The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has announced that the regular firearms season for deer and bear hunting in the Southern Zone will open on November 15 and run through December 7. The department is urging hunters to prioritize safety and help prevent the spread of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) among deer populations.
“This November, hundreds of thousands of big game hunters will head afield to enjoy the outdoors and a chance to harvest deer or bear in New York’s Southern Zone,” said Commissioner Amanda Lefton. “As stewards of hunting traditions and New York’s deer population, all hunters should keep their conservation responsibilities as a top priority while enjoying time afield. Foremost among these responsibilities are following safe hunting practices and protecting the health of New York State’s deer population by harvesting antlerless deer and preventing the spread of deer diseases such as CWD.”
DEC continues to monitor Herkimer County after an isolated case of CWD was found at a captive facility in October 2024. Since then, with cooperation from landowners, hunters, taxidermists, and processors, DEC tested 196 wild deer samples with no positive results for CWD. However, ongoing testing will continue into 2025 to ensure early detection if any wild cases arise.
Hunters are advised to take several steps to avoid introducing CWD into wild populations. These include deboning venison before bringing it into New York from other states, submitting out-of-state harvested animals for testing where required, avoiding natural urine-based lures, disposing of carcass waste in landfills rather than on the landscape, supporting fair chase principles, and not consuming meat from sick-appearing animals.
Successful hunters in certain towns within Herkimer and Otsego counties are being asked to submit deer heads for CWD testing at designated drop-off locations listed on DEC’s website. Taxidermists can also collect samples from mounted specimens.
To reduce accidents during hunting season, DEC reminds participants that most injuries occur when using tree stands. Hunters should use safety harnesses from ground level until descent is complete, inspect equipment each season, follow manufacturer instructions closely, never climb with loaded firearms, and adhere strictly to firearm safety rules: point guns safely; treat every gun as loaded; be sure of targets; keep fingers off triggers until ready.
Hunting hours cover daylight periods starting half an hour before sunrise until half an hour after sunset. Hunters must wear fluorescent orange or pink clothing visible from all directions when pursuing deer or bear with firearms.
Through its “Let Young Bucks Go and Watch Them Grow” campaign, DEC reports a steady increase in older buck harvests due to voluntary restraint by hunters on shooting yearling bucks. The agency encourages harvesting does instead to help balance local herds with available habitat resources.
Youth participation continues under a pilot program allowing 12- and 13-year-olds—when accompanied by licensed adult mentors—to hunt during regular firearms seasons in eligible upstate counties. No incidents have been reported involving this age group since the program began in 2021.
All hunters who harvest deer, bear or turkey must report their take within 48 hours if using paper tags—a reduction from the previous seven-day window—or immediately via electronic tagging through the HuntFishNY mobile app. Electronic tag users do not need physical tags while retaining possession but must label carcasses left elsewhere with identifying information.
The HuntFishNY app allows digital access to licenses/tags and immediate reporting even without cell service. Paper tag users may also report by phone or online within two days post-harvest; accurate reporting supports wildlife management efforts statewide.
Other reminders include recommendations for non-lead ammunition use due to potential health risks; back tags are no longer required anywhere statewide; license/tag protection advice; regulation details available in the latest Hunting & Trapping Regulations Guide; and encouragement for reviewing all current regulations before going afield.
Amid concerns about reduced federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) support, DEC is encouraging hunters to donate legally harvested venison through Feeding New York State’s network of processors (https://feedingnys.org/hunters/). Each year between 50-70,000 pounds of donated venison helps supply food pantries across New York State. Processing costs are covered by DEC and Feeding New York State as funding allows; financial donations can also be made via links provided on licensing pages or when purchasing hunting licenses.
