In this issue:
Are you a new waterfowl hunter looking for public land to scout? Or a seasoned waterfowl hunter thinking of finding a new place to spend the second split? Try exploring DEC’s new Places to Hunt Waterfowl page and app! This interactive mapper provides links to access information for many waterfowl hunting-friendly properties across the state, as well as public boat ramp locations and zone boundaries. The mapper is mobile-friendly, so you can zoom right to your location while in the field.
Finding a new place to hunt is just the first step, so be sure to confirm property rules and regulations before heading afield. Have a safe and successful season!
Deer Season Ending Got You Down? Beat the Blues with Late-Season Pheasant Hunting
Small game seasons—including pheasant season—are still open throughout many areas of the state, providing a great opportunity to keep enjoying the outdoors and go hunting. Pheasant stocking is continuing to take place beyond the closure of the regular firearms deer season. Check out the Interactive pheasant mapper to find pheasant stocking locations near you. Please note that inclement weather may affect actual stocking dates. And if you are new to hunting and would like to give pheasant hunting a try, find a Sponsored Pheasant Hunt near you!
Additional information about pheasant hunting is available on DEC’s Pheasant Hunting webpage.
Late Season Pheasant Releases in DEC Region 4 (Capital Region and Northern Catskills)
DEC will release pheasants the week of December 15 at four state-run locations:
- Bear Spring Mountain WMA (Delaware County)
- Margaret Burke WMA (Albany County)
- Partridge Run WMA (Albany County)
- Rensselaerville State Forest (Albany County)
The regular pheasant hunting season in Region 4 opened on Wednesday, October 1, and ends Saturday, February 28, 2026. Approximately 5,000 adult ring-necked pheasants have been released in Region 4 this season.
DEC encourages all hunters to review the 2025-2026 New York State Hunting and Trapping Regulations Guide before going afield, and to be sure of their targets and beyond when hunting.
Questions about pheasant hunting in Region 4 can be directed to the regional wildlife office in Schenectady at (518) 357-2355 or the Stamford regional office at (607) 652-7367.
Late-season pheasant hunters afield with their hunting dog.
Even though deer hunting seasons have ended in much of the Northern Zone, there are still many opportunities to fill your deer tags (especially antlerless deer tags) through special and extended seasons in the Southern Zone. These include:
- The Holiday Deer Hunt (PDF), which is an extension of the Late Bowhunting and Muzzleloading seasons, runs from December 26, 2025, through January 1, 2026;
- The Bowhunting Only season in Westchester County, which continues until December 31, 2025;
- The January Firearms season in Suffolk County, which runs from January 4-31, 2026;
- Bowhunting in Suffolk County, which is open from October 1, 2025 until January 31, 2026; and
- The Tompkins County Deer Management Focus Area season (antlerless deer only), which runs from January 10-31, 2026.
Hunters: Be aware that others may have permission to ski, hike, or ride on property you hunt. You should also understand that snowmobile clubs prefer to mark trails with posts and signage before the ground freezes, so you may wish to avoid known snowmobile trails in late hunting seasons. As always, be alert to other users and practice safe use of firearms.
Recreationists: Be aware that hunters may be present at any time during the fall and winter; deer hunting occurs between Christmas and New Year's Day, and small game hunting continues through February. Hunters are trained to identify their target and what is beyond, and New York hunters have an exceptional safety record.
Be Considerate of Others: Treat other users as you would like to be treated. Accept that a temporary interruption in your activity may occur, just as your presence may be a temporary interruption to others. If you see another party, announce your presence with a "hello" rather than a wave.
Practice Safety: Hunters using firearms (including muzzleloaders) during any season must wear a solid or patterned fluorescent orange or fluorescent pink hat, vest, or jacket while hunting. Whether you are hunting, hiking, or skiing, it’s a good idea to wear some brightly colored clothing when you are recreating outdoors. In addition to being visible to hunters, bright clothing will help you be seen if you are lost, injure an ankle, or if you break a binding or have an equipment failure.
Landowners: As a property owner, you decide who is welcome on your property and how it can be enjoyed. Your generosity is appreciated, whether you are providing a critical link in a snowmobile trail network or serving as a gracious host to those who may use your property for other purposes. Your goodwill is recognized in the General Obligations Law (GOL), which provides protection from liability when you allow people to access your land for recreation without cost. The GOL applies whether you allow a single activity or permit multiple uses, and whether your property is posted or not.
Remember, we all share public lands and public resources.
Fresh snowfall opens up new opportunities for hunters and non-hunters, alike.
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