2012-2013 Hunting & Trapping Regulations Guide - New York State ...

New York 

H unting 

&trapping 

2012–13 OFFICIAL GUIDE tO LAws & REGULAtIOns 

VOLUmE 6, IssUE nO. 1, OCtObER 2012 

Remember to 

Report Your 

Game Harvest 

www.dec.ny.gov 

1-866-426-3778 

Putting nY's Deer 

ManageMent 

Plan into Action 

page 31 

New York State Department 

of Environmental Conservation 


Most regulations are in effect 

October 1, 2012 through September 30, 2013

2 0 1 2 2011–12 – 1 3 New N e York w Y o r k 

2012–13 HigHligHts Of CHanges 10 

general Hunting infOrmatiOn 8–17 

8 .............. DEC Regional Offices/ 

Important Phone Numbers 

10 ............ Crossbow Hunting 

12–15 ..... Licensing Information 

14 ............ Hunters with Disabilities 

15 ............ Hunter Education Information 

16–17 ..... Hunting Regulations 

17 ............ Reporting Your Game Harvest 

Big game Hunting 20–33 

20–22 ......General Big Game Rules and Regulations 

20 ............ Long Island Deer Hunting 

20–21 ..... Tagging and Transporting 

21 ............ Determining Future Big Game Season Dates 

22 ............ Muzzleloading and Bowhunting 

24 ............ Big Game Boundary Descriptions 

24 ............ Legal Implements 

25 ............ Deer Hunting Season Dates 

26 ............ How and When to Use Your Deer Carcass Tags 

28–30 ..... Deer Management Permits 

29 ............ How to Fill Out Your Carcass Tag 

32 ............ Deer Hunting & Deer Diseases 

33 ............ Bear Hunting 

YOutH Hunting OppOrtunities 34–35 

small game Hunting 38–41 

38 ............ General Regulations 

38 ............ Use of Hunting Dogs 

38 ............ Reptiles and Amphibians 

39 ............ Falconry 

39 ............ Possession and Release of Game Birds 

40–41 ..... Small Game Season Dates and Bag Limits 

…Subscribe to field nOtes! 

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Resources free e-mail newsletter to receive 

notifications on: 

• Sporting Seasons 

• Harvest Numbers 

• Laws and Regulations 

• Game Management 

• Recreational Access 

•And More! 

Learn More and Subscribe! 

www.dec.ny.gov/about/63801.html 

d 

CoNteNts 

turkeY Hunting 42–45 

42–45 ......General Regulations and Reporting Information 

44 ............ Season Dates and Bag Limits 

migratOrY game Bird Hunting 46–49 

46 ............ General Regulations and Tagging Information 

46 ............ Special Snow Goose Season 

48–49 ..... Season Dates and Bag Limits 

furBearer Hunting 51 

51 ............ Hunting Furbearers at Night 


furBearer trapping 51–56 

51 ............ Furbearer Possession Tag 

52 ............ Trapping License Information 

52–56 ..... General Regulations and Tagging Information 


55–56 ...... Body-Grip Traps and Trigger Specifications 

Hunting areas infOrmatiOn 60–61 

60 ............ Private Lands/State Lands 

61 ............ Licensed Guides 

envirOnmental COnservatiOn 

OffiCers 62–65 

62 ............ Q&As 

63 ............ Gallery 

64–65 ..... Contact Information 

regiOnal maps 66–73 

COnservatiOn fund advisOrY BOard 74 

sunrise/sunset taBle 80 

state Of new YOrk 

Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor 

NYS Department of Environmental Conservation 

Joe Martens, Commissioner 

Kathleen Moser, Assistant Commissioner for Natural Resources 

Patricia Riexinger, Director, Division of Fish, Wildlife & Marine Resources 

Gordon Batcheller, Chief, Bureau of Wildlife 

Bryan Swift, Section Head, Game Management 

Mary Bailey, Editor 

Where to Write Us: 

NYS Department of Environmental Conservation 

Wildlife Services 

625 Broadway 

Albany, NY 12233-4754 

Website: www.dec.ny.gov 

Division of Fish, Wildlife & Marine Resources Mission: 

The mission of the DEC’s Division of Fish, Wildlife and Marine Resources is to 

serve the interests of current and future generations of New Yorkers by using our 

collective skills, in partnership with the public, to describe, understand, manage and 

perpetuate a healthy and diverse assemblage of fish, wildlife and ecosystems. 

This guide is a summary that is intended for convenience only—for complete reference 

consult the New York State Environmental Conservation Law and Volume 6 of the Codes, 

Rules and Regulations of the State of New York. These are available at: 

www.dec.ny.gov/regs/2494.html 

www.assembly.state.ny.us/leg/ (Environmental Conservation Law) 

The advertisements contained herein offset the cost of this guide, are provided for 

informational purposes only, and do not constitute an endorsement by the New York 

State Department of Environmental Conservation. 

J.F. Griffin Publishing, LLC is proud to print the official New York Hunting 

& Trapping Regulations summary on post-consumer recycled paper. 

2 2012–13 Hunting & Trapping Guide 

e

58 

18 

2011–12 New York 

9 Hunting frOm a tree…let’s minimize tHe risk! 

10 CrOssBOw Hunting 

10 HigHligHts Of CHanges fOr 2012–13 

18 mOving fOrward: antler restriCtiOns 

& OtHer BuCk Harvest strategies 

23 feral swine—Bad news fOr new YOrk 

31 putting tHe nYs deer 

management plan intO aCtiOn 

36 HigH teCH Bullets & slugs 

47 mallards 

50 10 COmmandments Of firearm safetY 

58 BOBCat management in new YOrk 

62 fOCus On law enfOrCement 

47 

Features

HeaDer MessaGes 

a message from the Commissioner 

Fish and wildlife means business! The numbers are clear: when New 

Yorkers and visiting outdoor enthusiasts go afield to fish, hunt, or trap, 

they help drive New York's economy. 

Based on surveys by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, hunting and 

fishing contribute $855 million dollars in direct economic activity to our 

state, and when you include lodging, food and fuel it totals $1.6 billion 

dollars. This spending creates real jobs in rural communities that increasingly 

depend on tourism to grow local small businesses. At DEC we are 

working hard to raise awareness of the economic benefits of fish and 

wildlife conservation and to increase its economic impact. 

Of course, our number one job is to ensure that New York’s fish and wildlife are protected and 

conserved for future generations. It is also clear that with the abundance of natural resources 

in New York, we can do more to promote the enjoyment of outdoor activities. To that end, 

I have asked DEC biologists and wildlife managers to look for opportunities to promote hunting, 

fishing and trapping, as well as bird-watching, photography, and other wildlife-related 

recreation, including attracting more visitors from out of state and even from other countries. 

New York has a lot to offer. After all, we have one of the most diverse states in the country, 

with abundant saltwater species, great trout and bass angling, world-class hunting and trapping, 

and other recreational opportunities. With the adoption of new deer hunting regulations this 

fall following the completion of our Statewide Deer Management Plan, New York is gaining 

attention as a great place to plan a hunt for white-tailed deer. 

Try New York for hunting this fall, I know you’ll have a terrific experience! No place has 

hunting, fishing and outdoor recreational opportunities like New York. Whether you live here 

or are just visiting, enjoy the outdoors and pass the word that, in New York, fish and wildlife 

means business. 

Joe Martens, Commissioner 

a message from the assistant Commissioner for Natural resources 

As your new Assistant Commissioner for Natural Resources, I am pleased 

to greet you as you consider New York's rich outdoor heritage and your 

many opportunities to enjoy days in the field hunting or trapping. 

For over a century, hunters and trappers have been at the forefront of 

wildlife conservation, and indeed New York sportsmen were pivotal in 

passing laws beginning in the late 1800s to establish sound conservation 

practices. With game populations now thriving, New York hunters and 

trappers continue to advocate for game policies to meet their needs and 

interests. You have strong opinions on a number of important issues ranging 

from when crossbows should be allowed, how to best manage New York's 

deer herd, and how to best recruit and retain a new generation of young hunters and trappers. 

Our job at the Department of Environmental Conservation is to do our best to find common 

ground among sportsmen, and to ensure that our laws and regulations are guided by sound 

conservation principles that are fair to a majority of people, while fulfilling our legal mandates 

to conserve wildlife for future generations. It is a hard job, but we are fortunate that New York 

has some of the finest biologists in the country committed to wildlife conservation. Our staff 

work hard for you, and all of us at DEC appreciate your dedication and enthusiasm to New 

York’s wildlife resources. 

Today, more than ever, it is critical that New Yorkers work together to make sure we stay 

focused on the larger goal: conserving wildlife for future generations. The challenge for all of 

us is to seek not what is right for us, but what is right for the conservation leaders of tomorrow. 

As you go afield this fall and winter, there is one thing you can do to protect our future: take 

a kid hunting or trapping and show them why conservation matters. 

Kathleen Moser, Assistant Commissioner for Natural Resources 

Remember to 

Report Your 

Game Harvest 


1-866-426-3778 

H unting 

NEW YORK 

About this Guide 

This high-quality regulation guide is offered 

to you by the New York State Department of 

Environmental Conservation through its unique 

partnership with J.F. Griffin Publishing, LLC. 

J.F. Griffin is an award winning publishing house 

that specializes in producing state fish & wildlife 

regulation books. J.F. Griffin supports the DEC’s 

staff in the design, layout and editing of the 

guides. They also manage the marketing and 

sales of advertising to appropriate businesses 

within the book. 

The revenue generated through ad sales significantly 

lowers production costs and generates savings. 

These savings translate into additional funds 

for other important fisheries and habitat programs! 

If you have any feedback or are interested in 

advertising, please contact us at 413.884.1001 or 

online at www.JFGriffin.com 

Cover Photo by Lon Lauber 

graphic Design: 

Jon Gulley, Evelyn Haddad, Erin Murphy 

430 Main st. suite 5 | Williamstown, MA 01267 

available online 

in a new Digital Edition! 

Fully searchable 

Live hyperlinks to 

expanded content 

trapping 

Email pages 

One-click printing 

www.eRegulations.com/NY/hunting 

6 2012–13 HuNtING & traPPING GuIDe 

& 

2012–13 OFFICIAL GUIDE TO LAWS & REGULATIONS 

VOLUME 6, ISSUE NO. 1, OCTOBER 2012 

PUTTING NY'S DEER 

MANAGEMENT 

PLAN into Action 

page 31 

New York State Department 

of Environmental Conservation 


Most regulations are in effect 

October 1, 2012 through September 30, 2013

IMPortaNt NuMbers 

region Offices wildlife law enforcement sportsman ed 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

7 

8 

9 

deC regiOns 

NIAGARA 

ERIE 

9 

ORLEANS 

GENESEE 

WYOMING 

CHAUTAUQUA CATTARAUGUS ALLEGANY 

MONROE 

LIVINGSTON 

8 

ONTARIO 

STEUBEN 

WAYNE 

YATES 

SUNY @ Stony Brook 

50 Circle Rd. 

Stony Brook, NY 11790-3409 

1 Hunters Pt. Plaza 

4740 21st St. 

Long Island City, NY 11101-5407 

21 South Putt Corners Rd. 

New Paltz, NY 12561 

SENECA 

SCHUYLER 

CHEMUNG 

1130 North Westcott Rd. 

Schenectady, NY 12306-2014 

65561 State Hwy 10, Suite 1 

Stamford, NY 12167-9503 

1115 Route 86, PO Box 296 

Ray Brook, NY 12977-0296 

232 Golf Course Rd. 

Warrensburg, NY 12885 

317 Washington St. 

Watertown, NY 13601-3787 

State Office Building 

Utica, NY 13501 

6739 US Highway 11 

Potsdam, NY 13676 

17893 Game Farm Rd. 

Dexter, NY 13634 

615 Erie Blvd. West 

Syracuse, NY 13204-2400 

1285 Fisher Avenue 

Cortland, NY 13045 

6274 E. Avon-Lima Rd. 

Avon, NY 14414-9519 

7291 Coon Rd. 

Bath, NY 14810-9728 

270 Michigan Ave. 

Buffalo, NY 14203-2999 

182 East Union St., Suite 3 

Allegany, NY 14706 

CAYUGA 

TOMPKINS 

TIOGA 

OSWEGO 

ONONDAGA 

7 

JEFFERSON 

CHENANGO 

CORTLAND MADISON 

BROOME 

LEWIS 

ONEIDA 

ST. LAWRENCE 

6 

HERKIMER 

OTSEGO 

DELAWARE 

(631) 444-0310 (631) 444-0250 (631) 444-0255 

(718) 482-4922 (718) 482-4885 (631) 444-0255 

(845) 256-3098 (845) 256-3013 (845) 256-3063 

(518) 357-2355 (518) 357-2047 (518) 357-2070 

(607) 652-7367 — — 

(518) 897-1291 (518) 897-1326 (518) 897-1291 

(518) 623-1240 — (518) 623-1240 

(315) 785-2261 (315) 785-2231 (315) 785-2533 

(315) 793-2554 — — 

(315) 265-3090 — — 

(315) 639-6122 — — 

— (315) 426-7431 — 

(607) 753-3095 

ext. 247 

— 

(607) 753-3095 

ext. 241 

(585) 226-5380 (585) 226-6706 (585) 226-5463 

(607) 776-2165 

ext. 16 

SULLIVAN 

HAMILTON 

FRANKLIN 

FULTON 

MONTGOMERY 

4 

SCHOHARIE 

GREENE 

ULSTER 

ORANGE 

WARREN 

CLINTON 

ESSEX 

SARATOGA 

SCHTDY 

ALBANY 

ROCK 

LAND 

PUTNAM 

— — 

(716) 851-7010 (716) 851-7050 — 

3 

BRONX 

NEW YORK 

QUEENS 

5 

KINGS 

RICHMOND 

(716) 372-0645 (716) 851-7000 (716) 372-0645 

2 

DUTCHESS 


WASHINGTON 

RENSSELAER 

COLUMBIA 

WEST 

CHESTER 

NASSAU 

1 

SUFFOLK 

Other important numbers 

DEC Automated 

Licensing System 

NYC Watershed 

Hunting Permits 

Deer Management 

Hotline 

Report Game Take 

via DECALS 

TIPP (Turn in 

Poachers and 

Polluters) 

Lifetime License 

Information 

Sportsman 

Education 

Reporting Banded 

Waterfowl 

Migratory Bird 

Harvest Information 

Program (HIP) 

law enforcement 

(eCOs) 

Discover 

yourself... 

Becoming an Outdoors-Woman 

in New York State 

Hands-on workshops where 

women can learn outdoor skills in 

a supportive atmosphere with 

patient, enthusiastic instructors. 

www.dec.ny.gov/education/68.html 

518-402-8862 

1-86-NY-DECALS 

(1-866-933-2257) 

1-800-575-5263 

1-866-472-4332 

1-866-GAME-RPT 

(1-866-426-3778) 

1-800-TIPP DEC 

(1-800-847-7332) 

(518) 402-8843 

1-888-HUNT ED2 

1-800-327-2263 

www.reportband.gov 

1-888-427-5447 

www.NY-HIP.com 

1-877-457-5680 

vist our website www.dec.ny.gov

Hunting from a tree… 

Let’s minimize the risk! 

They say that the kind of gun or bow you use 

does not really matter, nor does the place where 

you hunt, nor what pattern clothes you wear. 

But if you are hunting from an elevated stand, 

wearing a full-body safety harness, also known 

as a fall arrest system, DOES matter and it 

could save your life! 

Last year in New York there were a considerable 

number of hunter falls from elevated stands 

with several that resulted in the death of the 

hunter. For every one story that makes the press, 

there are quite a few others that you never hear 

about. Many of these falls and injuries could 

have been prevented by the common sense use 

of a properly fitted full-body safety harness 

and a properly attached certified tree stand. 

Hunters know the advantages and the 

disadvantages of hunting from a tree. They 

understand the importance of safely raising 

and lowering their unloaded gun or bow with 

a haul line. But, falls from tree stands are one 

of the most common causes of hunting-related 

injuries. Here are some of the best tips for 

avoiding a fall and having a successful hunting 

experience that ends with your safe return 

home to your family: 

• Just do it! Most tree stands today come with 

a fall arrest system, but if you need one, buy 

one and use it. They cost less than a trip to 

the emergency room. They cannot only save 

your life, but will provide you and your loved 

ones with a peace of mind that will make your 

hunting experience much more enjoyable. 

• Each season before you go afield, read and 

understand the instructions that come 

with the stand and the harness. Adjust your 

harness to fit and check your stand to make 

sure all hardware is in place and securely 

fastened. Follow the recommendations for 

the tree strap height and the tether length. 

• Practice and feel ‘the hang’ to figure out 

what you will do if you find yourself dangling 

from your full-body harness after a fall (aka 

a ‘suspension relief plan’). Every year hunters 

will sight in their gun and bow, yet fail to 

practice with their harness and stand. Well 

in advance of the season, practice setting 

up and shooting from your stand at a height 

comfortable for you. Eventually work your 

practice into the time of day (usually dark!) 

that simulates when you plan to get in and out 

of your stand. Be sure to climb higher than 

the stand and step down onto it. Practice a 

suspension relief plan for what to do if you 

do fall out including how to climb back into 

the stand , how to get circulation into your 

legs should you find yourself immobile for 

an extended period of time (e.g., some vests 

have leg stirrups), and /or how to free yourself 

and safely descend, if possible. 

• Have a plan. Let someone know where you 

are going to hunt, and if you change your 

plan, tell them. Carry ON YOUR PERSON 

a cell phone, flashlight, whistle or personal 

locator device (PLD). Don’t put it in the day 

bag hung in the tree. Check out the CRADAR 

(CRAsh Detection And Response) phone app. 

It is free, though limited to certain types of 

phones. Remember, cell phones and other 

high tech gadgets may fail, so always let 

someone know where you will be, including 

a map and the estimated time of your return. 

• Use a sturdy, portable stand. Permanent 

stands and climbing blocks nailed into trees 

are deadly. Wood rots and treated wood 

gets a dangerous slippery growth. Avoid 

using them if you want to safely return 

home. Certified Treestand Manufacturers 

Association (TMA) treestands are a sure 

bet. Use climbing steps, sticks, or ladders 

certified by the TMA. Do not use steps that 

screw into the tree. 

• Ascend/Descend safety lines and lineman's 

ropes are available on the market today. Most 

falls happen when going up and down the tree 

and in and out of the stand. DO NOT use tree 

limbs to climb. You should be connected to 

the tree from the time you leave the ground 

until you tether yourself firmly in. 

• 3 points. Always have 3 points of contact 

to the steps or ladder before moving. This 

could be two arms and one leg holding and 

stepping on the ladder or one arm and two 

legs in contact with the ladder before moving. 

• Self check. If you feel sleepy, ill or unsure 

about the climb that day, consider a ground 

blind. No one will see you (…’zzz’) in there. 

Bottom line…everyone should ALWAYS 

wear a full-body safety harness whenever in 

a treestand. It will prevent devastating spine 

and brain injuries, and it can save your life! 

dO nOt saY…it will 

never Happen tO me! 

Meet John starkweather, a typical 

experienced hunter but a treestand 

mishap survivor. 

John is lucky to be alive. He knows it and 

he wants other hunters to know it, too. 

His injuries were extensive and serious— 

eight broken ribs, a broken shoulder 

blade, collapsed lung, lacerated liver, two 

cracked vertebrae, and two helicopter 

flights to the ER—not your average 

day afield. 

To read about his 

experience see: 

thebatavian.com/ 

howard-owens/ 

bow-hunter-whofell-tree-standwants-otherhunters-learn-hisexperience/30425 

fOr mOre infOrmatiOn 

For more information on treestand safety 

and a list of products that have been 

independently tested and certified go to: 

national Bowhunter 

education foundation 

www.nbef.org or www.projectstand.net 

international Hunter 

education association 

www.ihea.com 

treestand manufacturers association 

www.tmastands.com 

9

Crossbow HuNtING 

new YoRk state depaRtment of enviRonmentaL ConseRvation 

Crossbow Hunting Qualifications and Certificate 

To hunt with a crossbow in New York, hunters 

will need to read and have an understanding of 

the information on this page. They will need 

to complete the "Certificate of Qualification" 

below and carry the completed certificate while 

afield with a crossbow. 

geneRaL infoRmation 

• Crossbows may only be used to hunt deer 

and bear. 

• Crossbows may only be used during the early 

bear season, regular firearms seasons, late 

muzzleloader seasons. 

• Crossbows cannot be used during bowhunting 

seasons or in ‘Archery Only’ areas of 

the state. 

• The hunter needs a current year’s license to 

hunt big game. 

• If hunting with a crossbow in the late muzzleloading 

season, the muzzleloading privilege 

is also required. 

CRossbow safetY RuLes 

• Before shooting your crossbow, read and 

thoroughly understand your crossbow 

owner’s manual. 

• Always identify your target and the area 

beyond it before shooting. 

• Make sure your crossbow’s limb tips are free 

of obstructions before shooting. 

• If hunting from a tree stand, always cock 

the crossbow on the ground before climbing 

into the stand. 

• Do not place the bolt on the crossbow until 

you are safely in your stand. 

• Never raise or lower a cocked crossbow with 

a bolt in it from a tree stand. 

• Keep ALL fingers below the crossbow’s rail 

when shooting a bolt. 

• Never carry a cocked crossbow with a bolt 

in it while walking. 

• Never dry-fire (cock and fire without loading 

a bolt) a crossbow. 

• Never use a cocking device to uncock a 

crossbow. 

• To uncock a crossbow, shoot a bolt tipped 

with a field point into soft ground or a target. 

Fill in, cut out, and keep with your hunting license. 

• Always observe a maximum effective range 

for hunting of less than 40 yards to prevent 

wounding game. 

• To understand how bolts function, though 

not mandatory, consider taking a bowhunter 

education course. 

LegaL RequiRements 

foR CRossbows 

• A bow, a string, and either compound or 

recurve limbs with minimum width of 17 

inches (tip of limbs, uncocked). 

• Mounted on a stock with a trigger and working 

safety that holds the string and limbs 

under tension. 

• A minimum peak draw weight of 100 pounds 

and a maximum peak draw weight of 200 

pounds. 

• A minimum overall length from the butt of 

the stock to the front of limbs of 24 inches. 

• A minimum length of the bolt of 14 inches. 

(The arrowhead is to be nonbarbed, 2 or more 

cutting surfaces at least ⅞" wide). 

• A crossbow is considered unloaded if the 

bolt is removed, regardless whether it is 

cocked or uncocked. 

suggested RefeRenCes 

to Review 

• NYSDEC Crossbow 

Frequently Asked Questions 

www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/68802.html 

• North American Crossbow Federation: 

Crossbow 101 (video) 

northamericancrossbowfederation.com/ 

infoEdu2.php 

• NYSDEC Sportsman Education 


Practice safely, practice often, and learn 

the capabilities and limitations of the 

crossbow and the bolt it shoots. 

new YoRk state depaRtment of 

enviRonmentaL ConseRvation 

Crossbow Certificate of Qualification 

I certify that I have read and understand the safety rules and legal requirements of crossbow 

use in New York. I acknowledge that I have reviewed the training requirements required for 

use of a crossbow while afield. 

Print Name ______________________________________________________________________ 

Signature ________________________________________________________________________ 

DEC ID# _________________________________________________________________________ 

- - 

(this is your back-tag number) 

Date ____________________________________________________________________________ 

HIGHlIGHts oF 

CHaNGes For 2012–2013 

Youth firearms deer Hunt 

At press time, a proposed youth hunt for 

deer remained tentative. Check DEC's 

website for updates. 

more Bowhunting Opportunity 

Bow season in the Southern Zone and the 

regular season in Westchester County 

(bowhunting only) will now begin October 

1 each year. In the Northern Zone, a new 

bowhunting season will run for 7 days 

following the close of the regular season 

in areas that also have a late muzzleloader 

season. 

greater use of deer management 

permits (dmps) 

DMPs can now be used during all seasons 

in the Northern Zone and Bonus DMPs 

(see page 34) will be available in Wildlife 

Management Unit (WMU) 9A. 

mandatory antler restrictions 

in more wmus 

Mandatory antler restrictions have been 

implemented in WMUs 3A, 4G, 4O, 4P, 

4R, 4S and 4W. Hunters in these units may 

not take an antlered buck unless it has at 

least one antler with 3 or more points. 

The restriction applies to all hunting 

seasons (bow, regular and muzzleloader) 

on public and private land. Youth hunters 

(ages 12-16) are exempt from the 3 point 

restriction. 

deer management focus area established 

in portions of tompkins County 

This program will intensify use of 

traditional hunting to assist communities 

with the burden of overabundant deer 

populations. Hunters that register with 

the Focus Area program and have access 

to hunt in the focus area will be eligible 

to take 2 antlerless deer per day and 

participate in a special season in January. 

See www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/82382.html 

for details. 

Crossbow law expires on 

december 31, 2012 

At press time, legislation was pending that 

would authorize limited use of crossbows 

for big game hunting beyond December 

31, 2012 (when the previous legislation 

expires). Check DEC's website for updates 

this fall. 

10 2012–13 HuNtING & traPPING GuIDe

GeNeral lICeNse INForMatIoN 

mandatOrY Hunter eduCatiOn 

A hunter education course is required for 

persons who cannot provide proof that they 

have ever possessed a hunting license. The 

general course is a minimum 10 hours in length. 

DEC honors hunter education certificates and 

sporting licenses from all other states and 

countries. You must be at least 11 years of age 

to take this class. 

mandatOrY BOwHunter 

eduCatiOn 

Hunters wishing to bowhunt for big game must 

present either: 

1. Proof that he or she successfully completed 

an approved bowhunter education course; 

(Note: Approved courses are International 

Bowhunter Education Program Courses or 

an equivalent course. If in doubt, call toll 

free — 1-888-HUNT-ED2) or 

2. Proof that he or she previously held a 

bowhunting license or stamp issued in 1980 

or later; if proof is from prior to 1980, he/she 

must take an additional 8 hour minimum 

bowhunter education course. 

mandatoRY CRossbow tRaining 

Hunters wishing to use a crossbow to hunt big 

game must complete training in the safe use 

of hunting with a crossbow and responsible 

crossbow hunting practices. See page 10 

for details. 

residenCY 

To qualify for a resident license, a person must 

live in New York State for more than 30 days 

immediately preceding the date of application. 

Land ownership in New York does not make you 

a resident. Residency is that place where a person 

maintains a fixed, permanent and principal home 

(regardless of where temporarily located), such 

as where a person is registered to vote. If under 

18, the residence of parents or legal guardian 

shall be deemed such person’s residence. 

Active members of the U.S. Armed Forces 

stationed in New York and full-time college 

students in residence in the state during the 

school year (proof required) qualify for annual 

resident licenses. 

minimum Hunting age 

Minors under the age of 12 may not obtain a 

hunting license or hunt wildlife. 

liCense Year 

Licenses and permits are valid from October 1 

through September 30. To hunt small game or 

big game prior to October 1, the previous year’s 

license is required. Previous year’s hunting 

licenses will be available at all license-issuing 

outlets until September 30. 

liCense respOnsiBilities 

• A license or tag is not transferable and may 

be used only by the person to whom issued 

(except for Deer Management Permits—see 

page 28–30). 

• It is not legal to possess another person’s 

license while hunting. 

Continued on page 14. 

resident liCenses, privileges and stamps 

tYpe age fee 

Conservation legacy 16–69 Yrs. $96 

Qualifications: Hunter Education Certificate OR previous hunting license, PLUS acceptable Bowhunter 

Education Certificate, OR Bow Stamp issued 1980 or later, OR NYS Jr. Bowhunting License issued 1980 or 

later. 

Privileges: All the privileges that apply to a Super Sportsman License plus a Habitat and Access Stamp and 

subscription to the Conservationist Magazine. 

For just $8.00 more than the cost of a Super Sportsman, you get a Habitat Stamp and subscription to the 

Conservationist magazine — a $17.00 value. 

super sportsman 16–69 Yrs. $88 

Qualifications: Same as Conservation Legacy. 

Privileges: All the privileges that apply to fishing, small game, big game, bowhunting, muzzleloading licenses 

and turkey permit. 

trapper super sportsman 16–69 Yrs. $88 

Qualifications: Hunter & Trapper Education Certificates OR proof of previous hunting and trapping licenses. 

Privileges: All the privileges that apply to small game, big game, muzzleloading, fishing and trapping licenses 

and turkey permits. 

sportsman 16–69 Yrs. $47 

Qualifications: Hunter Education Certificate OR previous hunting license. 

Privileges: All the privileges that apply to fishing, small game and big game hunting. 

senior sportsman 70+ Yrs. $10 


Privileges: All the privileges that apply to fishing, small game and big game hunting. 

small and Big game 16–69 Yrs. $29 

Qualifications: Hunter Education Certificate OR previous hunting license. If Patriot (see page 14), NO FEE. 

