The New York State Southern Zone early big-game archery season begins Wednesday and will end on Nov. 14, the day before the regular 2025 big-game firearm season starts. The hunting day runs from 30 minutes before sunrise until 30 minutes after sunset. Photo courtesy of Joe Forma

The New York State Southern Zone early big-game archery season opens Wednesday for whitetail deer and black bear, and will run through Nov. 14, the day before the regular deer firearm season begins.

The Southern Zone regular firearms (deer and bear) will run Nov. 15 through Dec. 7, followed by the late archery/muzzleloader season from Dec. 8-16; then, for deer only, the special late holiday season Dec. 26 through Jan. 1 in many WMUs. Archery gear (including crossbows) can also be used during any big-game season.

The Hunter’s Moon usually follows the Harvest Moon (or Farmer’s Moon), and the Harvest Moon is the first full moon closest to the autumnal equinox (Sep. 26 this year). So the Harvest Moon will occur on Oct. 6-7. Since the Harvest Moon usually occurs in September, this year, there will be confusion on what to call the October Moon — Harvest Moon or Hunter’s Moon? Either way, the October moon will be the first supermoon of the year. Supermoons appear larger and brighter due to their closer proximity to Earth, and if you’re out hunting early, it will be a great morning to be in your tree stand. The moonrise time for the Harvest Moon will be 6:26 p.m., and it will remain visible all night, as its moonset time the next morning (Oct. 7) is 7:53 a.m. The actual Hunter’s Moon by technical definition will take place on Nov. 5. According to the late Charlie Alshiemer, the peak rut for whitetail deer usually follows by five to seven days. Both the October and November full moon periods are expected to have rut activity that follows. Keep a keen eye.

For our young big-game hunters, the special New York state youth firearms deer season will be conducted on Columbus Day weekend, Oct. 11-13, this year, for 14- and 15-year-olds accompanied by a mentor. The same holds for 12- and 13-year-olds in most of New York state, but not in Erie County (or Rockland County), as Erie County deferred from allowing firearm deer hunting for that age group. Key rules for young hunter special hunting include mandatory supervision by an experienced adult (21 years old with at least three years hunting experience), mandatory hunter orange or pink outerwear (50% or 250 square inches), and ground-level hunting only (no tree stands), allowing youth to harvest one deer and one bear (14-15) and one deer (if 12-13). Youth may use a rifle (where allowed), shotgun or muzzleloader.

Crossbows may now be used in all big-game hunting seasons, where bowhunting is permitted. Hunting hours are from a half-hour before sunrise to a half-hour after sunset. With any hunting implement, always be sure of your target and beyond. Respect private property boundaries, because with legal crossbow use in the early archery season, there will be a lot more hunters in the woods this year during the early season.

Some of the more recent changes include print and email (paper) tags/licenses. The DEC changed the material for tags/licenses. Paper tags/licenses can now be received via email and printed at home, eliminating the need for special DEC paper stock. Backtags are no longer required; this was recently legislated for the 2025-26 period.

Big game hunters are encouraged to help feed the hungry by donating some or all of their harvested deer through cooperating processors or by making a monetary contribution to the Venison Donation Program (https://www.dec.ny.gov) at any license-issuing outlet. Good luck to everyone who is headed to the big game woods. Be careful. Be safe.

Gotta love the outdoors.

CALENDAR

Oct. 1: NYS Southern Zone big-game early archery/crossbow hunting season opens, through Nov. 14.

Oct. 1: NYS Southern Zone hunting season opens for coyote, cottontail rabbits, varying hare, ruffed grouse, bobwhite quail. See syllabus for various species season end.

Oct. 3 to April 15: NYS Snow Goose Season. See syllabus for bag limits and rules.

Oct. 4: NYS Hunter Education, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Harmony Conservation Camp, Route 474, Panama; Visit: https://dec.ny.gov.

Oct. 5: Chautauqua Lake Bassmasters 2025 Fall Bass Open, 6:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Boat Launch TBD, $100 Entry. Tournament Director: 716-708-0330.

Oct. 11-13: NYS Youth Special Firearms Weekend Deer Season, for 12-15 years of age, select counties, see syllabus.

Oct. 11 to Nov. 2: NYS Western Zone hunting season for ducks and coots. See syllabus for bag limits/rules.

Oct. 18: NYS Southern Zone turkey hunting season opens, sunrise to sunset, season bag limit is one bird of either sex, ends Oct. 31.