This special breaking news announces that the NYS DEC has released/ published the updated deer hunting regulations which take effect starting with the 2021 hunting season.
Of special importance is the establishment of a special antlerless only season in mid-September (9/11-9/19/2021) for the following WMUs:
Firearms season for WMUs 3M, 3R, 8A, 8F, 8G, 8N, and 9F.
Bowhunting only season, same timing for antlerless only in WMUs 1C, 4J, and 8C.
All WMUs listed above - must use either valid DMP or DMAP. No other carcass tags are valid for use during this special season.
Additionally, big game hunting hours have changed to reflect 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset, replacing the sunrise to sunset regulations.
Mandatory safety orange or pink must be worn by all hunters while hunting deer and bear with firearms only.
Deer of either sex may once again be harvested during early ML season in northern zone WMUs 6A, 6F, 6J.
Bear season in norther zone has also been altered to coincide with deer season, regular season dates impacted.
DEC also announced that 12 and 13 year olds may hunt deer with a firearm or crossbow, as well as with muzzleloaders in the counties that have passed their local laws, which will also allow these youth to participate in the new Holiday Hunt covering 12/26-1/1 in the southern zone only.
