AGE REQUIREMENTS FOR NEW YORK HUNTERS
Every first-time hunter in New York who is 12 years of age or older is required to complete Hunter Education Certification. You must be 11 years of age or older to get certified.
NEW YORK HUNTING EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
WHAT IS A NEW YORK HUNTER EDUCATION CERTIFICATE
A New York Hunter Education Certificate proves that you’ve obtained the knowledge needed to hunt safely, responsibly, and ethically, within the state of New York. Any first-time hunter who is 12 years of age or older, who hunts within the state of New York, must obtain a hunter education certificate. First-time hunters must get certified in order to purchase a hunting license within the state.
WHERE CAN I GET MY NEW YORK HUNTER EDUCATION CERTIFICATE?
You can obtain your New York Hunter Education Certificate by completing a New York Department of Environmental Conservation-approved course. Courses can be taken either online or in-person, depending on your preference.
In-Person (Classroom) Course Option
Traditional classroom courses are available in various locations and typically take place between March and September. In-person courses take a minimum of 7 hours to complete however some may be split into multiple days. Hunters wishing to take an in-person course are encouraged to register early to ensure a space.
Online Course
Hunters may choose to complete hunter education certification online. Online courses typically take about 4-6 hours to complete. Upon completing the course, students are issued a temporary hunter education certificate. Students must be 11 years of age or older to complete the online course.
HOW OLD DO I HAVE TO BE TO GET A HUNTER EDUCATION CERTIFICATE IN NEW YORK?
You must be 11 years of age or older to complete hunter education certification in New York, and obtain your Hunter Education Certificate.
AGE AND SUPERVISION REQUIREMENTS
12-13 years of age
Hunters who are 12-13 years of age may hunt within the state of New York as long as they have obtained hunter education certification or bowhunter education certification (depending on which firearm they’ll be hunting with). Hunters within this age group must also be supervised by a parent, guardian, or adult hunter who is 21 years of age or older. The supervising adult must possess the appropriate licenses and certification for the game being hunted.
Depending on the type of game being hunted, and the firearm type being used, the adult hunter may also need 3 or more years of experience hunting the chosen game animal with a firearm or bow.
14-15 years of age
Hunters who are 14-15 years of age are permitted to hunt within the state of New York as long as they have obtained hunter education certification or bowhunter education certification (depending on the firearm they’ll be using). Hunters within this age group must also be supervised by a parent, guardian, or adult hunter who is at least 18 years of age or older when hunting with a bow, or 21 years of age or older when hunting with a firearm.
When hunting deer or bear with a firearm the supervisor must have at least 3 years of experience deer or bear hunting with a firearm. The youth and supervisor must also hunt from the ground and may not use a treestand or elevated platform.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET MY HUNTER EDUCATION CARD?
It typically takes about 4-6 hours to get your New York Hunter Education Certificate online. In-person course lengths may vary depending on the course type and instructor.
Who is exempt from having to obtain a Nebraska Hunter Education Certificate?
Hunters who have not obtained hunter education certification may not purchase a hunting license unless:
- They can provide proof of a hunting license purchase from a previous year
- They can provide an affidavit from a license issuing officer stating that a license has been issued to the hunter previously
What is is the Mentored Youth Hunting Program?
Mentored youth hunts are available to junior hunters who are 12-15 years of age, and include bowhunting and firearm hunting opportunities. Junior hunters and mentors participating in mentored hunts must complete the Mentored Youth Hunter and Trapper Permission Form to participate.
Regulations and supervision requirements for youth hunters and mentors may vary depending on the type of game being hunted, and the type of firearm being used. The mentor may also be required to have 3 or more years of experience hunting big game with a bow or firearm, depending on the type of mentored hunt.
For more information on mentored youth hunts, and to learn how to participate, visit the New York Department of Environmental Conservation website.
Is my New York Hunter Education Certificate valid in other states?
Yes. The New York Hunter Education Certificate is accepted in all states, provinces, and countries that have mandatory hunter education requirements. Although most regions will accept the New York Hunter Education Certificate, hunters should always be sure to check the rules and regulations of the region where they plan to hunt.
What's the difference between a Hunter Education Certificate and a Hunting License?
