Deer and Bear Hunting
Hunting Deer in New York
Deer hunting is one of the most popular sporting opportunities in New York State. Properly controlled deer hunting is an important tool in managing deer populations; striking a balance in wildlife and habitat resources. Deer populations have been on the upswings since the turn of the 20th century through carefully monitored hunting regulations and improved habitat. Some deer hunting related topic, precautions, programs and data are provided on this page for your reference. More information about deer and deer management can be found on our White-tailed Deer page.
Bear in New York
New York State has between 6,000 to 7,000 black bears in the wild. They are about 4 to 7 foot long from nose to tail with small eyes, rounded ears, a long snout, a large body, a short tail, shaggy hair, and can come in different shades of black, brown, cinnamon, and blond. Almost all New York black bears are black. Black bears are naturally shy animals and would normally avoid human contact whenever possible. More information about bears and bear management can be found on our Black Bear page.
Black bear hunting is permitted in the fall in certain Wildlife Management Units primarily within the Adirondack, Catskill (455 kb PDF) and Allegany regions. Hunting is the primary management tool to control the bear population.
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More about Deer and Bear Hunting:
- Deer and Bear Hunting Seasons - General big game hunting seasons information. Most of these seasons are based on geographical units called Wildlife Management Units
- Deer and Bear Hunting Regulations - Information and links to big game hunting regulations
- Deer Management Permits - Deer Management Permits (DMP) application deadline and information about DMPs.
- Junior Hunter Mentoring Program - This page describes the big game hunting opportunities for junior hunters.
- 2008 Deer Hunting Season Forecasts - What should you expect for deer hunting in 2008
- Deer and Bear Harvests - This page contains links to recent white-tailed deer and black bear harvest reports.
- Venison Donation Program - Information about programs that promote the donation of venison to feed the hungry
- Pilot Antler Restriction Project - The pilot antler restriction program in the Southern Catskills has been expanded and now includes WMUs 3C, 3H, 3J & 3K.
- Information about Lead in Venison for Hunters and Meat Processors - This page provides information for hunters and meat processors about lead fragments in hunter-harvested venison and gives tips for reducing potential lead exposure.
- Big Game News Briefs Archive - Compilations of program status reports, events, and anecdotes pertaining to deer and bear management across New York.