Privileges: Hunt small game species with gun or bow during appropriate seasons. Hunt deer and bear with gun, 

crossbow (see page 10), muzzleloader or bow (with appropriate bow privilege) during the regular season, or 

hunt with shotgun or muzzleloader during the January firearms season (permit required—see page 20) in 

Suffolk County (WMU 1C). 

NOTE: Those under 18 who are hunting big game for the first time as a holder of a big game license must be 

accompanied for the entire season by a parent or legal guardian, or a person over 18 (holding written permission 

from parent or guardian) with at least one year’s experience in hunting bear or deer. Accompanist must 

have a current license that allows the hunting of big game. 

deer management permit (dmp) 

(Must apply by October 1) 

14+ Yrs. 

12+ Yrs. (Youth Bowhunting Only) 

Qualifications: Available to holders of Conservation Legacy, Super Sportsman, Trapper Super Sportsman, 

Sportsman, Big & Small Game licenses for a non-refundable $10 application fee. The application fee is waived 

for Lifetime Sportsman licenses purchased prior to Oct. 1, 2009, and all Junior Hunters & Junior Bowhunters. 

Privileges: Application for an antlerless deer tag that is issued by random computer selection. This tag is valid 

for hunting antlerless deer only (both antlers less than 3" long) in a selected Wildlife Management Unit. 

See DMP map on page 30. 

military disabled sportsman 16+ Yrs. $5 

Qualifications: Hunter Education Certificate OR previous hunting license PLUS 40% or greater service-related 

military disability documented annually by a letter dated in the current year from the Veteran’s Administration 

(unless VA letter states “Permanent”). 

Privileges: Same as Sportsman license. 

Bowhunting privilege 

(must be accompanied by valid big game license) 


$10 

16–69 Yrs. $21 

Qualifications: Current year license to hunt big game, PLUS acceptable Bowhunter Education Certificate, OR 

Bowhunting Stamp issued in 1980 or later, OR NYS Jr. Bowhunting License issued in 1980 or later. 

Privileges: Hunt deer and bear with bow only during bowhunting season. 

NOTE: Residents hunting bear or deer with a bow during the regular season must possess both a valid big game 

license and either a current bowhunting privilege or a valid Bowhunter Education Certificate. This includes 

Westchester and Suffolk counties. 

free Bowhunting privilege 


Qualifications: Same as Bowhunting Privilege 

Privileges: Same as Bowhunting Privilege 

muzzleloading privilege 


70+ Yrs. Or 

40%+ military disabled 

no fee 

14–69 Yrs. $21 

Qualifications: Current year license to hunt big game. 

Privileges: Hunt deer and bear with a muzzleloading firearm during muzzleloading season, and the January 

special firearms season in Suffolk County (WMU 1C). With this privilege, crossbows (see page 10) may 

also be used to hunt deer and bear in the late muzzleloading seasons.

esident liCenses, privileges and stamps 

tYpe age fee 

free muzzleloading 


70+ Yrs. Or 

40%+ military disabled 

lifetime 

spOrting 

liCenses 

The following Lifetime 

Licenses are available to 

New York State residents only 

and may be purchased at all license 

issuing outlets throughout New York State. 

Applicants must prove NYS residency for 

one year prior to application (proofs are the 

same as annual licenses with the exception 

of the one-year requirement). For additional 

information and clarification on Lifetime 

License sales, contact our License Sales 

Unit, NYSDEC, 625 Broadway, Albany, NY 

12233-4790, call 518-402-8843, or visit 

our website www.dec.ny.gov. 

lifetime resident sportsman license 

(combined small game, big game and fishing 

privileges, also includes turkey permits): 

For a person age 0–4 $380 



For a person age 70 or older $65 

Other lifetime resident 

licenses/privileges 

Small and Big Game 

Hunting License 

Fishing License 

(age 0–69) 

Fishing License 

(age 70 and older) 

$535 

$460 

$65 

Trapping License $395 

Bowhunting $235 

Muzzleloading $235 

lifetime licenses & tags 

for Young Hunters 

Young hunters who hold a lifetime hunting 

license and wish to receive their tags must 

first take the appropriate hunter safety 

training course. A copy of the certificate(s) 

must be sent to the DEC License Sales Unit 

(see address above) before their tags can 

be fulfilled. Young hunters should take the 

appropriate training course well in advance 

of the season to allow adequate time for their 

tags to be mailed. Tags cannot be obtained by 

contacting your local license issuing agent. 

* When purchasing a lifetime license for a child, 

the purchaser must bring proof of the child’s 

age (e. g., birth certificate or passport) and a 

copy of the parent’s residency proof. 

2012–13 HuNtING & traPPING GuIDe 13 

no fee 

Qualifications: Same as Muzzleloading Privilege. 

Privileges: Same as Muzzleloading Privilege. 

small game 16–69 Yrs. $26 


Privileges: Hunt small game species with gun or bow during appropriate seasons. 

Junior Bowhunting (must apply in person accompanied by 

parent or legal guardian) 

12–15 Yrs. $9 


Education certificate, OR previous Jr. Bowhunting License PLUS proof of age (birth certificate) for 

1st time applicants. 

Privileges: 

Ages 12–13: Hunt deer and bear with bow during the bowhunting season and the regular season, when 

accompanied* by a parent, legal guardian, or a “youth mentor” 21 years or older and designated in writing 

(see page 35). 

Ages 14–15: Hunt deer and bear with bow during the bowhunting season and the regular season, when accompanied* 

by a parent, legal guardian or person 18 years or older and designated in writing (see page 35). 

* Accompanist must have certain privileges and a number of years of hunting experience (see page 35). 

Junior Hunting (must apply in person 

accompanied by parent or legal guardian) 

12–15 Yrs. $5 

Qualifications: Hunter Education Certificate OR previous hunting license, PLUS proof of age (e.g. birth certificate 

or passport) for 1st time applicants. 

Privileges: 

Ages 12–13: Hunt small game species with gun or bow during appropriate seasons when accompanied* by a 

parent, legal guardian, or person 21 or older with written permission from parent/guardian. 

Ages 14–15: Hunt small game species with gun or bow (with appropriate bow eligibility) during appropriate 

seasons when accompanied* by a parent, legal guardian, or person 18 or older with written permission from 

parent/guardian. Hunt big game species with a gun, crossbow (see page 10), or bow (with appropriate bow 

eligibility) when accompanied* by a parent, legal guardian or “youth mentor” 21 years or older designated in 

writing (see permission form on page 35 of this guide). 

* Accompanist must have a current hunting license, and if the youth is using a crossbow, accompanist must 

be certified in crossbow use (see page 10). Junior Hunters do not need a Federal Duck Stamp to hunt 

waterfowl. 

turkey permit 12+ Yrs. $10 

Qualifications: Current year license to hunt small game. 

* Turkey tags are included with the purchase of a Conservation Legacy, Super Sportsman, Trapper Super 

Sportsman, or Lifetime Sportsman License. To hunt turkey, all hunters must have a turkey permit. There are 

no exceptions. 

Habitat and access stamp any $5 

venison donation (help feed the hungry by supporting 

NY's venison donation program) 

Conservation patron (includes Habitat Access Stamp 

and Conservationist subscription) 

federal duck stamp (available at most Post Offices 

and some sporting goods stores) 

any $1 or more 

any $12 

16+ Yrs. $15 

Qualifications: Validated by holder’s signature on the face of the stamp, AND NYS Conservation Legacy, 

Trapper Super Sportsman, Super Sportsman, Sportsman, Senior Sportsman, Small and Big Game, or Small 

Game license. 

Privileges: Hunt migratory waterfowl. It is not needed for gallinules, coot, crows, rails, woodcock or snipe. 

All migratory game bird hunters, including Junior Hunters must register with the Harvest Information 

Program by calling toll free 1-888-427-5447 or register online at: www.ny-hip.com 

trapping 16–69 Yrs. $21 

Qualifications: Trapper Education Certificate OR previous trapping license. 

Privileges: Set traps for species during their appropriate season (see page 54). 

70+ Yrs. $5 

senior/military disabled trapping 

40% military disabled free 

Qualifications: Same as Trapping PLUS 40% or greater service-related military disability documented annually 

by a letter from Veteran’s Administration, unless your VA letter states "Permanent," or Patriot (See page 14). 

Privileges: Same as trapping. 

Junior trapping (must apply in person, accompanied by 

parent or legal guardian) 

Qualifications: Trapper Education Certificate OR previous trapping license. 

Privileges: Same as trapping. See trapper mentoring information on page 35. 


under 16 Yrs. $6 

note: Fishing privileges are included 

in Conservation Legacy, Super 

Sportsman, Trapper Super 

Sportsman, Sportsman and 

Senior Sportsman licenses.


• A license to hunt, trap or fish does not give 

the holder any right to go on private property 

without permission of the landowner. 

• You can legally purchase and possess only 

one big game or sportsman license per year. 

• Your license must be carried on your person 

when hunting or trapping. 

• It is illegal to refuse to show your license on 

demand to a law enforcement officer or the 

owner, lessee or person in control of the lands 

(or their designees) while on their property. 

• Make sure that your license has all the correct 

information. Carefully check it immediately 

after receipt. If you discover an error, have 

it corrected as soon as possible. 

• Do NOT heat laminate your license. High 

temperatures will destroy the tags and turn 

them black. 

BaCk tags 

Must be visibly displayed on the middle of your 

back while hunting, except in the Northern 

Zone and Catskill Park. 

small game liCense 

exCeptiOns 

All residents must have a valid hunting license 

in their possession except: 

• Resident owners primarily engaged in farming, 

lessees and members of their immediate 

families do not need a small game hunting 

license when hunting on farm lands they are 

occupying and cultivating. 

• Native Americans living on a reservation do 

not need a hunting license while hunting on 

reservation lands. 

free liCenses/patriOt liCenses 

Free hunting and trapping licenses are available 

to members of the Shinnecock and Poospatuck 

tribes and members of the Six Nations residing 

on reservations in the state. They must be 

obtained from some tribal councils or DEC 

headquarters in Albany (518) 402-8843. 

Free small/big game, fishing and trapping 

licenses are also available to NYS residents who 

have the appropriate Sportsmen Education and 

are active service members of the NYS Militia, 

US Reserve Forces or certain members of the 

US Armed Forces. For more detailed information, 

visit our website or call (518) 402-8843. 

lOst liCenses 

A current year lost license may be replaced at 

any license issuing outlet at a cost of $5 for a 

license panel. Big game carcass tag sets or turkey 

carcass tag sets may be replaced at a cost of $10. 

There is no charge to replace a lost backtag. 

Hunters witH disaBilities 

For more information, write the NYS DEC 

Special Licenses Unit, 625 Broadway, Albany, 

NY 12233-4752 or call (518) 402-8985. The 

application process takes time; write or call 

well before you intend to hunt. 

nOn-amBulatOrY Hunter permit 

This permit allows qualified hunters to shoot 

a firearm from a motorized vehicle (including 

an off-road vehicle) that has the motor turned 

nOnresident liCenses, privileges and stamps 

tYpe age fee 

nonresident super sportsman 16+ Yrs. $280 


Education Certificate OR Bow Stamp issued 1980 or later, OR NYS Junior Bowhunting License issued 1980 

or later, OR NYS Nonresident Bowhunting or combination license issued 1993 or later. 

Privileges: All the privileges that apply to nonresident big & small game, fishing, bowhunting, muzzleloading 

licenses and a turkey permit. 

NOTE: Bear hunting is not included in the Nonresident Super Sportsman license. A separate bear tag must 

be purchased. 

nonresident Big game (Deer only) 16+ Yrs. $140 


Privileges: Hunt deer only with gun, crossbow (see page 10), muzzleloader or bow (with appropriate bow 

privilege) during the regular season, or hunt deer with shotgun or muzzleloader during the January firearms 

season (permit required, see page 20), in Suffolk County (WMU 1C). 

NOTE: Those under 18 who are hunting big game for the first time as a holder of a big game license must be 

accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, or a person over 18 with at least one year’s experience in hunting 

bear or deer, for the entire season. The parent, guardian or person over 18 must have a current license that 

allows the hunting of big game. 


(Must apply by October 1) 

off and that is completely off the highway 

right-of-way. 

To qualify for a Non-Ambulatory Hunter 

Permit, a person must be physically unable to 

move about except with the use of a mechanized 

aid such as a wheelchair. 

mOdified lOngBOw autHOrizatiOn 

New legislation has repealed the ‘Modified 

Archer Permit’ and replaced it with the ‘Modified 

Longbow Authorization.’ This authorization 

allows qualified sportsmen and sportswomen 

to hunt big or small game with a bow that is 

equipped with a mechanical device to hold it in 

a drawn and cocked position. This authorization 

does not allow the use of a crossbow. 

To qualify for a Modified Longbow Authorization, 

a sportsman must be permanently or 

temporarily physically disabled and unable to 

14+ Yrs. 

12+ Yrs. (Youth Bowhunting Only) 

Qualifications: Nonresident Super Sportsman, Nonresident Big Game, Nonresident Bowhunting OR Nonresident 

Muzzleloading license must pay a $10 non-refundable application fee. The fee is waived for Nonresident 

Junior Hunters and Nonresident Junior Bowhunters. 

Privileges: Application for an antlerless deer tag that is issued by random computer selection. This tag is 

valid for hunting antlerless deer only (both antlers less than 3" long) in a selected Wildlife Management Unit 

during all Southern Zone seasons. See DMP map on page 30. 

nonresident Bowhunting 16+ Yrs. $140 

Qualifications: Hunter Education Certificate OR previous hunting license, PLUS Acceptable Bowhunter 

Education Certificate, OR Bow Stamp issued 1980 or later, OR NYS Junior Bowhunting License issued 1980 

or later, OR NYS Nonresident Bowhunting or Super Sportsman (1993 or later). 

Privileges: Hunt deer only with a bow only during bowhunting seasons. Includes the regular season in Westchester 

County (WMU 3S) and Suffolk County (WMU 1C). 

nonresident muzzleloading 14+ Yrs. $140 

Qualifications: Hunter Education Certificate, OR previous hunting license. 

Privileges: Hunt deer only with a muzzleloader during muzzleloading season, and the January special firearms 

season in Suffolk County (WMU 1C). With this privilege, crossbows (see page 10) may also be used 

to hunt deer in the late muzzleloading seasons. 

nonresident Bear tag 16+ Yrs. $50 

Qualifications: Current year Nonresident Super Sportsman OR current year Nonresident Big Game license OR 

current year Nonresident Bowhunting License OR current year Nonresident Muzzleloading License. 

Privileges: Hunt bear with appropriate implement and during the appropriate seasons based on the qualifying 

license(s) purchased (see bear season map on page 33). 

nonresident small game 16+ Yrs. $85 


Privileges: Hunt small game species with gun or bow during the appropriate seasons. 

draw and hold a bow. For more information 

write to the Special Licenses Unit or visit our 

website, www.dec.ny.gov/permits/25018.html. 

mOdified CrOssBOw permit 

This permit allows qualified people to hunt big 

or small game with a crossbow that has been 

specifically modified with a device that only 

allows it to be discharged (fired) by means of 

a breath tube. This permit does not allow the 

use of an unmodified crossbow. 

To qualify for a Modified Crossbow Permit, 

a person must be permanently physically 

unable to hold or draw a legal bow or to fire a 

legal bow that has been modified to hold and 

release the string. 

If a person can pull the trigger on a gun, he 

or she will not qualify for a Modified Crossbow 

Permit. 


$10

nOnresident liCenses, privileges and stamps 

tYpe age fee 

nonresident Junior Bowhunting (must apply in person, 


12–15 Yrs. $9 


Education certificate, OR previous Jr. Bowhunting License PLUS proof of age for 1st time applicants. 

Privileges: 

Ages 12–13: Hunt deer and bear with bow during the bowhunting season and the regular season, when 

accompanied* by a parent, legal guardian, or a “youth mentor” 21 years or older and designated in writing 


Ages 14–15: Hunt deer and bear with bow during the bowhunting season and the regular season, when accompanied* 

by a parent, legal guardian or person 18 years or older and designated in writing (see page 35). 

* Accompanist must have certain privileges and a number of years of hunting experience in hunting (see page 35). 

nonresident Junior Hunting (must apply in person, 

12–15 Yrs. $5 


Qualifications: Hunter Education Certificate OR previous hunting license, PLUS proof of age for 1st time applicants. 

Privileges: 

Ages 12–13: Hunt small game species with gun or bow during appropriate seasons when accompanied* by a 

parent, legal guardian, or person 21 or older with written permission from parent/guardian. 

Ages 14–15: Hunt small game species with gun or bow (with appropriate bow eligibility) during appropriate 

seasons when accompanied* by a parent, legal guardian, or person 18 or older with written permission from 

parent/guardian. Hunt big game species with a gun, crossbow (see page 10), or bow (with appropriate bow 

eligibility) when accompanied* by a parent, legal guardian or “youth mentor” 21 years or older designated in 

writing (see permission form on page 35 of this guide). 

* Accompanist must have a current hunting license. Junior hunters do not need a Federal Duck Stamp to 

hunt waterfowl. 

nonresident turkey permit 12+ Yrs. $50 

Qualifications: Nonresident Small Game License, Super Sportsman or Junior Hunting License (ages 12–15). 

Privileges: Hunt wild turkey during the fall and spring turkey seasons. See page 44 for bag limits and dates. 

* Turkey carcass tags are included, (no fee) with the purchase of a Nonresident Super Sportsman License. 

To hunt turkey, all hunters must have a turkey permit. There are no exceptions. 

Habitat and access stamp any $5 

Conservation patron (includes Habitat and Access Stamp 

any $12 

& Conservationist subscription) 

federal duck stamp (available at most post offices 

16+ Yrs. $15 

and some sporting goods stores) 

Note: You must sign your Federal Duck Stamp across its face prior to hunting. 

Privileges: Hunt migratory waterfowl. It is not needed for gallinules, coot, crows, rails, woodcock or snipe. All 

migratory game bird hunters, including junior hunters must register with the Harvest Information Program 

by calling toll free 1-888-427-5447 or register online at: www.ny-hip.com 

nonresident trapping 16+ Yrs. $310 

Qualifications: Trapping Education Certificate OR trapping license from any state. 

Privileges: Set traps for species during appropriate seasons (see page 35 for youth mentor information). 


spOrtsmen 

eduCatiOn 

All first-time hunters, 

bowhunters and trappers 

need to pass one 

or more courses before 

they can get a license in New York. 

Trained instructors certified by the 

DEC teach safe and responsible 

outdoors practices and the important 

role of hunters and trappers in 

conservation. All courses are free 

of charge, but space may be limited. 

As hunting seasons approach, many 

classes are filled up quickly. SIGN UP 

EARLY! 

For more 

information on 

DEC Sportsman 

Education 

Programs, 

including a list of 

courses, visit: 


Remember to 

repOrt YOur 

game Harvest… 

Visit www.dec.ny.gov for details. 

it’s the law! 

See page 17. 

2012–13 HuNtING & traPPING GuIDe 15

GeNeral HuNtING reGulatIoNs 

The following are general hunting regulations. 

Specific regulations for various game species 

are in the Small Game, Big Game and Trapping 

sections of this booklet. 

definitiOns 

Air gun—a firearm that uses spring or 

compressed air (not gunpowder) to propel a 

single projectile that is .17 caliber or larger and 

produces a muzzle velocity of at least 600 feet 

per second. You may use a smooth or rifled bore. 

Bow—includes long (stick), compound, or 

recurve bow. 

Crossbow—consists of a bow, a string, and 

either compound or recurve limbs with minimum 

width of 17 inches (tip of limbs, uncocked), 

mounted on a stock. The stock shall have a 

trigger with a working safety that holds the 

string and limbs under tension until released. 

It shall have a minimum overall length from 

the butt of the stock to the front of the limbs 

of 24 inches and be able to launch a minimum 

14 inch arrow/bolt, not including the legal 

arrowhead. It shall have a draw weight of 100 

to 200 pounds. 

Firearm—all guns, including handguns, rifles, 

shotguns, muzzleloaders and BB and pellet guns. 

Handgun—is any pistol or revolver intended to 

be aimed and fired with one hand, and having 

a barrel length not exceeding 16 inches. 

To hunt—means to pursue, shoot, kill or 

capture (other than trap) wildlife and includes 

all lesser acts that disturb or worry wildlife 

whether or not they result in taking. Hunting 

also includes all acts to assist another person 

in taking wildlife. 

Motor vehicle—means every vehicle or device 

operated by any power other than muscle power 

including but not limited to automobiles, trucks, 

motorcycles, tractors, trailers, motorboats, 

snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicles, whether 

operated on or off public highways. 

Muzzleloading firearm—is a firearm loaded 

through the muzzle, shooting a single projectile 

and having a minimum bore of .44 inch. 

Public highway—means any road maintained 

by a state, county or town. A private road is 

one maintained by a person or corporation. 

Rifle—is a firearm with a barrel length of 16 

inches or more with rifling in the barrel that 

uses metallic cartridges. 

Shotgun—is a firearm with a barrel length 

of 18 inches or more that uses shells that are 

nonmetallic except for the base. 

To take—means to pursue, shoot, hunt, kill, 

capture, trap, snare or net wildlife and game— 

and all lesser acts that disturb or worry wildlife—or 

to place or use any net or other device 

commonly used to take wildlife. 

To trap—means to take, kill or capture wildlife 

with traps, deadfalls and other devices 

commonly used to take wildlife, including the 

shooting or killing of lawfully trapped animals. 

It also includes all related activities such as 

placing, setting, staking or checking traps or 

assisting another person with these activities. 

manner Of taking 

It is illegal to take or hunt wildlife: 

• while in or on a motor vehicle (except by 

special permit—see page 14). 

• with the aid of a vehicle’s lights. 

• on or from any public road. 

• with any firearm equipped with a silencer. 

• with any firearm which continues to fire as 

long as the trigger is held back (an automatic 

firearm). 

• with any semi-automatic firearm with a 

capacity to hold more than 6 rounds, except: 

1. firearms using .22 or .17 caliber rimfire 

ammunition, or 

2. firearms altered to reduce their capacity 

to no more than 6 shells at one time in 

the magazine and chamber combined, or 

3. autoloading pistols with a barrel length 

of less than eight inches. 

• with a spear. 

• with a bow equipped with any mechanical 

device which is attached to the bow (other 

than the bowstring) for drawing, holding 

or releasing the bowstring except for a 

person with a physical disability in possession 

of a Modified Longbow Authorization 

(compound bows are legal). 

• with a spear gun or modified crossbow except 

for a person with a physical disability in 

possession of a Modified Crossbow Permit. 

• with an arrow with an explosive head or shaft. 

• with any device designed or intended to 

deliver drugs to an animal. 

Baiting—It is illegal to hunt with the aid of 

bait or over any baited area when hunting big 

game, upland game birds, turkey or waterfowl. 

Artificial lights—It is illegal to hunt deer or 

bear with the aid of any artificial light including 

laser sights. 

spOtligHting 

You may use lights to observe wildlife under 

the following conditions: 

• You are not within 500 feet of a home or 

farm building, unless you have permission 

from the owner or lessee (when looking for 

deer or bear). 

• While in or on a motor vehicle and operating 

a light and no person has a firearm, crossbow 

or bow unless: 

ͪ the firearm or crossbow is taken down or 

the bow is unstrung, or 

ͪ the firearm or crossbow is securely 

fastened in a case, or 

ͪ the firearm or crossbow is locked in the 

trunk of the vehicle, or 

ͪ the firearm is a handgun. 

For information on hunting furbearers at night, 

see page 51. 

pOssessiOn Of firearms 

and CrOssBOws 

During the open season for deer, it is illegal to: 

• possess shotgun shells loaded with slug or 

ball, unless holding a valid license (including 

carcass tags) or permit to take deer or bear, or 

• possess a rifle larger than a .22 rimfire 

(muzzleloading rifles excepted) in areas 

where rifles are banned for taking deer. 

It is illegal to use a crossbow for hunting, or 

to carry one afield in any of the ‘bowhunting 

only’ Wildlife Management Units. 

In Westchester County and on Long Island, 

it is illegal to use any rifle for hunting, or to 

carry one afield. 

In the Northern Zone, it is illegal to carry a 

rifle larger than . 22 rimfire or a shotgun loaded 

with slug, ball or buckshot afield if accompanied 

by a dog, except when coyote hunting. 

Possession of handguns in New York requires 

a NYS Pistol Permit. New York does not recognize 

permits issued by other states. 

transpOrtatiOn Of firearms 

A person may not transport or possess a shotgun, 

rifle or crossbow in or on a motor vehicle, including 

any all terrain vehicle, unless the firearm is 

unloaded in both chamber and magazine or the 

crossbow is unloaded or taken down. A loaded 

firearm may be carried or possessed in a motorboat 

while legally hunting migratory game birds. 


GeNeral HuNtING reGulatIoNs 

A muzzleloader is considered unloaded 

when the cap is off the nipple, the primer is 

removed, the primer powder is removed from 

the flintlock pan, or the battery is not in an 

electric-fired muzzleloader. 

A crossbow is considered unloaded when the 

arrow/bolt is removed, regardless whether the 

crossbow is cocked or uncocked. A crossbow 

is considered taken down when the limbs have 

been removed from the stock, securely fastened 

in a case, or locked in a trunk. 

disCHarge Of firearms, 

CrOssBOws and BOws 

It is illegal to discharge a firearm, crossbow 

or bow: 

• so that the load or arrow/bolt passes over 

any part of a public highway. 

• within 500 feet of any school, playground, 

or an occupied factory or church. 

• within 500 feet of a dwelling, farm building 

or structure in occupation or use unless you 

own it, lease it, are an immediate member 

of the family, an employee, or have the 

owner’s consent. 

repOrting YOur game Harvest 

• deer, Bear, and turkey harvests must be 

reported within seven days. 

• The reporting and pelt sealing of beaver harvest is 

no longer required. 

• You can report your harvest either by telephone or 

through the web. Reporting on the web is fast and 

convenient! 

pHOne: 1-866-426-3778 

weB: www.dec.ny.gov 

infOrmatiOn YOu will need 

wHen repOrting 

• Carcass tag or reporting panel: 

CustOmer id # 

COrreCt tag tYpe 

• for spring turkey: 

ͪ Spur length (none, less than ½", 

½"or longer). 

ͪ Beard length (less than 3", 3" but 

less than 7½",7½" or longer. 

ͪ Estimated weight. 

You may hunt waterfowl over water within 500 

feet of a dwelling or public structure as long 

as neither are within 500 feet in the direction 

you are shooting. 

prOteCted and 

unprOteCted wildlife 

In New York State, nearly all species of wildlife 

are protected. Most species, including endangered 

species, songbirds, hawks and owls are 

fully protected and may not be taken. The few 

unprotected species include porcupine, red 

squirrel, woodchuck, English sparrow, starling, 

rock pigeon and monk parakeet. Unprotected 

species may be taken at any time without limit. 

However, a hunting license is required to hunt 

unprotected wildlife with a bow or firearm. 

Game species may be taken only during 

their open seasons and as summarized in this 

Guide. Persons taking wildlife on licensed 

shooting preserves must comply with regulations 

governing those shooting preserves. 

12 digit dOC # 

remember to report 

Your Harvest! 

it’s not only the law— 

it’s good management! 

• for fall turkey: 

ͪ Remember to save a leg. We may 

request it to determine age & sex. 


Moving 

Forward 

Antler Restrictions 

and Other Buck 

Harvest Strategies 

Jeremy Hurst – Wildlife Biologist 

©Larry Bohlin | Dreamstime.com 

SEVEN YEarS of data 

have clarified several things about the 

impact of mandatory antler restrictions 

(ARs) in New York. First, mandatory antler 

restrictions (ARs) will substantially reduce 

harvest of yearling (1.5 year old) bucks, and 

the majority of the bucks that get harvested 

will be 2.5 years or older. After a few years, if 

the total deer population grows, hunters may 

take similar numbers of bucks with mandatory 

antler restrictions as they did without. 

Also, once mandatory ARs are implemented, 

most hunters seem interested in seeing the 

program continued. 

Second, mandatory ARs are not necessary 

to maintain a healthy deer herd in New York. 

Statewide pre-season adult sex ratios average 

about 1.6 adult doe per adult buck; yearling 

antler beam diameters indicate deer are in 

good physical condition; and more than 94% 

of adult female deer are being bred with more 

than 86% of conceptions occurring within a 

28-day period centered in mid-November. 

Also, the yearling portion of the statewide 

buck take has been dropping, without mandatory 

ARs, from greater than 70% in the early 

1990s to less than 55% in 2011. 

Still, DEC frequently hears comments from 

hunters such as, “we need antler restrictions, 

because the adult sex ratios are strongly 

skewed and deer breeding is compromised,” 

or “because the older bucks have all but 

disappeared in my area”, but data do not 

support these perceptions. In fact, hunters 

are taking more older-age bucks in NY now 

than ever before in our recorded history of 

deer hunting (see graph on page 19). 

