Hunting
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.
Find your next adventure using DECinfo Locator - an interactive map featuring wildlife management areas, WMU boundaries, parking areas, trail heads, and other information to help plan an excursion on state-managed lands.
For information pertaining to trapping in New York, please visit our Trapping page.
Attention Hunters: New York State recently adopted new requirements for the purchase and transfer of ownership of semi-automatic rifles and the purchase, possession, storage, and transport of firearms and ammunition in New York. See the Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Recent Changes to New York State Firearm Laws (PDF).
For additional detail and further guidance, see Questions and Answers Regarding Impacts to Hunting and Hunting-Related Activities from Recent Changes to New York State Firearm Laws (PDF).
Hunting Licenses
Hunting Seasons
Hunting season date and season zone information for all game species. Hunting Season Maps for 2022-23 (PDF).
Hunting Regulations
Summary of current hunting regulations. For regulations on specific species, use the links in the left-hand column of this page. See recent hunting regulation changes.
Obtain a permit for hunters with disabilities.
Hunter and Trapper Education
A hunter or trapper education class is required for all new hunters and trappers. Certificates from all other states are valid in New York. Read more about hunter safety basics.
Opportunities for Junior Hunters and Trappers
Junior Hunter (ages 12 to 15) and Junior Trapper (under age 16) mentoring programs.
Turkey, pheasant, and waterfowl seasons specially designated for junior hunters.
Places to Hunt
Find land open to public hunting in your area and view or download maps.
Always ask permission before hunting regardless of whether the land is posted.
Report Your Deer, Bear or Turkey Harvest
Report your deer, bear, or turkey harvest via phone or internet.
It's not just the law, it's good management!
Get the latest harvest reports for:
- Deer and Bear Harvest
- Spring Turkey Harvest
- Fall Turkey Harvest
Hunting and Trapping Photo Gallery
View the photo galleries of junior hunters and trappers and adults who have harvested their first big or small game animal.
See the Contributor's Guide to share your photos.
New York Hunting and Trapping Guide
View the 2022-23 Hunting and Trapping Regulations Guide. Season dates and regulations can also be found at the links above.
More about Hunting:
- Hunting & Trapping Regulations Guide - New York State Hunting & Trapping Guide.
- Hunting Seasons - Links to hunting season information for big and small game species.
- 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
- Hunter 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 NY Hunter Education courses are free of charge. Trained instructors certified by DEC teach safe and responsible outdoors practices, and the important role of hunters in conservation.
- Places to Hunt in New York - Places to Hunt
- Game Harvest Reporting - If you take a deer, bear, or turkey, you are required by law to report your take via the DECALS system.
- Deer and Bear Hunting - Links to information about hunting for deer and bear in New York State
- Turkey Hunting - Turkey hunting opportunities, safety, and regulations
- Small Game Hunting - A synopsis of New York State regulations for hunting small game and furbearers
- Migratory Game Bird Hunting - A summary of State and Federal rules that apply to the taking, possession, shipping, transporting and storing of migratory waterfowl
- Furbearer Hunting - General information for hunting furbearers including red and gray fox, coyote, bobcat, raccoon, skunk, mink, weasel, and opossum.
- Opportunities for Junior Hunters & Trappers - Special seasons and programs for junior hunters (ages 12-15) and trappers (under 12 years old)
- Hunting & Trapping Photo Gallery - DEC has created a photo gallery for junior hunters (ages 12-15), young trappers (under age 16), and hunters who have harvested their first big or small game animal.
- NYS Fish and Wildlife Management Board - The NYS Fish and Wildlife Management Board was established to encourage the preservation and development of fish and wildlife resources on privately-owned lands and waters, and to improve public recreational access to these resources.
- NYS Conservation Fund Advisory Board - The Conservation Fund Advisory Board provides the license buying public of the State of New York with an oversight in the expenditure of Conservation Fund monies.
