee for which is generally higher for nonresidents), which may or may not be checked and/or enforced during the winter.

The DEC Marine Fishing Access Unit also publishes a list of boat ramps in the Long Island Region.

Many waterfowl hunters launch over the beach, without a ramp. It's a matter of finding a place where the bay and road are close, without private property or tidal marsh in between. In some areas, the land is so low and tides so high that you can almost launch right on the road during some of the storm tides.

Practice Makes Perfect

Seek out a local gun range to practice on clay pigeons before the season starts!

Protect The Future of The Sport

Regardless of where you hunt, whether it's alone or with a guide or group, you should always be conscious of others, and the effects that your actions will have. You should act as if your every move is under close scrutiny, because it may be. This is particularly so in urbanized areas, like Long Island, where the majority of the population does not hunt, and may not understand hunting. Whatever you do may affect the sport of others. Do not turn non-hunters into anti-hunters. Long Island has some of the best waterfowl hunting opportunities in the state; let's keep it that way.

Public Hunting Opportunities in Suffolk County, Long Island

DEC manages several public hunting areas on Long Island. Access permits are required as follows:

  • DEC Managed Land Access permits are required for hunting on all DEC-managed areas on Long Island, except when a daily access permit is required. Daily access permits are not issued to hunters after 2:30 p.m.
  • Daily access permits are required to hunt on parts of the Rocky Point Natural Resources Management Area and parts of the Otis Pike Preserve from November 1 through December 31.
  • Daily access permits also are required to firearm hunt for deer on all DEC-managed areas open during the January firearms deer season in Suffolk County. DEC Managed Land Access Permit Procedures for Hunting

Except for the days of the January firearms deer season, a DEC Managed Land Access Permit is required to hunt on the Sarnoff Pine Barrens Preserve, Barcelona Neck, Westhampton Management Area, East Bartlett, Ridge, Henry's Hollow, East Hampton Cooperative Area, Southampton Cooperative Area, and the following portions of the Otis Pike Preserve and Rocky Point Natural Resources Management Area:

  • Rocky Point (spot numbers 7A, 25 & 33A)
  • Otis Pike - Topping Path/Hunter's Garden (spot numbers 23-34)
  • Otis Pike - Eastport (spot numbers 41-42, 58-59)
  • Otis Pike - Nugent Drive/South River Road (spot numbers 13A, 16A, 35, 43)
  • Otis Pike - Hot Water Street (spot numbers 46-47)
  • Otis Pike - Spot number 38A & 65A\
  • Otis Pike - Parking Spot 51W (only waterfowl spot on Mill Road)
  • Otis Pike - Mill Road (spot numbers 56A, 57A)\
  • Otis Pike - Ryerson Avenue (spot numbers 60A(2), 61W)
  • Otis Pike - South River Road (spot number 66A)

A free 3-year Managed Land Access Permit is required to hunt on any of the tidal wetlands areas owned by DEC where hunting is allowed. Visit DEC's nForm page if you need information on how to obtain a NY.gov account, which is required for these permits. See Long Island Hunting Areas for more information.

Hunters using the Managed Land Access Permit must park in any open eligible marked spots when provided. For properties that have no designated parking spots, it is the hunter's responsibility to park and access the property legally. There is no need to visit the check station prior to going afield.

Daily Access Permit Procedures, November - December on Rocky Point and Otis Pike

From November 1 through December 31, all hunting on Rocky Point (except spot numbers 7A, 25 & 33A) and parts of Otis Pike (parking spot numbers 1 through 12, 14 and 15, 17 through 22, 36, 37, 39, 40, 44, 45, 48, 49, 50, 52, 53, 54, and 55) is by daily access permit only. Daily access permits can be obtained at the Ridge Hunter Check Station. Daily access permits are not issued to hunters after 2:30 p.m.

Non-Holiday Weekdays

On Monday-Friday in November or December daily access permits are issued on a first-come, first-served basis. Daily access permits are issued one (1) hour and 15 minutes before sunrise for archers and waterfowl hunters and 15 minutes before sunrise for small game hunters. On weekdays, hunters arriving before the check station opens must park in numbered parking spots in front of the check station according to the order of their arrival and must sign the list at the check station window to ensure their place in line.

Weekends, Holidays, and November 1

On high volume days (weekends, holidays, and opening day), a.m. hunting is by reservation only. Reservations are made by calling the hunter check station at (631) 924-3156. Refer to the table for the date to call to make a reservation for the day you would like to hunt.

