DELHI - New York’s 2026 deer and bear hunting seasons are underway, with several regulation changes aimed at increasing the harvest of antlerless deer.
In the Northern Zone, which includes Delaware County, early bowhunting for deer runs through Oct. 23. Early muzzleloading season is Oct. 17-23, followed by regular firearms season Oct. 24-Dec. 6.
For bear, early bowhunting in Wildlife Management Units 6A, 6G, 6K and 6N runs through Oct. 23. Early muzzleloading season is Oct. 17-23 in those units, while regular firearms season runs Oct. 24-Dec. 6.
New antlerless deer rules
The state Department of Environmental Conservation adopted new regulations this year to encourage hunters to harvest more antlerless deer, primarily females, which drive population growth.
Under the new Earn-a-2nd-Buck system, hunters who harvest and report an antlerless deer using a valid antlerless deer tag can receive a second Antlered Deer Tag. Both tags may be used during applicable deer seasons, except the September antlerless season.
DEC also expanded unlimited or bonus Deer Management Permits to 23 Wildlife Management Units. Hunters can apply for these permits throughout the hunting season, and permits used to harvest an antlerless deer are replaced with Bonus DMPs after the harvest is reported.
Hunters may transfer DMPs to other hunters using paper tags.
DEC also encourages hunters to donate whole deer or venison through participating processors. Processing costs for donated deer and venison are covered through a partnership involving DEC, the state Department of Health and Feeding New York State.
Complete hunting season dates, regulations, tag requirements and safety information are available at dec.ny.gov
