DEC announces the start of small game hunting and furbearer trapping seasons for the 2026-27 license year. Most seasons open between Sept. 1 and Nov. 1.
Special Youth and Military Waterfowl Hunting Days
New York offers a wide variety of waterfowl hunting opportunities across five waterfowl zones and nine Canada goose subzones to reflect the state’s diverse habitats. Youth hunts are scheduled for Sept. 26–27 (upstate) and Nov. 7–8 (Long Island). Veterans and active military days generally align with youth dates. Check zone-specific dates on the DEC website.
Pheasant Hunting
Youth pheasant hunts begin Sept. 26 (Eastern New York); regular season starts Oct. 1 (Eastern New York), Oct. 17 (Western New York), and Nov. 1 (Long Island and New York City).
DEC will supply approximately 60,000 adult pheasant to supplement upland game bird hunting opportunities across the state.
An interactive map and complete list of DEC release sites are available on DEC’s website.
Other Upland Game Highlights
Ruffed Grouse: Sept. 20 – Feb. 28 (Northern Zone) and Oct. 1 – Feb. 28 (Southern Zone)
DEC encourages hunters to participate in the Grouse Hunting Log and submit feathers from harvested birds to help biologists monitor grouse populations and annual productivity. Hunters who submit a usable grouse parts sample and a completed hunting log will be entered for a chance to win a YETI® cooler donated by Ruffed Grouse Society or one of 10 available subscriptions to the Conservationist.
More information at dec.ny.gov
Squirrel: Seasons begins Sept. 1 (upstate) and Nov. 1 (downstate)