  • Reservations for Rocky Point will be taken from 8:30 a.m.-10 a.m.
  • Reservations for Otis Pike will be taken from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
  • Reservations may continue to be made for either property from 12:30 p.m.-2 p.m.

Only one reservation may be made per call. The hunter does not need to be the one to call, but the hunter's name and date of birth must be provided. In return for making the reservation, each hunter will be given a number that corresponds to his or her place in line to pick a hunting spot. Early reservations or reservations made in person will not be accepted.

New and Junior Hunters

New and junior hunters (new: within two years of completing a Hunter Education course; Junior: 12-15 years old) may call early to make reservations. New and junior hunter reservations will be taken for both properties from 7:45 a.m.- 8:15 a.m. On the day of the hunt you must provide proof that you are either a new or junior hunter by presenting your Hunter Education certificate or a junior license. Only two new or junior hunter reservations may be made per month. Only five new or junior hunter reservations will be taken per property per day.

Reservation Call in Times

Refer to chart for date to call. To make a reservation, call (631) 924-3156 during the hours listed below:

  • New or Junior hunters: 7:45 a.m.- 8:15 a.m. for either property
  • Rocky Point: 8:30 a.m.- 10 a.m.
  • Otis Pike Preserve: 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
  • Any remaining reservations will be filled from 12:30 p.m.- 2 p.m.

Reservation and Call-in Dates 2023

November Reservation Day Day to Call December Reservation Day Day to Call
November 1 (Opening Day) October 28 December 2 November 25
November 4 October 28 December 3 November 26
November 5 October 29 December 9 December 2
November 8 (Election Day) November 4 December 10 December 3
November 11 (Veterans Day) November 4 December 16 December 9
November 12 November 5 December 17 December 10
November 18 November 11 December 23 December 16
November 19 November 12 December 24 December 17
November 25 November 18 December 30 December 23
November 26 November 19 December 31 December 24

Reservation Numbers

  • Numbers will be given out in sequential order to callers.
  • If you plan on hunting with a partner and are both calling in, be sure to check whether he/she has already made a reservation. If two hunters make separate reservations and go out together on one reservation, one hunter will be charged with a missed reservation.
  • New and junior hunters will receive random numbers.

Maximum Number of Reservations and Missed Reservations

  • Hunters can make or use a maximum of seven reservations in November and six in December.
  • If you make and use a reservation you will be charged one reservation.
  • If you hunt on someone else's reservation you will be charged one reservation.
  • Reservations will be held until 8 a.m. without a phone call.
  • If you make and do not use a reservation, you still will be charged for one reservation and will be penalized for a missed reservation.
  • Hunters who fail to use two reservations that they have made in the same month will be barred from making or using any reservations for the remainder of the month. They may continue to hunt on standby.
  • A hunter may use another hunter's reservation by showing a copy of his/her license, but the person whose name the reservation is in will be charged for a missed reservation.
  • Hunters going out at 8 a.m. standby will not be charged a reservation.

Stand-by Hunting

Hunters who fail to make a reservation or have met the maximum number of reservations may continue to hunt on stand-by. At 8 a.m. each day, all parking spots that have not been filled will be given away to hunters who have placed themselves on the stand-by list.

Early Out Reservations (Archery, Turkey and Waterfowl)

On non-reservation days, waterfowl hunters and archery deer hunters who would like to hunt on the Rocky Point or the Otis Pike Preserve may reserve a parking site the day before they want to hunt. To make an early out reservation, you must call the Ridge Check Station at (631) 924-3156 between 12 and 2 p.m. the day before you want to hunt (Sunday through Thursday only). After making an early out reservation, hunters must pick up their permits and placards and leave their licenses in a drop box on the porch of the check station any time after 6 p.m. the night before they hunt. This will allow hunters to go directly to their reserved parking spots in the morning. Hunters must still check out at the check station no later than one hour after sunset on the day they hunt.

The following spots may be reserved for an early out reservation:

Rocky Point spots: 1, 6, 9, 18, 22*, 26*, 29 - 32, 34 - 41, 43, 44, 49 and 50.
(*two-car spots; only one can be reserved as an early-out spot)

Otis Pike Preserve spots: 3, 5, 7, 10 or 12**, 14, 15, 17 or 19**, 36, 44, 45, 49, 50, 52, 53, 54 and 55
(**only one of these two spots will be given out as an early-archery or early-waterfowl spot).

If you make an early-out reservation, you may hunt only the species for which the reservation was made. Any hunter who fails to use two early-out reservations in one month will be barred from making or using any early-out reservations for the remainder of the month.

