Big game hunters across New York will head into the woods starting Saturday, Nov. 15, as the state’s regular firearms season for deer and bear officially opens.
The season runs through Dec. 7 in the Southern Zone, the state’s most popular region for deer and bear hunting.
“This November, hundreds of thousands of big game hunters will head afield to enjoy the outdoors and a chance to harvest deer or bear,” said DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton. “We’re asking all hunters to prioritize safety and help protect New York’s deer population.”
The Department of Environmental Conservation is also urging hunters to remain alert for signs of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), a fatal illness in deer that has not yet been found in the state’s wild herd.
Hunters in specific areas of Herkimer and Otsego counties — where a captive deer tested positive in 2024 — are asked to submit deer heads for testing this year.
CWD prevention and what hunters can do
CWD spreads easily once introduced to the wild and can wipe out entire herds. DEC is asking hunters to:
- Debone venison before bringing it into New York from other states.
- Never use deer urine-based scents.
- Dispose of carcass waste in landfills, not in the wild.
- Avoid consuming meat from deer that appeared sick.
- Only hunt wild deer, not captive or pen-raised animals.
Hunting safety reminders
Most hunting injuries happen while using tree stands. The DEC urges hunters to stay harnessed from the moment they leave the ground to when they return. Also: never climb with a loaded gun, inspect your gear before each season, and follow these firearm safety rules:
- Always point your gun in a safe direction.
- Assume every gun is loaded.
- Know your target and what’s beyond it.
- Keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot.
Hunting hours run from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset.
All hunters must wear fluorescent orange or pink that’s visible from every direction when using a firearm for deer or bear.
Tagging and reporting: What’s new for 2025
Reporting your deer, bear, or turkey harvest is required by law. This year, paper tag users must report within 48 hours — down from seven days. Electronic tag users must report immediately using the HuntFishNY mobile app.
The app lets hunters access licenses, tags, and report harvests instantly — even without cell service. If you leave a carcass at a processor or taxidermist, you must label it with your name, DEC ID number, and the reporting confirmation.
Tips for managing the deer population
The DEC is continuing its “Let Young Bucks Go and Watch Them Grow” campaign. It encourages hunters to pass on young bucks and instead harvest does. This helps balance deer numbers with the available food and improves herd health over time.
More older bucks are now being harvested than ever before, thanks to voluntary participation in this program.
Youth hunting opportunities
Young hunters aged 12 and 13 can also take part in firearms season when accompanied by a licensed adult mentor. The pilot program has proven safe and successful and runs through 2028 in participating upstate counties.
Donate your deer to help fight hunger
Hunters can drop off legally harvested, tagged, and reported deer at participating processors to help feed families in need. DEC and Feeding New York State will cover the cost of processing — but hunters should call ahead to confirm the processor has room.
If you don’t hunt but still want to help, you can donate directly through DEC’s website or when purchasing your next hunting license.
For full details, including safety tips, drop-off sites, and hunting regulations, visit the DEC website.
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