New York and New Jersey Hunting Seasons 2020-21
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Outdoor recreationists should be aware of hunting season schedules and areas where hunting is permitted when choosing where to explore in the greater New York metropolitan region.
Find details on the 2020-21 hunting seasons in New York and New Jersey below.
We've also compiled a list of our top 10 no-hunting hike areas in New York and New Jersey.
Remember: It's always a good idea to wear bright colors when in the woods during hunting season, no matter where you go. Shop our trail store and grab an orange knit hat for your next adventure.2020-21 Hunting Season Schedules
NEW YORK
Bear Season
Early Bowhunting: Oct. 1-Nov. 20
Crossbow: Nov. 7-20
Regular (gun): Nov. 21-Dec. 13
Late Bowhunting: Dec. 14-22
Late Muzzleloading: Dec. 14-22
Regular-Bowhunting Only: Oct. 1-Dec. 31
Deer Season
Southern Zone (includes Hudson Valley and Catskills)
Early Bowhunting: Oct. 1-Nov. 20
Crossbow: Nov. 7-20
Regular (gun): Nov. 21-Dec. 13
Late Bowhunting: Dec. 14-22
Muzzleloading: Dec. 14-22
Westchester County
Regular-Bowhunting Only: Oct. 1-Dec. 31
Regular-Bowhunting Only: Oct. 1,2019-Jan. 31, 2020
Popular Parks
Hunting is allowed at the park.
This private forest closes to all hikers during regular gun season, from Nov. 18 through Dec. 10.
Hunting is allowed in parts or in all of some other state parks. Call parks for details. Find contact info by using our parks database.
NEW JERSEY
New Jersey public lands open to hunting are administered by various entities including federal, state, county, and municipal governments. The Division of Fish & Wildlife has compiled a broad overview on public hunting land in New Jersey, including links to find regulations in specific parks. The following seasons are generally in effect but dates vary by region; check specific parks for exact dates.
Bear Season
Following Governor Phil Murphy's Executive Order No. 34 (pdf), DEP Commissioner Catherine R. McCabe has issued Administrative Order No. 2018-24 closing all DEP owned, managed, or otherwise controlled lands to bear hunting during the October and December 2018 season segments. The closure includes, but is not limited to, the following: state forests, parks, recreation areas, and natural areas; and wildlife management areas. Click here for more information.
See the Division of Fish & Wildlife's page on New Jersey's black bear hunting season for more info.
Deer Season
The exact dates within the windows below will vary based on the local management zone. Get full details on deer hunting in New Jersey.
Youth Day Firearm: Nov. 21
Morris County Parks
Lewis Morris County Park will be closed on Dec. 9, 11, 16, Jan. 6, and 13 for deer management.
Black River County Park will be closed on Dec. 7, 10, 17, Jan. 7, and 14 for deer management.