2024-25 Hunting Seasons in the Adirondacks
With so many species of animals available to hunt in the Adirondacks, there is almost always an open season! Hunters must have proper permits, and be within their season to take game in New York State.
If you are not sure where to start, consider a guided hunting trip under the tutelage of an experienced Adirondack hunting guide.
New York State is broken up into zones that feature different hunting season dates. The majority of the Adirondack Park is located in the Northern Zone, and regulations for the Northern Zone are shown below.
White-Tailed Deer
Early Bowhunting Season: September 27 - October 25
Crossbow Season: October 16 - October 25
Youth Hunt: October 12 - 14
Muzzleloader Season: October 19 - October 25 (also December 9 - December 15 in some areas)
Regular Season: October 26 - December 8
Late Bowhunting Season: December 9 - December 17 (only applies in some areas)
Hunting Hours: 30 minutes before sunrise - 30 minutes after sunset
Bag Limit: One deer (antlered or antlerless)
Black Bear
Bowhunting Season: September 14 - October 25 (only in certain areas)
Crossbow Season: October 16 - October 25 (only in certain areas)
Muzzleloader Season: October 19 - October 25 (only in certain areas)
Regular Season: September 14 - December 8
Hunting Hours: 30 minutes before sunrise - 30 minutes after sunset
Wild Turkey
Fall Season: October 1 - 14, one bird per season, either sex
Spring Season: May 1 - 31, two bearded birds per season, one per day
Youth Hunt: April 16 & 27, one bearded bird
For both seasons, you must report taking a turkey. Call 1-866-GAME-RPT within 7 days to report.
Fall Hunting Hours: Sunrise - Sunset
Spring Hunting Hours: One half hour before sunrise to Noon
Waterfowl
Ducks, Coots & Mergansers Season: October 12 - December 1 & December 14 - December 22, daily limit 6 ducks, 15 coot
Snow Goose Season: October 1 - April 15, daily limit 25
Brant Season: October 12 - November 10, daily limit 1
Canada Goose Season: September 1 - September 25, daily limit 15; October 26 through November 15, daily limit 3; November 23 - December 1, daily limit 3
Shooting Hours: 1/2 hour before sunrise to sunset
Youth Waterfowl Hunting Days: September 28 & 29
Migratory Game Birds
American Woodcock Season: October 1 - November 14, daily limit 3
Crow Season: September 1 - March 31, no daily limit
Snipe, Rail and Gallinule Season: September 1 - November 9, daily limit 8
Shooting Hours: Sunrise to sunset
Small Game
Ruffed Grouse Season: September 20 - February 28, daily limit 4
Pheasant Season: October 1 - February 28, daily limit 2
*Squirrel Season: September 1 - February 28, limit 6 total
Cottontail Rabbit: October 1 - March 16, daily limit 6
**Frog Season: June 15 - September 30 - any time of day or night, no limit
***Snapping Turtle Season: July 15 through September 30, daily limit 5
Shooting Hours: Sunrise to sunset
*Red Squirrels are unprotected and may be hunted at any time without limit.
**A fishing or hunting license is required to take frogs with a spear, club, hook, or by hand. A hunting license is required to take frogs with a gun or bow. No one can use a gun to take a frog at night.
***A hunting license is required to take snapping turtles. The only legal implement for taking them is by firearm or bow.
Furbearers
Bobcat Trapping Season: October 25 - February 15, no daily limit
Coyote Season: October 1 - March 30, no daily limit
Raccoon, Red Fox, Gray Fox, Skunk, Opossum & Weasel Season: October 25 - February 15, no daily limit
Fisher & Marten Trapping Season: November 1 - November 30, no daily limit, season limit of 6
River Otter Trapping Season: November 1- April 7, no daily limit
Beaver Trapping Season: November 1 - April 7, no daily limit
Mink & Muskrat Trapping Season: November 1 - April 15, no daily limit
See more info from DEC on hunting seasons >>