January Firearms Season in Suffolk County

The January firearms deer-hunting season begins on the Sunday of the first full week in January and continues through the remainder of the month. Where allowed, firearms deer hunting on all DEC-managed lands is by daily permits distributed according to a drawing held on the first Tuesday of December. Deadline for entry is the day before at 4:45 p.m.

Season Dates: The January firearms deer season begins on the first Sunday in January and ends on January 31.

Hunting Hours: One half hour before sunrise until one half hour after sunset.

Fluorescent Orange & Fluorescent Pink Clothing Requirements:

*New: Any person hunting deer with a firearm or a person who is accompanying someone hunting deer with a firearm shall wear:

  1. A minimum total of 250 square inches of solid fluorescent orange or fluorescent pink material worn above the waist and visible from all directions; or
  2. A minimum total of 250 square inches of patterned fluorescent orange or fluorescent pink consisting of no less than fifty percent fluorescent orange or fluorescent pink worn above the waist and visible from all directions; or
  3. A hat or cap with no less than 50 percent of the exterior consisting of solid fluorescent orange or fluorescent pink material and visible from all directions.

Manner of Taking: Shotgun, using a single ball or slug, or a muzzleloading rifle or muzzleloading pistol, shooting a single projectile, having a minimum bore of 0.44 inches. Shotgun barrels may be rifled, and telescopic sights may be used. Crossbows are not a legal hunting implement in Suffolk County.

Valid License & Tags: Hunters must have a valid New York State hunting license and carcass tag to participate in the hunt. Valid tags include the Regular Season Deer tag, Deer Management Permits (DMP) for Unit 1C, Archery tags, Muzzleloader tags and Bonus DMPs for Unit 1C.

Archery Hunting: Archery hunting during the January firearms season is allowed pursuant to the regular deer hunting season regulations. Archery hunters are not required to obtain landowner's endorsement or a town permit.

Requirements for Long Island Deer Firearms

While hunting, an individual must carry on their person:

  • Hunting License
  • Valid tags
  • Landowner's Endorsement
  • Town Permit (where required)

All successful hunters must follow the deer tagging and check station procedures. Any person who has violated any provision of the Environmental Conservation Law or the regulation governing this special season while hunting with the special permit, shall, upon apprehension, surrender his or her permit; upon conviction or settlement, the permit may be canceled. Any application for a permit obtained by fraud, or by a person not entitled to a permit, shall be void. No permit will be replaced if it is lost, stolen, or destroyed.

Firearms Deer Hunting on Private Lands

Step 1: Get a Landowner's Endorsement form (PDF) signed by the person owning or leasing the land you wish to hunt. This is required for all firearm deer hunting on Long Island.

The Landowner's Endorsement form must be signed by a person owning or leasing ten or more acres of land in an area open to hunting during this special season. If a landowner or lessee owning or controlling ten or more acres wishes to hunt on his or her own property, he or she must endorse his or her own application.

Step 2: Get a Town Permit. Bring the completed Landowner's Endorsement form, your Hunting License (including carcass tags), and a completed Application for a Town Permit (PDF) to the town clerk's office in the town you wish to hunt. A Town Permit is required when hunting in any town of Long Island listed in the table below. If the town that you wish to hunt is not listed below, no town permit is required.

Permits are issued starting in early December by town clerks for their respective towns. Permits will be issued in the order applicants appear. There may be a $1 fee for the permits. The permit authorizes you to hunt ONLY within the town specified and ONLY on land for which you have obtained a signed Landowner's Endorsement. The permits are non transferrable.

Towns that Require Permits
Town Address Quota
Babylon 200 E. Sunrise Highway, Lindenhurst 200
Huntington 100 Main Street, Huntington 500
Islip 655 Main Street, Islip 200
Smithtown 99 W. Main Street, Smithtown 1,000
Southampton 116 Hampton Road, Southampton 2,500

The Towns of Brookhaven, East Hampton, Riverhead, Shelter Island, and Southold have waived the Town Permit requirement.

Firearms Deer Hunting on DEC-Managed Lands

The demand for deer hunting makes it necessary for hunters to follow specific procedures to ensure an equal hunting opportunity for all.

Step 1: Enter drawing for DEC-managed lands.

To hunt for deer on DEC-managed lands, you must enter a drawing. This drawing is always held on the first Tuesday of December. All entries must be received by 4:45 p.m. the day before the drawing.

To enter the drawing, hunters must now complete a Long Island State Lands January Firearms Drawing Registration Form (2023 link available on October 1, leaves DEC's website).