Regardless, many hunters would prefer to 

see DEC enact regulations to further reduce 

harvest of yearling bucks. A 2010 survey by 

Cornell University found that 57% of hunters 

across the state think mandatory ARs are a 

good idea. But the survey also found that 54% 

of hunters think voluntary ARs are a good 

idea and 50% like a 1-buck per hunter rule. 

Hunters are apparently open to a variety of 

approaches. 

It is important for hunters to recognize 

that mandatory ARs involve some potentially 

significant trade-offs, particularly in terms 

of their freedom to choose what type of buck 

they want to harvest. This freedom of choice 

is a core value for many hunters. That same 

2010 survey found that more hunters said 

having “the greatest freedom to choose” 

(50%) was the most important aspect of buck 

hunting, compared to having “the greatest 

18 2012–13 Hunting & Trapping Guide

Hunters in nY are 

taking more olderage 

bucks now 

than ever before. 

prospect of taking an older buck” (40%) or “opportunity to harvest 

more than one buck per year” (10%). Striking the balance between 

an AR mandate and freedom of choice is a challenge for both the 

hunting community and the biologists tasked with managing this 

important resource. 

To date, nearly all the attention on reducing harvest of young 

bucks has focused on mandatory ARs, and at the urging of local 

hunters, New York now has mandatory ARs in 11 WMUs in the 

Catskill region. Yet, mandatory ARs are not the only option, and 

alternative strategies may provide meaningful reductions in harvest 

of yearling bucks while still preserving hunters’ freedom of choice. 

To that end, DEC’s recently adopted deer management plan 

recommends an approach that may deal more fairly with diverse 

and often competing hunter values. It states that efforts to reduce 

harvest of yearling bucks should generally remain voluntary and 

not occur through regulation or legislation. Though, in areas 

where significant interest exists for alternative buck management, 

the plan also calls for DEC to develop and use objective criteria to 

identify optimal strategies for reducing harvest of yearling bucks in 

accordance with hunter desires. The word “optimal” is key, because 

what is optimal (the best balance) for hunters in one area may not 

be optimal for hunters elsewhere. 

Recognizing strong hunter desires for both freedom of choice and 

greater chance of observing or taking older bucks, DEC is developing 

a more systematic decision-making process to determine appropriate 

yearling buck harvest strategies in various portions of NY (see 

sidebar). This process explores likely outcomes of several options to 

reduce yearling buck take, including mandatory ARs. The process 

balances what hunters feel is important with what each alternative 

might accomplish, to identify the optimal strategy to manage 

buck harvest in a given area. Mandatory ARs may be the optimal 

strategy in areas where hunters strongly value the opportunity to 

see and shoot older bucks above other objectives. In other areas, a 

different and less restrictive strategy may be more appropriate and 

acceptable to hunters. 

infOrmatiOn aBOut mandatOrY 

antler restriCtiOns in nY 

general summary 


pilot ar program 

www.dec.ny.gov/docs/wildlife_pdf/arsummary11.pdf 

Hunter opinions 

www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/74971.html#AR 

an apprOaCH tOwards identifYing an 

Optimal BuCk Harvest strategY 

1. Identify several options to reduce harvest of yearling bucks, 

including mandatory ARs. 

2. Evaluate how these options may affect yearling buck 

harvest and other key factors (e.g., freedom of choice, 

ability to take any deer, deer population monitoring). 

3. Assess how important each factor (e.g., reduced yearling 

harvest, freedom of choice) is to hunters in a particular 

area. 

4. Relate importance values and expected outcomes to identify 

the optimal strategy for hunters in a particular area. 

2012–13 Hunting & Trapping Guide 19

IG GaMe HuNtING 

Please read General Hunting Regulations first. See page 16. 

maps sHOwing seasOn dates 

• Legal Implements: see page 24 

• Deer: see page 25 

• Bear: see page 33 

Hunting HouRs 

Big game hunting hours are sunrise to sunset (see page 80). Sunday 

hunting is allowed in all areas of New York. For hunting in state parks, 

confirm regulations with the park before hunting. 

legallY antlered deer 

A legally antlered deer must have at least one antler that is three 

inches or longer. Special regulations apply in the Antler Restriction 

areas. See page 30 for details. 

defining “earlY” and “late” 

seasOns fOr deer and Bear 

When you see the term “early” muzzleloader or bowhunting season, 

it means before the regular season for that particular zone. “Late” 

means after the regular season for that zone. 


You may use decoys, calls and attractant scents to hunt big game. It 

is unlawful to: 

• Take big game while the deer or bear is in water 

• Possess a firearm of any description or a crossbow when bowhunting 

or accompanying a person bowhunting during special bowhunting 

seasons 

• Make, set or use salt licks or other attractants, whether block, liquid 

or powder that contain ANY amount of salt, upon lands inhabited 

by deer or bear at any time of year 

It is unlawful to hunt big game with: 

• Dogs or aircraft of any kind 

• The aid of a pre-established bait pile. 

lOng island OppOrtunities 

Deer hunting from October through December is bowhunting only. All 

hunting on state land requires a DEC permit. During the January firearms 

season, shotgun and muzzleloading firearms are the only legal hunting 

implements, and a special permit is required. For exact dates and permit 

information, send a self-addressed envelope to Deer Info, NYS DEC, 

SUNY, 50 Circle Rd. , Stony Brook, NY 11790-3409 or visit our website, 

www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/8373.html. 

prOHiBited sale Of deer Or Bear meat 

It is unlawful to sell deer or bear flesh. Other than flesh, the parts 

from legally taken and reported bear may be sold only if tagged prior 

to sale. A tag shall be provided by the hunter or the buyer and include 

the hunter’s license number, date of birth, signature, printed name 

and the town and county location of kill. 

tagging, transpOrting and repOrting 

Deer and bear are in legal possession only when tagged with the 

appropriate portion of the big game license, deer management permit 

or other license provided for that purpose. 

tagging 

Here’s what you must do immediately upon killing a deer or bear: 

1. Fill in ALL information on the CORRECT carcass tag with ink 

that won't erase. 

BOning Out deer 

Some hunters who take a deer in remote areas may wish to 

bone out the deer and pack out the meat. This is lawful but 

you must retain the carcass tag with the boned out meat. 

2. On the reverse side of the tag, cut or mark both the month and the 

date of kill in the margin of the tag. Also, add your SIGNATURE. 

3. Once filled in, the tag may not be altered. 

4. Find the CORRECT DOC # on the Report Panel and add the date 

of kill. Save this panel as you will need it later when you report 

your harvest. 

5. You do not need to attach the tag to your harvest while it is being 

dragged or physically carried from the place of kill to a camp or 

point where transportation is available. 

6. Once you get to the camp or vehicle, attach the tag to the carcass 

immediately. 

7. Keep the tag attached to the carcass until it is cut up and prepared 

for consumption. 

8. Remember to REPORT your harvest. 

After you have used your last deer tag, you may help others hunt 

deer. You may not carry a firearm, crossbow or bow, and you must 

have your hunting license. 

transpOrting 

Deer and bear may be transported either inside or outside the vehicle. 

• A deer carcass with head and deer carcass tag attached may be 

transported with the taker in attendance. 

• If someone other than the taker is transporting the deer or bear, 

taker must attach an additional tag to the carcass which must include 

the names and addresses of both the taker and the transporter. The 

tag may be handwritten in ink or typed on any paper. 

• All portions of deer or bear meat being transported by the taker 

shall be individually tagged and the tags shall include the name, 

address, big game DOC #, the date that the portions were cut, and 

the signature of the taker. Packaged or boxed portions of venison 

need only one tag and must be labeled “venison” on the outside 

of the box. If someone other than the taker is transporting the 


portions, an additional tag signed by the taker with the names and 

addresses of the consignee and taker is required for each portion. 

• Non-resident hunters: If your home state prohibits the importation 

of whole deer carcasses from New York, you will need to follow 

the above guidelines for transportation of individual or packaged 

portions of deer meat while in New York State. 

• A deer carcass minus the head may be transported as above, but 

evidence of the sex of the deer must be intact. The deer carcass tag 

must be affixed to the carcass, and a tag supplied by the taker must 

also be attached showing the name and address of the taxidermist 

where the head was sent. 

• Heads of male deer may be transported to a taxidermist only if a 

tag supplied by the taker is attached bearing the taker’s signature, 

address, big game DOC #, number of points on each antler and the 

name and address of the taxidermist. 

• The head of a doe with antlers that are 3 inches or more can be 

removed for mounting. Follow the same procedure that you would 

use for a buck you are having mounted (see above). 

wOuld YOu like tO reCeive infOrmatiOn 

aBOut Big game in new YOrk? 

DEC invites you to join "New York Big Game," DEC’s email 

outlet for information on black bear and white-tailed deer in 

New York State. Subscribers to this email list will periodically 

receive information from DEC about bear and deer 

biology, management, research, regulations and hunting. 

To subscribe to New York Big Game, visit our website at: 

http://lists.dec.state.ny.us/mailman/listinfo/nybiggame 

Join today and become a more informed hunter. 

nOrtHern 

zOne 

sOutHern 

zOne 

westCHester 

COuntY 

suffOlk 

COuntY 

future Big game 

seasOn dates 

early Bear 

The first Saturday after the second 

Monday in September through the day 

immediately preceding the early muzzleloading season. 

Bowhunting—deer and Bear 

bIG GaMe HuNtING 

September 27 through the Friday immediately preceding 

the regular season. (Only unfilled prior year big game tags 

can be used before October 1). 

early muzzleloading—deer and Bear 

7 consecutive days beginning on the 1st Saturday after 

Columbus Day. 

regular—deer and Bear 

44 consecutive days beginning on the 2nd Saturday after 

Columbus Day. 

late Bow and muzzleloading—deer 

7 consecutive days immediately following the regular season. 

early Bowhunting—deer and Bear 

October 1 through the Friday immediately preceding regular 

season. 

regular—deer and Bear 

23 days beginning the third Saturday of November. 

late Bow and muzzleloading—deer and Bear 

9 consecutive days immediately following the regular 

season. 

regular—deer and Bear (bowhunting only) 

October 1 through December 31. 

regular—deer (bowhunting only) 

October 1 through December 31. 

special firearms season—deer 

The first Monday following the first Saturday in January, 

through the last weekday in January, Monday–Friday only. 


IG GaMe HuNtING 

muzzlelOading 

• Deer may only be taken as shown on the map on page 25. 

• Bear may only be taken as shown on the map on page 33. 

all areas 

All hunters participating in the muzzleloading season must follow 

these requirements in addition to the other regulations in this guide. 

• Each resident hunter must have purchased a current-year muzzleloading 

privilege with his/her big game license. 

• Each nonresident hunter must have a current-year Muzzleloading 

License. 

• Hunters shall not have in their possession, or be accompanied by 

a person who has in his or her possession, a bow or firearm other 

than the legal muzzleloading firearm or crossbow. They may be 

accompanied by a person carrying a crossbow. 

BOwHunting 

Bowhunting opportunities include both the regular and bowhunting 

seasons. Residents may use a bow to take legally antlered deer and 

bear during the regular season provided the taker possesses both a 

valid big game license and either a current bowhunting privilege or 

assume COntrOl frOm 

trigger tO target…and BeYOnd 

• Assume every gun is loaded 

• Control the muzzle 

• Finger off the trigger until ready to shoot 

• Be sure of your target and beyond 

• Wear hunter orange—control where others shoot 

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a valid bowhunter education certificate. Residents may take deer of 

either sex during the bowhunting season provided the taker possesses 

a big game license and bowhunting privilege, or a Junior Bowhunting 

License. Nonresidents should refer to page 27 for information on 

hunting with a bow during regular and bowhunting seasons. 

A bow may also be used to fill a deer management permit during any 

season in which bows may be used. In WMUs 4J and 8C only, bows may 

be used to take deer (either sex) during the regular and bowhunting 

seasons. Suffolk (WMU 1C) and Westchester counties (WMU 3S) have 

separate regular seasons restricted to bows for taking deer (either sex). 

BarBed BrOadHeads 

Barbed broadheads are illegal for hunting big game. A barbed broadhead 

is one in which the angle formed between the trailing or rear 

edge of any blade and the shaft is less than 90 degrees. Broadheads 

with mechanical blades are legal if the blades DO NOT form a barb 

or hook when the arrow is pulled from the flesh of a deer or bear. 

(See graphic below). 

type legal illegal 


fixed Blade 

mechanical Blade 

(shown in position of being 

withdrawn from an animal) 

Blades pivot forward 

(no longer barbed) 

mOOse in new YOrk 

Moose are protected in New York 

and cannot be hunted. There is an 

estimated population of 800 moose 

occupying the northern zone of the 

state. 

DEC has created a Moose Photo 

Gallery for photos taken of New York 

moose. Instructions for submitting a 

photo are included on the following 

moose webpage: 

www.dec.ny.gov/animals/56611.html 

Blades do not pivot 

(remain barbed)

Feral swine 

Bad News for New York 

Many people are aware of the feral swine problem 

in southern states like Texas and Florida, 

but these animals are also a growing problem 

in New York. Also called feral pigs, feral hogs, 

wild boar, wild hogs, razorbacks, Eurasian boar 

and Russian boar, feral swine are not native to 

New York and are a harmful and destructive 

invasive species. 

Feral swine can include domestic pigs or "pet" 

pigs that have been released or escaped captivity 

and "gone wild," wild boar (native to Eurasia) 

that escaped from fenced shooting enclosures, 

or a hybrid of domestic pigs and wild boar. Their 

color and size can be quite variable. They can 

be black, brown, gray, red, tan or cream colored. 

They can be belted (a band of color across the 

shoulders) or have color patterns like spots or 

stripes. Piglets often have stripes that fade or 

disappear as they get older. 

Feral swine are omnivorous and will eat 

just about anything. Feral swine are also very 

adaptable and can live just about anywhere as 

long as they have access to water. They breed 

early and often. If weather is good and food 

is plentiful, feral swine can breed as early as 

6-10 months of age, can breed twice a year and 

their litter size averages 6-8, although litters 

as large as 10-12 have been reported. As a 

result, a feral swine population could easily 

double in a year. 

New York is currently reviewing strategies 

for preventing the establishment and spread 

of feral swine on the landscape. If you see any 

feral swine in NY, please report them to the 

nearest DEC regional wildlife office or e-mail 

us at fwwildlf@gw.dec.state.ny.us . Please 

report the number of swine seen, whether any 

of them were piglets, the date, and the exact 

location (county, town, distance and direction 

from an intersection, nearest landmark). 

Although some people may think of these as 

“trophy” animals to hunt, the consequences of 

feral swine in New York would be devastating 

to deer and turkey, other native wildlife and 

the environment. Please help prevent this 

from happening! 

Feral swine have tremendous 

negative impacts on native wildlife 

as well as native plants, livestock, 

agriculture and humans: 

Feral swine: 

•Can locally decimate the fall 

acorn crop, leaving virtually none 

for native wildlife such as bear, 

turkey, white-tailed deer, squirrel 

and waterfowl. 

•Disturb and prey on groundnesting 

birds (like turkey and 

grouse) and their eggs which may 

decrease game bird populations. 

•will kill and eat fawns and 

young domestic livestock. 

•Prey on reptiles and 

amphibians (such as snakes, 

lizards, frogs and salamanders) and 

their eggs which may impact these 

populations. 

•will eat almost any 

agricultural crop as well as tree 

seeds and seedlings. 

•Tear up lawns and golf 

courses to eat the tender roots, 

grubs and worms. 

•wallow in wet areas where they 

destroy native vegetation, cause 

erosion, and negatively affect water 

quality. 

•Have razor sharp tusks and can 

be aggressive toward humans, pets 

and livestock. 

•Can carry and transmit at 

least 30 diseases including 

swine brucellosis, E. coli, 

trichinosis, and pseudorabies 

to native wildlife, livestock, pets 

and humans. Pseudorabies, if 

transmitted to domestic swine, can 

decimate NY’s pork industry. 


IG GaMe bouNDarY DesCrIPtIoNs/leGal IMPleMeNts 

Complete descriptions of all wildlife management 

units are available on DEC’s web site 


nOrtHern-sOutHern zOne line 

A line commencing at a point at the north 

shore of the Salmon River and its junction with 

Lake Ontario and extending easterly along 

the north shore of that river to the Village of 

Pulaski, thence southerly along Route 11 to 

its intersection with Route 49 in the Village 

of Central Square, thence easterly along Route 

49 to its junction with Route 365 in the City 

of Rome, thence easterly along Route 365 to 

its junction with Route 28 in the Village of 

Trenton, thence easterly along Route 28 to 

its junction with Route 29 in the Village of 

Middleville, thence easterly along Route 29 

to its junction with Route 4, thence northerly 

along Route 4 to its junction with Route 22, 

thence northerly and westerly along Route 

22 to the eastern shore of South Bay on Lake 

Champlain in the Village of Whitehall, thence 

northerly along the eastern shore of South Bay 

to the New York-Vermont boundary. 

ClOsed areas 

The following closed areas are specific 

portions of the state where the taking of deer 

and bear is prohibited by the Environmental 

Conservation Law. This section does not include 

areas covered by town laws, local ordinances 

or posting by landowners. 

alBanY COuntY 

Area around Alcove Reservoir: bounded by 

Albany County Rt. 111 from Rt. 143 to Albany- 

Greene County line to Albany County Rt. 411 

to Rt. 143 to point of beginning. Closed except 

to landowners and lessees of lands in the area 

actually occupying and cultivating such lands. 

erie COuntY 

Area around Buffalo: bounded by Tonawanda 

Creek from East Branch Niagara River to Rt. 

78 to Greiner Rd. to Rt. 268 to Rt. 5 to Ransom 

Rd. to Rt. 33 to Rt. 78 to Rt. 20 to Rt. 20A to 

Lake Erie. 

Herkimer COuntY 

Area along Big Moose Lake: bounded by Judson 

Rd. from Herkimer-Hamilton County line to 

Higby Rd. to Big Moose Rd. to Martin Rd. and 

along it to its eastern end and then to the lake 

shore and back (starting westerly) along the 

shore to Herkimer-Hamilton County line and 

along it to Judson Rd. 

Herkimer and HamiltOn COunties 

Area bounded by Rt. 28 from Old Forge to Inlet 

and by South Shore Rd. from Inlet to Old Forge. 

nassau COuntY 

All of Nassau County. 

new YOrk CitY 

All of the city. 

LEGAL IMPLEMENTS FOR THE 

REGULAR DEER SEASON, EARLY 

AND REGULAR BEAR SEASON 

This map shows where various hunting 

implements may be used in the state. Boundary 

descriptions and closed areas are found below. 

See page 25 for deer and page 33 for bear 

season dates and open areas. (Some closed 

areas are too small to show on the map.) 

Bow, Crossbow*, Muzzleloader, Handgun, 

Shotgun, Rifle 

Bow Only 

NIAGARA ORLEANS 

MONROE WAYNE 

GENESEE 

ONTARIO 

ERIE 

WYOMING 

YATES 

CHAUTAUQUA CATTARAUGUS ALLEGANY 

Bow, Crossbow,* Muzzleloader, Handgun, Shotgun 

Closed 

Suffolk County: see page 20 

* For seasons that crossbow use is legal, see page 12. 

concerning special firearm season. 

* Crossbows may not be used during the regular season in Cortland County. 

at press time, legislation was pending that could effect the use of crossbows or 

rifles for big game hunting in certain counties of NY. Please check our website at: 

http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/35010.html for the most up-to-date information. 

implement desCriptiOns fOr Big game Hunting 

The following describes implement requirements for Big Game Hunting. See map 

above to determine where each can be used. 

Bow —Long (stick), recurve or compound 

bow with a draw weight greater than 35 lbs. A 

legal arrowhead is nonbarbed, has 2 or more 

cutting edges and is at least 7 ⁄8 inches wide. 

Crossbow—Consists of a bow, a string, 

and either compound or recurve limbs 

with minimum width of 17 inches (tip of 

limbs, uncocked), mounted on a stock. The 

stock shall have a trigger with a working 

safety that holds the string and limbs 

under tension until released. It shall have 

a minimum overall length from the butt of 

the stock to the front of the limbs of 24 

inches and be able to launch a minimum 

14 inch arrow/bolt, not including the legal 

arrowhead. It shall have a draw weight of 

100 to 200 pounds. 

muzzleloader—Firearm loaded through 

the muzzle, a minimum bore of .44 inches 

and shooting a single projectile. Scopes 

or fiber-optic sights may be used at any 

time. Double-barreled muzzleloaders and 

percussion cap revolvers are not legal 

during the special muzzleloading season. If 

you hunt with a single-shot muzzleloading 

pistol, you must have a New York State 

pistol permit. 

Handgun—Any centerfire pistol or 

revolver. Barrel length may not exceed 16 

inches. Note: Nonresidents may not use 

handguns to hunt in New York. 

shotgun—Must be 20 gauge or larger 

and fire a single projectile. Rifling in the 

barrel or choke is allowed. 

rifle—Any centerfire rifle. 

it is illegal to hunt big game with: 

• A fully automatic firearm 

• A semi-autoloading firearm that holds 

more than 6 shells (except an autoloading 

pistol with a barrel length under 8 inches) 

• Any firearm equipped with a silencer 

• Any rifle using rimfire ammunition 

• A firearm, crossbow or bow aided by any 

artificial light or a laser that projects a 

beam toward the target (use of illuminated 

reticle scopes, red dot scopes, or 

illuminated sight pins is allowed, provided 

no light is projected toward the target) 

• An air gun 


LIVINGSTON 

STEUBEN 

SENECA 

SCHUYLER 

CHEMUNG 

CAYUGA 

TOMPKINS 

ONONDAGA 

TIOGA 

OSWEGO 

JEFFERSON 

CHENANGO 

CORTLAND MADISON 

BROOME 

LEWIS 

ONEIDA 

ST. LAWRENCE 

HERKIMER 

OTSEGO 

DELAWARE 

SULLIVAN 

HAMILTON 

FRANKLIN 

FULTON 

MONTGOMERY 

SCHOHARIE 

WARREN 

CLINTON 

ESSEX 

SARATOGA 

ALBANY 

GREENE 

ULSTER 

ORANGE 

SCHTDY 

ROCK 

LAND 

WASHINGTON 

RENSSELAER 

COLUMBIA 

DUTCHESS 

PUTNAM 

WEST 

CHESTER 

NASSAU 

Northern - Southern 

Zone Line 

More detailed 

written descriptions 

for Broome and 

Chautauqua counties 

can be found on our 

website at: 

www.dec.ny.gov/ 

outdoor/35010.html 

SUFFOLK

REGULAR & BOWHUNTING 

DEER SEASONS 

Hunting Hours: Sunrise to Sunset 

Last year's license is required when 

hunting prior to October 1. 

9J 

9A 

9G 

9K 

NORTHERN ZONE 

2012 

Early Bowhunting—All WMUs Sept. 27–Oct. 19 

Regular Oct. 20–Dec. 2 

Late Bowhunting—only WMUs 5A, 

5G, 5J, 6A, 6C, 6G, and 6H 

Dec. 3–Dec. 9 

SOUTHERN ZONE 

Early Bowhunting Oct. 1–Nov. 16 

Regular (opens Saturday) 

Nov. 17–Dec. 9 

Late Bowhunting 

Dec. 10–Dec. 18 

WESTCHESTER COUNTY (3S) 

Regular—Bowhunting Only Oct. 1–Dec. 31 

SUFFOLK COUNTY (1C) 

Regular—Bowhunting 

Only Oct. 1–Dec. 31 

Special Firearms—Weekdays Only Jan. 7–Jan. 31, 2013 

(Special Permit) 

WMUs with antler point resctrictions: all of 3A, 3C, 

3H, 3J, 3K, 4G, 4O, 4P, 4R, 4S, and 4W. Bucks must 

have at least one antler with 3 or more points that are 

at least 1 inch long. Youth hunters (ages 12–16) are 

exempt from the three-point requirement. 

Closed 

9A 

9F 

9C 

9M 

9H 

9N 

9W 

9T 

9R 

9S 9X 

8A 

8G 

8M 

9P 

8C 

8H 

8N 

8P 

8T 

9Y 

8X 

MUZZLELOADING 

DEER SEASONS 

9J 

8F 

8J 

8R 

8W 

8S 

8Y 

7A 

7R 

7F 

7J 

7H 7M 

7S 

6G 

6K 

6H 

6N 

6P 

7P 

6A 

6C 

6J 

6R 

6S 

4F 

4O 4P 

4W 

6F 

5H 

5F 

5J 

5A 

3H 3J 3F 

3G 

3K 

3K 

4A 

4G 4H 

4R 

4T 4U 

5R 

4C 

4J 4L 

4K 

4B 

4S 

3A 

3C 

3M 

3P 

3M 

Deer HuNtING 

2A 

5C 

3R 

4Y 4Z 

6F 

5F 

6J 

5H 

9A 

8A 

7A 6K 

9F 8G 

9A 

9C 

8H 

9H 

8M 8N 

9G 

9N 

8P 

9M 

9K 

9P 

9W 

8T 

9S 9X 8X 

8F 

7F 

8J 

7J 

7H 

8R 8S 

7R 

8W 

8Y 

7S 

7M 

6S 

4F 

4O 4P 

4W 

5J 

4A 

4G 4H 

4T 

4R 

4Y 

4Z 

3H 3J 

4U 

6C 

6H 

6G 

5G 

6N 

5T 

8C 

9T 

9R 

9Y 

6P 

6R 

5S 

5R 

4C 

4J 4L 

4K 

4B 

4S 

3A 

3C 


3F 

3G 


Deer of Either Sex 



Antlered Deer Only 


Oct. 13–Oct. 19 

Dec. 3–Dec. 9 

Oct. 13–Oct. 19 

Oct. 13–Oct. 19 

Dec. 10–Dec. 18 

WMUs with antler point resctrictions: all of 3A, 3C, 3H, 3J, 3K, 4G, 

4O, 4P, 4R, 4S, and 4W. Bucks must have at least one antler with 3 or 

more points that are at least 1 inch long. Youth hunters (ages 12–16) 

are exempt from the three-point requirement. 

No Special Muzzleloading Season 

6A 

3P 

2A 

5C 

3R 

3N 

3S 

3N 

3S 

5G 

1A 

5A 

1A 

5T 

5S 

Northern–Southern 

Zone Line 


1C 

Northern–Southern 

Zone Line 

1C 

For crossbow 

hunting, see 

page 10. 

Youth Firearms Season 

Season Dates 

Oct. 6 - 8, 2012 

Area Open 

Northern and Southern Zone, 

except bowhunting only WMUs 

Eligible Hunters 

Youth 14-15 years of age 

Bag Limit 

One deer of either-sex 

For crossbow 

hunting, see 

page 10.

Deer HuNtING 

Deer tag Descriptions For all season dates see page 25. See page 27 for privilege information. 

tag Can Be used in tag is valid fOr 

regular seasOn deer tag Only you may hunt with this tag. No transferring tag to another hunter. 

regular season 

Antlered Deer Only 

Northern Zone Oct 20–Dec 2 

Southern Zone Nov 17–Dec 9 

except: May be used for Antlered or 

Antlerless Deer as follows: 

westchester County 

Regular (bowhunting only) Oct 1–Dec 31 

• In Westchester County (WMU 3S). 

• In Suffolk County (WMU 1C). 

suffolk County 


• In areas restricted to bowhunting only. 

(WMUs 4J and 8C) 

Special Firearms Jan 7–31, 2013 

(weekdays only—special permit, see page 25) 

• In late seasons (with bowhunting or 

muzzleloading privilege). 

late season Bowhunting (privilege required) 

Northern Zone Dec 3–9 

• Next Fall, September 27–30, 2013 in 

the Northern Zone bowhunting season 

Southern Zone Dec 10–18 

late season muzzleloading (privilege required) 

Northern Zone Dec 3–9 

(check open areas and dates on map on page 25) 


with 2012/13 bowhunting privilege. 

BOw/mz seasOn eitHer sex tag Only you may hunt with this tag. No transferring tag to another hunter. 

Bowhunting season (privilege required) 

Antlered or Antlerless Deer 

Northern Zone Oct 1–19*, Dec 3–9 

Southern Zone Oct 1–Nov 16, Dec 10–18 

Bowhunting OR Muzzleloading seasons 

only (including the regular season in West- 

muzzleloading season (privilege required) 

chester County and any season in Suffolk 

Northern Zone Oct 13–19, Dec 3–9 

County). 



Junior Bowhunters will receive this tag, 

which will be valid in the special bowhunt- 


ing seasons and during the regular season. 


except: 



• May be used for antlered deer only during muzzleloading seasons 

in certain Northern Zone WMUs (see map page 25). 


(weekdays only —special permit; see page 25) 

• Next Fall, may be used for antlered or antlerless deer, September 27–30, 2013 

in the Northern Zone bowhunting season with 2012/13 bowhunting privilege. 

BOw/mz seasOn antlerless tag Only you may hunt with this tag. No transferring tag to another hunter. 