A Hunter Education Card proves that you’ve obtained the knowledge you need to hunt safely and ethically in New York, and is different from a Hunting License. The Hunting Licence is similar to a permit and is required to hunt any game animal within the state. Different licenses and permits may be required depending on which game animal is being hunted.
HUNTING LICENSES, STAMPS, AND PERMITS
HUNTING LICENSES
A Hunting License is required in the state of New York for all hunters who are 12 years of age or older to take any wild game with a firearm or bow. Hunters may be required to obtain multiple licenses, permits, or stamps depending on the type of game being hunted, the hunter’s age, and the type of firearm being used.
Licenses may also be available for reduced fees for youths, veterans, seniors, and those on active military duty.
Some of the license types available in New York include:
Annual Hunting License
Annual hunting licenses must be purchased to hunt big or small game within the state. The annual hunting license is available to both residents and non-residents, however, fees may vary. This license type must be obtained before other hunting privileges and stamps are issued.
Bowhunting Privilege License
This privilege license type may be obtained by residents or non-residents and is required to hunt big game with a bow during the regular bow season, youth season or special bowhunting season.
Species-Specific and Other Licenses
Certain privilege license types may need to be obtained in order to legally hunt certain wild game species within the state or to hunt within certain areas. This includes turkey privileges, deer management permits, turkey permits, and duck stamps. For more information on hunting licenses and privileges within the state of New York, visit the New York DEC website.
NEW YORK HUNTER CERTIFICATION AGE REQUIREMENTS
12-13 years of age
Hunters who are 12-13 years of age may hunt within the state of New York as long as they have obtained hunter education certification or bowhunter education certification (depending on which firearm they’ll be hunting with). Hunters within this age group must also be supervised by a parent, guardian, or adult hunter who is 21 years of age or older. The supervising adult must possess the appropriate licenses and certification for the game being hunted.
Depending on the type of game being hunted, and the firearm type being used, the adult hunter may also need 3 or more years of experience hunting the chosen game animal with a firearm or bow.
14-15 years of age
Hunters who are 14-15 years of age are permitted to hunt within the state of New York as long as they have obtained hunter education certification or bowhunter education certification (depending on the firearm they’ll be using). Hunters within this age group must also be supervised by a parent, guardian, or adult hunter who is at least 18 years of age or older when hunting with a bow, or 21 years of age or older when hunting with a firearm.
When hunting deer or bear with a firearm the supervisor must have at least 3 years of experience deer or bear hunting with a firearm. The youth and supervisor must also hunt from the ground and may not use a treestand or elevated platform.
First-time Hunters 12 years of age and older
All first-time hunters who are 12 years of age or older are required to obtain a New York Hunter Education Certificate. The certificate is required for first-time hunters to purchase a hunting license within the state.
EXCEPTIONS
Hunters who have not obtained hunter education certification may not purchase a hunting license unless:
- They can provide proof of a hunting license purchase from a previous year
- They can provide an affidavit from a license issuing officer stating that a license has been issued to the hunter previously
New York's Hunting Fines
Hunting without a License or Permit
Up to $25
Taking game outside of the open season
Up to $2,000
Transportation or sale of game violations
Up to $5,000
Violations when hunting with dogs
Up to $200
Hunting while intoxicated
Up to $500
NEW YORK HUNTING FAQS
DO I NEED A HUNTING LICENSE TO HUNT WITHIN THE STATE OF NEW YORK?
Yes. A Hunting License is required in the state of New York for all hunters who are 12 years of age or older to take any wild game with a firearm or bow. Hunters may be required to obtain multiple licenses, permits, or stamps depending on the type of game being hunted, the hunters age, and the type of firearm being used.
Licenses may also be available for reduced fees for youths, veterans, seniors, and those on active military duty.
WHAT ARE THE NEW YORK TAGGING REQUIREMENTS?
Certain game animals must be tagged and reported after they’re taken, including big game animals such as deer and bear. In New York, deer and bear are not considered to be in legal possession of the hunter until they have been properly tagged with the carcass tag for that hunting season indicating the firearm type, and sex of the game animal.
Upon taking a deer or bear, a hunter must:
- Ensure that they’ve selected the proper tag required to tag the animal
- Complete the tag by filling in all required information and sign the tag with ink.
- Cut or mark the month and date of the kill on the reverse side of the tag
- Complete the date on the tag’s kill report panel
- Attach the tag to the animal’s carcass.
