2020 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 hunting seasons are categorized by hunting zones. 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 23
Crossbow Season: October 14 - October 23
Youth Hunt: October 10 - 12
Muzzleloader Season: October 17 - October 23 (also December 7 - December 13 in some areas)
Regular Season: October 24 - December 6
Late Bowhunting Season: December 7 - December 13 (only applies in some areas)
Hunting Hours: Sunrise - Sunset
Black Bear
Early Bear Season: September 19 - October 16
Bowhunting Season: September 19 - October 23
Crossbow Season: October 14 - October 23
Muzzleloader Season: October 17 - October 23
Regular Season: October 24 - December 6
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 24 - 25 (2021), one bearded bird.
For both seasons, you must report taking a turkey. Call 1-866-GAME-RPT within 7 days to report.
Hunting Hours: Sunrise - Sunset
Waterfowl
Ducks, Coots & Mergansers Season: October 3 through October 25 and October 31 through December 6 - daily limit 6 ducks, 15 coot
Snow Goose Season: October 1 through April 15 - daily limit 25
Brant Season: October 3 through November 21 - daily limit 2
Canada Goose Season: September 1 through September 25 - daily limit 15, October 24 through November 22 - daily limit 2
Youth Days: September 21 and 22
Shooting Hours: 1/2 hour before Sunrise - Sunset in all hunting zones
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
Grouse Season: September 20 through February 28 - daily bag limit 4
Pheasant Season: October 1 through February 28 - daily bag limit 2
Youth Pheasant Hunt: September 26 & 27 - daily bag limit 2
*Squirrel Season: September 1 through February 28 - daily bag limit 6
Cottontail Rabbit & Hare Season: October 1 through March 21 - 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 1 through March 28
Raccoon, Red Fox, Gray Fox, Skunk, Opossum & Weasel Season: October 25 through February 15
Shooting Hours: After sunrise on opening day - any hour, day or night until season closes.
Visit the DEC website for more information on different hunting zones and hunting seasons »