Antlerless Deer Only 

Northern Zone Oct 1–19*, Dec 3–9 


Bowhunting OR Muzzleloading seasons 

only (including the regular season in West- 


chester County and any season in Suffolk 


County). 

(check open areas and dates on map, page 25) 




except: 

• May not be used during muzzleloading 

seasons in certain Northern Zone WMUs 

that are Antlered Deer Only areas (see 


map page 25). 


• Next fall, may be used for antlerless deer only, September 27–30, 2013 in the 


(weekdays only—special permit; see page 25) 

Northern Zone bowhunting season with 2012/13 bowhunting privilege. 

deer management permit deer tag 

regular season 

Northern Zone Oct 20–Dec 2 

Southern Zone Nov 17–Dec 9 


Northern Zone Oct 1–Nov 19, Dec 3–9 











(weekdays only—special permit; see page 25) 

* Last year’s tag required when hunting prior to October 1. 

Antlerless Deer Only 

Valid ONLY for the WMU specified 

and printed on the DMP Deer Tag 

(Deer Management Permit). See map on 

page 30. 

! 

This is the only tag that can be 

transferred to another hunter 

(see page 28 for How to 

Transfer a DMP Deer Carcass Tag). 


Deer Hunting, 

Privileges and Tags 

resident Hunter liCenses 

1. Small Game/Big Game, Sportsman License 

or Junior Hunting (age 14–15): You will 

receive a Regular Season Deer Tag. 

2. Muzzleloading Privilege:* You will receive 

a Bow/Mz Season Either Sex Tag. 

3. Junior Bowhunting or Bowhunting Privilege:* 

You will receive a Bow/Mz Season 

Either Sex Tag. 

4. Conservation Legacy or Super Sportsman 

License: You will receive: 

ͪ one Regular Season Deer Tag 

ͪ one Bow/Mz Season Either Sex Tag 

ͪ one Bow/Mz Season Antlerless Tag 

5. Trapper Super Sportsman: You will receive: 



NOTE: Hunters who purchase a Small Game/ 

Big Game or Sportsman License PLUS BOTH 

Muzzleloading and Bowhunting privileges 

receive the same carcass tags as described in 

(4) above. 

* Residents must purchase a big game license to 

be eligible for Bowhunting and Muzzleloading 

privileges. 

nOnresident Hunters 

1. Nonresident Big Game or Nonresident 

Junior Hunting: You will receive a Regular 

Season Deer Tag. 

2. Nonresident Bowhunting or Nonresident 

Junior Bowhunting:* You will receive a 

Bow/Mz Season Either Sex Tag 

3. Nonresident Muzzleloading:* You will 

receive a Bow/Mz Season Either Sex Tag. 

4. Nonresident Super Sportsman: You will 

receive: 



ͪ one Bow/Mz Season Antlerless Tag 

* Nonresidents can purchase Bowhunting and 

Muzzleloading licenses without purchasing a 

regular big game license. If you purchase both 

Bowhunting and Muzzleloading licenses, you 

will receive one Bow/Mz Either Sex Deer Tag 

and one Bow/Mz Antlerless Deer Tag. Both 

tags may be used in either season. 

Deer HuNtING 

meat unfit fOr 

COnsumptiOn 

If a deer, bear or turkey is found to 

be unfit for human consumption, a 

special permit may be issued that 

allows the hunter to take another 

deer or bear provided the season is 

still open. A permit will not be issued 

if meat is unfit due to hunter neglect. 

Call a wildlife or law enforcement 

office listed on page 8. 


Deer HuNtING 

Deer Management Permits 

(DMPs) 

Hunters possessing a DMP may take one antlerless 

deer per permit in addition to any deer that 

may be taken with a regular big game license 

or bowhunting and muzzleloading privileges. 

• DMPs may not be used for legally antlered 

deer (at least one antler 3" or longer) 

• DMPs may only be used in the WMU for 

which they are issued. 

• Hunters may transfer or receive up to 2 

DMPs from other hunters (see box this page). 

• Refer to chart on page 26 for information 

on when DMPs may be used. 

applYing fOr a 


• DMP Application Deadline: 

Close of business on October 1, 2012. 

• You may apply for DMPs at all license issuing 

outlets, by phone, mail or on-line beginning 

on August 13, 2012. 

• DMPs are available to all big game hunters 

age 14 years or older who purchase or possess 

a regular big game hunting license (12 years 

old for Junior Bowhunting license holders). 

• There is a $10 non-refundable application 

fee for all applicants, except for holders of 

Lifetime Sportsman licenses purchased 

prior to 9/30/2009, and Junior Hunters & 

Junior Bowhunters. 

• Know your Wildlife Management Unit 

(WMU) before you apply. If you are 

unsure of your unit, see the WMU maps 

on pages 66–73 of this guide or visit 

www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/8302.html for 

written boundary descriptions. Your may 

also call the DMP Hotline for additional 

information at 1-866-472-4332. 

• You may apply for up to two DMPs. Both 

must be applied for at the same time. Application 

can be for DMPs in the same WMU 

or different WMUs. 

• Chances of selection for 1 st and 2 nd DMPs for 

Residents and Nonresidents can be viewed 

at www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/30409.html 

They are also posted at all license issuing 

outlets or you may call the DMP Hotline at 

1-866-472-4332. Chances of DMP selection 

remain the same throughout the entire DMP 

application period. 

• Disabled Veterans with a service-connected 

disability rated at 40% or greater (who are 

residents of New York) will receive preference 

on DMPs. Annually, you must bring a 

letter from the Veteran’s Administration, 

dated in the current year, with your case 

number and your disability percentage. If 

you are claiming permanent disabled status, 

the letter must clearly state that the servicerelated 

disability is ‘permanent.’ 

• Landowners: If you own 50 or more contiguous 

acres of land within the WMU you will 

be hunting in, you will receive preference 

HOw tO transfer a dmp deer CarCass tag 

• Hunter Art Fern of this DMP carcass 

tag must sign bottom. 

• The DMP carcass tag is given to Pete Moss. 

• Hunter Pete Moss must record the 

DOC# tag on his reporting panel. 

This allows this DMP carcass tag to 

be transferred. 

• Hunter Pete Moss is allowed only two 

transferred DMPs per year whether he 

uses the tag(s) or not. 

• If Hunter Pete Moss does not use the 

DMP Deer Tag, he can give it back to 

Art Fern or give it to another hunter. 

The other hunter must then record the 

DOC# from the DMP carcass tag on 

his/her reporting panel. 

REMEMBER: Hunting licenses are not 

transferable. Only DMP carcass tags can 

be used by another hunter. 

NOTE: To report a deer taken on a 

transferred DMP, the hunter who 

took the deer must call the automated 

reporting system (1-866-426-3778) or 

report via the internet at www.dec.ny.gov 

using the transferred DMP carcass tag 

DOC# and his/her own date of birth, 

along with other required information 


on DMP selection. Annually, you must 

bring your tax map identification number 

and SWIS code (found on your tax bill) 

with you when you apply. Be sure to tell 

the license issuing agent PRIOR to applying 

that you are a landowner. Lessees do 

not qualify as landowners. A spouse of a 

landowner may receive landowner preference, 

but both husband and wife may not 

apply as a landowner for the same parcel of 

land. Corporate ownership: only one person 

may be designated by a corporation as the 

landowner each year no matter how many 

50-acre parcels are owned. The corporation 

must submit an original letter or certified 

copy of a resolution, dated in the current 

year, designating the individual and must 

include the tax map ID and SWIS code 

information. 

• Preference Points: 

ͪ Preference points are won and lost on 

first permit selection only. 

ͪ If you do not receive a DMP in your first 

choice WMU, you will receive a preference 

point for the following year. 

ͪ If you were rejected for a first permit in 

2011 and have a preference point for the 

2012 hunting season, this information is 

stored in DECALS and will be available 

to all license issuing agents. 

ͪ Preference points do not guarantee 

selection. Any preference points 

contained in your file are automatically 

DMP carcass tag of Hunter Art Fern 

Reporting panel of Hunter Pete Moss 

!It is nOt legal to buy, sell, 

or offer to sell a DMP! 


applied to your first-choice WMU selection. 

If you do NOT receive your first 

choice, the points are applied to your 

second choice, but will remain in your 

file for the following year, regardless of 

your second choice selection results. 

dmp seleCtiOn Order 

During the Instant issuance, an applicant’s 

chances of selection are determined by an 

applicant’s category. The categories, in priority 

order, are as follows. 

1. Landowners (50 or more acres of land 

within a WMU) and Disabled Veterans 

(40% or more service-related disability). All 

applicants in this category will receive their 

first-choice DMP. 

2. NYS Residents and Nonresidents with 3 

Preference Points 

3. NYS Residents with 1–2 Preference Points 

4. Nonresidents with 1–2 Preference Points 

5. Nonresidents without Preference Points 

additiOnal OppOrtunities fOr dmps 

Bonus DMPs: If you fill a DMP in bowhuntingonly 

WMUs 1C, 3S, 4J and 8C, you can apply for 

a bonus permit for a deer of either sex. Bonus 

permits may only be obtained from regional 

wildlife staff at predetermined locations. For 

complete information, visit our website or call 

a DEC regional wildlife office as follows: 

• WMU 1C: 1-631-444-0310 

• WMU 3S: 1-845-256-3098 

• WMU 4J: 1-518-357-2049 

• WMU 8C: 1-585-226-5380 

HOw tO prOperlY fill Out YOur CarCass tag 

Carcass Tag 

• Fill in Date, County, Town and WMU info 

• Fill in antler point, sex of game and season taken info 

Leftover DMPs: If there are still permits remaining 

after the initial DMP instant issuance period 

closes on October 1 and the backend correction 

selections have occurred, the remaining DMPs 

may be available on a first-come/first-served 

basis, beginning on or around November 1. 

These DMPs are only available in person at 

license-issuing agents. Leftover DMPs will not 

be available by phone or by mail. The Wildlife 

Management Units with permits available will be 

announced by news release and on our website 

(www.dec.ny.gov). If you already applied for a Deer 

Management Permit during the initial application 

period, there is no additional application fee. If 

you are applying for the first time this hunting 

season, you will have to pay a $10 application 

fee. Fee is waived for Resident and Nonresident 

Junior Hunters and Junior Bowhunters, and for 

Lifetime Sportsman licenses purchased prior to 

October 1, 2009. You will be allowed up to two 

DMPs during the first-come/first-served application 

period in addition to any you may have 

received during the initial application period. 

deer management assistanCe prOgram 

The Deer Management Assistance Program 

(DMAP) enables wildlife biologists to help 

landowners and resource managers implement 

site specific deer management on their 

lands. In doing so, the DEC issues a special 

permit for use only during the open deer 

hunting seasons and a determined number 

of antlerless deer tags to landowners or 

resource managers whose property is in need 

of site specific deer management efforts. For 

more information on the program refer to 

http://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/33973.html. 

Check once 

reported 

Date of kill 

Flip tag over 

Mark or cut out 

Month and Day 

Sign your tag 

‘Hole’ for attaching 

to your game 

CHanCes Of 

seleCtiOn 

Deer HuNtING 

Your chances of 

selection for First 

& Second DMPs by 

Wildlife Management Unit 

are available online at http://www. 

dec.ny.gov/outdoor/30409.html, 

posted at all License Issuing Outlets 

or by calling our Deer Management 

Permit hotline at 1-866-472-4332. 

it is against tHe law 

tO imprOperlY Or 

inCOmpletelY fill Out YOur 

CarCass tag. 

use pen or permanent marker. 


Deer HuNtING 

NOTE: Check your wmu carefully (see maps on pages 66–73) before applying for a DMP. 

DEER MANAGEMENT 

PERMITS 


9J 

9A 

9G 

9K 

9A 

9F 

9C 

9M 

LEGEND 

9H 

9N 

9W 

9T 

9R 

9S 9X 

8A 

8G 

8M 

9P 

NO Big Game Hunting 

Units with NO Deer Management Permits 

Units with Deer Management Permits 

WMU 1C is bowhunting only during regular season. 

Firearm season is restricted to January. 

Bowhunting Only Units 

8C 

8H 

8N 

8P 

8T 

9Y 

8X 

8F 

8J 

8R 

8W 

8S 

8Y 

7A 

7R 

7F 

7J 

7S 

6G 

7H 7M 

6K 

6H 

6N 

6P 

7P 

6A 

6C 

6J 

6R 

6S 

4F 

4O 4P 

4W 

6F 

5H 

5F 

5J 

5A 

3H 3J 3F 

3G 

3K 

4A 

4G 4H 

4R 

4T 4U 

5R 

4C 

4J 4L 

4K 

4B 

4S 

3A 

3C 

3M 

3P 

2A 

5C 

3R 

4Y 4Z 

3N 

3S 

5G 

1A 

5T 

5S 

1C 

antler restriCtiOn prOgram 

dmap tags 

The DEC Office in Sherburne, 

NY, will have dmap tags 

available for use only on 

Beaver Meadow State Forest in 

Chenango County this hunting 

season for interested hunters 

with a valid license. Tags are 

valid only for antlerless deer 

and will be loaned out on a weekly 

basis, determined by lottery drawing, 

depending on demand. Hunters may 

apply in person at the Sherburne 

Lands and Forests office, find the 

application on the DEC website, http:// 

www.dec.ny.gov/lands/66900.html, 

contact R7Info@gw.dec.state.ny.us 

or send a self addressed stamped 

envelope to the DEC Lands and Forests 

office in Sherburne requesting an 

application. NYS DEC, Division of 

Lands and Forests, 2715 State Hwy 

80, Sherburne, NY 13460. 

An antler point restriction is in place in WMUs 3A, 3C, 3H, 3J, 3K, 4G, 4O, 4P, 4R, 4S, 

and 4W in Southeastern New York and is designed to protect a majority of yearling 

(1.5 years old) bucks from harvest. See the deer hunting season maps on page 25 for 

the WMUs with antler restrictions in 2012. Key elements of the antler point restriction 

include: 

• Bucks taken in these WMUs must have at least one antler with 3 or more points (brow 

tines and main beam included) that are at least 1 inch long. 

• The restriction applies on all public and private land within the WMUs. 

• The restriction applies during all hunting seasons (bowhunting, regular and muzzleloading). 

• Hunters aged 12-16 years are exempt from the three point requirement. 

• Antlerless deer are still classified as any deer having no antlers or antlers less than 

3 inches long. 

voluntary protection of Young Bucks – an idea to Consider 

In areas without antler restrictions, consider voluntary protection of young bucks. 

Hunters interested in protecting young bucks and seeing older, larger bucks are encouraged 

to work with local hunting clubs and neighboring landowners to develop cooperative 

voluntary antler restriction programs. 

• Many hunters are already participating in successful cooperative programs to voluntarily 

protect young bucks through an antler restriction of some form. 

• Cooperative programs build community among hunters and landowners and actively 

engage participants in the deer management decisions for their hunting lands. 

• Voluntary efforts provide the greatest program flexibility for landowners and hunting 

cooperatives. 

• Protecting young bucks allows for more bucks to survive into older age classes. 

• Having more bucks, including older bucks, in the population may increase marking 

behavior (rubs and scrapes) during the breeding season. 

• By choosing not to harvest young bucks, your annual buck harvest rate will be reduced, 

but you may see these deer the following year as larger, older bucks. 

• Having realistic expectations of what an antler restriction can accomplish 

is important to developing a successful program. To learn more, please see 

www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/27663.html or contact your regional DEC wildlife office. 


© Bruce Macqueen | Dreamstime.com 

Putting thE 

NYS Deer 

MaNageMeNt PlaN 

intO Action 

Jeremy Hurst, Wildlife Biologist, NYSDEC 

Last fall, DEC adopted a Management 

Plan for White-tailed Deer in New York 

State, 2012–2016. The plan provides 

strategic direction for our program and 

will help us focus our efforts where they can 

best meet the biological and social demands 

associated with deer. Through the plan we 

emphasize the value of hunting as a tradition 

and as the primary tool for deer management, 

the need to create new opportunities for young 

deer hunters, and the importance of addressing 

the ecological impacts associated with deer. 

The plan outlines six primary goals that encompass 

the priorities for deer management and 

the values and issues expressed by the public: 

1) manage deer populations at levels that are 

appropriate for human and ecological concerns; 

2) promote and enhance deer hunting as an 

important tradition and management tool; 

3) reduce negative impacts caused by deer; 4) 

foster public understanding and communication 

about deer ecology, deer management, 

economic aspects and recreational opportunities; 

5) manage deer to promote healthy and 

sustainable forests and enhance habitat conservation 

efforts to benefit deer and other species; 

and 6) ensure that the necessary resources are 

available to support effective management of 

white-tailed deer in New York. 

www.dec.ny.gov/docs/wildlife_pdf/deerplan2012.pdf 

This fall, DEC has adopted regulations to begin 

implementing several strategies of the deer plan, 

primarily geared toward increasing opportunity 

for hunters. These include: 

• beginning the Southern Zone bowhunting 

season and the regular season in 

Westchester County (bowhunting only) 

on October 1; 

• establishing a late bowhunting season in 

December in the Northern Zone; 

• allowing Deer Management Permits 

(DMPs, “doe tags”) to be used in all 

seasons in the Northern Zone; 

• expanding mandatory antler restrictions 

(3 point on one side minimum) into Wildlife 

Management Units (WMUs) 3A, 4G, 

4O, 4P, 4R, 4S, and 4W; 

• opening all of Suffolk County for the 

special January firearms season, subject to 

local discharge ordinances; and 

• establishing a Deer Management Focus 

Area in Tompkins County to intensify use 

of hunting to assist communities with the 

burden of overabundant deer populations. 

Also this fall, we will be implementing a new 

big game hunter log to track hunting effort and 

sighting rates of deer, black bear and moose 

during the regular firearms season. Logs 

will be sent to a random sample of hunters 

throughout the state. 

Moving forward, our next major tasks from 

the deer plan will be to: 

• develop Wildlife Management Unit 

groupings for use in deer population 

monitoring, harvest analysis and management 

decisions; 

• evaluate making Bonus DMPs antlerlessonly 

or requiring hunters to take more 

than one antlerless deer before earning an 

either-sex Bonus DMP; 

• develop an objective system for identifying 

appropriate strategies to reduce 

harvest of young bucks (see article on 

pages 18–19); and 

• develop an index to asses deer impacts on 

forests and incorporate that index into 

deer population objective setting. 

Aside from deer, over the coming year, DEC’s 

Big Game Management Team will also be 

drafting a management plan for black bear 

and developing a research program to assess 

moose populations. 


Deer HuNtING aND Deer DIseases 

The health of New York’s deer herd depends on 

all of us. Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is 

a fatal disease that spreads from deer to deer 

by direct contact with saliva, urine, feces or 

carcasses of infected deer. It can persist in the 

environment for many years before infecting 

healthy deer. DEC will collect tissue samples 

from hunter-killed deer during 2012-13 to 

continue our CWD surveillance. While no 

additional cases of CWD have been identified 

since 2005, our surveillance goal is to assess 

areas or activities where CWD is most likely 

to be found. 

In 2011, DEC identified Epizootic Hemorrhagic 

Disease (EHD) in Rockland County 

killing approximately 120 deer. EHD is a virus 

spread by biting midges that is quickly fatal to 

deer that have no immunity. It is not possible 

to prevent EHD. However, DEC will continue 

to investigate unusual deer mortalities to 

determine the exact cause of death and record 

the number of animals involved. 

How can you help? If you see a deer that is 

acting abnormally (circling, easily approached, 

drooling, disoriented), or if you see multiple 

dead deer with no obvious cause of death, 

please report those findings to the nearest 

DEC Regional Wildlife Office (see page 8). 

Please remember to never eat the meat from 

deer that appear sick or act abnormally. 

Richard B Smith Jr, age 15, 1st deer, Town of Hamden, Delaware County, with 

his dad Richard Smith. 

attentiOn Hunters wHO plan tO Hunt Outside Of new YOrk 

Hunters bringing trophies or carcasses of deer, elk, or moose from outside of 

new York must know nYs chronic wasting disease (Cwd) regulations. Current 

regulations affect importation of cervid (deer, elk, moose) carcasses, and carcass 

parts from most states and some Canadian provinces and territories. Importation of 

carcass and carcass parts ARE ALLOWED from the following states and provinces: 

united states: Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Maine, 

Massachusetts, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, 

Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Vermont 

Canada: New Brunswick, Newfoundland, Nunavut, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, 

Quebec. 

For areas NOT listed above, cervid material may be imported and possessed provided 

that it does not contain: the brain, eyes, backbone, tonsils, intestinal tract, spleen, 

or lymph nodes, of wild, captive, or captive-bred cervids. This is because the disease 

agent is concentrated in these body parts. However, the hide and cape, antlers, 

cleaned skull-cap with antlers attached; finished taxidermy mounts; tanned hides; 

and the upper canine teeth are permitted. 

For more on big game importation restrictions, visit: 

http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/8325.html 

Any person who imports or possesses a carcass or part of an animal that was tested 

for CWD in another state and is notified that such animal has tested positive for 

CWD must report such test results to the DEC within 24 hours of receiving such 

notification. 


Bag limits 

Resident and nonresident hunters may take 

one bear by gun, bow, or crossbow each license 

year. In the Southern Zone, you may not shoot 

a cub or a bear that should be known to be a 

cub, shoot any bear from a group of bears, or 

shoot or take a bear from its den. 

nOrtHern zOne Bear 

Hunters who harvest a bear in the Northern 

Zone will be asked to submit part of the lower 

jaw or a tooth of the bear to determine the age 

of the bear. A collection packet including a 

postage-paid return jaw envelope and information 

explaining collection will be mailed to 

each hunter that reports a bear. There are many 

cooperating taxidermists within New York that 

can remove and submit teeth, so check with 

your taxidermist. Generally, taxidermists do 

not use teeth or the lower jaw for their mounts. 

sOutHern zOne Bear 

DEC wildlife staff would like to examine bears 

harvested in the Southern Zone before they 

are skinned or butchered and will make every 

attempt to contact hunters to check their bear. 

When reporting a bear, hunters will be asked 

to provide name, phone number, and location 

or address where the bear can be examined. 

If wildlife staff are not available, bears can be 

examined by cooperating taxidermists and 

meat cutters. Bears may also be examined at the 

Monticello Fire Department in Sullivan County. 

knOw Of anY 

aCtive Bear dens? 

DEC wants to know about occupied 

dens. Please call the nearest wildlife 

office. See page 8. 

Available for viewing or loan from your 

local library or local DEC regional 

wildlife office. 

“living with new York Black Bears” 

(Great Outdoors Multimedia 2007). 

Take an inside look at the mysterious 

world of black bears and learn some 

secrets to sharing the landscape with 

bears. This video will explore the 

history of black 

bears, the 

challenges that 

face New York 

black bear 

biologists, 

and how 

landowners can 

responsibly 

and safely 

share their 

neighborhood 

with bears. 

new YOrk state 

Bear management COOperatOr prOgram 

the Bureau of wildlife is requesting the assistance of 

successful black bear hunters in new York state. 

Hunters who harvest a bear in New York are required to report 

their harvest through the DECALS telephone system at 1-866-426-3778 

(1-866-GAMERPT) or use the new online 

Harvest Reporting System at www.dec.ny.gov. 

A collection packet including tooth extraction 

instructions will be sent explaining how to 

remove and return a small tooth from the bear. 

For Southern Zone harvested bears, a DEC 

wildlife biologist may contact you to examine 

your bear and will at that time remove a tooth. 

report your bear and return a bear tooth to 

receive a commemorative 2012 nYs Black 

Bear Cooperator patch. 

attentiOn Bear Hunters and taxidermists 

Bear gallbladders and bile shall not be possessed or sold unless a valid bear tag 

(original or copy of bear carcass tag) is attached. A new law now also requires 

taxidermists to keep records of all bear gallbladders and bile received or sold. See 

www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/8305.html for additional information. 

BLACK BEAR SEASONS 


Last year’s license is required 

when hunting prior to October 1. 

9A 

Early Sept. 15–Oct. 12 

Bowhunting Sept. 27–Oct. 19 

Muzzleloading Oct. 13–Oct. 19 

Regular Oct. 20–Dec. 2 

Early Bowhunting Oct. 1–Nov. 16 

Regular Nov. 17–Dec. 9 

Late Bowhunting Dec. 10–Dec. 18 

Late Muzzleloading Dec. 10–Dec. 18 

Westchester County (3S) Oct. 1–Dec. 31 

Regular–Bowhunting Only 

Closed 

9A 

9F 

9C 

8A 

8G 

9H 

9G 

9K 

9M 

9N 

9W 

9J 

9T 

9R 

9S 9X 

9S open except 

Allegany State Park 


8M 

9P 

8C 

8H 

8N 

8P 

8T 

9Y 

8X 

NYS Route 26 

8F 

8J 

8R 

8W 

8S 

8Y 

7A 

7R 


7F 

7J 

7S 

6G 

6K 

7H 7M 

6H 

6N 

6P 

7P 

6A 

6C 

6J 

6R 

6S 

4F 

4O 4P 

4W 

6F 

5H 

5F 

5J 

5A 

3H 3J 3F 

3G 

3K 

bear HuNtING 

4A 

4G 4H 

4R 

4T 4U 

5R 

4C 

4J 4L 

4K 

4B 

4S 

3A 

3C 

3M 

3P 

2A 

5C 

3R 

4Y 4Z 

3N 

3S 

5G 

1A 

5T 

5S 

1C 

For crossbow 

hunting, see 

page 10.

Special Seasons Designated 

for Young Hunters 

sHare YOur knOwledge 

reCOnneCt tO nature 

take a JuniOr Hunter afield 

during tHese speCial seasOns 

New in 2012, DEC is providing a special 

youth deer season over the 3-day Columbus Day 

weekend. Junior hunters (ages 14-15) will be 

eligible to take one deer with a firearm during 

this season and may use a Deer Management 

Permit, Deer Management Assistance Program 

tag, or a regular season tag. During the youth 

firearms deer season, junior hunters may take 

a deer of either sex on a regular season tag. 

Rules of the Junior Hunter Mentoring Program 

(page 35) also apply. 

DEC also offers special opportunities for 

junior hunters (ages 12-15) for waterfowl, wild 

turkey, and pheasants. 

For all youth hunts, junior hunters must 

be accompanied by an adult hunter. Both the 

junior and adult hunters are required to have 

a big game license for the youth deer season, 

a small game license and a turkey permit for 

the turkey hunt, and a current HIP registration 

for the waterfowl hunt. Adults are not allowed 

to possess a firearm or bow or to harvest an 

animal while accompanying a junior hunter 

during the special seasons. A 2011/12 hunting 

license is needed to hunt on any youth day in 

September, and a 2012/13 license is needed 

after October 1 st . 

YOutH pHeasant Hunt 

Northern and Eastern New York September 24–25, 2011 

Western New York October 8–9, 2011 

YOutH waterfOwl Hunt 

waterfowl Hunting zone tentative dates 

Northeastern September 17–18, 2011 

Southeastern September 17–18, 2011 

Lake Champlain September 24–25, 2011 

Western October 8–9, 2011 

Long Island November 12–13, 2011 

YOutH wild turkeY Hunt 

Upstate NY (north of Bronx-Westchester Co. 

boundary) and Suffolk County 

YOutH firearms deer Hunt 

richard smith sr. 

and Jr. (age 15); 

fall 2010; 

delaware County 

Upstate NY (north of Bronx-Westchester Co. 

boundary; excluding bowhunting-only WMUs) 

April 21–22, 2012 

Columbus Day Weekend; October 6-8, 2012 


Donna M. Smith

JuniOr Hunter 

mentOring prOgram 

Junior Hunter/trapper mentoring program 

12–13 Year Old JuniOr BOwHunters Can 

Hunt deer and Bear witH a BOw, if tHeY 

meet tHe fOllOwing requirements: 

• Have completed a course in both Hunter 

Education and Bowhunter Education. 

• Purchase a Junior Bowhunting License. 

• Be accompanied by a parent, legal guardian, 

or a “youth mentor” who is 21 years or 

older and designated in writing by the junior 

hunter’s parent or legal guardian (use the 

form below). 

• The adult accompanist needs to have at least 

3 years experience in hunting deer or bear 

by longbow AND have a license to hunt big 

game in the same seasons. 

• The adult accompanist needs to be close 

enough to talk to each other without the aid 

of a phone or radio, and needs to be able to 

see each other at all times. 

14 and 15 Year Old JuniOr Hunting 

liCense HOlders Can Hunt deer and 

Bear witH a gun, if tHeY meet tHe 

fOllOwing requirements: 

• Have completed a course in Hunter 

Education. 

• Purchase a Junior Hunting License. 


or a "youth mentor" who is 21 years or older 

designated in writing (use the form below). 

• The adult accompanist needs to have at least 

3 years hunting experience AND have a 

license to hunt big game in the same seasons. 

• The adult need to be close enough to talk 

without the aid of a phone or radio, and 

need to be able to see each other at all times. 