Note: the tag does not need to be attached to the carcass in the field or if the carcass is being dragged to a camp or vehicle however it must be tagged before being transported in a vehicle.
Once the animal has been properly tagged, the hunter must report the harvest online, by phone, or using the mobile app within 7 days.
WHAT ARE THE HUNTER ORANGE REQUIREMENTS IN NEW YORK?
All hunters who are aged 12 & 15 who are hunting deer or bear with a gun are required to wear fluorescent hunter orange or pink. The clothing must be visible in all directions and include either a shirt or vest with at least 250 square inches of solid or patterned fluorescent orange or pink or a hat with at least 50% being fluorescent orange or pink. This requirement also applies to mentors accompanying youth hunters.
All other hunters are exempt from this requirement while hunting within the state of New York, however it is highly recommended that all hunters wear either a vest or hat in fluorescent hunter orange or pink, when hunting big or small game.
WHAT ARE THE BAG LIMITS IN NEW YORK?
Bag limits are imposed on hunters to restrict the number of a particular game animal that can be taken. Bag limits may be daily or seasonal depending on the type of animal. Seasonal bag limits restrict the number of a particular game animal that may be taken by a hunter within the hunting season.
Bag limits may vary annually depending on game species populations. Hunters must understand and follow bag limit restrictions. Violations may result in fines. For more information on bag limits visit the New York DEC Website.
GAME AND NON-GAME SPECIES
GAME SPECIES
New York state offers a wide variety of game species for all types of hunters. In fact there are over 40 different species to hunt within the state.
Some of the game species in New York include:
- Big game including white-tailed deer, bear, and turkey.
- Small game including rabbit, hare, squirrel, woodcock, crow, rail, snipe, and gallinule.
- Waterfowl and other migratory game birds including ducks, mergansers, geese, and brant
- Furbearers including bobcat, coyote, fox, raccoon, opossum and weasel.
NON-GAME SPECIES
Nongame species are typically defined as wildlife that may not be hunted or are categorized as endangered, threatened or species of special concern. This may include various types of birds, vertebrates, mammals, and other wildlife that have no open hunting season or are specifically protected from hunting.
Some of these species are also endangered or threatened. It is unlawful to take any endangered, threatened, or protected species. These animals include cougars, peregrine falcons, the Canada lynx, and cottontail rabbit, among others.
INVASIVE SPECIES
Invasive animals and other pests have been introduced to the United States, including the State of New York, and have become a threat to native wildlife. These animals, plants, fish, and invertebrates typically have no natural predators which can result in the rapid spread and population growth. This in turn can seriously harm the state’s lands and waters, and can be detrimental to the health and population numbers of a variety of the state’s native plants and animals. Some common invasive species in New York include the emerald ash borer, giant hogweed, Eurasian boar, sirex woodwasp, and gypsy moth.
In order to protect New York’s native plants and animals, invasive species must be controlled and eradicated. Anyone who encounters or suspects that they have encountered an invasive species within the state is encouraged to report the sighting so that it can be monitored and controlled. For information on how to report various types of invasive species in New York visit the New York DEC Invasive Species page.
NEW YORK HUNTING SEASONS
Hunting seasons and dates may change annually per game animal, depending on a variety of factors. New York’s hunting seasons are typically established annually in the late summer. Season dates are further broken out by zone, region, or units depending on the type of game animal. Additionally, seasons are often categorized by firearm time, including archery, firearms, and muzzleloader or “primitive” firearms seasons.
Deer
Deer seasons in New York are broken down by firearm type, hunting zone, and by the type of deer being hunted (ex. Antlered vs. antlerless). The season typically begins in September and ends in January of the following year. Antler point restrictions may apply during certain der hunting seasons, depending on the hunter’s age.
Bear
Bear seasons are organized by firearm type and by bear hunting zone, and also include a youth hunting season. The early season typically begins in September and ends with a late-season in December.
Turkey
The state of New York offers spring and fall turkey season. The fall season typically begins in October and ends in December, while the spring season typically begins May 1st and ends on the 31st.
Waterfowl & Migratory Game Birds
Waterfowl and migratory game seasons are typically organized into regions within the state. Seasons dates vary depending on the type of waterfowl species (ex: ducks, geese, coots etc.). Seasons dates typically begin in September and October, with later seasons ending in January of the following year.
