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New York Hunting Season Dates 2026–27

Season openers, closers, and tag requirements by species. Always confirm against NY State Dept of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) before you hunt. Dates can change.

License: resident $22 · nonresident $115. Species tags and permits are extra. See each section below.

White-tailed Deer Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Early Antlerless - bow-only areas: Southern Zone early antlerless area - bow onlySep 12, 2026Sep 20, 2026DMP and DMAP tags only
Early Antlerless - firearms and bows areas: Southern Zone early antlerless area - firearms and bowsSep 12, 2026Sep 20, 2026DMP and DMAP tags only
Northern Zone Early Bowhunting (all WMUs)Sep 27, 2026Oct 23, 2026License + Bowhunting Privilege
Northern Zone Early MuzzleloadingOct 17, 2026Oct 23, 2026License + Muzzleloading Privilege
Northern Zone RegularOct 24, 2026Dec 6, 2026Antlered Deer Tag / DMP
Northern Zone Late Bowhunting: Northern Zone late bow and muzzleloading areaDec 7, 2026Dec 13, 2026License + Bowhunting Privilege
Northern Zone Late Muzzleloading: Northern Zone late bow and muzzleloading areaDec 7, 2026Dec 13, 2026License + Muzzleloading Privilege
Southern Zone Early BowhuntingOct 1, 2026Nov 20, 2026License + Bowhunting Privilege
Southern Zone RegularNov 21, 2026Dec 13, 2026Antlered Deer Tag / DMP
Southern Zone Late Bowhunting (first segment)Dec 14, 2026Dec 22, 2026License + Bowhunting Privilege
Southern Zone Late Bowhunting (second segment)Dec 26, 2026Jan 1, 2027License + Bowhunting Privilege
Southern Zone Late Muzzleloading (first segment)Dec 14, 2026Dec 22, 2026License + Muzzleloading Privilege
Southern Zone Late Muzzleloading (second segment)Dec 26, 2026Jan 1, 2027License + Muzzleloading Privilege
Youth Firearms (ages 12-15), Northern and Southern ZonesOct 10, 2026Oct 12, 2026Junior Hunting License
Westchester County Regular - bowhunting only: Westchester County (WMU 3S)Oct 1, 2026Dec 31, 2026License + Bowhunting Privilege
Suffolk County Regular - bowhunting only: Suffolk County (WMU 1C)Oct 1, 2026Jan 31, 2027License + Bowhunting Privilege
Suffolk County Special Firearms (permit required): Suffolk County (WMU 1C)Jan 3, 2027Jan 31, 2027Special Firearms Permit

Wild Turkey Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Fall - map zone with the Oct. 1 opener: Fall turkey zone with an Oct. 1 - Oct. 14 seasonOct 1, 2026Oct 14, 2026Turkey Permit (one fall carcass tag)
Fall - map zone with the Oct. 17 opener: Fall turkey zone with an Oct. 17 - Oct. 30 seasonOct 17, 2026Oct 30, 2026Turkey Permit (one fall carcass tag)
Fall - map zone with the Nov. 21 opener: Fall turkey zone with a Nov. 21 - Dec. 4 seasonNov 21, 2026Dec 4, 2026Turkey Permit (one fall carcass tag)
Spring Youth Turkey Hunt (ages 12-15)Apr 24, 2027Apr 25, 2027Junior Hunting License + Turkey Permit
Spring Gobbler (half hour before sunrise to noon)May 1, 2027May 31, 2027Turkey Permit (two spring carcass tags)

Black Bear Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Southern Zone Early Firearms (some WMUs)Sep 12, 2026Sep 27, 2026Bear Tag
Northern Zone Regular - Adirondack core: Northern Zone bear - Adirondack coreSep 19, 2026Dec 6, 2026Bear Tag
Northern Zone Early Bowhunting - Western Periphery: Northern Zone bear - Western PeripherySep 19, 2026Oct 23, 2026Bear Tag + Bowhunting Privilege
Northern Zone Early Muzzleloading - Western Periphery: Northern Zone bear - Western PeripheryOct 17, 2026Oct 23, 2026Bear Tag + Muzzleloading Privilege
Northern Zone Regular - Western Periphery: Northern Zone bear - Western PeripheryOct 24, 2026Dec 6, 2026Bear Tag
Southern Zone Early BowhuntingOct 1, 2026Nov 20, 2026Bear Tag + Bowhunting Privilege
Southern Zone bowhunting-only WMUsOct 1, 2026Dec 31, 2026Bear Tag + Bowhunting Privilege
Southern Zone RegularNov 21, 2026Dec 13, 2026Bear Tag
Southern Zone Late BowhuntingDec 14, 2026Dec 22, 2026Bear Tag + Bowhunting Privilege
Southern Zone Late MuzzleloadingDec 14, 2026Dec 22, 2026Bear Tag + Muzzleloading Privilege
Youth Firearms (ages 12-15), Northern and Southern ZonesOct 10, 2026Oct 12, 2026Junior Hunting License

