Bear And Deer Hunting Seasons Are Officially Underway In New York

New York State Bowhunters, are you set for the 2025 deer and bear season?

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation announced that in the Northern Zone, bowhunting season for bear began on September 13, and on September 27 for deer. Bowhunting in the Southern Zone began today, October 1st, for both deer and bear.

So, what's new this year (2025) for New York State? According to the DEC, hunters are allowed to use a crossbow in the same seasons, places, and manner as a vertical bow for hunting deer and bear. Up until now, locations, times, and types of crossbows were limited.

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This change creates more opportunities for hunters of diverse backgrounds to hunt near where they live. The DEC also notes that removing the minimum width and maximum draw weight requirements for crossbows allows hunters to now legally access the majority of crossbows on the market.

Bowhunters enjoy tremendous opportunities here in New York, and those opportunities are even better now that crossbows can be used during the entire bow season and in bowhunting-only areas. Late summer weather, fall foliage, and plentiful big game populations combine to create outstanding conditions. It’s an exciting time of year. - NYS DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton

For more information, visit the NYS DEC crossbow hunting website.

By the way, the annual Youth Big Game Hunt is set for October 11th through the 13th for junior hunters aged 12 to 15, accompanied by an experienced, licensed adult hunter, taking place throughout New York State. For more information, visit the NYS DEC on DEC’s youth firearm hunting website.

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