New York Hunters Harvest Near-Record Number of Bears in 2025-26 Season
Southern Zone sets all-time record as statewide harvest climbs above long-term averages
New York
New York Reports Safest Hunting Season on Record — But Tree Stand Falls Remain a Major Risk
The latest safety report from New York highlights a record-low number of shooting incidents in 2025, with zero fatalities. However, elevated stand accidents continue to pose a serious threat to hunters.
New York Proposes Major Deer Hunting Regulation Changes for 2026 Season
State wildlife officials seek to expand antlerless opportunities and adjust seasons, while recent rule changes already reshape tagging and reporting requirements for hunters.
Illegal Deer Harvest discovered in Greene County, New York
A recent enforcement action in Greene County, New York, resulted in fines and legal penalties after a hunter was found to have taken a deer illegally using the wrong harvest tag and without the proper permit. The case underscores the role of Environmental Conservation Police in upholding hunting regulations and the importance of ethical and lawful harvest practices for all hunters.
Poaching Case in Tioga County Leads to Guilty Pleas, Fines, and Seized Firearm
New York conservation officers say public reporting and follow-up investigation were key in resolving an illegal deer killing that occurred during the 2024 season. The case serves as a reminder of how quickly unlawful activity can unravel and the penalties that follow.
2024 New York Hunting Safety Report: Public Land Best Practices & Incident Prevention
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) recently released its annual report on hunting-related shooting incidents (HRSIs) and elevated hunting incidents (EHIs), highlighting another year of safe hunting across the state. The 2024-25 season marked the second-safest on record, with only 11 reported HRSIs, a far cry from the 166 incidents recorded in …