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Hunting Season 2025–2026 and Bag Limits in New York NY: Full Guide for Hunters 🦌
New York State offers one of the most diverse hunting landscapes in the Northeast, with distinct zones, species-specific regulations, and a strong emphasis on conservation. This guide provides verified dates, bag limits, licensing info, and expert tips for the 2025–2026 hunting season.
🦌 White-Tailed Deer Season NYS
Northern Zone
• Bowhunting: September 27 – October 24, 2025
• Crossbow: October 15 – October 24, 2025
• Regular Firearms: October 25 – December 7, 2025
• Muzzleloader: October 18 – October 24 and December 8 – December 14 (select WMUs)
• Youth Firearms Weekend: October 11 – October 13, 2025
Southern Zone
• Early Antlerless (select WMUs): September 13 – September 21, 2025
• Bowhunting: October 1 – November 14 and December 8 – December 16, 2025
• Crossbow: November 1 – November 14, 2025
• Regular Firearms: November 15 – December 7, 2025
• Muzzleloader: December 8 – December 16 and December 26 – January 1, 2026
• Youth Firearms Weekend: October 11 – October 13, 2025
Special Zones
• Westchester County (WMU 3S): October 1 – December 31, 2025 (bow only)
• Suffolk County (WMU 1C): October 1, 2025 – January 31, 2026 (bow only); January 4 – January 31, 2026 (special firearms permit required)
Bag Limits
• Antlered Deer: 1 per license year statewide
• Antlerless Deer: Requires valid Deer Management Permit (DMP)
• Additional Tags: Available via bowhunting, muzzleloading, DMAP, or youth permits
🦃 Wild Turkey Season NYS
Spring 2026
• Dates: May 1 – May 31
• Bag Limit: 2 bearded turkeys (1 per day)
Fall 2025
• Dates: Varies by zone (October–November)
• Bag Limit: 1 bird of either sex
🐻 Black Bear Hunting Season NYS 2025–2026
Northern Zone
• Bowhunting: September 13 – October 24
• Firearms: October 25 – December 7
• Youth Firearms: October 11 – October 13
Southern Zone
• Bowhunting: October 1 – November 14
• Firearms: November 15 – December 7
• Muzzleloader: December 8 – December 16
Bag Limit
• 1 bear per license year
• No cubs or bears in dens may be taken
🦆 Waterfowl & Migratory Birds Hunting Season 2025–2026 NYS
Duck Season (Western Zone)
• October 11 – November 2 and December 6 – January 11
Canada Goose (Most Zones)
• September 1 – 25 and October–February (varies by zone)
Bag Limits
• Ducks: 6 daily (e.g., max 2 mallards)
• Geese: 5–15 depending on zone
• Woodcock: 3 daily
• Snipe, Rails, Gallinules: 8 daily
All waterfowl hunters must register with HIP and carry a Federal Duck Stamp (age 16+).
🐇 Small Game Hunting Season 2025–2026 NYS
Common Dates
• Squirrel & Rabbit: September 1, 2025 – February 28, 2026
• Pheasant: October 1, 2025 – February 28, 2026 (stocked areas only)
• Ruffed Grouse: September 20, 2025 – February 28, 2026
Bag Limits
• Squirrel/Rabbit: 6 daily
• Pheasant: 2 daily (male only in some regions)
• Grouse: 4 daily
🦊 Furbearers Hunting Season 2025–2026 NY
Season Dates
• Coyote: October 1 – March 30 (no bag limit)
• Fox (Red & Gray): October 25 – February 15
• Bobcat: October 25 – February 15 (select WMUs)
• Raccoon, Opossum, Skunk, Weasel: October 25 – February 15
Notes
• Night hunting allowed for some species
• Bobcat requires special tag
• Trapping requires separate license
🧠 Key Regulations & Reminders
• Licensing: All hunters must hold a valid NYS hunting license. Purchase via DECALS
• Reporting: Deer, bear, and turkey harvests must be reported within 7 days
• CWD Rules: No import of whole carcasses from out-of-state
• Youth Hunts: Special weekends for ages 12–15 (October 11–13 for deer & bear)
• Safety Gear: Blaze orange/pink required during firearms seasons (250 sq. inches minimum)
• Legal Implements: Vary by zone—check DEC guidelines for rifles, shotguns, bows, and crossbows
📚 Stay Updated
• Download the official 2025–2026 Hunting & Trapping Regulations Guide
• Attend DEC public meetings for WMU-specific updates
• Use the HuntFish NY App for harvest reporting and zone maps
New York’s hunting seasons and bag limits are shaped by wildlife management goals and ecological needs. While the 2025–2026 dates and rules are not yet finalized (typically released in mid-2025), this guide provides projections based on historical patterns. Hunters must confirm details via the [NYS DEC website](https://www.dec.ny.gov) closer to the season.