Coyote Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Regular: Statewide except Long Island and New York CityOct 1, 2026Mar 28, 2027License

Crow Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Regular (Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays only)Sep 1, 2026Mar 31, 2027License

Red and Gray Fox Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Regular - all areas except Long Island and New York City: Statewide except Long Island and New York CityOct 25, 2026Feb 15, 2027License
Regular - Long Island and New York CityNov 1, 2026Feb 25, 2027License

Frogs Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
RegularJun 15, 2027Sep 30, 2027Fishing or Hunting License

Gallinules (Moorhens) Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Regular - Upstate New YorkSep 1, 2026Nov 9, 2026License + HIP Registration

Ruffed Grouse Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Regular - map zone with the Sept. 20 opener: Small game map zone ASep 20, 2026Feb 28, 2027License
Regular - map zone with the Oct. 1 opener: Small game map zone BOct 1, 2026Feb 28, 2027License

Opossum Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Regular - all areas except Long Island and New York City: Statewide except Long Island and New York CityOct 25, 2026Feb 15, 2027License
Regular - Long Island and New York CityNov 1, 2026Feb 25, 2027License

Ring-necked Pheasant Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Regular - map zone A: Small game map zone AOct 1, 2026Feb 28, 2027License
Regular - map zone B: Small game map zone BOct 17, 2026Feb 28, 2027License
Regular - map zone C: Small game map zone COct 17, 2026Dec 31, 2026License
Regular - map zone D: Small game map zone DNov 1, 2026Dec 31, 2026License
Youth Hunt weekend - earliest map zoneSep 26, 2026Sep 27, 2026Junior Hunting License
Youth Hunt weekend - middle map zonesOct 10, 2026Oct 11, 2026Junior Hunting License
Youth Hunt weekend - latest map zonesOct 24, 2026Oct 25, 2026Junior Hunting License

Rabbit & Hare Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Regular - map zone with the Mar. 21 close: Small game map zone AOct 1, 2026Mar 21, 2027License
Regular - map zone with the Oct. 1 opener and Feb. 28 close: Small game map zone BOct 1, 2026Feb 28, 2027License
Regular - map zone with the Nov. 1 opener: Small game map zone CNov 1, 2026Feb 28, 2027License
Varying Hare (Snowshoe Hare): Regular - map zone with the Oct. 1 opener: Small game map zone AOct 1, 2026Mar 21, 2027License
Varying Hare (Snowshoe Hare): Regular - map zone with the Dec. 14 opener: Small game map zone BDec 14, 2026Feb 28, 2027License
Varying Hare (Snowshoe Hare): Regular - map zone with the January-only season: Small game map zone CJan 1, 2027Jan 31, 2027License

Raccoon Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Regular - all areas except Long Island and New York City: Statewide except Long Island and New York CityOct 25, 2026Feb 15, 2027License
Regular - Long Island and New York CityNov 1, 2026Feb 25, 2027License

Virginia and Sora Rails Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Regular - Upstate New YorkSep 1, 2026Nov 9, 2026License + HIP Registration

Striped Skunk Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Regular - all areas except Long Island and New York City: Statewide except Long Island and New York CityOct 25, 2026Feb 15, 2027License
Regular - Long Island and New York CityNov 1, 2026Feb 25, 2027License

Snapping Turtle Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
RegularJul 15, 2027Sep 30, 2027Hunting License

Wilson's Snipe Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Regular - Upstate New YorkSep 1, 2026Nov 9, 2026License + HIP Registration

Gray, Black and Fox Squirrel Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Regular - all areas except Long Island and New York City: Statewide except Long Island and New York CitySep 1, 2026Feb 28, 2027License
Regular - Long Island and New York CityNov 1, 2026Feb 28, 2027License

