Nassau County
All of Nassau County is a closed area — deer and bear hunting is not permitted with any implement.
New York Hunting Laws
New York allows any centerfire rifle for deer and bear across most of the state — there is no minimum bullet diameter, only a ban on rimfire ammunition — but Suffolk County (WMU 1C), Westchester County (WMU 3S), and WMUs 4J and 8C are archery/crossbow only for the regular season. Deer shotguns must be 20 gauge or larger firing a single slug (no buckshot), and suppressors are barred for hunting statewide.
Every rule below cites the official regulation. Last verified August 30, 2026.
At a glance
Check a cartridge in New York
Pick a state, species, and weapon — add a cartridge for a full check.
Local ordinances apply
Long Island and lower-Hudson-Valley deer hunting is not uniform: Suffolk County (WMU 1C), Westchester County (WMU 3S), and WMUs 4J and 8C are archery/crossbow only for the regular season (Suffolk adds a January shotgun-and-muzzleloader-only permit season), while all of Nassau County is closed to deer and bear hunting entirely.
Special zones
Suffolk County (WMU 1C)
Deer hunting in Suffolk County's regular season is bow/crossbow only; rifles are never legal in WMU 1C. A separate Special Firearms permit season (Jan. 3-31) allows shotguns and muzzleloaders only.
Westchester County (WMU 3S)
Deer hunting in Westchester County's regular season is bow/crossbow only — rifles, shotguns, handguns, and muzzleloaders are not permitted. Muzzleloaders may never be used in WMU 3S, even during the statewide muzzleloader season.
WMUs 4J and 8C
Deer hunting is bow/crossbow only in WMUs 4J and 8C during both the regular and bowhunting seasons — no rifle, shotgun, handgun, or muzzleloader is legal there.
Sourced rules
Every row cites the controlling regulation and the date we verified it.
Air Gun
4 rules| Species | Rule | Citation | Verified |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small Game |
Airguns must be at least .17 caliber with a muzzle velocity of 600 fps or more, and are legal only for squirrels, rabbits, hares, ruffed grouse, huntable furbearers, and unprotected species.
"Air gun—a firearm that uses a spring or compressed air (not gunpowder) to propel a single projectile that is .17 caliber or larger and produces a muzzle velocity of at least 600 feet per second." |
General Hunting Regulations — Definitions | Aug 2026 |
| White-tailed / Mule Deer |
Airguns cannot be used to hunt deer, bear, or turkey (or waterfowl/pheasant) — small game and legal furbearers only.
"Air guns may not be used to hunt waterfowl, pheasant, wild turkey, or big game." |
Small Game Hunting — Manner of Taking | Aug 2026 |
| Black Bear |
Airguns cannot be used to hunt deer, bear, or turkey (or waterfowl/pheasant) — small game and legal furbearers only.
"Air guns may not be used to hunt waterfowl, pheasant, wild turkey, or big game." |
Small Game Hunting — Manner of Taking | Aug 2026 |
| Wild Turkey |
Airguns cannot be used to hunt deer, bear, or turkey (or waterfowl/pheasant) — small game and legal furbearers only.
"Air guns may not be used to hunt waterfowl, pheasant, wild turkey, or big game." |
Small Game Hunting — Manner of Taking | Aug 2026 |
All weapons
5 rules| Species | Rule | Citation | Verified |
|---|---|---|---|
| All species |
Hunting with a suppressed firearm is illegal in New York for every species. New York Penal Law separately restricts civilian possession of silencers/suppressors statewide, independent of hunting law.
"It is illegal to take or hunt wildlife: ... With any firearm equipped with a silencer" |
General Hunting Regulations | Aug 2026 |
| White-tailed / Mule Deer |
Anyone hunting deer or bear with a firearm (or accompanying such a hunter) must wear 250 sq in of solid or patterned (at least 50%) fluorescent orange or pink above the waist, or a hat/cap that is at least 50% solid fluorescent orange or pink.
"a minimum total of 250 square inches of solid fluorescent orange or fluorescent pink material worn above the waist and visible from all directions" |
Big Game Hunting — Fluorescent Orange and Fluorescent Pink Clothing Requirements | Aug 2026 |
| Black Bear |
Anyone hunting deer or bear with a firearm (or accompanying such a hunter) must wear 250 sq in of solid or patterned (at least 50%) fluorescent orange or pink above the waist, or a hat/cap that is at least 50% solid fluorescent orange or pink.
"a minimum total of 250 square inches of solid fluorescent orange or fluorescent pink material worn above the waist and visible from all directions" |
Big Game Hunting — Fluorescent Orange and Fluorescent Pink Clothing Requirements | Aug 2026 |
| White-tailed / Mule Deer Nassau County |
All of Nassau County is closed to deer and bear hunting entirely — no weapon of any kind may be used there for these species.