In order to complete the survey and enter the drawing, hunters must fill out their name, email address, DEC customer ID, and county of residence. Once the survey is completed and submitted, you have been entered into the drawing. Your drawing number will be returned via email after the drawing date.

For general questions, or for those unable to access the survey online, please call DEC's Region 1 Wildlife office at (631) 444-0310. Callers may need to leave a message; all messages will be returned as soon as possible. If you have already submitted an entry by mail, please call the Region 1 Wildlife office for further instruction.

Online applications will be accepted through 4:45 p.m. December 4, 2023. Anyone unable to complete the online survey should contact the office at (631) 444-0310 before December 4.

You may only send one entry. Any individual who sends more than one entry will have all of his or her entries removed from the drawing. Each member of a two-hunter party may send one entry.

Step 2: Receive a drawing number.

Within one week of the drawing date you will receive a drawing number via email. This drawing number will indicate the day in which you are to make a reservation to hunt. The drawing number that you receive via email should be printed as you must bring it with you when you make your reservation. You must make your reservation at the Ridge Hunter Check Station during the last full week (Monday-Friday) before December 25.

The email you receive contains your drawing number. You must bring the printed sheet with you in order to make a reservation.

Step 3: Make a hunting reservation.

When making a reservation, you must have each of the following items with you:

  1. Drawing Number & Instructions sheet with completed Application for Town Permit (PDF), Southampton only.
  2. Hunting License
  3. Valid Carcass Tag

Reservations must be made in person at the Ridge Hunter Check Station at the time indicated by your drawing number or anytime thereafter. You may send another person to represent you but your representative must know your preferred area and date.

Drawing numbers are not transferable and may be used to make one reservation. A hunter who makes a reservation with a partner also holding a number will no longer be required to forfeit his or her own number. Two hunters each holding a drawing numbers may sign up as each other's partner to hunt on different days. Upon making a reservation, you will be issued a Landowner's Endorsement and a Town Permit for the property and town that you have made a reservation for.

The Ridge Hunter Check Station is located north of Route 25 on Randall Road (½ mile west of the William Floyd Parkway, L.I.E. Exit 68 North) in the hamlet of Ridge, Suffolk County.

Step 4: Appear to hunt on reservation day.

On the morning which you are to hunt, you must first report to the appropriate hunter check station to receive an access permit for the property.

The East Hampton check station will open one hour before sunrise. The Ridge check station will open one hour and 30 minutes before sunrise for those hunting Southampton properties and one hour 15 minutes for all other properties.

You must arrive at the check station by 8 a.m. to claim your reservation unless you notify us at (631) 924-3156 that you will be arriving late. At 8 a.m., unclaimed reservations will become available to others who have the proper paperwork. After hunting, you must return to the check station no later than 60 minutes after sunset.

DEC-Managed Properties Open to Firearms Deer Hunting

Hunting on all state-managed lands during the January shotgun season still requires advanced reservations and daily permits.

The following state-managed properties will be open for shotgun deer hunting from the first Sunday of January to January 31, 7-days a week:

  • Rocky Point Natural Resources Management Area
    • Parking Spots: 1-6, 9-15, 17, 19-22, 25, 26(2), 27-30, 32, 34, 36-38, 40, 42-45, 50
  • Westhampton Dwarf Pine Plains Preserve
    • Parking spots: 1(2)
  • Henry's Hollow Pine Barrens State Forest
    • Parking spot: 1
  • Barcelona Neck Cooperative Hunting Area
    • Parking spots: 1, 2, 3
  • David Sarnoff Cooperative Hunting Area
    • Parking spots: 3, 5(2), 7, 8, 9, 10(2), 11-20
  • Otis Pike Preserve
    • Parking spots (Brookhaven): 20, 22, 25, 26, 28-33, 34(2), 35(2), 41-45, 47, 55, 59, 63
    • Parking spots (Riverhead): 2, 4-7, 9, 10, 14, 39, 40, 48-50, 52

Archery hunting will not be permitted on the above listed properties during the January Firearms Season except at select spots on Rocky Point (7A and 33A) and Otis Pike (13A, 16A, 38A, 56A, 57A, 65A and 66A). All other uses of the properties are not permitted during the firearms deer season, including waterfowl hunting, small game hunting and trapping with the exception of Otis Pike Preserve parking areas 17, 18, 51W, and 61W. These areas will be closed to shotgun deer hunting to accommodate waterfowl hunters wishing to hunt the Peconic River.