• Junior Hunter must stay on the ground and 

cannot use an elevated (tree) stand. 

• Both junior hunter and adult accompanist 

must wear hunter orange: Shirt or jacket 

with 250 sq. inches of solid/patterned orange 

(the pattern must be at least 50% orange) 

OR a hat with at least 50% orange visible in 

all directions. 

14–15 Year Old JuniOr BOwHunters and 

first-time 16–17 Year Old Big game 

Hunters must: 


or person 18 years or older designated in 

writing (use form below). 

• The adult accompanist needs to have at least 1 

year hunting experience AND have a license 

to hunt big game in the same seasons. 

trapping mentOring prOgram 

trappers under 12 Years Of age: 

• May accompany and assist a licensed trapper 

who has at least 3 years of trapping 

experience. 

• May assist the licensed trapper in all aspects 

of trapping without possessing a trapping 

license. 

• The licensed trapper may be a parent or 

legal guardian, or someone 18 years or older 

designated in writing (use the form below). 

• If trapping on your own and you are under 12 

years, you will need to successfully complete 

New York's Trapper Education Program. 

• To continue trapping once you are 12 years, 

you need to take the class. 

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation 

Mentored Youth Hunter and Trapper 

Permission Form 

Use this form to designate a licensed adult hunter or trapper to accompany young hunters or trappers. 

I, __________________________________________ am the parent/legal guardian 

(Print name of parent or legal guardian above.) (Please circle one.) 

of __________________________________________ , and I hereby give permission for him or her 

(Print name of young hunter/trapper above.) 

to be accompanied by ________________________________________ whom I acknowledge meets 

(Print name of adult hunter/trapper above.) 

sHare YOur Hunting & 

trapping pHOtOs witH us! 

Help us celebrate the successes of 

young & first-time hunters and trappers 

by submitting photographs to DEC's 

Hunting & Trapping Photo Gallery. 


Instructions for submitting photographs 

are included on the photo gallery 

webpage. 

Shane Sharkey, age 15, 

1 st Buck, November 13, 2011 

Suffolk County, NY 

the legal age, experience, and licensing requirements to function as a mentor during hunting and trapping seasons. 

Signature: _______________________________________________________________________________________ 

(Parent or legal guardian sign above.) 

Date __________________ Telephone Number __________________________ 

(Print today’s date above.) (Print phone number above.) 

Attention Young Hunter or Trapper: carry this form with you while afield. 


HIGH teCH bullets 

aND sluGs 

Copper and other “monolithic” ammo: 

Lethal on deer and good for conservation 

By Gordon Batcheller, Chief Wildlife Biologist, NYS DEC 

wHeN I DroPPeD tHe HaMMer, 

the deer dropped in her tracks. I 

witnessed the same performance four 

times last fall. One shot: a clean, quick 

kill. I was impressed with my new copper 

slugs and bullets. They did the job. 

Ammo manufacturers are now producing 

high-tech bullets and slugs to meet 

a growing market in non-lead rounds for 

big game hunting. My 20 gauge shotgun 

and .308 rifle are loaded with pure 

copper ammo. Other manufacturers are 

producing similar “monolithic” bullets 

from alloys, all of which share one thing 

in common: they contain no lead. And, 

they work. As New York’s Chief Wildlife 

Biologist, I am encouraging New York’s 

deer hunters to take a look at options 

for high-tech ammo. You’ll be impressed 

with the performance of these non-lead 

rounds. There are other benefits from 

making the switch to copper and other 

monolithic bullets and slugs—you will 

produce more high-quality venison 

with less meat damage, and you will 

eliminate the risk that scavenging wildlife, 

particularly eagles, will get sick or die 

from eating lead fragments. Non-lead: 

Good for hunting; good for high quality 

venison; good for conservation. 

To learn more about alternatives to lead 

ammo, see www.huntingwithnonlead.org 

and www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/48420.html. 

E-mail us your comments or experiences 

with nonlead ammo: email to 

fwwildlf@gw.dec.state.ny.us; type 

“nonlead ammo" in the subject line. 

High tech copper and similar monolithic solid 

bullets are available in many popular cartridges 

at prices comparable to premium lead ammo. 

They produce near perfect mushrooms that are 

deadly for big game hunting. 

Copper ammo is also available for shotguns in 

both 12 and 20 gauge. Copper slugs (right) form 

perfect mushrooms and are an excellent choice 

for New York deer hunters. 

Copper and other monolithic bullets (right) 

are harder and don’t break apart like lead bullets 

(left). Because they stay intact throughout the 

wound channel, they produce massive shock 

for clean, quick kills. 

Copper bullets in sabots (left) are available 

for modern muzzleloading rifles. They are nearly 

identical to lead bullets in sabots (right). 


"non-leaD: 

Good for hunting; 

good for high quality venison; 

good for conservation." 

Traditional muzzleloading bullets travel slower than high-speed rifle 

ammo, and remain largely intact when shot at big game. This means there is 

less risk of lead fragments being eaten by scavenging wildlife. 

The picture is from 2010, NY#68 Pond Eddy 

(Delaware River), taken February 22 while they 

were setting up for the breeding season. They 

were successful in fledging one young. The photo 

was taken by Scott Rando, a long-time volunteer. 

200 

175 

150 

125 

100 

75 

50 

25 

0 

Gordon Batcheller is a 32 year veteran of DEC and New York’s Chief Wildlife 

Biologist. He is also an avid deer hunter. 

© Andreykuzmin | Dreamstime.com 

Lead bullets begin breaking apart as soon as they enter a deer. The bullet 

fragments reduce the amount of clean venison available to hunters, and 

increase the chances that scavenging wildlife, including bald eagles, may 

eat lead and get sick when they feed on the gut pile or find a wounded deer. 

1990 1992 1994 1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010 

Bald eagles have recovered in New York, and their population continues to grow. However, since 

2010, DEC examined 14 eagles that died of lead poisoning after eating lead ammo fragments. Hunters 

who choose to switch to the new high tech bullets and slugs will know that they are not contributing to 

the potential death of our national bird. 

2012–13 Hunting & Trapping Guide 37 

Image courtesy of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

sMall GaMe HuNtING 

Small game includes upland and migratory 

game birds, small game mammals, and reptiles 

and amphibians. 

Please read general hunting regulations first. 

See page 16. 

general regulatiOns 

• You may not use a rifle or handgun to hunt 

pheasant or migratory game birds. See page 

42 for more information on turkeys. 

• See pages 46–49 for additional information 

on migratory game birds. 

• Air guns (see page 16) may be used to hunt 

squirrels, rabbits, hares, ruffed grouse, and 

furbearers that may be hunted (e.g., raccoons 

and coyotes) and unprotected species (see 

page 17). Air guns may not be used to hunt 

waterfowl, pheasant, wild turkey, or big game. 

• In Wildlife Management Unit 2A, hunting 

is permitted by falconry only. 

reptiles and ampHiBians 

Frogs—“Frogs” are defined as eastern spadefoot 

toad, eastern American toad, Fowler’s toad, 

northern cricket frog, northern gray treefrog, 

northern spring peeper, western chorus frog, 

bullfrog, green frog, mink frog, wood frog, 

northern leopard frog, southern leopard frog, 

and pickerel frog. 

A fishing or small game license is required to 

take frogs with a spear, club, hook, or by hand. 

A small game license is required to take frogs 

with a gun or bow. 

Snakes, Lizards, and Salamanders—You may 

not harvest, take, or possess any native snakes, 

lizards, or salamanders at any time. 

Turtles—The only turtle species for which there 

is an open hunting season are the snapping 

turtle and the diamondback terrapin. You may 

not harvest, take, or possess any other turtle 

species at any time. 

Snapping turtles—A small game hunting 

license is required to take snapping turtles. 

The only legal implement for taking snapping 

turtles is a gun or a bow. 

If you choose to eat snapping turtles, you 

should carefully trim all fat and discard 

fat, liver and eggs prior to cooking to 

reduce exposure to contaminants. For 

information on these health advisories, 

call 1-800-458-1158 or visit the website 

www.health.state.ny.us. 

Diamondback terrapin—A valid diamondback 

terrapin license is required to take diamondback 

terrapin. Application for, and purchase 

of, a diamondback terrapin license must be 

made by mail or in person at NYSDEC, SUNY 

Stony Brook, 50 Circle Road, Stony Brook, NY 

11790-3409. 

Diamondback terrapin may only be taken 

using dip nets, hand capture, seine nets, and 

traps. The traps must be capable of capturing 

diamondback terrapin alive, and the trap must 

be marked with a tag bearing the name and 

address of the licensee and must be checked daily. 

Possession of a diamondback terrapin on 

the waters or shores of New York State during 

the closed season is prohibited. Diamondback 

terrapin legally taken during the open season 

may be sold throughout the year only if they 

were killed and processed for consumption 

prior to May 5. 

use Of Hunting dOgs 

Dogs may be used to hunt small game, except: 

• You may not use dogs to hunt wild turkey in the spring. 

• In the Northern Zone, if you are hunting with a dog, or accompanied by a dog, you 

may not possess a rifle larger than .22 caliber rim-fire or possess a shotgun loaded 

with slug, ball or buckshot unless you are coyote hunting with a dog. 

training—You may train dogs on raccoon, fox, coyote, and bobcat from July 1 

through April 15. You may train dogs on other small game only from August 15 

through April 15. You may train dogs at any time on lands you own, lease, or have 

written permission to use, if you are not training on wild game. You may only use 

blank ammunition when 

training dogs, except during 

an open season. 

Control—Hunting dogs should 

remain under control of the 

hunter or trainer, especially 

on lands inhabited by deer. Do 

not shoot dogs; report stray 

dogs to a local Environmental 

Conservation Officer or your 

local animal control officer. 

Need to Know 

On the Go? 

The 2012 New York 

Hunting & Trapping 

Regulations are 

now available online 

through your 

mobile devices! 

www.eRegulations.com/nY/hunting 


©MattStauss/istockphoto.com

falCOnrY seasOns 

To hunt small game species with trained 

raptors you must possess a Falconry License 

and a small game license. Licensed falconers 

may take small game from October 1 through 

March 31 in any area of the state open to hunting 

these species EXCEPT: 

• Waterfowl may be taken only during the 

regular firearm hunting season or during 

a specific period outside of the firearms 

seasons as specified by DEC. 

• Common crow may only be taken during 

the open firearms season. 

• A licensed falconer may take both male and 

female pheasants anywhere in the state when 

hunting under a Falconry License. 

For more information on falconry contact 

the DEC Special Licenses Unit, 625 Broadway, 

Albany, NY 12233-4752 or call 518-402-8985. 

pOssessiOn & release 

Of game Birds 

It is illegal to possess or release migratory 

game birds and upland game birds without 

the proper license(s) from DEC. Before you 

take possession of any captive-reared or wild 

game birds, contact DEC Special Licenses 

Unit, 625 Broadway, Albany, NY 12233-4752 

or call 518-402-8985 or e-mail fwslu@gw.dec. 

state.ny.us. 

Open Season June 15–Sept. 30 

Open Area 

Size Limit None 

Daily Bag None 

Season Bag None 

deC is lOOking fOr “Citizen sCientists” 

tO Help mOnitOr wildlife pOpulatiOns 

There are several 

surveys where hunters 

can record their 

wildlife observations 

while afield. Visit 

the DEC website to 

learn more about 

opportunities to help 

us track deer, turkeys, 

grouse, and more! 

• Bowhunter 

Sighting Log 

• Grouse and 

Woodcock 

Hunting Log 

• Grouse Drumming 

Survey 

• Summer Turkey 

Sighting Survey 

• Winter Turkey 

Flock Survey 

• Cottontail Survey 

• Bobcat Observations 

http://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/1155.html 

sMall GaMe HuNtING HeaDer 

frOgs 

All wildlife management units except that (1) leopard 

frogs shall not be taken in wildlife management units 1A, 

1C, or 2A; and (2) northern cricket frogs and eastern 

spadefoot toads shall not be taken in any area of the state. 

Hunting Hours 

Any time of the day or night, except that no person shall use a gun to take 

frogs when hunting at night (sunset to sunrise). 

snapping turtles 

Open Season July 15–Sept. 30 

Open Area Statewide 

Size Limit 

The upper shell (carapace) must be 12 inches or longer, measured in a 

straight line. 

Daily Bag 5 

Season Bag 30 

Hunting Hours Any time of the day or night. 

diamOndBaCk terrapin 

Open Season Aug. 1–April 30 

Open Area 

All of Long Island, New York City, and the lower Hudson River north to the 

Tappan Zee Bridge. 

Size Limit 

The upper shell (carapace) must measure at least 4 inches, but may not be 

greater than 7 inches in length. 

Daily Bag None 

Season Bag None 

Hunting Hours Any time of the day or night. 



attentiOn 

Populations 

of a species of 

cottontail, called 

the New England 

cottontail, are 

poorly understood. 

By examining the 

rabbit's skull, we 

can differentiate 

this species 

from eastern 

cottontails. If 

you hunt in WMUs 3F, 3G, 3N, 

3S, 4C, 4K, 4L, 4Z, 4U, 4T, or 4Y 

contact us to help with our survey 

effort. Call 518-402-8870 or e-mail 

fwwildlf@gw.dec.state.ny.us (type 

"NE cottontail" in the subject line). 

COTTONTAIL 

RABBIT HUNTING 


9J 

9A 

9G 

9K 

9A 

9F 

9C 

9M 

9H 

9N 

9W 

9R 

9T 

9S 9X 

8A 

8G 


9P 

8M 

8C 

8H 

8N 

8P 

8T 

9Y 

8X 

8F 

8J 

8R 

8W 

8S 

8Y 

7A 

7R 

7F 

7J 

7S 

6G 

6K 

7H 7M 

Season Dates 

2012/13 Daily Bag Limits 

Oct. 1–Mar. 17 

Oct. 1–Feb. 28 

Nov. 1–Feb. 28 

VARYING HARE 

HUNTING 


9J 

9A 

9G 

9K 

9A 

9F 

9C 

9M 

9H 

9N 

9W 

9R 

9T 

9S 9X 

8A 

8G 

9P 

8M 

8H 

8N 

8P 

8T 

9Y 

8X 

8F 

8J 

8R 

8W 

8S 

8Y 

6 

6 

6 

7A 

7R 

7F 

7J 

7S 

6K 

7H 7M 

Season Dates 


Oct. 1–Mar. 17 

6 

Jan. 1–Jan. 31 

2 

Dec. 10–Feb. 28 

2 

Closed 

GRAY, BLACK & 

FOX SQUIRREL 

HUNTING 


9J 

9A 

9G 

9K 

9A 

9F 

9C 

9M 

9H 

9N 

9W 

9R 

9T 

9S 9X 

8A 

8G 

9P 

8M 

8C 

8H 

8C 

8N 

8P 

8T 

9Y 

8X 

8F 

8J 

8R 

8W 

8S 

8Y 

7A 

7F 

7J 

6G 

6K 

7H 7M 

Season Dates 


Sept. 1–Feb. 28 6 

Nov. 1–Feb. 28 6 

7R 

7S 

6G 

6H 

6N 

6H 

6N 

6H 

6N 

6P 

7P 

6P 

7P 

6P 

7P 

6C 

6A 

6C 

6A 

6C 

6A 

6J 

6R 

6S 

4F 

4O 4P 

4W 

6J 

6R 

6S 

4F 

4O 4P 

4W 

6J 

6R 

6S 

4F 

4O 4P 

4W 

6F 

5H 

5F 

5J 

5A 

3H 3J 3F 

3G 

3K 

6F 

4A 

4G 4H 

4R 

4T 4U 

5R 

4C 

4J 4L 

4K 

4B 

4S 

5H 

3A 

3C 

3M 

4Y 4Z 

3N 

3R 3S 

3P 

2A 

5F 

5J 

5C 

5G 

5A 

3H 3J 3F 

3G 

3K 

6F 

3M 

1A 

5T 

5S 

4A 

4G 4H 

4R 

4T 4U 

5R 

4C 

4J 4L 

4K 

4B 

4S 

5H 

3A 

3C 

4Y 4Z 

3N 

3R 3S 

3P 

2A 

5F 

5J 

5C 

5G 

5A 

3H 3J 3F 

3G 

3K 

3M 

1A 

5T 

5S 

4A 

4G 4H 

4R 

4T 4U 

5R 

4C 

4J 4L 

4K 

4B 

4S 

3A 

3C 

4Y 4Z 

3N 

3R 3S 

3P 

2A 

5C 

5G 

1A 

5T 

5S 

1C 

1C 

1C 

Last year's license 

is required when 

hunting prior to 

October 1. 

Red Squirrels are 

unprotected, and may be 

hunted at any time 

without limit.

YOutH pHeasant Hunt 

Junior hunters (ages 12–15) must 

be accompanied by a licensed adult 

hunter. Only the junior hunter may 

carry a firearm. A 2011/12 license 

is needed when hunting prior to 

October 1, 2012. 

PHEASANT HUNTING 


2012/13 2012 

Regular Season Dates Youth Hunt Dates 

Oct. 20–Dec. 31 Oct. 13–Oct. 14 

Oct. 20–Feb. 28 Oct. 13–Oct. 14 

Oct. 1–Feb. 28 Sept. 29–Sept. 30 

Nov. 1–Dec. 31 Oct. 27–Oct. 28 

Nov. 1–Dec. 31 Oct. 27–Oct. 28 

RUFFED GROUSE 

HUNTING 

5A 

6F 

6J 

5F 

5H 

9A 

8A 

7A 6K 

9A 

9F 

9C 

8G 

8H 

8F 

8J 

7F 

7J 

6S 

4A 

5J 

9J 

9H 

9G 

9N 

9M 

9K 

9W 

9S 9X 

8M 8N 

8P 

9P 

8T 

8X 

7H 

8R 8S 

7R 

8W 

8Y 

7S 

7M 

4F 

4O 4P 

4G 4H 

4T 

4R 

4Y 4Z 

4W 

3H 

3K 

3J 

3M 

4U 

Cocks only 

6A 

5C 

Cocks & hens 

6C 

Cocks only east of 

Shinnecock Canal & Inlet 

6G 

6H 

5G 

6N 

5T 

8C 

6P 

6R 

5R 

5S 

4C 

9T 

9R 

9Y 

7P 

4J 4L 

4K 

4B 

4S 

3A 

3C 

3F 

3G 

3N 

Bag Limits 

Daily Season 

2 — 

2 — 

2 — 

2*/4** 30 

2*/4** 30 

6F 

5F 

6J 

5H 

8A 

7A 6K 

9A 

8F 

5J 

9F 8G 

7F 

9A 

9C 

8H 

6S 

8J 

7J 

4A 

9H 

8M 8N 

7H 7M 

9G 

4F 

9N 

8R 

8P 

8S 

4G 4H 

9M 

9K 

9P 

9W 

7R 

4T 

4R 

9J 

8T 8W 

4O 4P 

9S 9X 8X 

4Y 

8Y 

7S 

4Z 

4W 

3H 3J 

4U 

6A 

5C 

6C 

6H 

6G 

5G 

6N 

5T 

8C 

6P 

5S 

6R 

5R 

4C 

4J 4L 

4K 

4B 

7P 

4S 

9R 

9T 

9Y 

3A 

3C 

3F 

3G 


Season Dates 


Sept. 20–Feb. 28 4 

Oct. 1–Feb. 28 4 

Closed 

3K 

3M 

3N 

5A 

3R 3S 

3P 

2A 

1A 

3R 3S 

3P 



2A 

1A 

1C 

* Youth Hunt 

** Regular Season 

attentiOn 

If you would like to raise and release pheasants to increase 

pheasant hunting opportunities, please email us at 

fwwildlf@gw.dec.state.ny.us and type "pheasants" in the 

subject line or call (607) 273-2768. For a list of hunting 

areas where pheasants are released, contact a DEC regional 

wildlife office (on page 8) or visit our website at 


1C 

BOBWHITE QUAIL 

HUNTING 


SULLIVAN 

BRONX 

NEW YORK 

QUEENS 

KINGS 

RICHMOND 

Season Dates 

2012/13 

Oct. 1–Feb. 28 4 10 

Nov. 1–Dec. 31 6 40 

Closed 

ULSTER 

ORANGE 

ROCK 

LAND 

PUTNAM 

Bag Limits 

Daily Season 

attentiOn grOuse Hunters 

You may not shoot woodcock unless you have 

registered in the Harvest Information Program. 

To register go to www.NY-HIP. com or call 

1-888-427-5447. (See woodcock season dates, 

page 48.) 

Last year’s license is required when hunting prior 

to October 1. 

attentiOn 

DEC is seeking grouse hunters 

to participate in a survey to 

help monitor ruffed grouse 

populations. For more information, 

please email us at 

fwwildlf@gw.dec.state.ny.us 

and type “grouse log” in the subject line, call 

(518) 402-8883, or visit www.dec.ny.gov and 

search for “grouse hunter log.” 

DUTCHESS 

WEST 

CHESTER 

NASSAU 

SUFFOLK

turkeY HuNtING 

general infOrmatiOn 

• You may buy only one turkey permit per year. 

• If you have filled your bag limit, you may call 

turkeys for another hunter, but you may not 

carry a bow or firearm. 

• If you have taken a turkey that is unfit for 

consumption, authorized DEC staff may issue 

a special permit to take another. You will have 

to surrender the carcass. Call your wildlife 

or law enforcement office (see page 8). 


• You must carry your hunting license and 

turkey permit while you hunt. 

• You may hunt with a bow. 

• You may hunt with a shotgun or handgun 

only when using shot no larger than # 2 and 

no smaller than # 8. 

• You may not take a turkey with a rifle, or 

with a handgun firing a bullet. 

• You may use a muzzleloading shotgun. 

• You may not hunt with a dog during the 

spring season. You may hunt with a dog 

during the fall season. 

• You may not use bait to hunt turkey. 

• You may not use an electronic calling or 

amplifying device to locate or hunt turkeys 

during the open season. 

• You may use decoys. 

• A scope of any type is allowed. 

tagging and pOssessiOn 

• Immediately after taking a wild turkey, you 

must fill out the appropriate carcass tag in 

ink, mark or cut out the date and month of 

kill, and attach it to the carcass. 

• The carcass tag must stay attached to the 

turkey carcass until it is prepared for eating. 

• You may give your turkey to another person. 

• You must attach a tag with the following 

information to the turkey carcass: 

turkeY Hunting tips 

• Successful turkey hunters sit and call. 

• Don’t wear red, white, blue or black. 

• Most turkey hunting injuries happen 

when one hunter stalks 

another hunter. dOn’t trY 

tO stalk turkeY! 

• Assume anything that 

sounds like a turkey is a 

human (calls, footsteps). 

if you see another hunter… 

• don’t move, or wave or nod. 

• don’t make turkey or 

animal sounds. 

• do speak up clearly, saying 

“STOP.” 

1. Your name 

2. Your address 

3. Your hunting license number 

4. Turkey permit carcass tag number 

5. The recipient’s name 

6. The recipient’s address 

• You must report your harvest within 7 days 

via phone (1-866-GAMERPT) or internet 

(www.dec.ny.gov). 

if you see a turkey… 

Be 100% sure of your target 

and beyond. 


Hen Or gOBBler? 

Only bearded wild turkeys may 

be taken during the spring 

season. This regulation helps 

protect female turkeys during 

the nesting period. Yes, some 

hens do have beards, but they 

represent only 3–6% of the 

female population. 

Although few hens are 

taken, their loss reduces the 

reproductive potential of the 

population. 

That loss is avoidable, if you 

remember these tips: 

feature gOBBler Hen 

Head red, blue and white colors blue-gray color 

Body dark, brown-black light, rusty-brown 

Beard long bristle-like beard usually no beard 

Spurs usually ½-inch or longer spurs usually no spurs 

Calls gobble, drum yelp, cluck, cut 

Strut strut with tail fan and wing droop no strut 

Size larger than hen ½ to ⅔ size of gobbler 




fall turkeY seasOn 

• You may take a bird of either sex. 

• In a two-bird area, you may take both birds 

in one day. 

• There are two carcass tags for the fall season. 

Use “statewide” tag in any turkey hunting 

area. Use “two-bird area” tag only in an area 

with a two-bird bag limit. Immediately after 

taking a turkey, you must fill out the carcass 

tag in ink and attach it to the bird. 

• If you take a turkey, save one leg from each 

turkey you take. You will receive instructions 

about what to do with the leg when 

you report. The legs are used for age and 

sex information. 

spring turkeY seasOn 

• In the spring you may take two bearded 

birds. You may only take one bird per day. 

• Fill out the carcass tag and attach it to the bird. 

• You do not need to save and send in turkey 

legs in the spring. You do need to take careful 

spur, beard, and weight measurements for 

harvest reporting. 

1. Spur measurements: Spurs should be 

measured from the tip of the spur to the 

base of the spur, where it emerges from 

the scaly part of the leg. Measure to the 

nearest ¼ inch. Do not measure to the 

forward edge of the leg, only to the base 

of the spur. 

2. Beard measurements: Beards should be 

measured from the tip of the beard to 

the base, where it emerges from the skin. 

Put the end of your ruler against the 

base of the beard and extend the beard 

along the body of the ruler. Measure to 

the nearest ¼ inch. 

3. Record the weight of the turkey to the 

nearest pound. 

turkeY Hunters needed 

fOr grOuse surveY 

DEC is seeking spring turkey hunters 

to participate in a survey to help 

monitor grouse populations. For 

more information, email us at 

fwwildlf@gw.dec.state.ny.us and type 

“Grouse Drumming Survey” in the 

subject line, or call 518-402-8883, or 

visit www.dec.ny.gov and search for 

"drumming survey." 

reward 

Protect Wild Turkeys against illegal 

hunting. Their future depends on you! 

The National Wild Turkey Federation 

is offering $200 reward to anyone 

giving information and testimony 

leading to the arrest and conviction 

of anyone illegally hunting or killing a 

wild turkey in the State of New York. 

1-800-tipp-deC 

6F 

5F 

6J 

5H 

9A 

8A 

7A 6K 

9A 

9F 

9C 

8G 

8H 

8F 

8J 

7F 

7J 

6S 

4A 

5J 

9J 

9H 

9G 

9N 

9M 

9K 

9W 

9S 9X 

8M 8N 

8P 

9P 

8T 

8X 

7H 

8R 8S 

7R 

8W 

8Y 

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4F 

4O 4P 

4G 4H 

4T 

4R 

4Y 4Z 

4W 

3H 3J 

4U 

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6G 

5G 

6N 

5T 

8C 

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5R 

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4C 

9T 

9R 

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4J 4L 

4K 

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4S 

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3C 

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FALL TURKEY SEASON 


Season Dates 2012 

Oct. 1–Oct. 19 

Oct. 1–Oct. 19 

Oct. 1–Nov. 16 

Oct. 20–Nov. 2 

Oct. 20–Nov. 16 

Closed 

Season Bag Limits 

1, either sex 

2, either sex * 

2, either sex * 

1, either sex 

1, either sex 

Nov. 17–Nov. 21 1, either sex 

* In 2-bird areas, you may 

take both birds in one day 

SPRING TURKEY SEASON (no map) 

Hunting Hours 

One half-hour before sunrise to noon 

Area Open 

All of upstate New York north of the Bronx-Westchester County boundary 

Season Dates 

May 1–May 31 

Season Bag Limits 

Two bearded turkeys (one bird per day) 


6A 

3K 

3M 

3N 

5A 

3R 3S 

3P 

2A 

5C 

1A 

1C 

SPRING YOUTH HUNT 

Season Dates 

April 20–21, 2013 

Area Open 

Same as regular spring season 

plus Suffolk County (WMU 1C) 

Eligible hunters 

Youth 12–15 years of age 

Bag Limit 

One bearded turkey 

Daniel McGahey, age 12; Youth Turkey Hunt 2012, Oneida County; Daniel’s First Turkey — 

24 lbs., 11 in. beard, 1 in. spurs; Mentored by ECO Corey Schoonover and Deputy Jon Ford

Cameron Coty, age 13 

Youth turkey Hunt 2012, Clinton County 

Cameron's first turkey — 19 lbs., 1 in. spurs, 10 in. beard 

turkeY HuNtING HeaDer 

spring YOutH Hunt 

Eligible hunters are 12–15 years of age and 

hold a Junior Hunting License and a Turkey 

Permit. 

All youth hunters must be accompanied 

by an adult, as required by law for a Junior 

Hunting License (see pages 13 and 15). 

The accompanying adult must have a 

current hunting license and Turkey Permit. He/she may assist the youth 

hunter (including calling), but may not carry a firearm or longbow, or 

kill or attempt to kill a wild turkey during the youth hunt. 

The bag limit for the youth hunt is one bearded bird. This bird 

becomes part of the youth’s regular season bag limit of two bearded 

birds. A second bird may be taken beginning May 1. 

All other wild turkey hunting regulations remain in effect. 

� ink Of ! 


