Bowhunting seasons for deer and bear are set to begin in New York, according to an announcement from Amanda Lefton, Commissioner of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). In the Northern Zone, bowhunting for deer starts on September 27. For the Southern Zone, both deer and bear bowhunting seasons open on October 1. The bear bowhunting season in the Northern Zone began earlier, on September 13.
“Bowhunters enjoy tremendous opportunities here in New York, and those opportunities are even better now that crossbows can be used during the entire bow season and in bowhunting-only areas,” Commissioner Lefton said. “Late summer weather, fall foliage, and plentiful big game populations combine to create outstanding conditions. It’s an exciting time of year.”
A new regulation effective this fall allows hunters to use crossbows throughout all bowhunting seasons for deer and bear across New York State. Previously, state law restricted when and where crossbows could be used. Recent changes signed by Governor Kathy Hochul have removed most of these limitations. The expanded use of crossbows is expected to increase accessibility for hunters in urban and suburban areas that were previously limited to vertical bows only. The removal of minimum width and maximum draw weight requirements also means more types of crossbows will now be legal for hunting in New York.
To hunt with a crossbow during these seasons, individuals must hold a valid hunting license along with a bowhunting privilege.
The application deadline for Deer Management Permits (DMPs) is October 1. Hunters should determine their intended Wildlife Management Unit before applying; further information about permit availability can be found on DEC’s DMP Availability and Probability of Selection webpage.
The annual Youth Big Game Hunt will take place from October 11-13 statewide except Suffolk and Westchester counties as well as designated bowhunting-only areas. This event is open to junior hunters aged 12-15 who must be accompanied by a licensed adult hunter; only the junior participant may carry a firearm during this period. Additional rules apply regarding which tags may be used depending on whether antlered or antlerless deer are taken.
In fall 2024, Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) was confirmed at a captive deer facility in Columbia, Herkimer County—a disease fatal to deer species including moose and elk. The Department of Agriculture and Markets responded by depopulating affected herds while DEC initiated testing among wild populations nearby but has not detected CWD among wild deer so far. Hunters harvesting deer in specific towns within Herkimer County or Richfield in Otsego County are asked to submit harvested heads for sampling at designated drop box locations listed under CWD Sampling resources.
Hunters are also encouraged to contribute venison through donation programs supporting food assistance efforts or make monetary contributions at any license outlet participating in the Venison Donation Program. To reduce lead contamination risks when donating meat, DEC recommends using lead-free ammunition or donating animals harvested with bows or crossbows.
Further details about hunting regulations—including recent rule changes such as new requirements for wearing hunter orange or pink—are available on DEC’s website.
