As New York State’s 2025–2026 hunting season gets underway, across the state — and on select New York City-owned properties outside the five boroughs where deer management is permitted under strict guidance from the Department of Environmental Protection — hunters are preparing to pursue deer, bear, turkey, and small game in diverse landscapes.
From seasoned sportsmen to first-timers, success in the field requires more than skill; it demands a thorough understanding of current regulations and safety protocols.
2025 New York hunting licensing and education requirements
The state requires all hunters to be at least 12 years old and hold a valid hunting license. First-time hunters must complete a Hunter Education Course, available both online and in person, before obtaining their license. Once certified, hunters can purchase licenses through the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation online, by calling 866-933-2257, or at more than 1,200 license-issuing agents statewide.
The HuntFishNY mobile app allows hunters to store licenses digitally and report harvests even without cell service, streamlining the process for both licensing and compliance.
New York hunting season dates for 2025-2026 and wildlife zones
New York divides hunting into Wildlife Management Units that determine seasons and legal equipment. For the 2025-2026 season, deer hunting in the Southern Zone includes bowhunting from Oct. 1 to Nov. 14, Dec. 8 to 16, and Dec. 26 to Jan. 1, with regular firearms season running Nov. 15 to Dec. 7. The Northern Zone offers bowhunting from Sept. 27 to Oct. 24.
Youth hunters aged 12 to 15 get special opportunities during the Youth Deer Hunt Weekend from Oct. 11 to 13 but must hunt under adult supervision.
Bear hunting begins with bowhunting on Sept. 13, followed by crossbow season starting Oct. 15 and regular season from Oct. 25 to Dec. 7. Turkey seasons vary by zone, with fall hunting from Oct. 1 to Nov. 14 and spring season scheduled for Apr. 19 to May 31, 2026. Youth spring turkey hunting runs Apr. 12 to 18, 2026.
Small game enthusiasts can pursue squirrels from Sept. 1 to Feb. 28, while coyote season runs Oct. 1 to Mar. 29 with no bag limit. Raccoon, fox, skunk, opossum, and weasel seasons begin Oct. 25 and end Feb. 15, depending on the region.
Safety regulations require all first-time hunters to complete Hunter Education, with additional Bowhunter Education mandatory for those using bows or crossbows for big game. Youth hunters aged 12 to 15 must have adult supervision at all times.
Distance restrictions prohibit firearm discharge within 500 feet of residences, with crossbows restricted to 250 feet and bows to 150 feet, unless hunters own the property or have written permission.
Safety and legal guidelines
Harvest reporting must occur immediately for electronic tag users through the HuntFishNY app, while paper tag users have 48 hours to report their harvests.
Hunters can access Wildlife Management Areas, State Forests, and Preserves on public lands, while private lands require landowner permission. Some shooting preserves may allow hunting without a license for certain game types.
Within New York City’s five boroughs, hunting remains prohibited due to dense population and firearm discharge laws. However, hunters can access city-owned watershed lands outside the urban core in counties including Putnam, Ulster, and Westchester, which require both a valid New York State hunting license and a Department of Environmental Protection Access Permit.
For fishing types, the season continues in New York City. Fishing is allowed in New York City with a valid state license, following catch-and-release rules for freshwater and regulated access for saltwater and reservoir areas.
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