🦌 Looking to plan your next hunt in New York? The 2025–2026 Hunting Season offers expansive opportunities for deer, turkey, bear, waterfowl, and small game across NY’s diverse Wildlife Management Units. With verified dates and bag limits now available from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, hunters can confidently prepare for bowhunting, muzzleloader, and firearms seasons. Whether you’re exploring public lands in the Adirondacks, stalking geese in the Finger Lakes, or pursuing trophy bucks in the Southern Tier, this season promises challenge and reward for ethical sportsmen and women. Visit dec.ny.gov for the latest regulations and zone-specific updates.
NY Hunting Season 2025–2026 FAQ
1. When does deer season start in New York for 2025?
Deer season start dates depend on region and hunting method:
• Northern Zone bowhunting: Starts September 27, 2025
• Southern Zone bowhunting: Begins October 1, 2025
• Firearms season typically begins late October (Northern) and mid-November (Southern)
2. Do I need a separate license to hunt deer, turkey, or bear?
All hunters must purchase a base hunting license, and depending on your target species:
• Deer: Add-on bow/muzzleloader privileges, DMP tags for antlerless deer
• Turkey: Base license covers spring and fall
• Bear: Included in big game license
3. Can I use crossbows during archery season?
Yes, but only during specific dates within archery season (e.g., Oct 15–24 in Northern Zone and Nov 1–14 in Southern Zone). You must have bowhunting privileges.
4. What are the antler restrictions for deer hunting?
(WMUs)
Bear Hunting in Belarus 2025: Legalization, Permits, Auctions, and Trophy Opportunities
Table of Contents Bear Hunting in Belarus
• Introduction: Bear Hunting Becomes Legal in Belarus
• Brown Bear Population and Distribution
• Why Hunting Was Legalized
• Hunting Season and Permitted Regions
• Hunting Methods and Equipment
• Weekly Permit Lotteries and Auction System
• Trophy Value and Pricing Breakdown
• Legal Requirements for Hunters
• Final Thoughts and Outlook
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Introduction: Bear Hunting Becomes Legal in Belarus
In a landmark move, Belarus officially legalized brown bear hunting in 2025, opening up new opportunities for trophy hunters and game managers. The initiative, led by the Belarusian Society of Hunters and Fishermen (BOOR), introduced a structured system of weekly lotteries and public auctions for hunting permits. With a growing bear population and increasing human-wildlife conflict, the government now allows regulated bear harvesting under strict quotas.
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🐾 Brown Bear Population and Distribution
As of 2025, Belarus is home to an estimated 700–900 brown bears, with the highest concentrations in:
• Vitebsk Region: Glubokoe, Dokshitsy, Orsha, Liozno
• Minsk Region: Borisov, Logoisk
These regions have been designated as official bear hunting zones, based on population density and ecological stability. The bear population has shown steady growth over the past decade, prompting wildlife authorities to consider controlled hunting as a management tool.
