Early big game and small game hunting seasons are underway in New York, with early bear and antlerless deer seasons beginning over the weekend.
Early bear hunting began Saturday, Sept. 12, while early antlerless deer hunting also started in parts of the state.
"New York State’s early big game hunting seasons provide more opportunity for hunters to contribute to effective management in areas of the state where additional harvest of antlerless deer and bear are necessary to keep populations in balance," Jacqueline Lendrum, director of the state Department of Environmental Conservation's Division of Fish and Wildlife, said in a news release.
When is bear hunting season in New York?
Early bear season began Saturday, Sept. 12, and runs through Sunday, Sept. 27, in 11 Wildlife Management Units
in New York's Southern Zone.
In the Northern Zone, bear hunting season begins Saturday, Sept. 19, and runs through Sunday, Dec. 6.
When is early antlerless deer season?
Early antlerless deer season began Saturday, Sept. 12, and runs through Sunday, Sept. 20, in 23 Wildlife Management Units in New York's Southern Zone.
Only antlerless deer may be harvested during the early season. That includes deer without antlers or deer with antlers less than 3 inches long, according to the DEC.
Where can I find New York's hunting and trapping regulations?
With the 2026-27 hunting and trapping season underway, the DEC's guide to hunting and trapping laws and regulations is available online [here](https://dec.ny.gov/things-to-do/hunting/hunting-trapping-regulations\).
The guide includes information on places to hunt, as well as regulations specific to different animals and seasons.
Do I need a hunting license in New York?
Yes. A hunting license is required for anyone 12 or older who uses a firearm, bow or crossbow to hunt wild game, according to the DEC.
A license is generally required for hunting on private property in New York. There are some exceptions, including resident landowners and farmers hunting small game on land they reside on and farm, as well as Native Americans who live and hunt on reservation land.
How much does a New York hunting license cost?
Hunting licenses are available at more than 1,200 agent locations throughout New York.
Hunters can also purchase licenses online or by calling the DEC call center at 1-866-933-2257.
A big game/small game license costs $22 for New York residents ages 16 to 69 and $100 for nonresidents ages 16 and older.
The cost is $5 for New York residents ages 70 and older and for hunters ages 12 to 15, regardless of residency.
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: New York hunting seasons for bear and deer opens
