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Hunting in the Adirondacks

Numerous types of seasonal hunting are allowed in the Adirondack mountains. To obtain a hunting license, to check the latest season dates, and for other legal information, see the "Hunting" page at the official Department of Conservation website at www.dec.state.ny.us.

Every hunter should check the DEC website or brochures first-hand for pertinent and up to date information. Other websites, including this one, can not be complete and might not be completely accurate. However, the problem with "official" websites, like swamps that also have everything in them–well, you just might feel that you need waders. Therefore we do suggest that you also read and bookmark this little checklist of major highlights and reminders.

• About half of Adirondacks parkland is privately owned. Watch for and carefully obey any posted boundaries and restrictions.
• Leave all handguns home unless you have a special New York State permit–or unless you might actually enjoy doing a bit of hard time.
• The Adirondacks are entirely in the "Northern Rifle Zone" of the hunting regulations.
• Most seasons run only 2 to 8 weeks, starting in September or October.
• Tree stands must be removed at the end of the season. Don’t nail them in.
• Telescopic sights are not allowed during the special muzzle-loader deer seasons.
• Baiting is illegal. Do not try leaving out food so as to attract your quarry.
• Hunters must keep over 500 feet from any dwelling, unless you have explicit permission from the tenant and from the landowner. Keep extra clear of cities and settlements. Remember always to be aware of the location of any roads, and to aim in another direction.
• It’s illegal to shoot into live trees, so don’t pin targets on them. Find a proper backstop such as a sand pit.
• All guns must be unloaded when riding on anything that putts: cars, ATV’s, snowmobiles, etc. You can load on a boat only if it is anchored or just drifting. Any motor must be switched off and any sails furled.
• Put down the rifle and pick up the shotgun whenever there are a number of other deer hunters wandering about. Remember that the rifle carries 10 times the distance. Also think twice about lingering if by chance several other deer hunters do not seem to give you the same courtesy. However, don’t then get careless because "it’s only a shotgun." Most hunting accidents involve shotguns.
• Always use the blaze orange. Always. Even when it's a camouflage season–hang a blaze orange vest near your blind or stand.
• Please don’t make the country look like the city. (Otherwise please ask yourself, "Why did I come out here?") Don’t leave beer cans, shell casings, and other trash about. Don’t zoom around on your ATV. And do bury or dispose of any carcases and guts. If you don’t want to see any increase in "no hunting" posters and legislation, then please let's not act like their poster child.

Adirondacks Photos