Deer hunting is a very popular sporting event in New York State, and with the 2014-2015 hunting season underway, it is important that you full understand and comply with New York State hunting regulations. Due in part to New York State regulations, the local deer populations have been on the rise since the turn of the 20th century. In order to maintain safe numbers in deer populations, it is imperative that deer hunting only be conducted with a New York license and with careful attention to New York state guidelines. In this article, we will address New York state hunting regulations by rifle and muzzleloader, as they pertain to deer hunting for the 2014-2015 hunting season.
According to New York State hunting regulations, only legally antlered deer are eligible for deer hunting. Legally antlered deer in New York must have at least one antler that is Book your Hunt three inches or longer measured from the base of the burr. Hunters interested in protecting young bucks and seeing older, larger bucks are encouraged to work with local hunting clubs during the 2014-2015 hunting season to participate in cooperative voluntary antler restriction programs.
It is also important to remember that a New York hunting license book your hunt does not give the hunter carte blanche to hunt all day and night. Correct deer hunting hours must also be adhered to for those with a New York hunting license. Within the state, legal deer hunting hours are from sunrise Book your Hunt to sunset. Sunday hunting is usually allowed in all areas of New York but there are some local exceptions, so check the area that you hunt carefully for any specific time or day restrictions. Also, when you see the term “early” muzzleloader season, this indicates a period before the regular deer season for that particular zone. The term “late” refers to a period after the regular deer hunting season for that zone. The number of deer that someone with a New York hunting license may take depends upon the privileges purchased.
For someone with a regular, unrestricted New York hunting license, the hunter is entitled to a regular season deer tag. For those with muzzleloader or bow privileges, hunters Book your Hunt can receive a Bow/Mz Season Either Sex Deer Tag. For deer hunting with both muzzleloader and bow hunting privileges, hunters will receive a Bow/Mz Season Either Sex Deer Tag and one Bow/Mz Season Antlerless Deer Tag. If you are unsure about your hunting privileges, based on the New York State hunting regulations for the 2014-2015 season, check with your local hunting area municipality.