Skip to main content

2023-24 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

white-tailed deer with autumn leaves

Early Bowhunting Season: September 27 - October 20

Crossbow Season: October 11 - October 20

Youth Hunt: October 7 - 9

Muzzleloader Season: October 14 - October 20 (also December 4 - December 10 in some areas)

Regular Season: October 21 - December 3

Late Bowhunting Season: December 4 - December 10 (only applies in some areas)

Hunting Hours: 30 minutes before sunrise - 30 minutes after sunset

Bag Limit: One deer (antlered or antlerless)  

Black Bear

black bear with background of trees

Bowhunting Season: September 16 - October 20

Crossbow Season: October 11 - October 20

Muzzleloader Season: October 14 - October 20

Regular Season: October 21 - December 3

Hunting Hours: 30 minutes before sunrise - 30 minutes after sunset

Wild Turkey

two turkeys close-up

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 20 - 21 (2024), 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

duck swimming in the lake

Ducks, Coots & Mergansers Season: October 7 through October 29 and November 4 through December 10 - daily limit 6 ducks, 15 coot

Snow Goose Season: October 1 through April 15 - daily limit 25

Brant Season: October 14 through November 12 - daily limit 1

Canada Goose Season: September 1 through September 25 - daily limit 15; October 28 through December 11 - daily limit 3

Shooting Hours: 1/2 hour before Sunrise - Sunset in all hunting zones

Youth Waterfowl Hunting Days: September 23 - 24

Migratory Game Birds

crow flying above the grass

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

hare looking out over tall grass

Ruffed Grouse Season: September 20 through February 29 - 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 29 - daily bag limit 2 

Youth Pheasant Hunt: September 23 & 24 - daily bag limit 2

*Squirrel Season: September 1 through February 29 - daily bag limit 6

Cottontail Rabbit & Snowshoe or Varying Hare Season: October 1 through March 17 - 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

A red fox in the Adirondacks

Bobcat Season: October 25 through February 15

Coyote Season: October 1 through March 31

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 »

Game Species in the Adirondacks »

Hunting License Information »

Adirondack Hunting Gallery »