Regulations change. Always confirm with the official state fish and wildlife agency before you hunt or fish. This site is an unofficial index, not legal advice. Each fact shows its source and the date we last read it.
New York: 2026-27 deer seasons, resident license fees and official links
Run by: NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation (DEC). Below are the deer season dates and resident license fees we could read on official pages (regulation year 2026-27). This state is newly added and coverage is partial.
Deer seasons
| Season type | Zone / unit | Dates (inclusive) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bowhunting (early) | Northern Zone | Sep 27, 2026 to Oct 23, 2026 | |
| Muzzleloading (early) | Northern Zone (open areas shown on DEC map) | Oct 17, 2026 to Oct 23, 2026 | Muzzleloader privilege required. |
| Regular firearms | Northern Zone | Oct 24, 2026 to Dec 6, 2026 | |
| Bowhunting (late) | Northern Zone, WMUs 5A, 5G, 5J, 6A, 6C, 6G, 6H only | Dec 7, 2026 to Dec 13, 2026 | |
| Muzzleloading (late) | Northern Zone (open areas shown on DEC map) | Dec 7, 2026 to Dec 13, 2026 | Muzzleloader privilege required. |
| Youth firearms hunt | Statewide except Suffolk, Westchester and bowhunting-only areas | Oct 10, 2026 to Oct 12, 2026 | Youth ages 12-15, with an experienced licensed adult. |
| Early antlerless | Southern Zone, select WMUs | Sep 12, 2026 to Sep 20, 2026 | Only certain WMUs; see the guide for which weapons and WMUs. |
| Bowhunting (early) | Southern Zone (most of) | Oct 1, 2026 to Nov 20, 2026 | |
| Regular firearms | Southern Zone | Nov 21, 2026 to Dec 13, 2026 | |
| Bowhunting (late) | Southern Zone | Dec 14, 2026 to Dec 22, 2026 | |
| Muzzleloading (late) | Southern Zone | Dec 14, 2026 to Dec 22, 2026 | Muzzleloaders may not be used in WMUs 3S, 4J, 8C (see the guide). |
| Bowhunting (late, second window) | Southern Zone | Dec 26, 2026 to Jan 1, 2027 | |
| Muzzleloading (late, second window) | Southern Zone | Dec 26, 2026 to Jan 1, 2027 | Same WMU limits as above. |
| Regular (bowhunting only) | Westchester County (WMU 3S) | Oct 1, 2026 to Dec 31, 2026 | Bow or crossbow only. |
| Regular (bowhunting only) | Suffolk County (WMU 1C) | Oct 1, 2026 to Jan 31, 2027 | Bow or crossbow only. |
| Special firearms (permit required) | Suffolk County (WMU 1C) | Jan 3, 2027 to Jan 31, 2027 | Special permit required; see the guide. |
Source: NYSDEC: 2026-27 Hunting & Trapping Guide (PDF) and Oct 7, 2026 press release. Last verified Oct 17, 2026. Dates can vary by zone, unit or land type; check the official page for your location.
Selected resident license fees
| License (resident) | Fee | Notes | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual hunting license, ages 16-69 | $22.00 | Ages 70+ and 12-15 are $5. Valid Sept 1 to Aug 31. | Official page |
| Bowhunting privilege, ages 16-69 | $15.00 | Requires the annual hunting license. | Official page |
| Muzzleloading privilege, ages 14-69 | $15.00 | Requires the annual hunting license. | Official page |
| Deer Management Permit, ages 16+ | $10.00 | Required for antlerless deer in select WMUs. | Official page |
| Annual freshwater fishing license, ages 16-69 | $25.00 | Valid 365 days from purchase or renewal. Ages 70+ are $5; 7-day $12; 1-day $5. | Official page |
Fees are copied from the official page linked in each row, last verified Oct 17, 2026. Fees, agent fees and online fees change; confirm before you buy.
Good to know
- Sunday hunting is allowed in all areas of New York State (confirm any state-land rules before hunting).
Source: NYSDEC 2026-27 Hunting & Trapping Guide. Last verified Oct 17, 2026. - Annual hunting licenses and privileges are valid Sept 1 through Aug 31. First-time hunters must pass a hunter safety course before they can get a hunting license.
Source: NYSDEC: hunting licenses. Last verified Oct 17, 2026. - New 2026 rule: hunters can earn a second Antlered Deer Tag by harvesting and reporting an antlerless deer.
Source: NYSDEC press release, Oct 7, 2026. Last verified Oct 17, 2026. - Firearm deer hunters (and people accompanying them) must wear at least 250 square inches of fluorescent orange or pink above the waist, or a qualifying hat; see the guide for the exact options.
Source: NYSDEC 2026-27 Hunting & Trapping Guide. Last verified Oct 17, 2026.
Not yet researched
Turkey, bear, waterfowl and small game dates; fishing seasons; non-resident season exceptions; WMU-level maps.