"Nassau County ... All of Nassau County." |
Big Game Hunting — Closed Areas | Aug 2026 |
| Black Bear Nassau County |
All of Nassau County is closed to deer and bear hunting entirely — no weapon of any kind may be used there for these species.
"Nassau County ... All of Nassau County." |
Big Game Hunting — Closed Areas | Aug 2026 |
Handgun
6 rules| Species | Rule | Citation | Verified |
|---|---|---|---|
| White-tailed / Mule Deer |
No minimum caliber — any centerfire rifle or handgun is legal for deer and bear. Rimfire ammunition is separately prohibited ('a firearm using rimfire ammunition' is unlawful for big game).
"Rifle: Any centerfire rifle. ... Handgun: Any centerfire pistol or revolver." |
Description of Legal Hunting Implements for Big Game | Aug 2026 |
| Black Bear |
No minimum caliber — any centerfire rifle or handgun is legal for deer and bear. Rimfire ammunition is separately prohibited ('a firearm using rimfire ammunition' is unlawful for big game).
"Rifle: Any centerfire rifle. ... Handgun: Any centerfire pistol or revolver." |
Description of Legal Hunting Implements for Big Game | Aug 2026 |
| White-tailed / Mule Deer |
Semi-automatic firearms are capped at 6 rounds (magazine plus chamber combined) for hunting, with exceptions for .22/.17 rimfire guns and short-barreled autoloading pistols.
"With any semiautomatic firearm with a capacity to hold more than 6 rounds, except: 1. Firearms using .22 or .17 caliber rimfire ammunition, or 2. Firearms altered to reduce their capacity to no more than 6 shells at o..." |
General Hunting Regulations | Aug 2026 |
| Black Bear |
Semi-automatic firearms are capped at 6 rounds (magazine plus chamber combined) for hunting, with exceptions for .22/.17 rimfire guns and short-barreled autoloading pistols.
"With any semiautomatic firearm with a capacity to hold more than 6 rounds, except: 1. Firearms using .22 or .17 caliber rimfire ammunition, or 2. Firearms altered to reduce their capacity to no more than 6 shells at o..." |
General Hunting Regulations | Aug 2026 |
| White-tailed / Mule Deer Westchester County (WMU 3S) |
Westchester County's regular deer season (WMU 3S) is bow/crossbow only — no rifle, shotgun, handgun, or muzzleloader is legal there.
"Westchester County ... Regular (bowhunting only)" |
Deer Hunting — Deer Tag Descriptions; Muzzleloader Hunting | Aug 2026 |
| White-tailed / Mule Deer WMUs 4J and 8C |
WMUs 4J and 8C are bow/crossbow only for deer in both the regular and bowhunting seasons — no firearms of any kind.
"In WMUs 4J and 8C, only bows or crossbows may be used to take deer during the regular and bowhunting seasons." |
Deer Hunting — Deer Tag Descriptions | Aug 2026 |
Muzzleloader
6 rules| Species | Rule | Citation | Verified |
|---|---|---|---|
| White-tailed / Mule Deer |
Muzzleloaders must have a minimum bore of .44 inches and fire a single projectile; double-barreled muzzleloaders and percussion-cap revolvers are barred during the special muzzleloading seasons.
"Muzzleloading firearm—is a firearm loaded through the muzzle, shooting a single projectile and having a minimum bore of .44 inches." |
General Hunting Regulations — Definitions | Aug 2026 |
| Black Bear |
Muzzleloaders must have a minimum bore of .44 inches and fire a single projectile; double-barreled muzzleloaders and percussion-cap revolvers are barred during the special muzzleloading seasons.
"Muzzleloading firearm—is a firearm loaded through the muzzle, shooting a single projectile and having a minimum bore of .44 inches." |
General Hunting Regulations — Definitions | Aug 2026 |
| White-tailed / Mule Deer |
Unlike some neighboring states, New York places no restriction on muzzleloader scopes or sights.
"Scopes or fiber-optic sights may be used at any time." |
General Hunting Regulations — Definitions | Aug 2026 |
| Black Bear |
Unlike some neighboring states, New York places no restriction on muzzleloader scopes or sights.
"Scopes or fiber-optic sights may be used at any time." |
General Hunting Regulations — Definitions | Aug 2026 |
| White-tailed / Mule Deer Westchester County (WMU 3S) |
Westchester County's regular deer season (WMU 3S) is bow/crossbow only — no rifle, shotgun, handgun, or muzzleloader is legal there.
"Westchester County ... Regular (bowhunting only)" |
Deer Hunting — Deer Tag Descriptions; Muzzleloader Hunting | Aug 2026 |
| White-tailed / Mule Deer WMUs 4J and 8C |
WMUs 4J and 8C are bow/crossbow only for deer in both the regular and bowhunting seasons — no firearms of any kind.
