New York and New Jersey Hunting Seasons 2018-19

October 01, 2018
Trail Conference
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New York and New Jersey Hunting Seasons 2018-19
Deer - Photo Wendy Asea

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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 2018-19 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. 

2018-19 Hunting Season Schedules 

NEW YORK

Bear Season

Southern Zone (includes Hudson Valley and Catskills)
Early: Sept 8-23
Early Bowhunting: Oct. 1-Nov. 16
Crossbow: Nov. 3-16
Regular (gun): Nov. 17-Dec. 9
Late Bowhunting: Dec. 10-18
Late Muzzleloading: Dec. 10-18
 
Westchester County
Regular-Bowhunting Only: Oct. 1-Dec. 31

Deer Season 

Southern Zone (includes Hudson Valley and Catskills)
Early Bowhunting: Oct. 1-Nov. 16
Crossbow: Nov. 3-16
Regular (gun): Nov. 17-Dec. 9
Late Bowhunting: Dec. 10-18
Muzzleloading: Dec. 10-18

Westchester County 
Regular-Bowhunting Only: Oct. 1-Dec. 31

Suffolk County 
Regular-Bowhunting Only: Oct. 1-Jan. 31, 2018
Special Firearms (permit required): Jan. 6–Jan. 31, 2018
 
Read the NYS DEC's full summary of regulations regarding the 2017-18 big game, turkey, and furbearer seasons.

Popular Parks

Bear Mountain-Harriman and Sterling Forest State Parks
Hikers should be aware that hunting is allowed with a park permit in the area of Harriman west of Route 87 and into Sterling Forest State Park. Other areas of Harriman-Bear Mountain are not open to hunting. For complete details, call the park at 845-351-5907 or view the Sterling Forest State Park Hunting Guide, which includes a map.
 
Schunemunk Mountain State Park
Hunting is allowed at the park.
 
Black Rock Forest
This private forest closes to all hikers during regular gun season, from Nov. 18 through Dec. 10.
 
Other State Parks
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. 
 
For more info on deer and black bear seasons and regulations in New York, visit the DEC website.
 

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

Since 2016, there are two segments to the bear season: Segment A in October, with the first three days (Oct. 9-11, 2017) for archery only; the final three days (Oct. 12-14) are for both archery and muzzleloading rifle hunters. Segment B is for firearms only and is held concurrently with the Six-day Firearm Deer Season (Dec. 4-9, 2017); there is the option for the season to be extended the following week if harvest objectives are not met.

See the Division of Fish & Wildlife's page on New Jersey's black bear hunting season for more info.

Deer Season

Fall Bow: Sept. 29-Oct. 26
Youth Day Bow: Sept. 22
Youth Day Firearm: Nov. 17
Permit Bow: Oct. 27-Nov. 17
Permit Muzzleloader: Nov. 26-27; Dec. 15, 17-19, 24, 26-31
Six-day Firearm: Dec. 3-8
Permit Shotgun: Nov. 12-14
Winter Bow: Jan. 1-31, 2019
 
 
Good to know: Hunting with firearms is generally prohibited throughout the state on Sundays. (Seasonal bowhunting is permitted on state wildlife management areas and private property on Sundays.) 
 
 
Contact Division of Fish & Wildlife at [email protected] with any questions.