Hunting And Outdoor Sports
NY 2025-26 Early Big Game Hunting Seasons Begin Across the State
DEC opens early bear and antlerless deer seasons to manage populations and boost hunter opportunities
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✍️By ZRIntel Editorial Team📍Albany, NY
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has officially launched the 202526 early big game hunting seasons, giving hunters a head start on deer and bear harvests while contributing to critical population management goals. The early bear season opened on September 6 and runs through September 21 across multiple Wildlife Management Units (WMUs), including 3A, 3C, 3H, 3J, 3K, 3M, 3P, 3R, 4P, 4R, and 4W. Shortly afterward, the early antlerless deer-only season begins September 13 and continues through September 21 in WMUs 1C, 3M, 3R, 3S, 4J, 8A, 8C, 8F, 8G, 8J, 8N, 9A, and 9F. These special seasons are designed to help maintain a healthy balance between wildlife populations and available habitat while reducing conflicts between humans and wildlife. Overabundant deer populations can create challenges such as increased vehicle collisions, agricultural crop damage, and long-term habitat degradation. By encouraging the early harvest of does, DEC hopes to slow herd growth and keep populations at sustainable levels. This approach aligns with the departments broader management objectives, which aim to match public expectations with the carrying capacity of New Yorks landscapes. Hunters play a crucial role in this effort. Participating in these early seasons not only helps with population control but also allows hunters more days afield and an early chance to put wild, sustainably sourced meat in the freezer. The antlerless deer season is strictly focused on does and young deer without developed antlers animals whose harvest directly impacts future population growth. To take part, hunters must have valid Deer Management Permits (DMPs) or Deer Management Assistance Program (DMAP) tags for the WMUs in which they plan to hunt. The deadline to apply for DMPs is October 1, and hunters are encouraged to apply early to secure access to preferred areas, as permit availability can be competitive in certain zones. Regulations for weapons vary by region. In WMUs 3M, 3R, 8A, 8F, 8G, 8J, 8N, 9A, and 9F, hunters are permitted to use firearms, crossbows, or vertical bows during the antlerless season. In WMUs 1C, 3S, 4J, and 8C, the use of vertical bows and crossbows is required, giving archers a quieter, more challenging hunt that many find rewarding. DEC has made it clear that these regulations are designed to balance hunter opportunity with public safety and ensure an ethical, effective harvest. The early bear season is equally significant, particularly in areas where bear populations have been expanding and encounters with humans are becoming more frequent. DEC allows the use of firearms, crossbows, and vertical bows in all WMUs included in the bear season. This approach maximizes hunter participation and helps reduce nuisance incidents, such as bears raiding garbage or damaging crops. Hunters are strongly encouraged to report their harvests promptly to support population monitoring and to assist DEC biologists in tracking bear numbers and distribution across the state. In addition to population management, these seasons also offer hunters the chance to experience quieter woods before the busier general firearms seasons begin. Early season hunts can provide unique challenges, such as warmer weather that requires extra attention to meat care and scent control. Many hunters enjoy the more solitary, low-pressure environment of these early hunts, which allows for careful scouting and preparation for the regular season.