New Deer Hunting Regulations for 2026
For many hunters in New York, deer season is open!
DEC recently adopted new hunting regulations to improve our ability to manage abundant deer populations. The new regulations will increase the harvest of antlerless deer by establishing a statewide Earn-a-2nd-Buck system.
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Seneca Lake State Park,
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Geneva, NY 14456
New Deer Hunting Regulation Changes Explained
This year, DEC adopted new deer hunting regulations to encourage and incentivize hunters to harvest more antlerless deer. Deer populations are growing in many areas of New York State. Antlerless deer, primarily does, contribute most to population growth.
Therefore, increased harvest of antlerless deer is necessary keep deer populations healthy, in balance with available habitat, and at levels that are acceptable to all members of the public.
Recent Changes to Hunting Regulations