New York’s early big-game hunting seasons begin this month, with bear and antlerless deer seasons opening in portions of the state beginning Sept. 12.
The early bear season runs Sept. 12 through Sept. 27 in 11 Southern Zone wildlife management units. The Northern Zone bear season begins Sept. 19 and continues through Dec. 6.
An early antlerless deer season will run Sept. 12 through Sept. 20 in 23 Southern Zone wildlife management units. The season has been expanded to include 10 additional units this year.
Only antlerless deer - those without antlers or with antlers less than 3 inches long — may be taken during the early season. Hunters must use Deer Management Permits or Deer Management Assistance Program tags.
Hunters in all wildlife management units with an early antlerless season can obtain unlimited Deer Management Permits. Hunters who report an antlerless deer taken with a DMP can receive a bonus DMP for the same unit.
The state Department of Environmental Conservation also has introduced an “Earn-a-2nd-Buck” program for the 2026-27 season. Hunters who harvest and report an antlerless deer will receive a second antlered-deer tag.
Hunting methods vary by wildlife management unit. Firearms, crossbows and vertical bows are permitted during the early antlerless season in most participating units. Only crossbows and vertical bows are permitted in WMUs 1C, 3S, 4J and 8C. Firearms, crossbows and vertical bows may be used during the early bear season in all participating units.
Rifles remain prohibited in Rockland County, which comprises most of WMU 3R, during any hunting season.
Hunters using firearms, including muzzleloaders, must wear a solid or patterned fluorescent orange or fluorescent pink hat, vest or jacket. Legal hunting hours for deer and bear extend from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset.