Duck, Goose & Waterfowl Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Northeast Zone (first segment): Northeastern Waterfowl ZoneOct 10, 2026Nov 29, 2026License + HIP + Federal Duck Stamp
Northeast Zone (second segment): Northeastern Waterfowl ZoneDec 12, 2026Dec 20, 2026License + HIP + Federal Duck Stamp
Northeast Zone Youth Days: Northeastern Waterfowl ZoneSep 26, 2026Sep 27, 2026Junior Hunting License + HIP
Western Zone (first segment): Western Waterfowl ZoneOct 10, 2026Nov 1, 2026License + HIP + Federal Duck Stamp
Western Zone (second segment): Western Waterfowl ZoneDec 5, 2026Jan 10, 2027License + HIP + Federal Duck Stamp
Western Zone Youth Days: Western Waterfowl ZoneSep 26, 2026Sep 27, 2026Junior Hunting License + HIP
Southeast Zone (first segment): Southeastern Waterfowl ZoneOct 10, 2026Oct 18, 2026License + HIP + Federal Duck Stamp
Southeast Zone (second segment): Southeastern Waterfowl ZoneNov 7, 2026Dec 27, 2026License + HIP + Federal Duck Stamp
Southeast Zone Youth Days: Southeastern Waterfowl ZoneSep 26, 2026Sep 27, 2026Junior Hunting License + HIP
Lake Champlain Zone (first segment): Lake Champlain Waterfowl ZoneOct 10, 2026Nov 1, 2026License + HIP + Federal Duck Stamp
Lake Champlain Zone (second segment): Lake Champlain Waterfowl ZoneNov 21, 2026Dec 27, 2026License + HIP + Federal Duck Stamp
Lake Champlain Zone Youth Days: Lake Champlain Waterfowl ZoneSep 26, 2026Sep 27, 2026Junior Hunting License + HIP
Long Island Zone (first segment): Long Island Waterfowl ZoneNov 21, 2026Nov 29, 2026License + HIP + Federal Duck Stamp
Long Island Zone (second segment): Long Island Waterfowl ZoneDec 12, 2026Jan 31, 2027License + HIP + Federal Duck Stamp
Long Island Zone Youth Days: Long Island Waterfowl ZoneNov 7, 2026Nov 8, 2026Junior Hunting License + HIP
Canada Goose (including Cackling and White-fronted Goose): Lake Champlain - September season: Lake Champlain Goose Hunting AreaSep 1, 2026Sep 25, 2026License + HIP + Federal Duck Stamp
Canada Goose (including Cackling and White-fronted Goose): Lake Champlain - regular (first segment): Lake Champlain Goose Hunting AreaOct 10, 2026Nov 23, 2026License + HIP + Federal Duck Stamp
Canada Goose (including Cackling and White-fronted Goose): Lake Champlain - regular (second segment): Lake Champlain Goose Hunting AreaDec 1, 2026Jan 4, 2027License + HIP + Federal Duck Stamp
Canada Goose (including Cackling and White-fronted Goose): Northeast - September season: Northeast Goose Hunting AreaSep 1, 2026Sep 25, 2026License + HIP + Federal Duck Stamp
Canada Goose (including Cackling and White-fronted Goose): Northeast - regular (first segment): Northeast Goose Hunting AreaOct 24, 2026Nov 29, 2026License + HIP + Federal Duck Stamp
Canada Goose (including Cackling and White-fronted Goose): Northeast - regular (second segment): Northeast Goose Hunting AreaDec 12, 2026Dec 19, 2026License + HIP + Federal Duck Stamp
Canada Goose (including Cackling and White-fronted Goose): West Central - September season: West Central Goose Hunting AreaSep 1, 2026Sep 25, 2026License + HIP + Federal Duck Stamp
Canada Goose (including Cackling and White-fronted Goose): West Central - regular: West Central Goose Hunting AreaNov 7, 2026Dec 21, 2026License + HIP + Federal Duck Stamp
Canada Goose (including Cackling and White-fronted Goose): East Central - September season: East Central Goose Hunting AreaSep 1, 2026Sep 25, 2026License + HIP + Federal Duck Stamp
Canada Goose (including Cackling and White-fronted Goose): East Central - regular (first segment): East Central Goose Hunting AreaOct 24, 2026Nov 20, 2026License + HIP + Federal Duck Stamp
Canada Goose (including Cackling and White-fronted Goose): East Central - regular (second segment): East Central Goose Hunting AreaDec 5, 2026Dec 21, 2026License + HIP + Federal Duck Stamp
Canada Goose (including Cackling and White-fronted Goose): Hudson Valley - September season: Hudson Valley Goose Hunting AreaSep 1, 2026Sep 25, 2026License + HIP + Federal Duck Stamp
Canada Goose (including Cackling and White-fronted Goose): Hudson Valley - regular: Hudson Valley Goose Hunting AreaNov 7, 2026Dec 21, 2026License + HIP + Federal Duck Stamp