"In WMUs 4J and 8C, only bows or crossbows may be used to take deer during the regular and bowhunting seasons." |
Deer Hunting — Deer Tag Descriptions | Aug 2026 |
Rifle
7 rules| Species | Rule | Citation | Verified |
|---|---|---|---|
| White-tailed / Mule Deer |
No minimum caliber — any centerfire rifle or handgun is legal for deer and bear. Rimfire ammunition is separately prohibited ('a firearm using rimfire ammunition' is unlawful for big game).
"Rifle: Any centerfire rifle. ... Handgun: Any centerfire pistol or revolver." |
Description of Legal Hunting Implements for Big Game | Aug 2026 |
| Black Bear |
No minimum caliber — any centerfire rifle or handgun is legal for deer and bear. Rimfire ammunition is separately prohibited ('a firearm using rimfire ammunition' is unlawful for big game).
"Rifle: Any centerfire rifle. ... Handgun: Any centerfire pistol or revolver." |
Description of Legal Hunting Implements for Big Game | Aug 2026 |
| White-tailed / Mule Deer |
Semi-automatic firearms are capped at 6 rounds (magazine plus chamber combined) for hunting, with exceptions for .22/.17 rimfire guns and short-barreled autoloading pistols.
"With any semiautomatic firearm with a capacity to hold more than 6 rounds, except: 1. Firearms using .22 or .17 caliber rimfire ammunition, or 2. Firearms altered to reduce their capacity to no more than 6 shells at o..." |
General Hunting Regulations | Aug 2026 |
| Black Bear |
Semi-automatic firearms are capped at 6 rounds (magazine plus chamber combined) for hunting, with exceptions for .22/.17 rimfire guns and short-barreled autoloading pistols.
"With any semiautomatic firearm with a capacity to hold more than 6 rounds, except: 1. Firearms using .22 or .17 caliber rimfire ammunition, or 2. Firearms altered to reduce their capacity to no more than 6 shells at o..." |
General Hunting Regulations | Aug 2026 |
| White-tailed / Mule Deer Westchester County (WMU 3S) |
Westchester County's regular deer season (WMU 3S) is bow/crossbow only — no rifle, shotgun, handgun, or muzzleloader is legal there.
"Westchester County ... Regular (bowhunting only)" |
Deer Hunting — Deer Tag Descriptions; Muzzleloader Hunting | Aug 2026 |
| White-tailed / Mule Deer Suffolk County (WMU 1C) |
Suffolk County (WMU 1C) is bow/crossbow only for the regular season; rifles are never legal there. A separate Special Firearms permit season (Jan. 3-31) allows shotguns and muzzleloaders only, not rifles.
"Suffolk County ... Regular - bowhunting only ... Special Firearms (Permit Req.) Jan. 3 - Jan. 31" |
Deer Hunting — Deer Tag Descriptions | Aug 2026 |
| White-tailed / Mule Deer WMUs 4J and 8C |
WMUs 4J and 8C are bow/crossbow only for deer in both the regular and bowhunting seasons — no firearms of any kind.
"In WMUs 4J and 8C, only bows or crossbows may be used to take deer during the regular and bowhunting seasons." |
Deer Hunting — Deer Tag Descriptions | Aug 2026 |
Shotgun
10 rules| Species | Rule | Citation | Verified |
|---|---|---|---|
| White-tailed / Mule Deer |
Deer and bear shotguns must be 20 gauge or larger — .410 and 28 gauge are not legal.
"Shotgun: Must be 20 gauge or larger and fire a single projectile." |
Description of Legal Hunting Implements for Big Game | Aug 2026 |
| Black Bear |
Deer and bear shotguns must be 20 gauge or larger — .410 and 28 gauge are not legal.
"Shotgun: Must be 20 gauge or larger and fire a single projectile." |
Description of Legal Hunting Implements for Big Game | Aug 2026 |
| White-tailed / Mule Deer |
Deer and bear shotguns must fire a single slug — buckshot and other multi-pellet loads are prohibited.
"A shotgun of less than 20 gauge or any shotgun loaded with shells other than those carrying a single projectile (rifling in the barrel or choke is allowed)." |
Big Game Hunting — Manner of Taking | Aug 2026 |
| Black Bear |
Deer and bear shotguns must fire a single slug — buckshot and other multi-pellet loads are prohibited.
"A shotgun of less than 20 gauge or any shotgun loaded with shells other than those carrying a single projectile (rifling in the barrel or choke is allowed)." |
Big Game Hunting — Manner of Taking | Aug 2026 |
| White-tailed / Mule Deer |
Semi-automatic firearms are capped at 6 rounds (magazine plus chamber combined) for hunting, with exceptions for .22/.17 rimfire guns and short-barreled autoloading pistols.
