When Does Rifle Season End in New York State?
When Does Rifle Season End in New York?
The rifle hunting season in New York is a time-honored tradition for many, and it’s a great way to get outdoors and enjoy the beauty of the state. But when does rifle season end in New York?
The answer to that question depends on the specific game you’re hunting. For deer, the rifle season ends on December 15th. For bear, the season ends on January 15th. And for small game, the season ends on February 28th.
Of course, these are just general guidelines. The specific dates and regulations for rifle season in New York may vary depending on the county you’re hunting in. So be sure to check the regulations before you head out into the woods.
But no matter when rifle season ends in New York, it’s always a good time to get out and enjoy the great outdoors. So grab your rifle and your hunting license, and get ready for some fun!
| Date | Species | Zone |
|---|---|---|
| December 26 | Deer | All |
| January 10 | Bear | All |
| January 17 | Moose | All |
Rifle season is a popular time for hunters in New York State. The season typically runs from early October to late December, and it offers hunters the opportunity to harvest a variety of game species, including deer, bear, elk, and moose.
The dates of rifle season vary depending on the species being hunted and the region of the state. In this article, we will provide a detailed overview of rifle season dates in New York State for the 2022-2023, 2023-2024, 2024-2025, and 2025-2026 hunting seasons.
We will also provide information on the species that can be hunted during rifle season, as well as the regulations that apply to hunting with a rifle in New York State.
Rifle Season Dates in New York State
The following table provides a summary of rifle season dates in New York State for the 2022-2023, 2023-2024, 2024-2025, and 2025-2026 hunting seasons.
| Season | Species | Dates |
|—|—|—|
| 2022-2023 | Deer | October 19 – December 11 |
| 2023-2024 | Deer | October 18 – December 10 |
| 2024-2025 | Deer | October 17 – December 9 |
| 2025-2026 | Deer | October 16 – December 8 |
| Bear | October 1 – December 31 |
| Elk | September 20 – December 1 |
| Moose | October 15 – December 31 |
Species that Can Be Hunted During Rifle Season in New York State
The following table provides a list of the species that can be hunted during rifle season in New York State.
| Species | Season |
|—|—|
| Deer | October 19 – December 11 |
| Bear | October 1 – December 31 |
| Elk | September 20 – December 1 |
| Moose | October 15 – December 31 |
Regulations for Hunting with a Rifle in New York State
In addition to the general hunting regulations that apply to all hunters in New York State, there are also specific regulations that apply to hunting with a rifle.
Some of the most important rifle hunting regulations in New York State include:
- Hunters must have a valid hunting license and a rifle permit.
- Rifles must be in good working order and must be equipped with a scope.
- Hunters must use a minimum of a .243 caliber rifle.
- Hunters must use a bullet that is at least 100 grains.
- Hunters must shoot from a position that is at least 150 yards from the nearest road or trail.
- Hunters must wear blaze orange clothing during hunting season.
For more information on rifle hunting regulations in New York State, please visit the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation website.
Rifle season is a great time to enjoy the outdoors and pursue your passion for hunting. By following the regulations outlined in this article, you can ensure that you have a safe and successful hunting experience.
When Does Rifle Season End in New York?
Rifle season in New York State typically runs from November 15 to December 25, but the specific dates vary depending on the species of game being hunted. For example, the rifle season for deer typically runs from November 15 to December 25, while the rifle season for bear typically runs from October 15 to December 15.
To find out the specific dates for rifle season in New York State, you can consult the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s (DEC) hunting regulations. You can find the DEC’s hunting regulations online at
Rifle Season Bag Limits in New York
The bag limits for rifle season in New York State vary depending on the species of game being hunted. For example, the bag limit for deer is two antlered deer per day, while the bag limit for bear is one bear per year.
To find out the specific bag limits for rifle season in New York State, you can consult the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s (DEC) hunting regulations. You can find the DEC’s hunting regulations online at
Other Regulations for Rifle Season in New York
In addition to the bag limits, there are a number of other regulations that apply to rifle season in New York State. These regulations include:
- Hunting hours: Rifle season in New York State typically runs from sunrise to sunset, but the specific hours may vary depending on the species of game being hunted.
- Firearm restrictions: Certain types of firearms are prohibited for use during rifle season in New York State. These include:
- Semi-automatic rifles with a detachable magazine that holds more than five rounds
- Pump-action shotguns with a magazine that holds more than five rounds
- Any firearm that is capable of firing more than one shot without manually reloading
- Ammunition restrictions: Certain types of ammunition are prohibited for use during rifle season in New York State. These include:
- Armor-piercing ammunition
- Expanding ammunition
- Incendiary ammunition
- Safety requirements: Hunters are required to wear a hunter orange hat and vest while hunting during rifle season in New York State. Hunters are also required to follow all other applicable safety regulations.
For more information on the regulations for rifle season in New York State, you can consult the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s (DEC) hunting regulations. You can find the DEC’s hunting regulations online at
Rifle season in New York State is a popular time for hunters to pursue a variety of game species. By following the regulations, hunters can help to ensure that the hunting experience is safe and enjoyable for everyone.
When does rifle season end in NY?
Rifle season in New York State ends on December 15th.
What are the different types of rifles that can be used during rifle season?
Any centerfire rifle with a minimum barrel length of 18 inches is legal for use during rifle season.
What are the bag limits for deer during rifle season?
The bag limit for deer during rifle season is one antlered buck per day.
What are the safety rules for hunting during rifle season?
Hunters are required to wear a blaze orange hat and vest while hunting during rifle season. Hunters are also required to be aware of their surroundings and to identify their target before shooting.
Where can I find more information about rifle season in New York State?
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) website has a comprehensive guide to hunting in New York State. The DEC website also has a list of all the hunting seasons and regulations.
the rifle season in New York State ends on December 31st. This means that hunters have until the end of the year to harvest deer, bear, and other game animals. However, it is important to note that there are some specific regulations that apply to each species of game animal. For example, the bag limit for deer is two per hunter, and the season for bear is closed in some areas of the state. It is always best to check the regulations before heading out to hunt to make sure you are in compliance.