Canada Goose (including Cackling and White-fronted Goose): South - September season: South Goose Hunting AreaSep 1, 2026Sep 25, 2026License + HIP + Federal Duck Stamp
Canada Goose (including Cackling and White-fronted Goose): South - regular: South Goose Hunting AreaOct 24, 2026Jan 11, 2027License + HIP + Federal Duck Stamp
Canada Goose (including Cackling and White-fronted Goose): Western Long Island - regular: Western Long Island Goose Hunting AreaNov 7, 2026Feb 21, 2027License + HIP + Federal Duck Stamp
Canada Goose (including Cackling and White-fronted Goose): Central Long Island - September season: Central Long Island Goose Hunting AreaSep 8, 2026Sep 30, 2026License + HIP + Federal Duck Stamp
Canada Goose (including Cackling and White-fronted Goose): Central Long Island - regular (first segment): Central Long Island Goose Hunting AreaNov 21, 2026Nov 29, 2026License + HIP + Federal Duck Stamp
Canada Goose (including Cackling and White-fronted Goose): Central Long Island - regular (second segment): Central Long Island Goose Hunting AreaDec 5, 2026Feb 3, 2027License + HIP + Federal Duck Stamp
Canada Goose (including Cackling and White-fronted Goose): Eastern Long Island - September season: Eastern Long Island Goose Hunting AreaSep 8, 2026Sep 30, 2026License + HIP + Federal Duck Stamp
Canada Goose (including Cackling and White-fronted Goose): Eastern Long Island - regular (first segment): Eastern Long Island Goose Hunting AreaNov 21, 2026Nov 29, 2026License + HIP + Federal Duck Stamp
Canada Goose (including Cackling and White-fronted Goose): Eastern Long Island - regular (second segment): Eastern Long Island Goose Hunting AreaDec 5, 2026Jan 24, 2027License + HIP + Federal Duck Stamp
Brant: Northeast Zone: Northeastern Waterfowl ZoneOct 10, 2026Nov 8, 2026License + HIP + Federal Duck Stamp
Brant: Western Zone: Western Waterfowl ZoneOct 10, 2026Nov 8, 2026License + HIP + Federal Duck Stamp
Brant: Southeast Zone: Southeastern Waterfowl ZoneOct 10, 2026Nov 8, 2026License + HIP + Federal Duck Stamp
Brant: Lake Champlain Zone: Lake Champlain Waterfowl ZoneOct 10, 2026Nov 8, 2026License + HIP + Federal Duck Stamp
Brant: Long Island Zone: Long Island Waterfowl ZoneJan 2, 2027Jan 31, 2027License + HIP + Federal Duck Stamp
Snow Goose (including Ross' Goose): Northeast Zone (first segment): Northeastern Waterfowl ZoneOct 1, 2026Dec 31, 2026License + HIP + Federal Duck Stamp
Snow Goose (including Ross' Goose): Northeast Zone (second segment): Northeastern Waterfowl ZoneFeb 26, 2027Mar 10, 2027License + HIP + Federal Duck Stamp
Snow Goose (including Ross' Goose): Lake Champlain Zone (first segment): Lake Champlain Waterfowl ZoneOct 1, 2026Dec 31, 2026License + HIP + Federal Duck Stamp
Snow Goose (including Ross' Goose): Lake Champlain Zone (second segment): Lake Champlain Waterfowl ZoneFeb 26, 2027Mar 10, 2027License + HIP + Federal Duck Stamp
Snow Goose (including Ross' Goose): Western Zone: Western Waterfowl ZoneNov 24, 2026Mar 10, 2027License + HIP + Federal Duck Stamp
Snow Goose (including Ross' Goose): Southeast Zone: Southeastern Waterfowl ZoneNov 24, 2026Mar 10, 2027License + HIP + Federal Duck Stamp
Snow Goose (including Ross' Goose): Long Island Zone: Long Island Waterfowl ZoneNov 24, 2026Mar 10, 2027License + HIP + Federal Duck Stamp

Weasel Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Regular - all areas except Long Island and New York City: Statewide except Long Island and New York CityOct 25, 2026Feb 15, 2027License
Regular - Long Island and New York CityNov 1, 2026Feb 25, 2027License

American Woodcock Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Regular - Upstate New YorkOct 1, 2026Nov 14, 2026License + HIP Registration
Regular - Long IslandOct 1, 2026Nov 14, 2026License + HIP Registration
Verify before you hunt. These dates are compiled for planning and can change between when they're published and when the season opens, and many states vary dates by unit, zone, or WMU. Always confirm with NY State Dept of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) before heading out. Nothing here is legal advice.
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