The following are the dates for Turkey and Big Game hunting in NYS DEC Southern Zone which covers all of the Finger Lakes Trail system. Make sure you know the regulations, trail closings, and hiking advice in your area. Remember, Wear Blaze Orange during hunting season, and respect the rights of responsible hunters engaged in legal hunting activities.
Type of hunting
Season
2012 dates
Youth Wild Turkey Hunt
30 min. before Sunrise to Noon
April 23-24
Spring Turkey
30 min. before Sunrise to Noon
May 1 – May 31
Bowhunting—Deer and Bear
The Saturday following the second Monday in October (Columbus Day) through the day prior to the opening of the Regular Deer Season, and nine days immediately following the close of the Regular Deer Season. Sunrise to Sunset.
Oct 13 - Nov 16 Dec 10 - Dec 18
Muzzleloading—Deer and Bear
The nine days immediately following the close of the Regular Deer Season. Sunrise to Sunset.
Dec 10 - Dec 18
Regular—Deer
23 days beginning the third Saturday of November. Sunrise to Sunset.
Nov 17 - Dec 09
Regular—Bear (Southeastern)
23 days beginning the third Saturday of November. Sunrise to Sunset.
Nov 17 - Dec 09
Regular—Bear (Central-Western)
The first Saturday after the opening of the Regular Deer Season through the end of the Regular Deer Season. Sunrise to Sunset.
Nov 24 - Dec 09
Fall Turkey (Central-Western)
Sunrise to Sunset
Oct 23 – Nov 19
Fall Turkey (Southeastern)
Sunrise to Sunset
Oct 1 – Nov 19
Fall Turkey (Ontario)
Sunrise to Sunset
Oct 23 – Nov 5
Refer to the NYS DEC website for more information about hunting seasons and maps of the various zones.
