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Planning Updated Jan 29, 2026

New York Hunting Season Dates

Complete hunting calendar for New York including deer, elk, turkey, and more.

New York Hunting Season Calendar

Find all hunting season dates for New York including deer, elk, turkey, and waterfowl. Filter by species and hunting method.

NY regulations 3 species Split seasons shown Zone info included
NY

Coming Up in New York

Seasons opening in the next 60 days

Turkey Any Legal Method

May 1-31, 2026

Opens in 59 days

Complete Season Calendar

All New York hunting seasons organized by species

Deer 5 seasons

Method Dates Zone Status Notes Add to Calendar
Archery Oct 1 - Nov 14, 2025 Southern Zone Closed Early archery
Archery Sep 27 - Oct 17, 2025 Northern Zone Closed Northern archery
Rifle/Firearm Nov 15 - Dec 7, 2025 Southern Zone Closed Regular firearms
Rifle/Firearm Oct 18 - Nov 9, 2025 Northern Zone Closed Northern firearms
Muzzleloader Dec 8-20, 2025 Southern Zone Closed Late muzzleloader

Turkey 1 season

Method Dates Zone Status Notes Add to Calendar
Any Legal Method May 1-31, 2026 Statewide Upcoming Spring season

Bear 1 season

Method Dates Zone Status Notes Add to Calendar
Any Legal Method Sep 7 - Dec 20, 2025 Statewide Closed Early and regular - zones vary

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NY

New York Hunting Regulations

License year, species, and agency information

License Year
Oct 1, 2025 - Sep 30, 2026
Available Species
  • Bear
  • Deer
  • Turkey
Hunting Methods
  • Archery
  • Rifle/Firearm
  • Muzzleloader
  • Any Legal Method
Official Source: New York Department of Environmental Conservation
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This information is for reference only. Always verify regulations with your state wildlife agency before hunting or fishing.

Last verified: January 2026

Important Note for New York

New York has Northern and Southern Zone with different dates.

Hunting Method Legend

Archery Bow & Crossbow
Rifle/Firearm Modern rifles
Muzzleloader Black powder
Shotgun Shotguns only
Any Legal All methods

New York Hunting FAQ

Common questions about hunting seasons in New York

What are the hunting season dates for New York?

New York offers hunting seasons for Bear, Deer, Turkey. The license year runs from Oct 1, 2025 to Sep 30, 2026. Check our complete calendar above for specific dates by species and method.

When does deer season start in New York?

Deer season in New York typically begins with archery season starting Oct 1, 2025, followed by firearms/rifle season starting Nov 15, 2025.

Does New York require a draw for hunting?

New York offers general season licenses for some species and may require draws for others like elk, moose, or pronghorn. Check specific requirements for your target species.

What hunting seasons are open now in New York?

The next season to open is Turkey starting May 1, 2026.

What should I know about hunting in New York?

New York has Northern and Southern Zone with different dates.

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New York License Info

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