New York and New Jersey have announced their hunting schedules for large game and times when firearms are permitted. We strongly urge hikers to wear safety orange clothing during these times. There are also small game seasons which are less dangerous but hikers should still be aware and consider wearing safety orange. Dates listed are inclusive.

New York - Southern Zone (including Catskills - South Taconics)

Deer

Archery: Oct. 15 - Nov. 18, Dec. 12-16
Archery (Westchester Co. only): Nov. 1-Dec. 31
Firearms: Nov. 19- Dec. 11
Muzzleloaders: Dec. 12-18

Bear (Catskills)

Archery: Oct. 15 - Nov. 18, Dec. 12-16
Firearms: Nov. 24 - Dec. 11
Muzzleloaders: Dec. 12-18

Hunting is not allowed in Bear Mountain-Harriman State Parks. However, it is allowed in parts of Storm King, Minnewaska  and Sterling Forest State Parks. Contact (845- 786-2701 for more details about hunting in these parks.

Black Rock Forest closes to hikers for part of the deer season, including that portion of the Highlands Trail in the Forest. For details, call 845-534-4517. 

Schunemunk is open and hunting is not allowed on OSI (former Mountainville Conservancy) lands, but, again, we advise extra caution in that area. 

Hubbard-Perkins obeys the same rules as Fahnestock (archery only) but has a long history of hunting so use extra caution. Limited hunting is allowed on the private inholding (parts of the Perkins Trail).

Parts of Minnewaska allow hunting.

For more information about the New York hunting schedules, call the Office of Parks & Recreation, (518) 474-0456, or the hunting, fishing and game licensing/sales office (518) 457-3521.

NYSDEC - Sporting Licenses  NYSDEC Hunting

New Jersey

Deer

Archery: Sept. 29 - Nov. 24
Firearms: Dec. 5 - Jan. 31, 2002
Muzzleloaders: Nov. 19–21; Dec. 3–Jan. 31, 2002
Special High Point State Park Muzzleloader Season: Nov. 5–9, 12–15

Hunting is not allowed on Sundays in New Jersey. Most of Ramapo Mountain State Forest is closed to hunting. The proposed Bear Hunt was cancelled. (Corrected - Trail Walker is wrong)

For more information about the New Jersey hunting season, call (609) 292-6685 or (908) 735-7040

Hunting in New Jersey  2001-2002 Deer Season Dates

For more information about New York hunting schedules, call the Dept. of Environmental Conservation hunting, fishing, and game licensing/sales office, 518-457-3521.