DEC ANNOUNCES 2026–27 EARLY BIG GAME HUNTING SEASONS IN SEPTEMBER

 

Department of Environmental Conservation

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) reminded big game hunters that early hunting seasons for deer and bear begin in September in New York 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,” Director of DEC’s Division of Fish and Wildlife Jacqueline Lendrum said. “Under DEC’s new big game hunting regulations, there has never been a greater opportunity for hunters to spend time afield in September.”  

An early bear season begins on September 12 and runs through September 27 in 11 Wildlife Management Units (WMUs) in the Southern Zone (WMUs, 3A, 3C, 3H, 3J, 3K, 3M, 3P, 3R, 4P, 4R, and 4W). Additionally, an early antlerless deer season begins on September 12 and runs through September 20 in 23 WMUs in the Southern Zone–including 10 new WMUs where the early antlerless deer season has been expanded (1C, 3M, 3P, 3R, 3S, 4J, 6P, 7F, 7J, 7H, 7R, 8A, 8C, 8F, 8G, 8H, 8J, 8N, 8R, 8S, 9A, 9F, and 9G). Bear hunting seasons begin on September 19 and run through December 6 in the Northern Zone.  

Only antlerless deer (those without antlers or having antlers less than three inches long) may be harvested during the early antlerless deer season, and hunters may only use Deer Management Permits (DMPs) or Deer Management Assistance Program (DMAP) tags. All WMUs that have an early antlerless deer season offer unlimited DMPs, which allow hunters who report an antlerless deer harvest on a DMP to receive a Bonus DMP for the same WMU. Hunters are encouraged to apply for DMPs in these WMUs ahead of the early antlerless deer season. Hunters who harvest and report an antlerless deer will also receive a second antlered deer tag for the 2026–27 seasons through the new “Earn-a-2nd-Buck” program.  

In WMUs 3M, 3P, 3R, 6P, 7F, 7H, 7J, 7R, 8A, 8F, 8G, 8H, 8J, 8N, 8R, 8S, 9A, 9F, and 9G, hunters may use firearms, crossbows, or vertical bows during the early antlerless deer season, but only vertical bows or crossbows can be used in WMUs 1C, 3S, 4J, and 8C. Hunters may use firearms, crossbows, or vertical bows in all WMUs enrolled in the early bear season. The use of rifles is prohibited in Rockland County (most of WMU 3R) during any season.  

Hunters using firearms, including muzzleloaders, during any season, must wear a solid or patterned fluorescent orange or fluorescent pink hat, vest, or jacket while hunting. Legal hunting hours for deer and bear include the full period of ambient light from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset.

Hunter Education Program

To purchase a hunting or trapping license, a hunter, bowhunter, or trapper education certificate is required. For over 75 years, DEC’s Hunter Education Program has taught future hunters and trappers how to be safe, responsible, and ethical. Courses are available in-person or online. All in-person courses are free and taught by DEC-certified instructors. Demand for in-person courses is high in late summer and early fall, so it is important to sign up early. For more information and to find a course near you, visit DEC’s website.

Hunters can ensure that hunting remains a safety activity by following the cardinal safety rules: (1) treat every firearm as if it were loaded; (2) control the muzzle, keep it pointed in a safe direction; (3) identify your target and what lies beyond; and (4) Keep your finger off the trigger until ready to fire.

Hunters should refer to the 2026-27 Hunting and Trapping Guide and DEC’s Deer and Bear Hunting Seasons and Regulations webpages for more information about deer and bear hunting in New York State.