Hunting Deer in New York
Deer hunting is one of the most popular sporting opportunities in New York State. Well-controlled deer hunting is critical in managing deer populations; striking a balance in wildlife and habitat resources. Populations have increased since the turn of the 20th century through monitored hunting regulations and improved habitat. Hunting-related topics, precautions, programs, and data are provided on this page. Information about deer and deer management can be found on our White-tailed Deer page. See DEC's Management Plan for White-tailed Deer in New York State, 2021-2030 (PDF).
Hunting Bear in New York
New York has between 6,000 to 7,000 black bears in the wild. In recent years, numbers have increased and become more widely distributed across the state. Hunting is the primary management tool to control the bear population. Bear hunting is permitted in the fall throughout portions of northern, southeastern, and central-western New York. More information about bears and bear management can be found on our Black Bear page.
Bear hunters may also be interested to read the booklet, Hunting the Black Bear in New York (PDF), and DEC's Management Plan for Black Bear in New York State, 2014-2024 (PDF).
Find a Deer and Bear Processor or Taxidermist in New York State (PDF).
Deer and Bear Harvests
These harvest report summaries contain detailed information on deer and bear harvests in the state of New York, including harvest distribution by WMU, trends in harvest over time, and ages of animals harvested.
White-tailed Deer
- 2022 Deer Take Summary (PDF, 6MB)
- 2021 Deer Take Summary (PDF, 11MB)
- 2020 Deer Take Summary (PDF, 6MB)
- 2019 Deer Take Summary (PDF, 7MB)
- 2018 Deer Take Summary (PDF, 7MB)
- 2012-2017 Deer Take Summaries (PDF, 25.32MB)
- 2007-2011 Deer Take Summaries (PDF, 7.2MB)
- Historic Deer Harvest (PDF)
Black Bear
- 2023 Bear Take Summary (PDF)
- 2022 Bear Take Summary (PDF)
- 2021 Bear Take Summary (PDF)
- 2020 Bear Take Summary (PDF)
- 2012-2019 Bear Take Summaries (PDF, 17.2MB)
- 2007-2011 Bear Take Summaries (PDF, 6.7MB)
- Historic Bear Harvest (PDF)
Big Game Photo Gallery
Share and view photos of junior hunters or others who have taken their first white-tailed deer or black bear in New York in our Big Game Photo Gallery.