New York Bow Hunting: Catskills & Adirondacks
📅 2026 Season & License Info
Archery Season Open
October 1
Archery Season Close
December 20
Min Draw Weight
35 lbs
Resident License
$22/yr
Non-Resident License
$102/yr
Top Species
Whitetail Deer, Black Bear, Wild Turkey, Coyote
📍 Top Public Hunting Spots
Adirondack Park
Whitetail Deer, Bear, Turkey
New York's crown jewel. 2.6 million acres of state-owned forest. Remote deer hunting in wilderness.
Catskill Park
Whitetail Deer, Bear, Turkey
Southeastern NY. Quality deer hunting in second-growth forest. Good bear population.
Allegany State Park
Whitetail Deer, Turkey, Bear
Western NY. Excellent deer hunting. State's largest state park.
⚖️ New York Archery Regulations
- •Minimum draw weight: 35 lbs
- •Sunday hunting allowed since 2019 — significant improvement
- •Deer Management Permits (DMP) required for antlerless deer
- •Bowhunters must wear blaze orange during firearms seasons if hunting in open areas
💡 Expert Tips for New York
- →New York legalized Sunday hunting in 2019 — use it, as older deer have less pressure Sunday
- →The Adirondacks have enormous wilderness with relatively few hunters per acre
- →Southern Tier counties (Allegany, Steuben, Schuyler) consistently produce quality bucks
- →Early October can produce big bucks still in velvet or freshly polished — exciting visual hunting
🏛️ Official Wildlife Agency & Sources
Hunting seasons, tag quotas, and bag limits are established by state wildlife agencies and change annually. For official regulations, proclamations, and license purchases, consult:
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC)
Official State Wildlife Agency
Status: 2026 Season Guide