Everything You Need to Know About Black Bear Hunting Season in New York

Is it me or are there more black bear sightings in New York? I think the black bear population is exploding and if you're a hunter, you can help bring it down. Here is some useful information for all the hunters out there.

Whether you're a local or an out-of-towner, when you grab your hunting license, don't forget your bear carcass tag because that lets you take home one bear per year. Here's a heads up for all Southern Zone hunters - no shooting any cubs, or bears hanging out in groups, or messing with bears in their dens.

Bear hunting with bait or dogs is a no-go but you can pack up to 15 ounces of liquid scent or lure, as long as you're not laying it out to bait the bears. And if you're lucky enough to bring home a bear, New York State's Bear Management Cooperator Program is calling on you.

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Report your harvest through the DECALS hotline, app, or online system. Don't forget to pass on a bear tooth or jaw piece to the DEC because they use it to determine the bear's age and weight to help keep tabs on our bear buddies.

Join in the Cooperator Program and get yourself a patch and age certification for your bear. You're not just hunting; you're helping the bear research and conservation efforts. Have you heard about BearWise? The DEC has teamed up with them to spread the word on living responsibly with the black bears.

Follow The New York Bear Regulations

Lastly, a quick reminder: keep it legal please. New York regulations don't mess around with bear parts - no possession or sale of gallbladders or bile without a legit bear tag. Thank you for being ethical and looking out for our bear pals.