The following properties will be open for shotgun deer hunting from the first Sunday in January to January 31, weekdays only:

  • East Hampton Cooperative Area (Montauk State Park will have no hunting on Martin Luther King Day)
    • Hither Hills parking spots: 1-9, 11(2), 12, 13(2), 14(2)
    • Montauk parking spots: 1(2), 2, 3
  • Noyac (part of the Southampton Cooperative Areas)
    • Parking spot: 6(2)

Archery hunting will not be permitted on any of the East Hampton Cooperative Areas or the Southampton Cooperative Areas during January. Small game and waterfowl hunting dates on the East Hampton Cooperative areas will remain the same as in previous years.

See Long Island Public Hunting Areas for maps of DEC-managed hunting areas.

Stand-by Hunting Procedures for Firearms Deer Hunting on DEC-managed Lands

At 8 a.m. each day, all parking spots that have not been filled will be given away to hunters via a drawing at the Ridge Hunter Check Station. There will be one drawing for all available parking areas on all properties. All hunters present for the drawing will be able to enter, you do not need a town permit prior to entering the drawing. Second town permits can be issued to all hunters who are picked for a spot during the stand-by.

Bonus Deer Management Permits

Bonus DMPs are available to hunters who take antlerless deer on any Unit 1C DMPs (original or Bonus DMPs) during the special January Firearms season. Bonus DMP's are valid for antlerless deer only. For more information on how to obtain a bonus DMP in region 1C please visit the Bonus DMP page.

Deer Check Stations

Deer Check stations are open to check deer and to issue Bonus DMPs. All deer harvested on state managed lands, including Barcelona Neck and Noyac, must be presented at a check station. Hunters harvesting deer from private lands are also urged to check their deer. The taker shall personally transport the deer to a check station, except that they may designate another to transport the deer, providing the taker's carcass tag and a tag supplied by him/her, on which is written legibly in ink the name and address of the person to transport the deer, the date and the signature of the taker and transporter, are attached to the carcass. DEC check stations will be located as follows:

Station Location Hours
Ridge Conservation Area 484 Randall Rd. Ridge, NY 11961
Phone: (631) 924-3156		 Daily: 8 a.m. - 4:45 p.m.
Hither Hills State Park Maintenance Area 164 Old Montauk Hwy. Montauk, NY 11954
Phone: (631) 444-0310		 Weekdays: 8 a.m. - 4:45 p.m.
(Only open during January Firearms Season)
DEC Region 1 Office, Stony Brook 50 Circle Road Stony Brook, NY 11790
Phone: (631)		 By appointment only

Archery Deer Hunting on DEC-Managed Lands in January

The following properties will be open for archery deer hunting from the first Sunday of January to January 31. A managed lands access permit is required to hunt on these properties.

  • Brookhaven State Park Cooperative Hunting Area
  • Calverton Pine Barrens State Forest
  • Carmans River Pine Barrens State Forest
  • East Bartlett Conservation Area, Ridge Conservation Area
  • Kings Park Cooperative Hunting Area
  • Ridge Multiple Use Area
  • Wildwood State Park Cooperative Hunting Area
  • DEC tidal wetlands that are currently open to archery hunting
  • Rocky Point spots 7A and 33A, ONLY
  • Otis Pike 13A, 16A, 38A, 56A, 57A and 66A, ONLY

map showing where firearms deer hunting is permitted on nys dec managed lands in suffolk county

Other Property Owners that offer Public Hunting Opportunities in Suffolk County

Fire Island National Seashore (leaves DEC website)

Suffolk County Parklands (leaves DEC website)

Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge: Located on the south shore of Long Island in Suffolk County. This area offers deer and youth turkey hunting opportunities. State and refuge permits are required.

For current information on seasons, permits, maps and regulations, contact: Refuge Manager, Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge, 340 Smith Road, Shirley, NY 11967; Telephone: (631) 286-0485 or visit Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge's website (leaves DEC website).

Seatuck National Wildlife Refuge: Located in the Town of Islip in Suffolk County. This property has opened 100 acres to white-tailed deer archery hunting November through January. The property is otherwise closed to the public. Permits are required.

For current information on seasons, permits, maps and regulations, contact: Refuge Manager, Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge, 340 Smith Road, Shirley, NY 11967; Telephone: (631) 286-0485 or visit or Seatuck National Wildlife Refuge's website (leaves DEC website).


More about Hunting on Long Island:

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    Bureau of Wildlife
    SUNY at Stony Brook
    50 Circle Road
    Stony Brook, New York 11790
    631-444-0310
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