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📜 Why Hunting Was Legalized
The decision to legalize bear hunting was driven by several factors:
• Increased bear-human encounters, including attacks and damage to apiaries
• Expansion of bear habitat into populated areas
• Economic potential of trophy hunting tourism
• Pressure from hunting organizations, especially BOOR
• Scientific recommendations for population control
Since the launch of the program, 10 bears have been legally harvested, with plans to allow up to 20 bears annually under strict quotas.
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📅 Hunting Season and Permitted Regions
Bear hunting is permitted from July 1 to December 31, exclusively in:
• Borisov Forestry (Minsk Region)
• Vitebsk Forestry Units: Gluboksky, Dokshitsky, Liozno, Orsha
Only licensed hunters with at least 3 years of experience are eligible to participate. The total annual harvest is capped at 30 individuals, with 70% allocated via weekly lotteries and 30% through public auctions A B.
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🎯 Hunting Methods and Equipment
Approved bear hunting methods include:
• Ambush hunting near feeding trails
• Stalking in dense forest terrain
• Use of bait (regulated and monitored)
• Rifle calibers: .30-06 Springfield, .338 Win Mag, .375 H&H, .300 PRC
• Optics: Night vision and thermal scopes allowed with special permits
Hunters must use bolt-action or semi-automatic rifles with a maximum of three rounds in the magazine. Bow hunting and hunting with dogs are currently prohibited.
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🏆 Weekly Permit Lotteries and Auction System
BOOR organizes weekly digital lotteries using a randomized selection system. Only hunters who have not previously won are eligible to participate.
In addition, up to 30% of the annual quota is sold via public auctions, where:
• Bidding starts at 2,000 Belarusian rubles (~$600 USD)
• Permits are awarded to the highest bidders
• Auctions are held monthly
This dual system ensures fairness while generating revenue for wildlife management.
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💰 Trophy Value and Pricing Breakdown
Bear hunting in Belarus is considered a premium-tier experience. Here’s a breakdown of typical costs:
Text Table: Bear Hunting Costs in Belarus
• Lottery Permit (if won): Free or symbolic fee
• Auction Permit: $600–$2,000 USD
• Guide Services: $100–$200 per day
• Accommodation: $30–$100 per night
• Trophy Preparation: $150–$300
• Taxidermy (full mount): $1,000–$2,500
• Export Documentation: $50–$100
Trophies with large skulls and thick pelts are highly valued, especially in European and North American markets.
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📄 Legal Requirements for Hunters
To participate in bear hunting, hunters must:
• Be registered with BOOR or an affiliated organization
• Have at least 3 years of hunting experience
• Pass safety and ethics training
• Obtain firearm and hunting licenses
• Comply with CITES regulations for trophy export
• Use approved outfitters for guided hunts
Foreign hunters may participate through licensed tour operators, with visa-free access for up to 30 days from select countries.
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🔍 Final Thoughts and Outlook
Bear hunting in Belarus is now a regulated, high-value activity that balances conservation with economic development. With structured access, transparent permit systems, and growing interest from international hunters, Belarus is emerging as a new destination for big game hunting in Eastern Europe.
Whether you’re a seasoned trophy hunter or a wildlife manager, the Belarusian bear hunt offers a rare opportunity to engage with one of Europe’s most iconic predators—legally, competitively, and with full logistical support.
🌍 International Interest and Hunting Tourism in Belarus
With the legalization of bear hunting, Belarus is rapidly gaining attention from international trophy hunters, particularly from Germany, Poland, and the Baltic states. The country’s dense forests, controlled quotas, and transparent permit system make it an attractive alternative to Russia or Scandinavia. Licensed outfitters now offer turnkey bear hunting packages, including guided hunts, trophy preparation, and export documentation, positioning Belarus as a rising destination in the European big game hunting market.
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📈 Impact on Local Economy and Wildlife Management
The introduction of bear hunting has already begun to stimulate rural economies, especially in forested regions like Vitebsk and Minsk. Revenue from auctions and guided hunts is reinvested into wildlife monitoring, habitat conservation, and anti-poaching efforts.
