Archery Season Begins Wednesday for Whitetail Deer and Black Bear in Southern New York
The early big-game archery season in New York State’s Southern Zone officially opens this Wednesday, offering hunters the opportunity to pursue both whitetail deer and black bears through November 14. This period precedes the start of the regular deer firearm season, which runs from November 15 to December 7.
Following the regular firearms season, hunters can continue with a late archery and muzzleloader season from December 8 to 16. Additionally, a special late holiday season for deer is scheduled from December 26 through January 1 in several Wildlife Management Units (WMUs). During any of these big-game seasons, archery equipment—including crossbows—is permitted for use.
Moon Phases Influence Hunting Activity
This year’s lunar calendar presents some interesting timing with the Harvest Moon occurring on October 6-7, making the October full moon the first supermoon of 2025. A supermoon is characterized by its closer proximity to Earth, causing it to appear larger and brighter. This enhances visibility during the early morning and evening hours, which can be advantageous for hunters stationed in tree stands.
The Harvest Moon momentarily defies typical seasonal naming traditions, as it generally occurs in September. Meanwhile, the Hunter’s Moon is formally recognized on November 5 this year. Expert observations, including those from the late Charlie Alshiemer, indicate that peak rut activity for whitetail deer often follows these full moon periods by about five to seven days, signaling increased deer movement and heightened hunting opportunities.
Youth Firearms Season Scheduled for Columbus Day Weekend
New York State’s youth firearms deer season will take place October 11-13, exclusively for 14- and 15-year-old hunters, who must be accompanied by a qualified mentor. Younger hunters aged 12 and 13 may also participate in most parts of the state, except Erie and Rockland Counties, where firearm deer hunting has been restricted for these age groups.
Safety regulations for the youth season include:
- Mandatory supervision by an adult at least 21 years old with three years of hunting experience
- Required hunter orange or pink outerwear, covering at least 50% or 250 square inches
- Ground-level hunting only; use of tree stands is prohibited
- Harvest limits of one deer and one bear for ages 14-15, and one deer for ages 12-13
- Permitted use of rifles (where allowed), shotguns, or muzzleloaders
Crossbow Use and Hunting Hours
Archery equipment regulations now include the allowance of crossbows during all big-game hunting seasons where bowhunting is authorized. Hunting hours extend from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset, aligning with typical wildlife activity patterns.
The Southern Zone’s timing reflects a balance between sustainable wildlife management and recreational hunting, considering deer and bear behavioral cycles. Whitetail deer, for example, exhibit increased activity during dawn and dusk as part of their crepuscular nature, coinciding with hunting hours.
Additional reporting and sources from: Archery Season Opens Wednesday For Local Hunters Seeking Deer, Black Bears | News, Sports, Jobs – Post Journal