MIGratorY GaMe bIrDs 

waterfOwl seasOns and 

Bag limits were nOt 

Certain wHen tHis guide 

went tO press. 

To find out what the regulations are, 

or are likely to be, go to: 


DEC’s annual waterfowl regulations 

guide can be downloaded from the 

website in September, after federal 

regulations are final. 

migratOrY game Bird 

seasOns and Bag limits 

Most migratory game bird hunting regulations 

are set by the federal government in late 

summer, so ALL OF THE INFORMATION 

IN THIS SECTION IS TENTATIVE. Due to 

this uncertainty, most migratory bird hunting 

season dates or bag limits are not included in 

this guide. Final season dates and bag limits will 

be announced in late August, and a separate 

brochure with all of the migratory game bird 

hunting regulations will be available from the 

DEC website and most license-issuing agents 

in September. 

liCense requirements 

To hunt any migratory game bird in New York, 

you need a hunting license that provides you 

with small game hunting privileges (unless you 

qualify to hunt without a license). 

To hunt any migratory game bird in New 

York except crows, you must register in New 

York’s Harvest Information Program (HIP). This 

applies to all hunters, including junior hunters 

and people who qualify to hunt without a 

license. To register, go to: www.NY-HIP.com or 

call 1-888-427-5447. HIP registration is valid 

from July 1 through June 30 annually (not the 

same as your hunting license!). 

Help mOnitOr 

wOOdCOCk 

pOpulatiOns 

Join our grouse and 

woodcock hunting 

log: www.dec.ny.gov/ 

animals/9351.html or 

call 518-402-8886 

wHat is a “migratOrY game Bird?” 

Under state and federal laws and regulations, all of the 

following are considered migratory game birds in New York: 

• All wild ducks, mergansers, geese, and brant (“waterfowl”) 

• All coot, rails, and gallinules (moorhens) 

• Woodcock and snipe 

If you are 16 years or older and you hunt 

waterfowl, then you also need a federal migratory 

game bird hunting stamp (“duck stamp”). 

The stamp is not needed to hunt coot, rails, 

gallinules, woodcock, snipe or crows. You 

may buy a duck stamp at most post offices and 

many sporting goods stores. They may also be 

ordered on-line (www.duckstamp.com) or by 

phone (1-800-852-4897). 

Consumption of 

wiLd wateRfowL 

Every year, tens of thousands of people consume 

wild waterfowl harvested in New York. There 

are many ways to cook and enjoy waterfowl, 

but it’s important to remember that some birds 

may pick up chemical contaminants from the 

environment. Mergansers are fish-eating birds 

that tend to be the most heavily contaminated 

waterfowl and should not be eaten. For all other 

wild waterfowl, the New York State Department 

of Health recommends that you remove the 

skin and fat before cooking, and eat no more 

than two meals per month. 

waterfOwl Hunting in 

pOpulated areas 

Some excellent waterfowl hunting opportunities 

occur in shoreline areas of New York that 

are becoming more populated and developed. 

Crows are not considered migratory game birds under federal regulations, 

but most of New York’s migratory game bird hunting regulations 

apply to crows. You should assume they are the same except where 

differences are noted. 

Mourning doves are considered migratory game birds under federal 

regulations, but they are not defined as such under New York state 

law so no hunting season has been established for this species (see: 

www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/59626.html). 

© Gerrybill | Dreamstime.com 

Waterfowl hunters have special privileges in 

New York, but please consider the possible 

concerns that nearby homeowners may have 

about noise, safety or invasion of privacy before 

you go afield. Avoiding such conflicts will 

help ensure that waterfowl hunting remains 

an accepted tradition in fast-developing 

shoreline areas. 

DEC, in cooperation with the South Shore 

Waterfowlers Association (SSWA) has produced 

“A Pocket Reference for Police Officers and 

Waterfowl Hunters” that summarizes the 

State laws that pertain to waterfowl hunting 

in general and includes a “code of ethics” for 

waterfowl hunters to help ensure that waterfowl 

hunting remains a viable recreational 

opportunity in New York. For a copy, call 

(518) 402-8883. 

speCiaL snow goose 

HaRvest pRogRam 

Waterfowl hunters in New York will have a 

special opportunity to harvest snow geese 

in most areas of the state from late winter 

through April 15, 2013. This additional 

opportunity is offered because of concerns 

about impacts that snow geese are having on 

natural ecosystems. For more information, 

including harvest regulations for 2013, go to: 



Mallards 

are the most numerous duck in New 

York, in terms of breeding population 

size and occurrence in the bag of 

duck hunters across the state. 

DEC BEGAN SURVEYS IN 1989 to estimate 

the number of ducks and geese breeding in the 

state, and data from these surveys are combined 

with estimates from 11 other northeastern states 

to monitor overall trends in the Atlantic Flyway. 

Since 2000, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 

has established duck hunting season frameworks 

for the flyway (the overall season length and 

bag limit for total ducks and mallards) based 

largely upon the Northeast mallard population 

estimates. Before that, duck hunting regulations 

for the entire U.S. were based on population 

estimates from central North America, including 

the “Prairie Pothole region”, where the vast 

majority of ducks nest each year. However, 

relatively few ducks from that area are harvested 

in the Atlantic Flyway, prompting biologists to 

begin the surveys needed to set seasons based 

on locally-produced birds. 

FIGURE 1 shows the overall trend in mallard 

populations in the northeastern U.S. Mallards 

Figure 1. Estimated mallard breeding pairs in the northeastern U.S., 1989-2011. 

breeding in New York normally account for 

about 75,000–100,000 pairs of the estimated 

total in the region. As you can see, the population 

estimate has been declining since about 

1997, when duck hunting seasons were extended 

to 60 days for the first time since the early 1970s. 

Those who have hunted for more than 

15 years may recall that we had 30-day 

and 40-day duck seasons in the late 

1980s and early 1990s because of low 

duck populations in the prairies. That, 

more than anything, is what prompted the 

Atlantic Flyway to begin surveying ducks 

closer to home. 

The decline in “eastern mallards” depicted in 

Figure 1 has caused biologists in the Atlantic 

Flyway to begin reviewing possible causes for 

the decline, including hunter harvest. If the 

trend continues, duck season length and bag 

limits for mallards may need to be reduced to 

prevent further decline. Although most hunters 

would prefer a lower daily limit over a shorter 

season, past experience has shown that modest 

bag reductions (for example, from 4/day to 3/ 

day) have little effect because most hunters 

don’t achieve the limit very often. 

duCk 

& gOOse faCts 

(all are averages in New York 

for 2006-2010) 

Breeding 

• Mallards breeding: 84,000 pairs 

• Wood ducks breeding: 49,000 pairs 

• Black ducks breeding: 4,700 pairs 

• Canada geese breeding: 90,000 pairs 

Harvest 

• Mallard harvest: 91,000 birds/yr 

• Wood duck harvest: 19,000 birds/yr 

• Black duck harvest: 20,000 birds/yr 

• Canada goose harvest: 143,000 birds/yr 


MIGratorY GaMe bIrD HuNtING seasoNs aND baG lIMIts 

WOODCOCK, CROW, SNIPE, 

RAIL & GALLINULE SEASONS 

UPSTATE NEW YORK 

(North of Bronx-Westchester County boundary) 

American Woodcock: Oct. 1–Nov. 14 

Crow: Sept. 1–Mar. 31 (Friday, Saturday, Sunday & Monday only) 

Snipe, Rail & Gallinule: Sept. 1–Nov. 9 

LONG ISLAND 

(Nassau and Suffolk counties) 

American Woodcock: Oct. 1–Nov. 14 

Crow: Sept. 1–Mar. 31 (Friday, Saturday, Sunday & Monday only) 

Snipe, Rail and Gallinule: Closed 

NEW YORK CITY 

(Bronx, Kings, Queens, New York & Richmond counties) 

Closed for all migratory bird species. 

JOin Our grOuse and wOOdCOCk Hunting lOg 

www.dec.ny.gov/animals/9351.html or call 518-402-8886 

It’s Your Nature 

Celebrating 75 years of success— 

a partnership for america’s fish and wildlife 

If you’ve ever purchased firearms and ammunition, archery bows and arrows, fishing lures, rods and reels, 

hunting or fishing licenses or fueled up your boat… you’ve contributed to the most successful effort to 

conserve fish and wildlife in America—the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Programs (WSFR). 

Through WSFR excise taxes associated with these items are redistributed to the states to fund important 

fish and wildlife initiatives. Since 1937, more than $12 billion dollars have been entrusted to 

state fish and wildlife agencies for fisheries and wildlife restoration and management; hunter, angler 

and boater access; as well as for hunter and boater safety education. In 2011, New York received just 

over 11.2 million dollars through WSFR for wildlife management 

projects. These funds were used to help fund 

important programs such as wildlife monitoring and 

research, Sportsmen Education Programs, WMA 

maintenance and habitat management, and fish 

and wildlife health initiatives. 

Join us in celebrating 75 years of better hunting, 

trapping, fishing, boating and wildlife-related 

recreation through WSFR. It really is Your Nature! 

Migratory game bird hunting regulations are 

set by the federal government in late summer, 

so ALL OF THE INFORMATION ON THIS 

PAGE IS TENTATIVE. If there are changes in 

these regulations, announcements will be made 

in DEC news releases statewide. Final waterfowl 

hunting seasons will be announced in September, 

and a waterfowl hunting guide containing 

season dates and bag limits will be available 

from license issuing agents in late September. 

All migratory game bird hunters must register 

annually with the Harvest Information Program 

(HIP). Call 1-888-427-5447 or register online at 

www.ny-hip.com. 

waterfOwl (ducks and geese) 

• Bag Limits: 

ͪ Check website: 


• Shooting Hours: ½ hour before sunrise 

to sunset 

• Non-toxic shot: required 

• Other: Last year’s hunting license is required 

when hunting prior to October 1. All hunters 

must be registered in HIP. 

wOOdCOCk 

• Season: Oct. 1 – Nov. 14 

• Bag limits: 3 per day, 6 in possession 

• Shooting hours: sunrise to sunset 

• Non-toxic shot: not required 

• Open statewide except NYC (WMA 2A) 

• Other: All woodcock hunters must be 

registered in HIP. 


MIGratorY GaMe bIrD HuNtING seasoNs aND baG lIMIts 

snipe, rails and gallinules 

• Season: Sept. 1 – Nov. 9 

• Bag Limits: 

ͪ Snipe: 8 per day, 16 in possession 

ͪ Virginia & Sora rails: 8 per day, 16 in 

possession 

ͪ Clapper and King rails: closed 

ͪ Gallinules: 8 per day, 16 in possession 

• Shooting Hours: ½ hour before sunrise 

to sunset 

• Non-toxic shot: required 

• Open in all of upstate NY north of Bronx- 

Westchester border. 


when hunting prior to October 1. All snipe, 

rail and gallinule hunters must be registered 

in HIP. 

CrOws 

• Season: Sept. 1 – March 31 (Fridays, Saturdays, 

Sundays and Mondays only) 

• Bag limits: No daily or possession limits 

• Shooting hours: sunrise to sunset 

• Non-toxic shot: not required 

• Open statewide except NYC (WMA 2A) 


when hunting prior to October 1. Crow 

hunters do not need to be registered in 

HIP. Crows may be hunted with rifles and 

recorded electronically amplified bird calls 

or sounds. 

Have YOu seen an Otter? 

Otters were released in central and 

western New York between 1995– 

2000. Current efforts to restore this 

species focus on documenting the 

distribution and abundance of otters 

in those areas. 

You can help us by reporting 

sightings or signs of otter activities 

by calling the Region 3, 4, 7, 8 or 9 

DEC wildlife office (see page 8 

for phone numbers) or email us at: 

fwwildlf@gw.dec.state.ny.us 

Thanks for your help! 

FIREWOOD WARNING 

Your firewood may be hiding deadly 

invasive pests that have already killed more 

than 50 million trees in neighboring states. 

v It is illegal to bring untreated* firewood 

into New York State. 

v It is illegal to transport untreated firewood 

more than 50 miles from its source. 

v When transporting untreated firewood 

within 50 miles of its source, you must 

carry proof of source (such as a receipt) 

or you may be subject to a fine. 

EAB NOW CONFIRMED IN SEVERAL 

NEW YORK STATE COUNTIES 

v As of spring 2012, 20 counties in NYS are under 

EAB quarantine. To learn more please visit: 

http://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/7253.html 

For questions or to report any invasives you find, call toll free 

1-866-640-0652 

For more information visit www.dec.ny.gov 

and look for “firewood” in the Subject index 

* Treated firewood has been heated to 160° for 75 minutes 

to eliminate pests living inside the wood. Treated firewood 

can be moved without restriction. 

ASIAN LONGHORNED 

BEETLE (ALB) 

EMERALD ASH BORER 

(EAB) 

ALB exit 

hole 

EAB exit 

hole 


FREE 

issue! 

The Ten Commandments 

— of — 

Firearm Safety 

1. Watch that muzzle! Keep it pointed in a safe 

direction at all times. 

2. Treat every firearm with the respect 

due a loaded gun. It might be loaded, even if 

you think it isn’t. 

3. Be sure of the target and what is in 

front of it and beyond it. Know the identifying 

features of the game you hunt. Make sure you have an 

adequate backstop—don’t shoot at a flat, hard surface 

or water. 

4. Keep your finger outside the trigger 

guard until ready to shoot. This is the best 

way to prevent an accidental discharge. 

5. Check your barrel and ammunition. Make 

sure the barrel and action are clear of obstructions, and 

carry only the proper ammunition for your firearm. 

6. Unload firearms when not in use. Leave 

actions open, and carry firearms in cases and unloaded 

to and from the shooting area. 

7. Point a firearm only at something you 

intend to shoot. Avoid all horseplay with a gun. 

8. Don’t run, jump, or climb with a loaded 

firearm. Unload a firearm before you climb a fence 

or tree, or jump a ditch. Pull a firearm toward you by 

the butt, not the muzzle. 

9. Store firearms and ammunition 

separately and safely. Store each in secured 

location beyond the reach of children and careless adults. 

10. Avoid alcoholic beverages before and 

during shooting. Also avoid mind- or behavioraltering 

medicines or drugs. 

Subscribe now to Conservationist and save! 

• Your guide to New York hunting, wildlife, outdoors and more. 

• Order your FREE issue now! Seven issues for only $ 12. 

Name: _____________________________________________________________ 

Address: ___________________________________________________________ 

City/State/Zip: _______________________________________________________ 

www.TheConservationist.org or call 800-678-6399 and mention code J12HR 

Or mail this coupon to: Conservationist, PO BOX 1500, LATHAM, NY 12110 

If you are not satis� ed, return the bill marked “cancel” and you will owe nothing. 

50 Hunting Guide Ad 2012.indd 1 2012–13 HuNtING & 5/24/2012 traPPING 12:37:03 GuIDe PM

To hunt furbearers, you must possess a Junior 

Hunting, Small Game, Small/Big Game, 

Conservation Legacy, Super Sportsman, Trapper 

Super Sportsman, Sportsman, Nonresident 

Small Game, or Nonresident Super Sportsman 

license. A trapping license does not allow you 

to hunt furbearers. Furbearers may be hunted 

with a bow or firearm as described below. 

• You may hunt red and gray fox, coyote, 

bobcat, raccoon, skunk, mink, weasel and 

opossum. 

• If you take a bobcat, it must be tagged and 

sealed. 

• You may use a call, including an electronic 

call. 

• You may hunt furbearers only after sunrise 

on the opening day. They may be taken at 

any hour, day or night, for the rest of their 

hunting season. Seasons end at sunset of 

their closing day. 

BOBCAT HUNTING 

6F 

5F 

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9A 

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7F 

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9C 

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5R 

4C 

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4B 

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4S 

9R 

9T 

9Y 

3A 

3C 

3F 

3G 

Hunting Hours: 

After sunrise on opening 

day; and at any hour, day 

or night, for the rest of the 

open hunting season. 

Season Dates 

2012/13 

Oct. 25–Feb. 15 

Oct. 25–Dec. 10 

Closed 

weasel, OpOssum, 

skunk, raCCOOn and 

fOx Hunting 

Long Island: Nov. 1–Feb. 25 

All other areas of New York: 

Oct. 25–Feb. 15 

There are no bag limits for 

these species. They may be 

hunted during the day or night. 

3K 

There are no bag limits. 

• Mink may only be hunted in the Southern 

Zone with a firearm not larger than .22 

caliber during their open trapping season. 

Mink may not be hunted with a firearm in 

the Northern Zone. 

• Muskrat may only be hunted on Lake Champlain 

during the open trapping season with 

a firearm not larger than .22 caliber. 

• You may hunt furbearers during the day 

using any handgun, shotgun, rifle or bow. 

You may hunt at night as described below. 

Hunting furBearers at nigHt 

All laws pertaining to the use of a spotlight 

apply (see page 16). 

1. If you are hunting in an area when any deer 

season (including bowhunting) is open: 

ͪ You may hunt during the day or night. 

ͪ You may use a light, but you may not 

hunt from any motor vehicle, including 

an ATV. 

3M 

3N 

5A 

3R 3S 

3P 

2A 

1A 

1C 

If you take a bobcat 

you must: 

1. Complete a Furbearer 

Possession Tag (see 

below) AND 

2. Get the pelt or 

unskinned animal 

sealed (see page 

52). 

furBearer pOssessiOn tag 

Furbearer Possession Tags may be printed or downloaded from the DEC website: 

http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/29046.html. Tags may also be obtained by calling 

(518) 402-8883 or writing to: Furbearer Possession Tag, 625 Broadway, Albany, NY 

12233-4754. 

COYOte Hunting 

Statewide except Long Island 

and New York City: Oct. 1–March 31 

There are no bag limits for coyotes. 

They may be hunted during the day 

or night. 

Furbearer HuNtING 

ͪ You may use a shotgun, 

muzzleloader, 

bow, handgun or air 

gun. 

ͪ You may use any 

rimfire rifle, except 

in Westchester, Nassau, 

and Suffolk counties where 

rifles are not allowed. 

ͪ You may use any center-fire rifle ONLY 

if rifles are also allowed for deer hunting 

in that area. (Refer to Legal Implements 

map on page 24.) 

2. If you are hunting in an area when all deer 

seasons are closed: 

ͪ You may hunt during the day or night. 

ͪ You may use a light. 

ͪ You may use a shotgun, muzzleloader, 

bow, handgun or air gun. 

ͪ You may use any rifle of any caliber, except 

in Westchester, Nassau and Suffolk counties, 

where rifles are not allowed. 

Hunters should consult with local government 

officials for any laws that may prohibit 

the discharge of firearms at night. 

The use of a light-gathering (starlight) scope 

is legal on any firearm listed above. 


Furbearer traPPING 

definitiOn Of trapping 

To trap means to take, kill or capture wildlife 

with traps, deadfalls and other devices 

commonly used to take wildlife, including the 

shooting or killing of lawfully trapped animals. 

It also includes all related activities such as 

placing, setting, staking or checking traps or 

assisting another person with these activities. 

You do not need a hunting license to shoot a 

trapped animal. 

OtHer definitiOns 

• Public Highway: The traveled portion of a 

public highway. Culverts, drainage ditches, 

and the area under bridges are not considered 

the traveled portion of a public highway. 

• Carcass: The body or parts thereof, meat, 

organs or viscera of an animal, including 

fish. Feathers (including feathers with 

attached skin or entire bird wings), hair 

(with or without skin or hide), and bones 

that include no attached meat, organs or 

viscera, are excluded from this definition. 

• Suspension: This term applies to animals 

fully suspended in the air by means of the 

trap anchoring system (typically a chain, 

cable or wire). It does not apply to traps set 

in water or to traps that are directly and 

firmly attached to an elevated structure, 

such as a tree. 

• Restraining trap: A device used to capture 

and restrain a mammal. These traps include 

leg-gripping traps (“foothold traps”), foot 

encapsulating traps, and cage or box traps. 

• Foot encapsulating trap: A trap with 

the following mechanical attributes: The 

triggering and restraining mechanisms 

are enclosed within a housing; the triggering 

and restraining mechanisms are only 

accessible through a single opening when 

set; the opening does not exceed 2 inches in 

diameter; and the trap has a swivel mounted 

anchoring system. 

• Cage or box trap: A type of restraining trap 

that fully encloses a captured animal within 

wood, wire, plastic, or metal. 

legal traps 

• You must put your name and address or 

your DEC customer identification number 

(i.e., your back tag number) on all your traps. 

• Foothold traps larger than 4" set on land 

must have a pan tension device and be 

covered when set. 

• Teeth are not allowed on foothold traps. 

• On land, foothold traps must be 5¾" or 

smaller (inside jaw width). 

• During beaver or otter season, foothold traps 

up to 7¼" are allowed if set under water. 

• When the beaver or otter season is closed, 

foothold traps set in water for mink or 

muskrat may not be larger than 5¾". 

• A foothold trap larger than 7¼" is never 

legal to use. 

• Body-gripping traps more than 7½" may 

never be used on land. 

• Body-gripping traps more than 7½" may 

only be used in water during an open beaver 

or otter season. 

• Snares may not be used for trapping. 

• Box or cage traps are legal for all species. 

• You may not use a cage trap that is designed 

to take more than one muskrat at a setting. 

trapping metHOds 

CHeCking traps 

• In the Southern Zone: You must check traps 

once in each 24 hour period. 

• In the Northern Zone, follow these rules: 

ͪ WMU 5C, 5F, 5G, 5H, 5J, 6F, 6J and 6N: 

Visited once in each 48 hour period 

ͪ WMU 5A, 6A, 6C, 6G, 6H and 6K: 

» Traps set in water during the open 

season for beaver, otter, mink and 

muskrat: Visited once in each 48 

hour period 

» Body-gripping traps set on land: 

Visited once in each 48 hour period 

» Restraining traps: Visited once in 

each 24 hour period 

use Of CarCasses 

Any carcass, as defined above, used as bait and 

placed or used in conjunction with a foothold 

trap shall be completely covered at the time the 

trap is set or visited. Coverings shall include 

but not be limited to brush, branches, leaves, 

soil, snow, water, or enclosures constructed of 

wood, metal, wire, plastic or natural materials; 

and must completely cover the carcass so that 

it is not visible from directly above. 

land trapping 

• You may not set a trap in such a manner 

that it causes a captured animal to be fully 

suspended in the air. 

• You may not set a trap on a public road. 

You are allowed to set a trap in a culvert or 

ditch unless the property is posted or the 

landowner does not allow trapping. 

• After December 10 th in the Northern Zone, 

body-gripping traps set on land may not be 

set with bait or lure. 

Place your name 

& address or 

Customer ID # on 

all your traps. 

water trapping 

• You may set a trap in a permanent body of 

water only when the mink, muskrat, otter, 

or beaver season is open. 

• You may not disturb a muskrat house or den. 

• You may not set a trap on or within 5 feet of 

a muskrat house or den. 

land Or water trapping 

• You may use any legal method to kill a 

trapped animal. You do not need a hunting 

license to use a firearm to kill a legally 

trapped animal. 

• You may not set or stake a trap prior to 

7:00 AM on opening day. 

• You are not allowed to set a trap within 100 

feet of a house, school, playground or church 

unless you have permission from the owner 

of the land where the trap is set. 

trapping near Beaver dams and lOdges 

• You may not disturb a beaver lodge, den or 

beaver dam. 

• Traps may not be set on or within 15 feet of 

a beaver lodge or den at any time. 

• You may set a trap on or near (within 15 

feet of) a beaver dam ONLY under these 

conditions: 

ͪ You are trapping during an OPEN otter 

season. 

ͪ If the otter season is CLOSED, you may 

use these traps: 

» Body-gripping trap that measures 

less than 5.5 inches. 

» Foot encapsulating trap. 

» Foothold traps that are 4¾ inches or less. 

» Cage or box traps. 

By limiting the trap sizes that are usable on 

beaver dams, this regulation provides greater 

opportunities for trappers while minimizing 

the accidental capture of otter. 

pelt sealing 

Otter, bobcat, fisher and marten must have a 

plastic seal attached to the pelt or unskinned 

animal before 

• It is sold or ownership is transferred to 

another person, or 

• It is mounted or tanned, or 

• It leaves New York State, or 

• 10 days have passed since the close of the 

season where the fur was taken. 

The plastic pelt seals can be removed when 

the pelt is processed for taxidermy, tanning 

or manufacturing. 

NOTE: You are no longer required to fill 

out furbearer possession tags for beaver or 

to have beaver pelts sealed. 

HOw tO get YOur pelts sealed: 

a 2-step prOCess 

• STEP 1: Fill out your furbearer possession 

tag. 

ͪ A possession tag must be filled out for 

each animal you take. 

ͪ Possession tags must be filled out 

immediately after you reach your motor 

vehicle, camp or home, whichever comes 

first. 


ͪ Possession tags must stay with the 

animal or pelt at all times, but they do 

not need to be attached to the pelt. 

ͪ Furbearer possession tags can be 

• 

obtained from your regional wildlife 

office (see page 8) or at www.dec. 

ny.gov/outdoor/29046.html 

STEP 2: Get your pelt sealed (see below). 

ͪ All Species 

» A completed furbearer possession tag 

must be submitted to obtain a plastic 

pelt seal. 

» You can give your pelts to another 

person (other than a taxidermist) 

so he or she can get the pelts sealed 

or get them skinned. You must give 

that person your trapping license 

or a copy of your license and your 

completed possession tags while he 

or she has your pelts. 

ͪ Otter, Bobcat, Fisher And Marten 

» Only authorized Department 

representatives can attach the plastic 

pelt seals to otter, bobcat, fisher or 

marten. 

» Call a regional wildlife office (see 

page 8) to make arrangements 

to get your otter, bobcat, fisher, or 

marten sealed. Seals for these species 

cannot be sent through the mail. 

» Prior to having a marten sealed, you 

must submit the entire carcass. 

BuYing and selling fur 

• Species requiring a pelt seal cannot be 

bought or sold or given to another person 

unless they have the plastic pelt seal attached. 

All other species may be bought, sold, and 

transported without restriction. 

• Furbearers may be bought or sold either 

skinned or unskinned. 

• People who buy fur do not need a fur buyer’s 

license in New York. 

rigHts Of trappers 

• No one may disturb a trap lawfully set by 

another person. 

• No one may remove a lawfully trapped 

animal from another person’s trap. 

• No one may harass a trapper while he or 

she is trapping. 

LiCense ResponsibiLities 

• A license is not transferable and can be used 

only by the person to whom issued. 

• A license to trap does not give the holder 

any right to go on private property without 

permission of the landowner. 

• It is illegal to refuse to show your license 

on demand to a law enforcement officer 

or the owner, lessee or person in control 

of the lands (or their designees) while on 

their property. 

inCidentaL and aCCidentaL 

CaptuRes of tRapped animaLs 

There are no provisions in the Environmental 

Conservation Law allowing trappers to possess 

animals that are taken outside of the open 

trapping season. 

You must attempt to release any animals that 

are accidentally captured when the season is 

closed or if the area is not open for trapping 

that species. 

If the animal is injured to the extent you 

believe it will not survive, humanely dispatch 

it. If you are not sure, contact a DEC Regional 

Wildlife Office for assistance. 

When you find an unintentionally captured 

animal dead in the trap, or when you must 

dispatch an unintentionally captured animal 

due to a serious injury, you may remove it and 

lay it in the vicinity of the trap. There are no 

legal provisions for you to keep it, and you 

may not possess it even to take it back to your 

vehicle without permission from DEC. 

DEC seeks information on all accidentally 

taken bobcat, otter, fisher, marten and other 

species of unusual nature. If the animals are 

dead, a DEC wildlife biologist may want to 

collect the carcass. The location and carcass 

data are the most valuable information DEC 

can obtain regarding the status of these species. 

Contact a Regional Wildlife Office or an 

Environmental Conservation Officer as soon 

as possible to report the catch. You will receive 

instructions on what to do and information 

to provide. 

possession of 

Road-kiLLed fuRbeaReRs 

If the trapping or hunting season is open for the 

species in a WMU, you may keep a dead furbearer 


found on roads within that 

WMU. The requirements 

for possessing road-killed 

furbearers are the same 

as for trapping and 

hunting. For example, 

if you find a road-killed 

fisher in an area with an open fisher 

season and you possess a trapping license, you 

have to contact DEC for a pelt seal. If you find 

a bobcat, you can possess it if you have a small 

game or trapping license, but you also must 

have its pelt sealed. 


HeaDer Furbearer traPPING 

FISHER & MARTEN 

TRAPPING 

Fisher and marten pelts must 

be sealed. See page 52 for details. 

