2022-23 Hunting Seasons in the Adirondacks
With so many species of animals available to hunt in the Adirondacks, there is almost always an open season! Hunters must have proper permits, and be within their season to take game in New York State. If you are not sure where to start, consider a guided hunting trip under the tutelage of an experienced Adirondack hunting guide.
New York State is broken up into zones that feature different hunting season dates. The majority of the Adirondack Park is located in the Northern Zone, and regulations for the Northern Zone are shown below.
White-Tailed Deer
Early Bowhunting Season: September 27 - October 21
Crossbow Season: October 12 - October 21
Youth Hunt: October 8 - 10
Muzzleloader Season: October 15 - October 21 (also December 5 - December 11 in some areas)
Regular Season: October 22 - December 4
Late Bowhunting Season: December 5 - December 11 (only applies in some areas)
Hunting Hours: Sunrise - Sunset
Bag Limit: One deer (antlered or antlerless)
Black Bear
Early Bear Season: September 18 - October 15
Bowhunting Season: September 18 - October 22
Crossbow Season: October 13 - October 22
Muzzleloader Season: October 16 - October 22
Regular Season: October 23 - December 5
Hunting Hours: Sunrise - Sunset
Wild Turkey
Fall Season: October 1 - 14, one bird per season, either sex
Spring Season: May 1 - 31, two bearded birds per season, one per day.
Youth Hunt: April 22 - 23 (2023), one bearded bird.
For both seasons, you must report taking a turkey. Call 1-866-GAME-RPT within 7 days to report.
Fall Hunting Hours: Sunrise - Sunset
Spring Hunting Hours: One half hour before sunrise to Noon
Waterfowl
Ducks, Coots & Mergansers Season: October 1 through October 23 and October 29 through December 4 - daily limit 6 ducks, 15 coot
Snow Goose Season: October 1 through April 15 - daily limit 25
Brant Season: October 1 through November 19 - daily limit 2
Canada Goose Season: September 1 through September 25 - daily limit 15; October 22 and 23 - daily limit 1; October 29 through November 25 - daily limit 1
Shooting Hours: 1/2 hour before Sunrise - Sunset in all hunting zones
Youth Waterfowl Hunting Days: September 17 - 18
Migratory Game Birds
American Woodcock Season: October 1 through November 14 - daily limit 3
Crow Season: September 1 through March 31 (Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays only)
Snipe, Rail and Gallinule Season: September 1 through November 9 - daily limit 8
Shooting Hours: Sunrise - Sunset
Small Game
Ruffed Grouse Season: September 20 through February 28 - daily bag limit 4 (September 20 date for Northern New York; season opens on October 1 for most of the state)
Pheasant Season: October 1 through February 28 - daily bag limit 2
Youth Pheasant Hunt: September 24 & 25 - daily bag limit 2
*Squirrel Season: September 1 through February 28 - daily bag limit 6
Cottontail Rabbit & Snowshoe or Varying Hare Season: October 1 through March 19 - daily bag limit 6
**Frog Season: June 15 through September 30 - any time of day or night
Snapping Turtle Season: July 15 through September 30 - daily limit 5 / season 30 - any time of day or night
Shooting Hours: Sunrise - Sunset
*Red Squirrels are unprotected and may be hunted at any time without limit.
**A fishing or hunting license is required to take frogs with a spear, club, hook, or by hand. A hunting license is required to take frogs with a gun or bow.
Furbearers
Bobcat Season: October 25 through February 15
Coyote Season: October 25 through February 15
Raccoon, Red Fox, Gray Fox, Skunk, Opossum & Weasel Season: October 25 through February 15
Fisher & Marten Season: November 1 through November 30
River Otter Season: November 1 through April 7
Beaver Season: November 1 through April 7
Mink & Muskrat Season: November 1 through April 15
Visit the DEC website for more information on different hunting zones and hunting seasons »