Small Game
Small games animals in New York include species such as rabbit, hare, squirrel, pheasant, grouse, and quail. Seasons dates vary depending on the species type. Seasons dates are organized by species type and depend on the region of the state in which you’re hunting. Early small games seasons typically being in September and October, with later seasons ending In January and February of the following year.
Learn more about hunting small game in New York.
HUNTING ON PUBLIC OR PRIVATE LAND
PRIVATE LAND
85% of the land in New York is privately owned, meaning that most hunting in New York takes place on private property. Hunters can typically freely take game animals hunted on their own private property or may seek permission from a landowner to hunt on their property. Hunters who wish to take game on privately owned land must follow state hunting regulations as well as any regulations specified by the landowner.
Hunter must be sure to ask permission to hunt on private property, find out about what the landowner permits on their property, and get information on any special concerns such as other animals, or if anyone else is likely to be using the property at the same time (ex. The landowners family). Hunters must respect the rights and property of the landowner at all times.
PUBLIC LAND
New York State offers plenty of public land that’s open to hunting and other outdoor recreational activities, including Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs), State Parks and Forest, and Forest Preserves.
Hunters should keep in mind that they may require certain permits to hunt within state-managed lands. Be sure that you have all of the required licenses and permits needed before heading out on your hunt.
For more information on public hunting spaces, and where to find public hunting lands within the state of New York, hunters can visit the New York DEC website for Maps of public hunting spaces, wildlife management areas, state lands, and conservation easements.
Fish and Wildlife Management Act (FWMA) Cooperative Hunting Areas
New York Fish and Wildlife have partnered with private landowners through cooperative agreements to provide more hunting opportunities and wildlife management services on private lands. Cooperative hunting areas are located in various counties including Cayuga, Tompkins, Jefferson, Ulster and Wyoming counties.
Hunters planning to access these areas should contact the DEC regional office for more information on the status of these areas. Keep in mind that while these areas are open to public use, they are still privately owned properties.
Wildlife Management Areas
What Are Wildlife Management Areas?
Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) are public lands that are state-owned and operated by the DEC Bureau of wildlife. There are more than 115 Wildlife Management Areas in the state of New York, encompassing over 196,000 acres of forests, grasslands, and wetlands, and other natural areas. These spaces are open to hunting and other types of outdoor recreational activities.
WMA Regulations
Additional rules, regulations and restrictions may apply when hunting in WMAs or using them for other recreational purposes. Some of these regulations include:
- Restrictions on the use of motor vehicles including motorcycles, ATVs, and snowmobiles.
- Fire restrictions (except for cooking, warmth, or smudge)
- Changes in legal hunting hours
- Restrictions on boat moorage and storage
WMA Permits
Hunters are not required to obtain a permit to access or hunt within Wildlife Management Areas however, they must ensure that they possess the required game permits and habitat stamps to take game within the state.
The Empire State. Ready and rarin’ to go.
Where to Hunt in New York
Brimming with farmlands, forests, fields, mountainous ranges, marshes, and wetlands, New York State is full of varied habitats and landscapes that support plenty of wildlife, including dozens of wild game species.
Choosing a spot to set up a stand, hunker down in a blind, or stalk through the forest can be tricky with so many locations to choose from, but if you know what you’re planning to hunt, you can narrow your search.
If you’re looking for prime deer hunting country the mid-western region of the state in Yates County boasts some of the highest total bucks taken in the state. Nearby public hunting areas include High Tor WMA and Italy Hill State Forest. In search of larger game? Head to the Adirondacks in the northern part of the state where take numbers are high and the bears are big. Another top choice for bear hunters includes Ulster County – check out Big Indian Wilderness Area if you’re looking for a public hunting space nearby.
Prefer feathered game? With two turkey seasons, held in the fall and spring, New York is a top spot for gobblers. To increase your odds of bagging one of these birds, head towards the south-western side of the state to Chautauqua County. Located on the shores of Lake Erie, Chautauqua County was one of the first to see the return of wild turkeys after they were over-hunted in the 1840s, and the populations continue to remain strong in the area. Nearby public hunting areas include the Brokenstraw State Forest and Watts Flats WMA.
Helpful resources for Hunting in New York
New York's Popular Hunting Destinations