9J 

8A 

9A 

9F 8G 

9A 

9C 

8H 

9H 

8M 8N 

9G 

9N 

8P 

9M 

9K 

9P 

9W 

8T 

9S 9X 8X 

7A 

8F 

7F 

8J 

7J 

7H 

8R 8S 

7R 

8W 

8Y 

7S 

6K 

7M 

6S 

4F 

4O 4P 

5J 

4A 

4G 4H 

4T 

4R 

4Y 4Z 

4W 

4U 

8C 

9R 

9T 

9Y 

6P 

7P 

6R 

5S 

5R 

4C 

4J 4L 

4K 

4B 

4S 

3A 

3C 

Season Dates Species & Bag Limits 


Oct. 25–Dec. 10 

Oct. 25–Dec. 10 

Closed 

Fisher and Marten 

Fisher only 

BEAVER TRAPPING 

9J 

Fisher and Marten 

6G 

6H 

6N 

Season limit of 6 marten. 

No limit for fisher. 

6A 

6C 

6J 

6J 

6F 

5H 

5F 

5A 

3H 3J 3F 

3G 

3K 

6F 

3M 

3N 

3R 3S 

3P 

9A 

9A 

9F 

9C 

8A 

8G 

8H 

8F 

8J 

7A 

7F 

7J 

6K 

6S 

4A 

5J 

9H 

9G 

9N 

9M 

9K 

9W 

9S 9X 

8M 8N 

8P 

9P 

8T 

8X 

7H 

8R 8S 

7R 

8W 

8Y 

7S 

7M 

4F 

4O 4P 

4G 4H 

4T 

4R 

4Y 

4Z 

4W 

4U 

8C 

6P 

6R 

5R 

5S 

4C 

9T 

9R 

9Y 

7P 

4J 4L 

4K 

4B 

4S 

3A 

3C 

Season Dates 2012/13 

Nov. 1–Apr. 7 

Nov. 25–Mar. 15 


Nov. 25–Feb. 15 

Closed 

MINK & MUSKRAT 

TRAPPING 

9J 

6G 

6H 

6N 

6C 


5H 

2A 

5C 

5F 

5G 

1A 

5A 

3H 3J 3F 

3G 

3K 

3M 

3N 

3R 3S 

3P 

8A 

9A 

9F 8G 

9A 

9C 

8H 

9H 

8M 8N 

9G 

9N 

8P 

9M 

9K 

9P 

9W 

8T 

9S 9X 8X 

7A 

8F 

7F 

8J 

7J 

7H 

8R 8S 

7R 

8W 

8Y 

7S 

6K 

7M 

6S 

4F 

4O 4P 

5J 

4A 

4G 4H 

4T 

4R 

4Y 4Z 

4W 

4U 

8C 

9R 

9T 

9Y 

6P 

7P 

6R 

5S 

5R 

4C 

4J 4L 

4K 

4B 

4S 

3A 

3C 


Oct. 25–Apr. 15 

Nov. 25–Feb. 15 


Dec. 15–Feb. 25 

A special permit is required for trapping 

marten. Contact DEC's Wildlife Office at 

Warrensburg (518) 623-1240 for details. 

6G 

6H 

6N 

6A 

6A 

6C 

There are no bag limits 

for these species. 

6J 

6F 

5H 

2A 

5C 

5F 

5G 

1A 

5A 

3H 3J 3F 

3G 

3K 

3M 

3N 

3R 3S 

3P 

2A 

5C 

5G 

1A 

5T 

5T 

5T 

1C 

1C 

1C 

RACCOON, RED FOX, 

GRAY FOX, SKUNK, 

COYOTE, OPOSSUM 

& WEASEL TRAPPING 

BOBCAT TRAPPING 

Bobcat pelts must be sealed. 

See page 52 for details. 

RIVER OTTER 

TRAPPING 

Otter pelts must be sealed. 

See page 52 for details. 


9J 

9J 

9J 

8A 

9A 

9F 8G 

9A 

9C 

8H 

9H 

8M 8N 

9G 

9N 

8P 

9M 

9K 

9P 

9W 

8T 

9S 9X 8X 

7A 

8F 

7F 

8J 

7J 

7H 

8R 8S 

7R 

8W 

8Y 

7S 

6K 

7M 

6S 

4F 

4O 4P 

5J 

4A 

4G 4H 

4T 

4R 

4Y 4Z 

4W 

4U 

8C 

9R 

9T 

9Y 

6P 

7P 

6R 

5S 

5R 

4C 

4J 4L 

4K 

4B 

4S 

3A 

3C 


Oct. 25–Dec. 10 

Dec. 11–Feb. 15, Body-gripping traps set on land 

may not be set with bait or lure. 

Oct. 25–Feb. 15 

Nov. 1–Feb. 25, 

except closed for coyote 

8A 

9A 

9F 8G 

9A 

9C 

8H 

9H 

8M 8N 

9G 

9N 

8P 

9M 

9K 

9P 

9W 

8T 

9S 9X 8X 

7A 

8F 

7F 

8J 

7J 

7H 

8R 8S 

7R 

8W 

8Y 

7S 

6K 

7M 

6S 

4F 

4O 4P 

5J 

4A 

4G 4H 

4T 

4R 

4Y 4Z 

4W 

4U 

8C 

9R 

9T 

9Y 

6P 

7P 

6R 

5S 

5R 

4C 

4J 4L 

4K 

4B 

4S 

3A 

3C 


Oct. 25–Dec. 10 

Oct. 25–Feb. 15 

Closed 

8A 

9A 

9F 8G 

9A 

9C 

8H 

9H 

8M 8N 

9G 

9N 

8P 

9M 

9K 

9P 

9W 

8T 

9S 9X 8X 

7A 

8F 

7F 

8J 

7J 

7H 

8R 8S 

7R 

8W 

8Y 

7S 

6K 

7M 

6S 

4F 

4O 4P 

5J 

4A 

4G 4H 

4T 

4R 

4Y 4Z 

4W 

4U 

8C 

9R 

9T 

9Y 

6P 

7P 

6R 

5S 

5R 

4C 

4J 4L 

4K 

4B 

4S 

3A 

3C 



Nov. 10–Feb. 28 

Closed 

6G 

6G 

6G 

6H 

6N 

6H 

6N 

6H 

6N 

6C 


6A 

6C 


6C 

6A 

6A 

There are no 

bag limits for 

these species. 

6J 

6J 

6J 

6F 

5H 

5F 

5A 

3H 3J 3F 

3G 

3K 

6F 

5H 

3M 

3N 

3R 3S 

3P 

2A 

5F 

5C 

5A 

3H 3J 3F 

3G 

3K 

6F 

5H 

3M 

3N 

3R 3S 

3P 

2A 

5F 

5C 

5G 

5G 

5A 

3H 3J 3F 

3G 

3K 

3M 

3N 

3R 3S 

3P 

2A 

5C 

5G 

1A 

1A 

1A 

5T 

5T 

5T 

1C 

1C 

1C

trigger regulatiOn fOr Beaver trappers 

This regulation applies if you: 

• Trap in a WMU in the Southern Zone during a closed otter season 

• Use a body-gripping trap larger than nine inches (these are “330” size traps) 

How to measure a body-gripping trap: 

Measure the inside distance between the outer 

frames of the trap. The addition of one or 

more bars to the inside of the frame does not 

change the way these traps are measured. The 

measurement is still the MAXIMUM distance 

as shown in this picture. 

specific requirements of the regulation are 

shown here in the diagrams below. 

1. Body-gripping trap with off-set parallel trigger: 

2. example of non-legal vs. legal trigger brackets: 

Non-legal: V-notch, four-way trigger 

Legal: square-notch, two-way trigger 

Two-way 

tension 

adjustable 

(legal) 

6½" or less 

8" 

or more 

3. examples of acceptable parallel triggers: 

4. tension adjustable triggers and 

trigger stops are no longer required. 

greater 

than 9" 

Not tension 

adjustable 

(legal) 

The trigger must 

be 6½" or less. 

Recommended 

tension: 8 to 12 oz. 

Trigger wires must 

be joined together. 

Four-way 

trigger 

(not legal) 

nOte: 

1. You can bait these traps in any 

manner. However, the trap must 

have all of the features noted above. 

2. There is no exception for traps 

set under ice: traps set under ice, 

whether baited or not, must have all 

of the design features noted above. 

3. There is no tension requirement. 

However, DEC research showed that 

8 to 12 oz. of tension works best for 

protecting otter and catching beaver. 




regulatiOns fOr BOdY-grip traps set On land. 

Body-gripping traps set on land shall not be within 100 feet of a public trail except on 

Wildlife Management Areas. 

Body-gripping traps 5½ inches to 7½ inches 

set with the use of bait, lure, or other 

attractants may only be used as follows: 

*Four or more feet off the ground 

*In a container of the following design: 

ͪ opening height 6 inches or less 

ͪ 8 inch minimum spring notches 

ͪ trap recessed minimum of 4 inches 

You may also build an enclosure of 

natural materials (e.g., logs or rocks). 

ͪ opening height 6 inches or less 


A body-gripping trap measuring less than 

5½ inches may be set in any manner with 

or without the use of bait. Body-gripping 

traps measuring 5½ inches to 6 inches, set 

without the use of bait, must be set so that 

no part of the trap is 8 inches or more above 

the ground. 

nOte: After Dec. 10 in the 

Northern Zone body-gripping 

traps set on land may 

not be set with 

bait or lure. 



ͪ opening height and width 10 inches or less 


ͪ only one entrance, facing the ground 

ͪ container set so entrance is no more 

than 6 inches from ground 



obcat 

management 

in new york 

DEC is developing a Management Plan for Bobcats in New York 

State, 2012-2017. The plan will guide the management of bobcat over 

the next five years and focuses on two objectives: 1) maintaining or 

enhancing bobcat populations in all areas of the state where suitable 

habitat exists; and 2) providing for the sustainable use and enjoyment 

of bobcats by the public. 

Observations by hunters, trappers, hikers, farmers, trail camera 

users, and others who spend time outdoors clearly indicate that 

bobcat populations are increasing and expanding throughout New 

York State. From their historic core range in the Taconic, Catskill, 

and Adirondack mountains, bobcats now occur across the Southern 

Tier, where emigration from Pennsylvania has likely contributed to 

population growth as well. 

While observation data help document the distribution of 

bobcats in New York, the elusive nature of bobcats precludes 

the use of traditional visual surveys to estimate their relative 

abundance. However, we can monitor bobcat populations by 

extrapolation from harvest data. Harvest totals in recent years 

via hunting and trapping have ranged from 400-500+ animals 

per year, with a clearly increasing trend from the late 1980s 

to the 2000s (see graph). Under stable regulations, long-term 

trends in harvest generally reflect abundance of most furbearer 

species, with annual variation related to variables such as fuel 

costs, pelt prices and weather conditions. 

When the plan is completed, we hope to improve our 

harvest and population monitoring capabilities. We will 

continue to monitor harvest totals via the mandatory pelt 

sealing program. However, annual variation in harvest data 

can often be misleading due to factors that influence total 

harvest, including pelt prices and trapper/hunter effort. To 

improve these data, DEC will develop diary log books that 

trappers and hunters can use to record their efforts while 

pursuing bobcats either as trap-nights or hunting effort (days 

or hours). This will enable us to calculate harvest as “takeper-unit-effort” 

(TPUE). 

The new plan will provide a sound, scientific basis for the 

management of New York’s bobcat resource for the next five 

# of Bobcats Harvested 

600 

500 

400 

300 

200 

100 

Encounters reported by 

trappers have helped 

document the distribution 

of bobcats in New York. 

This bobcat was 

released unharmed. 

years and beyond. We will monitor harvest trends closely and we 

will ensure that harvest seasons are appropriate in terms of bobcat 

population status in any area. Going forward, our plan is to allow 

use of this resource on a long-term sustainable basis. This means 

that bobcat populations should continue to exist at or above their 

current levels throughout New York State, for the enjoyment of all. 

Note: If any season changes are adopted, we will announce those by 

press release and updates to the DEC website. 

Total New York bobcat harvest (hunting and trapping), 1977-2011. 

Harvest trends generally reflect population trends over the long-term. 


0 

1977-78 

1979-80 

BOBCAT HARVEST 

1981-82 

1983-84 

1985-86 

1987-88 

1989-90 

1991-92 

1993-94 

1995-96 

1997-98 

1999-00 

2001-02 

2003-04 

2005-06 

2007-08 

2009-10

aCCess to HuNtING areas 

For information, go to www.dec.ny.gov/ 

outdoor/7844.html. 

private lands 

Always ASK landowner permission to hunt on 

private land. If it were your land, how would 

you want a visitor to act? 

• Be courteous—ASK permission well in 

advance. 

• ASK what is permitted. What species can be 

hunted? Are tree stands allowed? 

• ASK if friends can join you. 

• Exercise safety—always! 

• Thank the landowner. 

Many landowners use ASK permission 

stickers on their signs which show the landowners’ 

willingness to allow access to their 

lands. They are available for free from your 

local regional wildlife office (see page 8) 

or from DEC, 625 Broadway, Albany NY 

12233-4754. For more information on 

hunting on private lands, visit our website: 


Remember: Damaging bark or cutting trees, 

branches or plants is illegal without permission 

of the landowner. 

Rights of way, such as for power lines and 

railroads, that cross private property are NOT 

public land. Trespassing on these areas without 

permission from the landowner is illegal. 

Did you know? 

....In 2011, DEC Forest Rangers 

made 69,923 inspections of 

state land trailheads, walked 

3,428 miles of state land 

boundary lines and checked 

11, 279 occupied campsites. 

Rangers taught 4,244 people 

how to safely use public lands. 

...DEC Forest Rangers are 

experts on all aspects of the 

state land they patrol. Ask a 

Ranger where to hunt, fi sh, 

hike, camp or see wildlife! 

...DEC Forest Rangers 

conducted 281 search and 

rescue missions in 2011, 70% of 

which occurred on state lands. 


518-408-5850 

New York State 

DEPARTMENT OF 

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION 

fwma COOperative areas 

Through cooperative agreements under New 

York’s Fish and Wildlife Management Act 

(FWMA), Cooperative Hunting Areas provide 

access and management services to privatelyowned 

lands in order to increase public hunting 

opportunities. When using these areas, remember 

that you are a guest on private property. 

Littering and other abuses will only result in 

closure of many excellent hunting areas. 

a wOrd aBOut liaBilitY 

Whether or not the land is posted, New York 

State General Obligations Law protects landowners 

from liability for non-paying recreationists 

engaged in hunting, trapping and fishing 

on their property. Because of this protection, 

recreational liability lawsuits against rural 

landowners are uncommon. This protection 

does not apply in cases of willful or malicious 

failure to guard or warn against dangers. 

state lands 

For information on hunting and trapping 

opportunities and rules governing the use of 

state land, contact the regional office for the 

county where you would like to hunt or trap 

(see page 8). Wildlife staff can provide 

information on wildlife management areas 

(WMAs) and Cooperative Hunting Areas. 

Forestry staff and NYS Forest Rangers can 

provide details on state forest lands and the 

forest preserve. In some instances, written 

permission or permits are required to use state 

areas. These are available from DEC regional 

offices during normal business hours. 

mOtOrized aCCess tO state lands 

DEC has designated roads and trails on state 

forests and wildlife management areas and on 

roads in the forest preserve for motor vehicle 

use by authorized people with disabilities who 

have a mobility impairment. The list of these 

opportunities, along with information on how 

to obtain a statewide permit for this purpose, 

is available by writing to the Regional Land 

Manager at DEC regional offices (see page 8). 

wildlife management areas 

The Division of Fish, Wildlife, and Marine 

Resources manages about 187,000 acres of 

wildlife management areas. These areas are 

located throughout the state and contain a 

variety of different types of habitat and wildlife. 

They are managed primarily for wildlife and 

wildlife-related public use. 

WMAs have specific use regulations in 

addition to the general use regulations for 

state land. Hunting, trapping, and fishing are 

permitted, except as specifically restricted by 

posted notice. 

On wildlife management areas, it is unlawful 

to: 

• Camp without written permission 

• Travel off-road by use of motorcycles, motor 

scooters, mopeds, trail bikes, snowmobiles or 

any other motorized vehicle, except as specifically 

allowed by a permit or posted notice 

• Remove, cut or willfully damage or destroy 

living vegetation of any kind 

• Construct or place a permanent structure, 

blind, stand or platform (includes placement 

of nails or other hardware into trees) 

• Leave any personal property at the time of 

leaving the area 

• Enter upon property posted with No Trespassing 

signs, except with written permission 

from DEC 

lands and fOrests 

The Division of Lands and Forests manages 

nearly 4,000,000 acres of land, located in 

almost every county of the state. From the 

remote locations of the Adirondack and Catskill 

mountains to the rolling hills of the western 

parts of the state and the forested areas on Long 

Island, a wide range of hunting and trapping 

opportunities await the outdoor recreationist. 

fOrest preserve 

Hunting and trapping are permitted in the 

Adirondack and Catskill Forest Preserves. 

State-owned lands located within these 

preserves are designated “Forever Wild.” All 

state land rules and camping requirements 

apply to the preserves, as well as additional rules 

specific to certain areas. Contact the regional 

DEC office or nearest NYS Forest Ranger for 

further information. 

state parks 

Many state parks offer waterfowl, small 

game and big game hunting. For more 

information, contact the appropriate DEC 

regional office or visit the state parks website 

(http://nysparks.state.ny.us/parks/). Call each 

state park to find out specific hunting and 

access regulations. For a listing of state parks 

that allow deer hunting, visit the DEC website: 

http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/7844.html 

state fOrest 

(refOrestatiOn land) 

Outside the Adirondacks and Catskills, reforestation 

areas are the most common type of 

state lands. Many recreational activities can 

be pursued on reforestation areas, including 

hunting and trapping. Reforestation areas are 

marked with signs saying “State Forest.” 

In some instances, permits are required to 

camp overnight on undeveloped state forest 

lands. Unless specifically prohibited, groups of 

less than 10 people may camp on state forest 

lands (other than developed campgrounds and 

wildlife management areas) for three nights 

without a permit. To camp for four nights or 

more, a permit must be obtained. Groups of 

10 or more people need a permit to camp on 

such lands for one night. Further information 

may be obtained from DEC regional offices for 

the county you want to camp in or from local 

NYS Forest Rangers. 

Use of all terrain vehicles (ATVs) 

and off road vehicles (ORVs) is 

restricted on most state land. 


Remember, it is unlawful to: 

• Cut or injure trees (including construction 

of permanent tree stands, construction of 

natural blinds, clearing of shooting lanes 

around portable stands, placement of nails 

or other hardware into trees, or use of live 

trees as targets while sighting-in firearms). 

• Erect, use or maintain a building or structure. 

• Store personal property. 

• Deposit or leave any litter or rubbish. 

• Operate a motor vehicle, including an allterrain 

vehicle, off maintained roads except 

where specifically allowed. 

• Camp without a permit when a permit is 

required. 

OtHer areas tO Hunt 

• Whitney Point Reservoir Recreation Area 

(federal): Located on State Route 26 several 

miles north of the Village of Whitney Point 

in Broome and Cortland counties. Offers big 

and small game hunting opportunities. No 

special hunting permits are needed. 

• Moose River Recreation Area (state): 

Located in Hamilton County. Hunting and 

trapping opportunities in a 50,000 acre 

wilderness setting. Register at the gate. 140 

primitive camping sites. Extensive seasonal 

road network. 

• Finger Lakes National Forest (federal): 

Located east of Seneca Lake in Schuyler 

and Seneca counties. Small and big game 

hunting opportunities. No special hunting 

permits are needed. 

• Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge 

(federal): Located at the north end of 

Cayuga Lake in Seneca County. Offers big 

game and waterfowl hunting opportunities. 

This area is also open for deer hunting on a 

controlled basis during both the bowhunting 

and regular seasons. Permits are required. 

When deer management permit use is 

allowed, WMU 8J permits are valid. For 

current information on seasons, permits, 

maps and regulations, write: 

ͪ REFUGE MANAGER 

Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge 

3395 Route 5/20 East 

Seneca Falls, NY 13148 

Telephone (315) 568-5987 

• Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge (federal): 

new YOrk indian 

reservatiOns 

Some tribal governments have made 

provisions for limited public hunting, 

trapping, fishing and snagging 

access, while others do not permit 

non-Indians to hunt, trap, fish or 

snag on their land. Check with the 

governing tribal office to determine 

the requirements for hunting, 

trapping, fishing and snagging within 

the reservation boundaries. A special 

permit is required. 

Located east of Lockport in Genesee and 

Orleans counties. Offers small game and 

waterfowl hunting opportunities. This area 

is also open for deer hunting during both the 

bowhunting and regular seasons. Detailed 

information available from: 

ͪ REFUGE MANAGER 

Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge 

1101 Casey Road 

Basom, NY14013 

Telephone (585) 948-5445 

• Long Island: For a brochure on areas to hunt 

and for access permits, write to 

ͪ Hunting Opportunities, NYS DEC 

SUNY Stony Brook 

50 Circle Rd. 

Stony Brook, NY 11790-3404 

• West Point Military Reservation (federal): 

Located in Orange County. Open for deer 

hunting during the late and regular seasons 

only. Deer management permit required. 

Contact USMA Wildlife Biologist at 

(845)-938-3857. 

• Fort Drum Military Installation (federal): 

Wildlife Management Unit 6H, located in 

Jefferson and Lewis counties. Over half of 

the 107,000 acre installation is open to the 

public for hunting and trapping. See the 

Fort Drum Fish and Wildlife Management 

Program website for more information: 

www.FortDrum.iSportsman.net (search for 

"wildlife") or call (315) 772-9636. 

• New York City Watershed Lands: The 

New York City Department of Environmental 

Protection (DEP) allows deer, bear, 

turkey, and small game hunting on specially 

designed City Water Supply lands. Hunters 

must possess the appropriate, valid 

New York State hunting license and a 

valid Access Permit to hunt on designated 

hunting areas on City Water Supply lands. 

For more information, including maps, go 

to http://www.nyc.gov/html/dep/html/ 

recreation/hunting_and_trapping.shtml. 

puBliC CampgrOunds 

Camping is sometimes available during 

the big game season. Reservations for DEC 

campgrounds can be made by calling 1-800- 

456-CAMP or online at reserveamerica.com. 

ask permissiOn 

ASK Permission stickers, 

a brochure explaining 

the program, Landowner 

Permission forms, and 

information about fish 

and wildlife conservation are available 

free from DEC regional wildlife 

offices or by writing: 

NYSDEC, 625 Broadway, Albany, 

NY 12233-4754 

OR ONLINE at www.dec.ny.gov/ 

outdoor/8371.html 

aCCess to HuNtING areas 

liCensed guides 

For information on 

licensed professional 

guides in New York, 

contact NYS DEC, 625 

Broadway, NY 12233-2560 

or phone (518) 402-8838. 

Remember: It is a crime to 

possess a rifle, shotgun or firearm in or upon 

buildings or grounds used for educational 

purposes (see Penal Law Section 265.01-3). 

Your state hunting & trapping 

regulations guide is 

available online! 

Full-featured website 

iPad, iPhone and 

smartphone accessible 

Share with friends 

on and 

View it online today at 

www.eRegulations.com/NY/hunting 


New York State eNviroNmeNtal CoNServatioN PoliCe 

Question: May I hunt for small game 

with a firearm while my son, aged 

12, hunts for big game with a bow? 

Answer: No. During the archery season, 

he/she may not be accompanied by 

anyone who possesses a firearm of any 

description. However, during the regular 

big game season, you may hunt for 

big or small game with a gun while your 

child is hunting for big game with a bow. 

Question: Do I need to wear 

my backtag while hunting 

on my own property? 

Answer: Yes, you must always wear 

your backtag while hunting unless your 

property is within the Catskill Park 

or the Northern Zone, or if you are a 

farmer hunting small game on your own 

property. 

Question: If a coyote is killing 

my chickens, do I need a 

hunting license to shoot it? 

Answer: If a coyote is doing damage to 

your property and you are the homeowner, 

no hunting license is required to 

take the animal. You may shoot the coyote 

as long as you are not discharging a 

firearm within 500 ft. of a dwelling you 

do not own, unless you have permission 

from the other homeowner to do so. 

Question: Does the antler 

restriction in those designated 

wildlife management units apply 

during the archery season? 

Answer: Yes, it applies to all deer seasons. 

If you are 16 years old or younger, 

then the restrictions do not apply in any 

season. 

Question: Can I track my wounded 

big game animal at night with a light? 

Answer: Yes, but you may not possess a 

rifle, shotgun, muzzleloader, crossbow 

or bow. 

Question: In the areas of the 

state where you can hunt deer 

only with a shotgun during the 

regular season, can I hunt for 

woodchucks with a centerfire rifle? 

Answer: Yes, but only during the time 

of year when there is no open season for 

deer, including the archery season. 

Toll-Free 24 Hour 

Question: Can I hunt for small game 

during the big game hunting season? 

Answer: Yes, as long as you have a 

hunting license with a valid small game 

privilege. 

Question: May I use my 

AR-15 for hunting? 

Answer: Yes, your semi-automatic 

AR-15 may be used with a five shot magazine 

or with a magazine that has been 

altered so that it is incapable of holding 

more than five rounds. Be sure to check 

where, when, and for which species a 

rifle is allowed. 

Question: My friend is a convicted 

felon. Can a felon buy a hunting 

license and go hunting? 

Answer: Yes, he/she may buy a license, 

but may only use a bow or an air rifle for 

hunting. The New York State Penal Law 

has been amended to prohibit a felon 

from possessing a rifle, shotgun, or a 

muzzleloader. 

Question: If I have to use crutches 

to walk, can I get a permit to 

allow me to hunt from my car? 

Answer: No, you must be “non-ambulatory,” 

meaning you are not mobile 

without the use of a wheelchair. Those 

wishing to obtain a “Non Ambulatory 

Hunter Permit” can get an application 

from the DEC website (www.dec.ny.gov). 

Applicants must obtain a signed statement 

by their licensed physician certifying 

the nature, extent, and term of 

physical disability. 


eco DispaTcH cenTer: 1-877-457-5680 

▲ ECO Sean Dewey 

investigates the remains 

of a black bear killed 

for its gall bladder in 

Greene County. 

▲ Six black bear paws were 

confiscated at a Brooklyn 

trading company. In this case, 

the proprietor paid $750.00 

in fines for commercialization 

of bear parts. 

Poaching and illegal commercialization robs the 

average citizen by stealing our fish & wildlife 

from legal sportsmen and outdoor enthusiasts 

who follow harvest limits, seasons and other 

regulations. 

Report Game Law Violators by calling DEC's 

24-Hour Dispatch Center at 1-877-457-5680. 

� deer Jacking/Commercialization arrest in ulster County 

From left to right: ECO Ricky Wood, Lt. Meg Filmer, Investigator 

Cindy Harcher and ECO Michael Buckley 

On the night of January 27, 2012, two subjects were arrested after 

jacking two deer. Flyers advertising an expensive venison dinner to 

be held in the Bronx were discovered in the truck. A search warrant 

executed at the subject’s residence yielded an additional 320 lbs. of 

venison and the remains of two 8 point bucks. The meat was intended 

for use at a 4th annual venison dinner. It is estimated at least ten deer 

were poached for commercial purposes in this case. The subjects paid 

$8,000.00 in penalties and face revocation of their hunting privileges. 

2012 Yates County Youth Turkey Hunt GALLERY 

12 yr old Daniel McGahey of Oneida County shot his 

first turkey on 4/21/12 while hunting with ECO Corey 

Schoonover and Oneida County deputy Jon Ford. 

The turkey weighed 24lbs and had an 11-inch beard 

and 1-inch spurs. 


eNvIroNMeNtal CoNservatIoN oFFICers 

wildlife COmpaCt 

Effective March 1, 2006, New York State joined 

the Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact 

(IWVC). The IWVC is a compact under 

which member states reciprocate regarding 

the suspension or revocation of licenses and 

permits resulting from violations concerning 

the pursuit, possession or taking of mammals, 

birds, fish, reptiles, amphibians, mollusks, 

shellfish and crustaceans. If a person’s license or 

permit privileges which come under the scope 

of the IWVC are suspended or revoked in one 

member state, they are subject to suspension 

or revocation in all member states. In addition 

to license and permit suspensions and 

revocations which result from a conviction 

for the illegal pursuit, possession or taking 

of mammals, birds, fish, reptiles, amphibians, 

mollusks, shellfish and crustaceans, failing 

to appear in court or to otherwise answer a 

ticket or summons issued for such violations 

will also result in license or permit suspension. 

IWVC member states also agree to recognize 

convictions for violations within the scope of 

the IWVC which occur in all other member 

states and to apply them toward license and 

permit suspension and revocations in the state 

in which the person resides. 

