New York Deer Season 2026-27
Open nowNew York's deer season opens 2026-09-12 and closes 2027-01-01.
Zones & dates
- Closed
Southern Zone (select WMUs)
Early antlerless firearms
- Opens
- September 12, 2026
- Closes
- September 20, 2026
- Bag limit
- Designated WMUs only.
- Open now
Northern Zone
Early bowhunting
- Opens
- September 27, 2026
- Closes
- October 23, 2026
- Bag limit
- Dates calculated for 2026 from DEC's regulatory season formulas.
- Opens in 4 days
Southern Zone
Early bowhunting
- Opens
- October 1, 2026
- Closes
- November 20, 2026
- Bag limit
- Dates calculated for 2026 from DEC's regulatory season formulas.
- Opens in 13 days
Northern & Southern Zones
Youth firearms
- Opens
- October 10, 2026
- Closes
- October 12, 2026
- Bag limit
- Dates calculated for 2026 from DEC's regulatory season formulas. Ages 12-15.
- Opens in 20 days
Northern Zone
Early muzzleloader
- Opens
- October 17, 2026
- Closes
- October 23, 2026
- Bag limit
- Dates calculated for 2026 from DEC's regulatory season formulas.
- Opens in 27 days
Northern Zone
Regular (firearms)
- Opens
- October 24, 2026
- Closes
- December 6, 2026
- Bag limit
- Dates calculated for 2026 from DEC's regulatory season formulas.
- Opens in 55 days
Southern Zone
Regular (firearms)
- Opens
- November 21, 2026
- Closes
- December 13, 2026
- Bag limit
- Dates calculated for 2026 from DEC's regulatory season formulas.
- Opens in 71 days
Northern Zone
Late bow/muzzleloader
- Opens
- December 7, 2026
- Closes
- December 13, 2026
- Bag limit
- Dates calculated for 2026 from DEC's regulatory season formulas. Select WMUs.
- Opens in 78 days
Southern Zone
Late bow/muzzleloader - segment 1
- Opens
- December 14, 2026
- Closes
- December 22, 2026
- Bag limit
- Dates calculated for 2026 from DEC's regulatory season formulas.
- Opens in 90 days
Southern Zone
Late bow/muzzleloader - segment 2 (holiday)
- Opens
- December 26, 2026
- Closes
- January 1, 2027
- Bag limit
- Dates calculated for 2026 from DEC's regulatory season formulas.
Key rules
- Dates and units
- Use the zone or region shown for your hunt.
- Official regulations
- Confirm license, permit, legal shooting hours, bag limits, and special requirements with the state agency before hunting.
Frequently asked questions
New York's deer season opens 2026-09-12 and closes 2027-01-01.
Regulations change every year and can vary by county or unit. Hunting Season by State is a reference tool, not a substitute for the official regulation book — always verify dates, zones, and bag limits with the state wildlife agency before you hunt.