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

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.
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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.
62 2012–13 Hunting & Trapping Guide