Hunting

ALBANY, N.Y. — The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation is urging hunters to prioritize safety and share the woods respectfully this hunting season.

The DEC noted that nearly 600,000 New Yorkers participate in hunting annually.

“Hunting remains a safe, ecologically important wildlife population management tool, and fosters an understanding and respect for the environment,” Commissioner Amanda Lefton said.

The regular deer hunting season in the Northern Zone runs from Oct. 25 to Dec. 7, while bowhunting for deer and bear in the Southern Zone ends on Nov. 14.

The regular big game season in the Southern Zone begins on Nov. 15.

The DEC highlights key safety measures, including treating every firearm as if it were loaded, controlling the muzzle, identifying targets, and wearing hunter orange or pink.

Hunters are also encouraged to use a Fall Arrest System to prevent falls from tree stands.

“A FAS keeps a hunter attached to the tree from the time they leave the ground until they get back down. A harness alone is not sufficient if it isn’t attached to the tree the entire time the hunter is off the ground,” according to the DEC.

Click here for more about the New York State Hunter Education Program. 

With nearly three million New Yorkers at risk of losing their federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits in November, the DEC urges hunters to assist in combating hunger in our communities during this crucial period.


3 Million New Yorkers Face SNAP Cuts as State of Emergency Declared

Gov. Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency due to food assistance cuts for three million New Yorkers starting Nov. 1.

Each year, the DEC collaborates with Feeding New York State to donate between 50,000 to 70,000 pounds of venison from deer harvested by hunters to those in need.

From NYSDEC:

“To help join the fight against hunger by donating your deer harvest:

“Drop off any legally harvested, tagged, and reported deer at one of Feeding New York State’s participating deer processors (https://feedingnys.org/hunters/) “Call the processor ahead of time to ensure they can accept your deer.  “Complete the processor’s log sheet indicating your desire to donate the deer. Hunters can also donate whole deer or venison directly to anyone they choose,” according to the DEC. 

The DEC and Feeding New York State will cover the processing costs for donated deer; however, funding is limited.

For more information, click here.