New York Bird Hunting

Season Span September 20 – February 28, 2026

State Drought Monitor – Upland hunting conditions are often highly dependent upon moisture for both habitat production and bird survival.

Season Dates

  • Ruffed Grouse:
    • Northern Zone: September 20, 2025 – February 28, 2026
    • Southern Zone: October 1, 2025 – February 28, 2026
    • Daily Bag Limit: 4
    • Possession Limit: 8
  • Ring-necked Pheasant:
    • Statewide (varies by area):
      • Northern Zone (Yellow Areas): October 1, 2025 – February 28, 2026
      • Southern Zone (Light Blue Areas): October 18, 2025 – February 28, 2026
      • Other Areas (Green, Orange, Blue): October 18 or November 1, 2025 – December 31, 2025
    • Daily Bag Limit: 2 roosters
    • Possession Limit: 4 roosters
    • Note: Check DEC release sites for stocked pheasants.
  • Bobwhite Quail:
    • Southern Zone (Orange, Putnam, Westchester Counties): November 1, 2025 – February 28, 2026
    • Long Island: November 1, 2025 – December 31, 2025
    • Daily Bag Limit: 4 (Orange, Putnam, Westchester); 6 (Long Island)
    • Possession Limit: 10 (Orange, Putnam, Westchester); 40 (Long Island)
  • American Woodcock:
    • Statewide: October 1, 2025 – November 14, 2025
    • Daily Bag Limit: 3
    • Possession Limit: 9
    • Additional Requirements: Harvest Information Program (HIP) registration required; non-toxic shot required.
  • Wilson’s Snipe:
    • Upstate New York: September 1, 2025 – November 9, 2025
    • Long Island: Closed
    • Daily Bag Limit: 8
    • Possession Limit: 24
    • Additional Requirements: HIP registration required; non-toxic shot required.

Required Licenses and Costs

  • Resident Licenses:
    • Annual Hunting License (ages 16-69): $22
    • Junior Hunting License (ages 12-15): $5
    • Senior Hunting License (ages 70+): $5
    • Bowhunting Privilege: $15
    • Lifetime Hunting License: $765 (ages 12-69); $65 (ages 70+)
  • Non-Resident Licenses:
    • Annual Hunting License: $100
    • Junior Hunting License (ages 12-15): $5
    • Bowhunting Privilege: $30
  • Additional Requirements:
    • HIP Registration: Required for migratory birds (woodcock, snipe, rails, gallinules); free with hunting license.
    • Federal Migratory Bird Stamp: Not required for woodcock, snipe, rails, or gallinules, but required for waterfowl (e.g., ducks, geese) for hunters over 16. Cost not specified in sources.
    • Hunter Education: Required for all hunters born on or after January 1, 1967, before purchasing a license.
  • Where to Purchase: Licenses can be bought online, at DEC license-issuing agents, or by phone (1-866-933-2257). Plain paper licenses and tags are used for 2025-26, printable at home or provided at point of sale.

Notes

  • Hunting Zones: New York is divided into Northern and Southern Zones, with specific Wildlife Management Units (WMUs) affecting season dates and regulations. Check DEC maps for details.
  • Methods: Allowed methods include shotguns, bows, and crossbows (where permitted). Non-toxic shot is required for snipe, rails, and gallinules.
  • Youth Hunts: Special youth hunt days may apply (e.g., September 27-28, 2025, for pheasant in some areas). Junior hunters (12-15) must be accompanied by a licensed adult.
  • Regulations: Always verify with the DEC website or Hunting and Trapping Guide for updates, as seasons and limits may vary by WMU. Hunting is closed in New York City (WMU 2A).

For the most current information, visit the NYSDEC website (dec.ny.gov) or consult the 2025-26 Hunting and Trapping Regulations Guide.