Welcome to 2023-24 New York Hunting

Increased Mallard and Canada Goose Opportunities

• The mallard bag limit increased to no more than 4 mallards per day, of which 2 may be hens.
• Canada goose season length and bag limits increased to 45 days with a bag limit of 3 per day in the West Central, East Central, Northeast, Lake Champlain, and Hudson Valley Zones.

For more information on waterfowl seasons go to www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/28888.html.

Modernized Turkey Hunting Regulations

• Due to advances in shot shell technology, the minimum shot size allowed for turkey hunting (fall and spring) has been reduced from no smaller than #8 to no smaller than #9 shot.
• May 2023 marked the first regulated spring turkey hunting season in Suffolk County (Wildlife Management Unit 1C). The new hunting opportunity will continue in May 2024.

Hunter Education: Next Step Courses

The DEC's Hunter Education Program (HEP) is now offering Next Step courses for those who have already completed a hunter education, bowhunter education, or trapper education certification course and want more education and hands-on experience. All Next Step courses are free, but registration is required. Please read more about this program on Deer Management Permits (DMPs).

Use of Semi-Automatic Rifles for Hunting and Firearm Possession, Storage, and Transport

In 2022, New York State adopted new requirements for the purchase and transfer of ownership of semi-automatic rifles and the purchase, possession, storage, and transport of firearms and ammunition in New York. At press time, additional legislation is pending that may affect these requirements. See www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/hunting.html and gunsafety.ny.gov for more information and guidance about how these laws affect hunters and hunting-related activities.

Non-lead Ammunition Rebate Program

The DEC is partnering with researchers to implement a multiyear study to determine the reduction in eagle deaths resulting from use of non-lead ammunition for deer hunting. Researchers are offering a rebate of up to $60 for purchase of certified non-lead ammunition. For more information about this program, please refer to Non-Lead Ammunition Rebate Program.

Reminder: Recent Deer and Bear Hunting Opportunities and Requirements Continue

• 12- and 13-year-old hunters can hunt deer (not bear) with a firearm or crossbow under the supervision of a licensed adult hunter in counties that have passed a local law to participate. Check the DEC website for an updated list of participating counties.
• Holiday Deer Hunt is an extension of the late bow and muzzleloading season for deer in the Southern Zone from December 26 through January 1.
• Daily hunting hours for deer and bear are 30 minutes before sunrise until 30 minutes after sunset.
• Hunters must wear a fluorescent orange/pink hat or vest when hunting deer or bear with a firearm. See Big Game Hunting for details.
• An antlerless-only deer season will occur from Sept. 9–17, 2023, with firearms, crossbows, and vertical bows allowed in WMUs 3M, 3R, 8A, 8F, 8G, 8J, 8N, 9A, and 9F, and vertical bows in WMUs 1C, 3S, 4J, and 8C. Hunters may only use DMPs and DMAP tags during this early antlerless season.