"With any semiautomatic firearm with a capacity to hold more than 6 rounds, except: 1. Firearms using .22 or .17 caliber rimfire ammunition, or 2. Firearms altered to reduce their capacity to no more than 6 shells at o..." |
General Hunting Regulations | Aug 2026 |
| Black Bear |
Semi-automatic firearms are capped at 6 rounds (magazine plus chamber combined) for hunting, with exceptions for .22/.17 rimfire guns and short-barreled autoloading pistols.
"With any semiautomatic firearm with a capacity to hold more than 6 rounds, except: 1. Firearms using .22 or .17 caliber rimfire ammunition, or 2. Firearms altered to reduce their capacity to no more than 6 shells at o..." |
General Hunting Regulations | Aug 2026 |
| Wild Turkey |
Turkey shot must be between No. 2 (largest) and No. 9 (smallest). Rifles, air guns, and handguns firing a bullet are prohibited for turkey.
"You may hunt with a shotgun or handgun only when using shot no larger than #2 and no smaller than #9." |
Turkey Hunting — Manner of Taking | Aug 2026 |
| Waterfowl |
Nontoxic shot (steel, bismuth-tin, tungsten alloys, etc.) is required statewide for all migratory game birds except woodcock.
"Non-toxic shot is required for hunting any migratory game bird, except woodcock, everywhere in New York State." |
Non-Toxic Shot Requirement | Aug 2026 |
| White-tailed / Mule Deer Westchester County (WMU 3S) |
Westchester County's regular deer season (WMU 3S) is bow/crossbow only — no rifle, shotgun, handgun, or muzzleloader is legal there.
"Westchester County ... Regular (bowhunting only)" |
Deer Hunting — Deer Tag Descriptions; Muzzleloader Hunting | Aug 2026 |
| White-tailed / Mule Deer WMUs 4J and 8C |
WMUs 4J and 8C are bow/crossbow only for deer in both the regular and bowhunting seasons — no firearms of any kind.
"In WMUs 4J and 8C, only bows or crossbows may be used to take deer during the regular and bowhunting seasons." |
Deer Hunting — Deer Tag Descriptions | Aug 2026 |
Federal rules that apply in every state
These federal requirements apply in New York on top of state law.
Federal law: only USFWS-approved nontoxic shot may be used — or even possessed — while hunting waterfowl, coots, and aggregate-bag species.
50 CFR § 20.21(j)(1)–(3)
Federal law: shotguns for migratory birds are limited to 3 shells total (magazine + chamber) with a one-piece plug; limited light-goose and September Canada goose season exceptions exist.
50 CFR § 20.21(b)
Federal law: shotguns for migratory birds may be no larger than 10 gauge.
50 CFR § 20.21(a)
Federal law prohibits taking migratory birds with a rifle, pistol, or fully automatic firearm.
50 CFR § 20.21(a)
On Waterfowl Production Areas and designated National Wildlife Refuge lands, possessing shot other than approved nontoxic shot is prohibited; individual refuges may impose stricter rules.
50 CFR § 32.2(k)
Sources
2026-2027 New York Hunting & Trapping Guide — Big Game Hunting
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation · retrieved August 30, 2026
2026-2027 New York Hunting & Trapping Guide — General Hunting Regulations
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation · retrieved August 30, 2026
2026-2027 New York Hunting & Trapping Guide — Migratory Game Bird Hunting
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation · retrieved August 30, 2026
2026-2027 New York Hunting & Trapping Guide — Small Game Hunting
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation · retrieved August 30, 2026
2026-2027 New York Hunting & Trapping Guide — Turkey Hunting
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation · retrieved August 30, 2026
NYSDEC — Deer and Bear Hunting Regulations (legal implements)
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation · retrieved August 30, 2026
Sources & methodology
Rules on this page are verified against state statutes, administrative code, official agency regulation digests, and federal regulations — never forums, retailer blogs, or hunter-ed course summaries. Rules we could not yet pin to a primary source are labeled needs review and never produce a green "legal" answer. Cartridge energy figures used by the checker are typical factory-load values; where a rule sets an energy or bullet-weight floor, verify your specific load's manufacturer rating.
Legal disclaimer — please read
This page is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Hunting regulations change every season, vary by zone, season, land type, and county ordinance, and are interpreted by the state's enforcement officers — not by this page.
- Confirm every rule in the current official New York hunting regulations before your hunt.
- Check season dates, license and tag requirements, zone boundaries, and local ordinances — this page covers equipment rules only.
- When in doubt, contact New York State Department of Environmental Conservation directly.
The controlling document is the regulation, not this page. We disclaim all liability for reliance on it.