There are now 38 member states. Other 

states and Canadian provinces are expected 

to join the IWVC in the near future. For a 

complete list of IWVC member states, please 

call DEC’s Division of Law Enforcement at 

518-402-8816. 

alBanY 

ECO L. Billotto ............................. (518) 505-4029 

ECO K. Bush ................................. (518) 813-6805 

ECO K. Swan ................................. (518) 869-5237 

SECO T. Caifa ............................... (518) 357-2047 

alleganY 

ECO K. Basile ................................ (585) 403-2447 

ECO R. Calanni ............................ (585) 403-2437 

ECO M. Wojtkowiak ................... (607) 339-3591 

SECO D. Pleakis ........................... (716) 851-7050 

BrOnx 

ECO M. Clemens ......................... (718) 829-2827 

ECO E. Dowling ........................... (845) 623-3767 

ECO N. Favreau ............................ (646) 294-7170 

ECO J. Woodin ............................. (646) 542-4299 

SECO G. Steele ............................. (718) 482-4885 

BrOOme 

ECO J. Blincoe .............................. (607) 621-8537 

ECO A. Mccormick ..................... (607) 621-3464 

ECO E. Templeton ....................... (607) 621-3255 

SECO T. Lutz ................................ (315) 426-7431 

Cattaraugus 

ECO T. Hansen ............................. (716) 997-9795 

ECO R. Nosal ................................ (716) 532-0461 

ECO N. Verhague ......................... (716) 771-8266 

SECO D. Pleakis ........................... (716) 851-7050 

CaYuga 

ECO M. Colesante ....................... (315) 567-1835 

ECO C. Nielsen ............................. (315) 253-7689 

ECO S. Sincebaugh ...................... (315) 253-8534 

SECO D. Mcshane ........................ (315) 426-7431 

law enforcement toll Free 24-Hour 

eCo Dispatch 1-877-457-5680 

CHautauqua 

ECO K. Budniewski ..................... (716) 401-1163 

ECO C. Freeman .......................... (716) 490-3947 

ECO D. Gowan ............................. (716) 965-2779 

ECO J. Kinney ............................... (716) 401-1187 

SECO D. Pleakis ........................... (716) 851-7050 

CHemung 

ECO T. Dragotta ........................... (607) 331-7458 

ECO S. Farrand ............................. (607) 331-7549 

SECO P. Barton ............................. (585) 226-6866 

CHenangO 

ECO B. Armstrong ....................... (607) 895-6515 

ECO J. P. Powers ............................ (607) 423-2971 

SECO K. Warner .......................... (315) 426-7431 

ClintOn 

ECO M. Lacroix ............................ (518) 335-5422 

ECO D. Malone ............................ (518) 643-8172 

ECO L. Taylor ............................... (518) 643-0475 

SECO D. Darrah ........................... (518) 897-1326 

COlumBia 

ECO P. Brinkerhoff ...................... (518) 505-4157 

ECO J. Cox ..................................... (518) 794-8935 

SECO J. Hays ................................. (518) 357-2047 

COrtland 

ECO T. Fernandes ........................ (607) 836-6595 

SECO K. Warner .......................... (315) 426-7431 

delaware 

ECO V. Bauer ................................ (845) 586-3079 

ECO N. Doig ................................. (607) 267-5452 

ECO G. Wilber III ........................ (607) 267-5479 

SECO K. Beiter ............................. (518) 357-2047 

dutCHess 

ECO R. Hodor Jr. .......................... (845) 483-9672 

ECO D. Read III ............................ (845) 240-6758 

ECO B. Whalen ............................ (914) 589-5759 

SECO D. Clayton .......................... (845) 256-3013 

erie 

ECO D. Dougherty ....................... (716) 316-5607 

ECO C. Gill .................................... (716) 908-5051 

ECO C. Lohr ................................. (716) 549-0542 

ECO S. Marshall ........................... (716) 537-2464 

ECO M. Mazurkiewicz ................ (716) 537-2533 

ECO R. Peinkofer ......................... (716) 704-0887 

ECO M. S. Phelps ......................... (716) 250-8213 

ECO A. C. Wilson ........................ (716) 675-1095 

SECO W. Powell ........................... (716) 851-7050 

SECO J. Schultz ............................ (716) 851-7050 

essex 

ECO J. Blades ................................ (518) 335-5201 

ECO J. Cole .................................... (518) 335-5801 

ECO M. C. Phelps ........................ (518) 418-9946 

SECO H. Barber ........................... (518) 897-1326 

franklin 

ECO J. Cranker ............................. (518) 708-1220 

ECO J. Hovey ................................ (518) 637-5694 

ECO K. Riggs ................................ (518) 335-3558 

SECO D. Darrah ........................... (518) 897-1326 

fultOn 

ECO S. Manns .............................. (518) 708-1168 

ECO N. Mead ................................ (518) 844-7210 

SECO J. Ellithorpe ........................ (518) 897-1326 

genesee 

ECO R. Rauscher .......................... (585) 300-7715 

SECO J. Verhague ......................... (585) 226-6866 

greene 

ECO M. Arp .................................. (518) 966-5357 

ECO S. Dewey ............................... (518) 653-3077 

ECO A. Glorioso .......................... (518) 755-9242 

SECO K. Beiter ............................. (518) 357-2047 

HamiltOn 

ECO P. Buswell ............................. (518) 335-5013 

ECO K. Kelly ................................. (315) 804-9435 

ECO S. Pierce ................................ (518) 866-4723 

SECO J. Ellithorpe ........................ (518) 897-1326 

Herkimer 

ECO J. Kerns ................................. (315) 489-3346 

ECO D. Lucas ................................ (315) 823-4071 

ECO R. Ritzel ................................ (315) 489-3907 

ECO C. Schoonover ..................... (315) 269-6646 

SECO M. Jacoby ........................... (315) 785-2231 

SECO T. Richards ......................... (315) 785-2231 

JeffersOn 

ECO S. Bartoszewski ................... (315) 489-6984 

ECO M. Malone ........................... (315) 583-3568 

ECO J. Murphy ............................. (315) 542-4293 

ECO T. Worden ............................. (315) 778-9279 

ECO T. Wensley ........................... (315) 489-9803 

SECO C. Handley ......................... (315) 785-2231 

kings 

ECO M. Baker ............................... (718) 987-5094 

ECO G. Maneeley ........................ (718) 668-0276 

ECO M. Nichols ........................... (646) 542-4313 

ECO J. Okonuk ............................. (914) 375-0748 

ECO N. Stevens ............................ (646) 542-4312 

SECO B. Hummel ........................ (718) 482-4885 

lewis 

ECO F. Fuerch ............................... (315) 542-4290 

ECO S. Hutton .............................. (315) 767-5232 

ECO J. Murphy ............................. (315) 542-4293 

ECO E. Roderick .......................... (315) 489-3269 

ECO T. Worden ............................. (315) 778-9279 

SECO C. Handley ......................... (315) 785-2231 


livingstOn 

ECO B. Wade ................................ (585) 303-0065 

ECO C. Ward ................................ (585) 303-0098 


madisOn 

ECO H. Chase ............................... (315) 662-3412 

ECO C. Childs .............................. (315) 254-0657 

SECO K. Warner .......................... (315) 426-7431 

mOnrOe 

ECO E. Haag ................................. (585) 414-0611 

ECO J. Lutz .................................... (585) 303-1506 

ECO B. Shea .................................. (585) 576-5678 

ECO E. Snowdon .......................... (585) 683-6758 

SECO M. Lochner ........................ (585) 226-6866 

mOntgOmerY 

ECO J. Deangelis .......................... (518) 346-4580 

ECO C. Valenty ............................. (518) 505-4104 

SECO T. Caifa ............................... (518) 357-2047 

nassau 

ECO E. Dalecki ............................. (516) 204-6312 

ECO D. Ferraro ............................. (516) 826-0832 

ECO M. Garrigan ......................... (516) 306-2574 

ECO M. Unger .............................. (516) 328-0579 

SECO T. Gadomski ...................... (631) 444-0250 


eNvIroNMeNtal CoNservatIoN oFFICers 

wildlife viOlatOrs are stealing frOm YOu! 

Call 1-800-TIPP-DEC or an officer listed below to report poaching, 

trespassing, baiting or other wildlife violations. 

new YOrk 

ECO D. Dainack ........................... (718) 979-0696 

ECO T. Machnica ......................... (845) 429-5141 

ECO B. Wilson .............................. (646) 542-4297 

SECO B. Rivers ............................. (718) 482-4885 

niagara 

ECO J. M. Powers ......................... (716) 433-1432 

ECO J. Rogers ................................ (716) 773-0984 

ECO R. Thompson ....................... (716) 433-3369 

SECO J. Schultz ............................ (716) 851-7050 

Oneida 

ECO V. Fonda ................................ (315) 489-4224 

ECO R. Grisolini .......................... (315) 240-6966 

ECO J. Kerns ................................. (315) 489-3346 

ECO S. Lakeman .......................... (315) 734-0648 

ECO R. Ritzel ................................ (315) 489-3907 

SECO M. Jacoby ........................... (315) 785-2231 


OnOndaga 

ECO R. Head ................................. (315) 673-3067 

ECO P. Sherman ........................... (315) 484-9678 

ECO C. Starczek ........................... (315) 445-2061 

ECO S. Yacavone .......................... (315) 487-4401 

SECO D. Mcshane ........................ (315) 426-7431 

OntariO 

ECO J. Dobies ............................... (585) 905-7669 

ECO D. Malloy .............................. (585) 905-7404 

ECO J. Stansfield .......................... (315) 986-9438 

SECO T. Stoner ............................. (585) 226-6866 

Orange 

ECO M. Buckley ........................... (845) 236-7684 

ECO J. Conway ............................. (845) 699-9813 

ECO N. Desotelle ......................... (845) 662-5756 

ECO D. Galvin .............................. (845) 638-0979 

ECO A. Gordon ............................ (845) 662-5787 

ECO K. Shephard ......................... (845) 784-6045 

SECO M. Townley ........................ (845) 256-3013 

Orleans 

ECO P. Kroth ................................. (585) 682-7791 

ECO G. Wilson ............................. (585) 683-0773 


OswegO 

ECO W. Burnell ............................ (315) 676-5387 

ECO M. Dorrett ............................ (315) 625-4129 

ECO S. Dussault ........................... (315) 963-1008 

ECO M. Harger ............................. (315) 383-1766 

ECO A. Panipinto ........................ (315) 623-7657 

SECO J. Reitmeier ........................ (315) 426-7431 

OtsegO 

ECO T. Card .................................. (607) 267-9547 

ECO M. Vencak ............................ (607) 397-1823 

ECO K. Zurmuhlen ..................... (607) 267-5444 

SECO T. Harrington .................... (518) 357-2047 

putnam 

ECO J. Curinga ............................. (845) 612-6099 

ECO J. Davey ................................. (845) 787-7025 

ECO K. Manners .......................... (845) 265-2165 

ECO A. Markey ............................ (845) 424-3281 

ECO B. Toth .................................. (845) 424-3073 

SECO M. Filmer ........................... (845) 256-3013 

queens 

ECO C. Lattimer .......................... (718) 424-3628 

ECO D. Lum .................................. (718) 956-6460 

ECO M. Mat .................................. (516) 536-2352 

ECO S. Mathis .............................. (646) 542-4305 

SECO G. Steele ............................. (718) 482-4885 

rensselaer 

ECO B. Canzeri ............................ (518) 270-5035 

ECO R. Fetterman ........................ (518) 925-5549 

SECO J. Hays ................................. (518) 357-2047 

riCHmOnd 

ECO A. Brassard .......................... (718) 979-0610 

ECO D. Thomas ............................ (646) 542-4316 

SECO B. Rivers ............................. (718) 482-4885 

rOCkland 

ECO N. Desotelle ......................... (845) 662-5756 

ECO D. Galvin .............................. (845) 638-0979 

ECO K. Shephard ......................... (845) 784-6045 

SECO M. Townley ........................ (845) 256-3013 

saratOga 

ECO R. Higgins ............................ (518) 860-8677 

ECO M. Klein ................................ (518) 892-9402 

ECO J. Service ............................... (518) 583-2790 

ECO S. Shaw ................................. (518) 860-8675 

SECO C. Ruckert .......................... (518) 897-1326 

sCHeneCtadY 

ECO J. Deangelis .......................... (518) 346-4580 

ECO C. Valenty ............................. (518) 505-4104 

SECO T. Caifa ............................... (518) 357-2047 

sCHOHarie 

ECO K. Isles .................................. (518) 295-7949 

ECO M. Terrell ............................. (518) 827-7754 

SECO T. Harrington .................... (518) 357-2047 

sCHuYler 

ECO J. Lifrieri ............................... (607) 644-3815 

SECO P. Barton ............................. (585) 226-6866 

seneCa 

ECO S. Angotti ............................. (315) 568-5370 

ECO K. Levanway ........................ (607) 339-6796 

SECO T. Stoner ............................. (585) 226-6866 

st. lawrenCe 

ECO S. Atwood ............................. (315) 262-2304 

ECO T. Basford ............................. (315) 265-2757 

ECO B. Canary ............................. (315) 489-3180 

ECO J. Munn ................................. (315) 842-2854 

ECO J. Ryan ................................... (315) 322-5106 

ECO J. Schneller ........................... (315) 566-9258 

ECO M. Sherry ............................. (315) 566-9574 

SECO M. Revenaugh ................... (315) 785-2231 

steuBen 

ECO D. Hulett ............................... (607) 331-7111 

ECO E. Stull ................................... (607) 331-6468 

SECO P. Barton ............................. (585) 226-6866 

suffOlk 

ECO L. Bobseine .......................... (631) 905-4235 

ECO D. Damrath .......................... (516) 204-6623 

ECO J. Eastwood .......................... (631) 874-3132 

ECO T. Fay ..................................... (631) 447-0959 

ECO K. Grady ............................... (631) 744-2507 

ECO M. Krug ................................ (631) 813-0846 

ECO C. Lagree .............................. (631) 205-0470 

ECO A. Lawston ........................... (631) 325-8569 

ECO D. Oliver ............................... (631) 205-0649 

ECO M. Simmons ........................ (631) 874-2591 

ECO J. Sulkey ................................ (516) 881-6548 

ECO M. Unger .............................. (516) 328-0579 

ECO J. Wolgast ............................. (631) 820-1521 

SECO D. Bengel ............................ (631) 444-0250 

SECO M. Blaising ......................... (631) 444-0250 

SECO F. Carbone ......................... (631) 444-0250 

d 

sullivan 

ECO M. Bello ................................ (845) 665-5489 

ECO S. Steingart ........................... (845) 439-8043 

ECO R. Wood ............................... (845) 665-5637 

SECO D. Lindsley ......................... (845) 256-3013 

tiOga 

ECO S. Winnick III ...................... (607) 245-9751 

SECO T. Lutz ................................ (315) 426-7431 

tOmpkins 

ECO O. Eisenberg ........................ (607) 564-9458 

ECO J. Milewski Jr ....................... (607) 283-1494 

SECO T. Lutz ................................ (315) 426-7431 

ulster 

ECO B. Gillis ................................. (845) 687-9350 

ECO C. Stephens Jr ...................... (845) 430-8541 

ECO M. Schillinger ...................... (845) 246-8002 

SECO D. Clayton .......................... (845) 256-3013 

SECO D. Lindsley ......................... (845) 256-3013 

warren 

ECO S. Delarosa ........................... (518) 527-1101 

ECO L. Gerrain ............................. (518) 925-5560 

ECO G. Lapoint ............................ (518) 793-3767 

SECO H. Barber ........................... (518) 897-1326 

wasHingtOn 

ECO T. Chase ................................ (518) 708-1217 

ECO J. Dempster .......................... (518) 692-9973 

ECO S. Gonyeau ........................... (518) 567-2104 

SECO C. Ruckert .......................... (518) 897-1326 

waYne 

ECO J. Crain .................................. (315) 489-3422 

ECO T. Smith ................................ (315) 745-9371 

SECO M. Lochner ........................ (585) 226-6866 

westCHester 

ECO J. Curinga ............................. (845) 612-6099 

ECO J. Davey ................................. (845) 787-7025 

ECO K. Manners .......................... (845) 265-2165 

ECO A. Markey ............................ (845) 424-3281 

ECO B. Toth .................................. (845) 424-3073 

SECO M. Filmer ........................... (845) 256-3013 

wYOming 

ECO J. Hunt ................................... (716) 628-3488 

ECO R. Ward Jr ............................ (585) 919-4465 

SECO W. Powell ........................... (716) 851-7050 

Yates 

ECO P. Blanton ............................. (585) 694-4077 

SECO T. Stoner ............................. (585) 226-6866 


3A 

3A 

ULSTER 

reGIoNal MaPs 

ULSTER 

ORANGE 

ORANGE 

3M 

3M 

ROCKLAND 

RICHMOND 

3C 

3C 

ROCKLAND 

3J 

3J 

New Jersey 

New Jersey 

RICHMOND 

NEW YORK 

BRONX 

NEW YORK 

3P 

3P 

3R 

3R 

BRONX 

KINGS 

DUTCHESS 

3F 

3F 

DUTCHESS 

3N 

3N 

PUTNAM 

PUTNAM 

3S 

3S 

KINGSQUEENS 

3G 

3G 

WESTCHESTER 

2A 

1A 

2A 

QUEENS 

1A 

Connecticut 

WESTCHESTER 

NASSAU 

NASSAU 

Map produced by NYSDEC HIU, 5/19/09. 



1C 

1C 

SUF 

SUF 

Atlantic O 

Atlantic O

FOLK 

cean 

Public Lands &ManagementAreas 


Public Lands & Management Areas 

Federal Recreational Land 

State Park 

Wildlife Management Units 

DEC Lands 


Wildlife ManagementArea 


Multiple UseArea 

Wildlife Management Area 

Multiple Use Area 

DEC Lands 

0 2.5 5 10 15 20 25 

Miles 

reGIoNal MaPs 


eGIoNal MaPs 

LIVING- 

STON 


8H 

8C 




DEC Lands 



0 4.5 9 18 27 36 45 


MONROE 

Lake Ontario 

ONTARIO 

WAYNE 

8F 

8J 

SENECA 

BOrder patrOl 

To report suspicious activity along the U.S./Canada 

Border, Lake Erie, the Niagara River and Lake 

Ontario, call the United States Border Patrol: 

• 1-800-331-0353 or 

• e-mail SafeBorders@dhs.gov 

Miles 

CAYUGA 

report smuggling or illegal crossings. 

OSWEGO 

7A 

7F 

Canada 

JEFFERSON 

7J 

6G 

6K 


6N 

ONEIDA 

MADISON 

6H 

6P

LEWIS 

6A 

6C 

ST.LAWRENCE 

6J 

HERKIMER 

6S 

6R 

6F 

HAMILTON 

FULTON 

5H 

MONTGOMERY 

FRANKLIN 

5F 

5C 

ESSEX 

WARREN 

5J 

SARATOGA 

5R 

CLINTON 

reGIoNal MaPs 

5A 

5G 

5T 

WASHINGTON 

5S 

4C 

Vermont 


LIVING- 

STON 

8M 

reGIoNal MaPs 

8X 

8H 

8C 

8N 

STEUBEN 

MONROE 

8P 

ONTARIO 

8T 

YATES 

WAYNE 

8F 

8J 

8R 

SCHUYLER 

8W 





DEC Lands 



0 5 10 20 30 40 


SENECA 

Miles 

CAYUGA 

8S 

CHEMUNG 

8Y 

7H 

7R 


TIOGA 

7F 

TOMPKINS 

Pennsylvania 

7S 

7J 

ONONDAGA 

CORTLAND 

BROOME 

2012/13 HaBitat & aCCess stamp 

You don’t need 

to be a hunter or 

angler to help the 

fish and wildlife of 

New York. 

7M 

All New Yorkers 

can help create 

or improve fish 

and wildlife 

habitat or improve access to those resources for recreation 

or educational activities. You can do this by purchasing a 

$5 2012/13 NYS Habitat & Access Stamp. The Habitat 

& Access Stamp is available at sporting license outlets 

throughout New York State or by calling 1-866-933-2257. 

MADISON 

7P 

6P 

CHENANGO

4O 

OTSEGO 

4W 

6S 

DELAWARE 

6R 

3K 

4F 

4P 

SULLIVAN 

3H 

FULTON 

New 

Jersey 

4G 

4R 

3A 

MONTGOMERY 

SCHOHARIE 

ULSTER 

ORANGE 

4A 

3M 

SCHENECTADY 

3C 

reGIoNal MaPs 

2012–13 HuNtING & traPPING GuIDe WESTCHESTER 

71 

ROCKLAND 

4H 

ALBANY 

GREENE 

3J 

5J 

SARATOGA 

3P 

3R 

5R 

4J 

4B 

4S 

4Y 

DUTCHESS 

3F 

3N 

PUTNAM 

3S 

4K 

4T 

4Z 

3G 

5S 

4C 

RENSSELAER 

4U 

COLUMBIA 

4L 

Connecticut Massachusetts

eGIoNal MaPs 





DEC Lands 




eGIoNal MaPs 


CoNservatIoN FuND aDvIsorY boarD 

Supporrtti ing New Yorrk’’ss 

Fi issh,, Wi il ldl li iffe and Marri ine Ressourrcess 

Revenue from fishing and hunting license fees, federal funds and other 

sources are used to accomplish efforts to conserve, manage and protect 

New York State’s fish, wildlife and marine resources and their habitats; 

inform and educate the public; and provide opportunities for people to 

use and appreciate these resources. As shown in the charts below, the 

Division’s budget sustains a wide array of fish, wildlife, marine and habitat 

management tasks, conservation education, law enforcement and 

support work; all of which are essential to ensure the Division can 

effectively serve the wildlife and people of New York. 

$0.5M 

$53.7M 

$1.1M 

$2.6M 

Conservation Fund 

Other Operating Funds 

Federal Funds 

Where the Money Goes 

$20.5M 

$14.5M 

Capital Projects Funding 

Expenditures for FY2010* 

$16.6M 

$40.7M 

Fish, Wildlife & Marine 

Law Enforcement 

Agency Support 

Capital Projects 

Operational Services 

Public Affairs 

Lands & Forest 

Where the Money Comes From 

Revenue for FY2010* 

$30.5M $23.7M 

$14.5M 

* New York State’s 2010 Fiscal Year (FY) was from April 1, 2010 through March 31, 2011 

nYs COnservatiOn fund 

advisOrY BOard 

The NYS Conservation Fund Advisory Board 

(CFAB) was established by law to make recommendations 

to state agencies on state government 

plans, policies, and programs affecting 

fish and wildlife. 

CFAB consults with and advises DEC 

about expenditure of Conservation Fund 

monies and ways to increase revenue to 

this fund. For more information, visit: 

www.dec.ny.gov/about/566.html 

24-Hour 

Emergency Contact Number 

for State Lands 

accident • illness • lost 

wildfi re• illegal activities 

518-408-5250 or 

518-891-0235 

(in Adirondacks) 

Put them in your phone now— 

they could save a life, prevent a 

wildlfi re, or stop a crime later 

Cell service may not be reliable at all locations. 

Always tell someone where you are going 

and when you will return 


New York State 

DEPARTMENT OF 

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION 


suNrIse & suNset 

day 

wHen Hunting fOr 

wildlife, all sHOOting 

HOurs are sunrise tO 

sunset, exCept: 

Unprotected wildlife—any hour 

Furbearers, i.e. coyote, raccoon, fox, 

bobcat—any hour 

Ducks, Geese, Snipe, Rails—½ hour 

before sunrise to sunset 

Spring Turkey—½ hour before 

sunrise to noon 

sept OCt nOv deC Jan feB mar apr maY 

rise set rise set rise set rise set rise set rise set rise set rise set rise set 

am pm am pm am pm am pm am pm am pm am pm am pm am pm 

1 6:20 7:29 6:53 6:36 7:30 5:47 7:06 4:22 7:25 4:33 7:09 5:09 6:30 5:45 6:37 7:21 5:49 7:56 

2 6:22 7:27 6:54 6:34 7:31 5:46 7:07 4:22 7:25 4:33 7:08 5:10 6:29 5:46 6:35 7:23 5:48 7:57 

3 6:23 7:25 6:55 6:32 7:32 5:45 7:08 4:22 7:25 4:34 7:07 5:11 6:27 5:47 6:34 7:24 5:47 7:58 

4 6:24 7:23 6:56 6:30 6:33 4:43 7:09 4:22 7:25 4:35 7:06 5:13 6:25 5:49 6:32 7:25 5:45 7:59 

5 6:25 7:22 6:57 6:29 6:35 4:42 7:10 4:22 7:25 4:36 7:05 5:14 6:24 5:50 6:30 7:26 5:44 8:00 

6 6:26 7:20 6:58 6:27 6:36 4:41 7:11 4:21 7:25 4:37 7:04 5:15 6:22 5:51 6:28 7:27 5:43 8:01 

7 6:27 7:18 7:00 6:25 6:37 4:40 7:12 4:21 7:25 4:38 7:02 5:17 6:20 5:52 6:27 7:28 5:42 8:02 

8 6:28 7:16 7:01 6:24 6:38 4:39 7:13 4:21 7:25 4:39 7:01 5:18 6:19 5:54 6:25 7:29 5:40 8:03 

9 6:29 7:15 7:02 6:22 6:40 4:38 7:14 4:21 7:25 4:40 7:00 5:19 6:17 5:55 6:23 7:31 5:39 8:05 

10 6:30 7:13 7:03 6:20 6:41 4:37 7:15 4:21 7:24 4:41 6:59 5:21 7:15 6:56 6:22 7:32 5:38 8:06 

11 6:31 7:11 7:04 6:19 6:42 4:36 7:16 4:22 7:24 4:43 6:57 5:22 7:14 6:57 6:20 7:33 5:37 8:07 

12 6:32 7:09 7:05 6:17 6:44 4:35 7:16 4:22 7:24 4:44 6:56 5:23 7:12 6:58 6:18 7:34 5:36 8:08 

13 6:33 7:08 7:07 6:15 6:45 4:34 7:17 4:22 7:23 4:45 6:55 5:25 7:10 6:59 6:17 7:35 5:35 8:09 

14 6:34 7:06 7:08 6:14 6:46 4:33 7:18 4:22 7:23 4:46 6:53 5:26 7:09 7:01 6:15 7:36 5:34 8:10 

15 6:35 7:04 7:09 6:12 6:47 4:32 7:19 4:22 7:23 4:47 6:52 5:27 7:07 7:02 6:13 7:37 5:33 8:11 

16 6:36 7:02 7:10 6:10 6:49 4:31 7:19 4:23 7:22 4:48 6:50 5:29 7:05 7:03 6:12 7:39 5:32 8:12 

17 6:38 7:01 7:11 6:09 6:50 4:30 7:20 4:23 7:21 4:50 6:49 5:30 7:03 7:04 6:10 7:40 5:31 8:13 

18 6:39 6:59 7:12 6:07 6:51 4:29 7:21 4:23 7:21 4:51 6:47 5:31 7:02 7:05 6:09 7:41 5:30 8:14 

19 6:40 6:57 7:14 6:06 6:52 4:29 7:21 4:24 7:20 4:52 6:46 5:32 7:00 7:07 6:07 7:42 5:29 8:15 

20 6:41 6:55 7:15 6:04 6:53 4:28 7:22 4:24 7:20 4:53 6:45 5:34 6:58 7:08 6:06 7:43 5:28 8:16 

21 6:42 6:53 7:16 6:03 6:55 4:27 7:22 4:25 7:19 4:55 6:43 5:35 6:56 7:09 6:04 7:44 5:27 8:17 

22 6:43 6:52 7:17 6:01 6:56 4:27 7:23 4:25 7:18 4:56 6:41 5:36 6:55 7:10 6:02 7:45 5:26 8:18 

23 6:44 6:50 7:18 6:00 6:57 4:26 7:23 4:26 7:17 4:57 6:40 5:38 6:53 7:11 6:01 7:47 5:25 8:19 

24 6:45 6:48 7:20 5:58 6:58 4:25 7:24 4:26 7:17 4:58 6:38 5:39 6:51 7:12 5:59 7:48 5:25 8:20 

25 6:46 6:46 7:21 5:57 6:59 4:25 7:24 4:27 7:16 5:00 6:37 5:40 6:49 7:13 5:58 7:49 5:24 8:21 

26 6:47 6:44 7:22 5:55 7:01 4:24 7:24 4:28 7:15 5:01 6:35 5:41 6:48 7:15 5:56 7:50 5:23 8:22 

27 6:48 6:43 7:23 5:54 7:02 4:24 7:25 4:29 7:14 5:02 6:34 5:43 6:46 7:16 5:55 7:51 5:23 8:23 

28 6:50 6:41 7:25 5:53 7:03 4:23 7:25 4:29 7:13 5:04 6:32 5:44 6:44 7:17 5:54 7:52 5:22 8:23 

29 6:51 6:39 7:26 5:51 7:04 4:23 7:25 4:30 7:12 5:05 6:42 7:18 5:52 7:53 5:21 8:24 

30 6:52 6:37 7:27 5:50 7:05 4:23 7:25 4:31 7:11 5:06 6:41 7:19 5:51 7:55 5:21 8:25 

31 7:28 5:49 7:25 4:32 7:10 5:08 6:39 7:20 5:20 8:26

2012-2013 Hunting & Trapping Regulations Guide - New York State ...

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