NEW YORK — New York State’s fall hunting schedule begins this month, featuring the early openings for big game, migratory birds and small game.
Enjoying outdoor recreation during hunting season requires careful planning to ensure safety. Always wear high-visibility blaze orange or pink, stay on designated trails and know exactly when and what types of hunting are permitted in the area.
Key September hunting season start dates:
– black bear: September 12, Early Firearms in select Southern Zone areas; September 19, Regular and Bowhunting in select Northern Zone areas.
– Canada goose: September 1 in upstate New York; September 8 in certain Long Island Regions.
– deer: September 12, early Antlerless season for specific Wildlife Management Units (WMUs); September 27, early bowhunting for all Northern Zone WMUs.
– gray, black, and fox squirrel: September 1, in areas of New York State except Long Island and NYC.
– pheasant: September 26 and 27, Youth Hunt Days in select Northern Zone areas.
– ruffed grouse: September 20, in select Northern Zone areas.
– waterfowl: September 26 and 27, Youth and Military Days in select areas.
Season dates vary by region and WMU, hunters should verify exact zones and dates before heading out.
For more information, visit https://dec.ny.gov/things-to-do/hunting/seasons.