Hunting Seasons
New York State’s perennial chart topper when it comes to whitetail deer, Steuben County offers some of the best hunting in the entire Finger Lakes region for black bear, deer, turkey, and more.
“. . . located on the southern border of New York and has over 28,000 acres of public hunting land. More trophy whitetail deer are harvested in Steuben County than any other county in New York. That being said, Steuben County is the number-one place we want to hunt in New York this season.”
Dustin Prievo, Wide Open Spaces
Located in the “Southern Zone” of Region 8, Steuben County is not only New York State’s perennial chart topper for whitetail dear, it’s also a place were you can use bow, crossbow, muzzleloader, handgun, shotgun, and rifle for regular deer season, as well as early and regular bear seasons.
Here’s a printable PDF from the Department of Conservation with all the 2021-2022 Hunting Seasons.
Deer Seasons (2021)
Regular & Bow Hunting Deer Seasons
- October 1 - November 19: Early Bowhunting (October 1 through the Friday immediately preceding regular season)
- November 20- December 12: Regular (opens Saturday, for 23 days beginning the third Saturday of November)
- November 6 - November 19: Crossbow (see below for specifics)
*December 13 - December 21 and December 26 - January 1 (crossbows may be used during muzzleloader season) - December 14 - December 21 and December 26 - January 1: Late Bowhunting (9 consecutive days immediately following the regular season)
For information about New Deer and Bear Hunting Opportunities and Requirements for 2021 visit the DEC website here.
Muzzleloading Season
December 13 - December 21 and December 26 - January 1: Deer of Either Sex
Note: crossbows may be used to hunt deer during Southern Zone Muzzleloader season.
For information about the Antler Restrictions Program, visit this page at the DEC.
In 2020, over 15,000 whitetail deer were harvested in Steuben County. That's about 5,000 more deer than any other county in New York State, again ranking Steuben as NYS's Top Hunting Destination! For more stats, visit here.
Black Bear Seasons (2021)
- September 11 - September 26: Early Bear
- October 1 - November 19: Early Bowhunting (October 1 through the Friday immediately preceding regular season)
- November 20- December 12: Regular (opens Saturday, for 23 days beginning the third Saturday of November)
- November 6 - November 19: Crossbow (for additional crossbow options visit the DEC site here)
- December 13 - December 21: Late Bowhunting (9 consecutive days immediately following the regular season)
- December 13 - December 21: Late Muzzleloading (9 consecutive days immediately following the regular season)
Note: crossbows may be used to hunt bear during early bear seasons, muzzleloader seasons, and regular firearms seasons in Southern Zone.
Over 80 black bear were killed in Steuben County in 2020, once again making it one of the top counties for black bear in the entire state. More info here.
Turkey Hunting Seasons
Fall 2021 Season
October 16 - October 29
Season Limit (1 (one) bird of either sex)
Hunting Hours - Sunrise to Sunset
Spring 2022 Season
April 23 - April 24: Spring Youth Turkey Hunt
Season Limit (one bearded turkey)
Hunting Hours - One-half-hour before sunrise to noon
May 1 - May 31: Regular Spring Season
Season Limit (two bearded turkeys - one bird per day)
Hunting Hours - One-half-hour before sunrise to noon
For more NYS Turkey Hunting Information, visit: https://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/8366.html.
For information on hunting Migratory Game Birds or Crows, visit the DEC’s website: https://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/28175.html. For specific 2021-2022 Waterfowl and Migratory Game Bird Seasons in Steuben County check out the Western Zone dates here.
Furbearer Hunting
Coyote, bobcat, raccoon, red fox, gray fox, opossum, skunk, weasel, mink, and muskrat may be hunted, but mink and muskrat may only be hunted under special conditions. For specific information, visit: https://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/45559.html.
You may hunt furbearers using a handgun, shotgun, rifle, bow, or crossbow. All laws pertaining to the use of firearms apply.
Note - Crossbows may not be used while hunting with a dog for any small game, except for coyotes, in the Northern Zone.
For further information on implements permitted for use and other regulations, visit: https://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/45559.html.
If you're planning a trip and want to know future hunting season dates:
Early Bowhunting - Deer & Bear
October 1 through the Friday immediately preceding regular season.
Regular - Deer & Bear
23 days beginning the third Saturday of November.
Late Bow and Muzzleloading - Deer & Bear
9 consecutive days immediately following the regular season.
For additional up-to-date information on hunting season dates, visit here.
For Hunting Licenses and Regulations, click here.
For information on where to hunt in Steuben County, click here.
