New York and New Jersey Hunting Seasons 2020-21
September 11, 2020
State Websites
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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
Southern Zone (includes Hudson Valley and Catskills)
Early: Sept. 12-27
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
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
Westchester County
Regular-Bowhunting Only: Oct. 1-Dec. 31
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
Suffolk County
Regular-Bowhunting Only: Oct. 1,2019-Jan. 31, 2020
Regular-Bowhunting Only: Oct. 1,2019-Jan. 31, 2020
Special Firearms (permit required): Jan. 4–Jan. 31, 2020
Read the NYS DEC's full summary of regulations regarding the 2020-21 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 I-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.
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.
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.
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.
Fall Bow: Oct. 3
Youth Day Bow: Sept. 26
Youth Day Firearm: Nov. 21
Youth Day Firearm: Nov. 21
Permit Bow: Oct. 31-Dec. 31, 2020
Permit Muzzleloader: Nov. 23
Six-day Firearm: Dec. 7-12
Permit Shotgun: Nov. 23, 2020
Winter Bow: Jan. 1-31, 2021
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.
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 the Division of Fish & Wildlife at [email protected] with any questions.