New York State Southern Zone Launches Early BigGame Archery Season
Beginning October 4, 2023, New York State’s Southern Zone early biggame archery season for whitetail deer and black bear will open, extending until November 14. This season precedes the traditional firearms hunting period, offering enthusiasts an excellent opportunity to hunt as the fall season unfolds.
Hunting Schedule and Details
The early archery season allows hunters to take to the woods from 30 minutes before sunrise until 30 minutes after sunset. Following the early archery season, the standard firearm season will commence on November 15 and last until December 7. Additionally, a late archery and muzzleloader season will run from December 816, culminating in the special late holiday season only for deer from December 26 to January 1 in select Wildlife Management Units (WMUs).
What to Expect During Hunting Seasons
Hunters are reminded that they can utilize various archery equipment, including crossbows, throughout all biggame seasons. Important events to take note of include:
- Regular Firearms Season: November 15 December 7
- Late Archery/Muzzleloader Season: December 8 16
- Special Late Holiday Season for Deer: December 26 January 1
Full Moons and Hunting Insights
This year’s Harvest Moon will be visible on October 6 and 7, marking the first supermoon of the season. Supermoons appear exceptionally large and bright, making hunting conditions ideal for early risers. The moonrise for the Harvest Moon is at 6:26 p.m., and it will shine brightly throughout the night, with a moonset on October 7 at 7:53 a.m. Additionally, the technical Hunter’s Moon takes place on November 5, coinciding with significant rutting activity for deer.
Special Youth Firearms Season
For young biggame hunters, the New York State youth firearms deer season will occur during Columbus Day weekend, from October 1113, for ages 14 and 15 accompanied by a mentor. Regulations for this season include:
- Mandatory supervision by an experienced adult (21 years or older with a minimum of three years hunting experience)
- Requirement for visible hunter orange or pink outerwear (minimum 50% or 250 square inches)
- Groundlevel hunting only, prohibiting tree stands
- Limits: Youth ages 1415 can harvest one deer and one bear, while ages 1213 are limited to one deer.
Approved hunting implements include rifles, shotguns, muzzleloaders, and crossbows, where allowed.
Important Changes for Hunters
Recent modifications to hunting regulations include a new approach to tags and licenses, allowing hunters to receive paper tags via email, which they can print at home. Additionally, backtags are no longer necessary under the updated legislation for the 202526 season. Hunters are encouraged to participate in programs that support local communities by donating portions of their harvested deer or contributing financially to the Venison Donation Program through designated outlets.
Upcoming Hunting Calendar in New York
Plan your hunting activities with the following key dates:
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| October 4 | Southern Zone biggame early archery/crossbow hunting season opens |
| October 1113 | Youth Special Firearms Weekend Deer Season |
| October 18 | Southern Zone turkey hunting season opens |
As the seasons change and excitement builds for hunting enthusiasts, it is vital to remain vigilant, respect property boundaries, and ensure safety in the woods. Embrace the thrill of the outdoors and good luck to all as the big game season approaches!