With hunting season in full swing, New York’s environmental officials are reminding everyone heading into the woods — hunters and hikers alike — to stay alert and safe.
The state’s regular deer season began Oct. 25 in the Northern Zone and runs through Dec. 7. In the Southern Zone, bowhunting is open now and wraps up Nov. 14, with regular big game season starting Nov. 15.
Safety first, whether you’re hunting or hiking
DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton said nearly 600,000 New Yorkers take part in hunting each year, calling it “a safe, ecologically important wildlife population management tool.”
She encouraged all outdoor users — including hikers and mountain bikers — to be aware of others in the woods, noting that safety relies on both personal awareness and respect.
The DEC says hunting-related incidents are at record lows thanks to safety education efforts. But hunters are still urged to follow key safety rules:
- Always treat firearms like they’re loaded
- Control the muzzle
- Know your target and what’s behind it
- Keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot
- Wear hunter orange or pink
Tree stand safety: strap in before climbing up
Tree stand falls are another major safety concern. Officials recommend always using a full-body fall arrest system (FAS) from the moment you leave the ground to the moment you return.
A proper FAS setup includes a harness, tether strap, tree strap, lifeline, and suspension relief strap. DEC also reminds hunters to inspect equipment, choose healthy trees, and never carry gear while climbing. Use a haul line to raise and lower unloaded weapons.
Sharing the woods respectfully
While it’s rare for non-hunters to be involved in incidents, DEC encourages both groups to stay aware and avoid popular trails during peak hunting times. Hunters should scout locations with consideration for other outdoor users and avoid overcrowded areas.
The DEC’s “Love Our New York Lands” campaign also promotes responsible use of public spaces — from the Adirondacks to Wildlife Management Areas — and encourages visitors to leave no trace and recreate safely.
Hunters asked to help fight hunger
With millions of New Yorkers facing potential SNAP benefit cuts in November, the DEC is asking hunters to donate deer to help stock food banks.
Through a partnership with Feeding New York State, hunters can drop off legally harvested and tagged deer at participating processors. Processing costs are covered, and the meat goes directly to those in need.
For more information on deer donation sites and safety tips, visit feedingnys.org/hunters or the DEC website.
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