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New York Consolidated Laws, Environmental Conservation Law - ENV § 11-0905. Open hunting seasons and bag limits for upland game birds and small game

Current as of January 01, 2026 | Updated by Findlaw Staff

1. Game of the species listed in column one of the table set forth below may be taken in the open season or seasons specified in column two opposite the name of the species, in the areas for which the open season is so specified, or if no area is specified, anywhere in the state.  Such game, of the species listed in column one, may be taken to the extent of the bag limits specified in column three opposite the name of the species.  Unless the bag limits are stated separately for different areas they limit the total amount of the species that may be taken by one person in a calendar year, whether hunting is done in one area or more than one area.  Where the words “fixed annually by regulation” appear in column two or column three, the species may be taken in open seasons, and to the extent of bag limits, fixed by such regulations of the department pursuant to section 11-0903 or 11-0307.

2. Table

Column One

Column Two

Column Three

Species

Open Season

Bag Limit

a.1

Migratory game birds, all species

Fixed annually by federal regulation, unless the state adopts regulation

Fixed annually by federal regulation, unless the state adopts regulation

a.2

Migratory game birds, all species

Fixed annually by regulation

Fixed annually by regulation

b.

Ruffed grouse

Fixed annually by regulation

Fixed annually by regulation

c.

Hungarian partridge

Fixed annually by regulation

Fixed annually by regulation

d.

Ring-necked pheasant

Long Island November 1 through December 31.  Elsewhere, fixed annually by regulation

Long Island, four birds in one day, thirty during season.  Elsewhere, fixed annually by regulation

e.

Quail

Orange, Putnam and Westchester counties, fixed annually by regulation;  Long Island, November 1 through December 31

Orange, Putnam and Westchester counties;  four birds in one day, ten during season.  Long Island, six birds in one day, forty during season.

f.

Black, gray and fox squirrels

Fixed annually by regulation

Fixed annually by regulation

g.

Varying hares

Fixed annually by regulation

Fixed annually by regulation

h.

Cottontail rabbits

Fixed annually by regulation

Fixed annually by regulation

i.

Frogs

Fixed annually by regulation

Fixed annually by regulation

j.

Raccoon

Fixed annually by regulation

Fixed annually by regulation

k.

Wild turkeys

Fixed annually by regulation

Fixed annually by regulation

l.

European hare

Fixed annually by regulation

Fixed annually be regulation

m.

Bobcat

Fixed annually by regulation

Fixed annually by regulation

n.

Lynx

Fixed annually by regulation

Fixed annually by regulation

o.

Coyote

Fixed annually by regulation

Fixed annually by regulation

p.

Fox

Fixed annually by regulation

Fixed annually by regulation

q.

Opossum

Fixed annually by regulation

Fixed annually by regulation

r.

Weasel

Fixed annually by regulation

Fixed annually by regulation

s.

Common snapping turtle

Fixed annually by regulation.  Until December 31, 2006 these species may be taken from July 1 through September 30.

Fixed annually by regulation.  Until December 31, 2006 the bag limit shall be five per day, thirty per season.

t.

Diamondback terrapin

Fixed annually by regulation.

Fixed annually by regulation.

u.

Spotted salamander, red-spotted newt, dusky salamander, red-backed salamander, northern slimy salamander and two-lined salamander

Fixed annually by regulation.  Until December 31, 2006, the open season for these species shall be all year.

Fixed annually by regulation.  Until December 31, 2006, the bag limit for all species combined shall be five in one day, and thirty total for the season.

v.

Northern water snake, brown snake, red-bellied snake, common garter, green snake, northern ringneck snake and milk snake

Fixed annually by regulation.  Until December 31, 2006, the open season for these species shall be all year.

Fixed annually by regulation.  Until December 31, 2006, the bag limit for all species combined shall be five in one day, and thirty total for the season.

3. Skunk, bobcat, coyote, fox, mink and muskrat may be hunted in any manner not prohibited in section 11-0901 during the open seasons for such species established in section 11-1103 or fixed by regulation as provided in section 11-1103. They may be taken in any number.

4. Notwithstanding any inconsistent provision of this section or section 11-0903, the department is authorized to adopt regulations with respect to taking of small game and upland game birds by trained raptors as provided in title 10 of this article from October first through March thirty-first in areas where an open hunting season is established, or if no area is specified, anywhere in the state.

1  Eff. until December 31, 2027, pursuant to L.2010, c. 84, § 5.
2  Eff. December 31, 2027, pursuant to L.2010, c. 84, § 5.
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Cite this article: FindLaw.com - New York Consolidated Laws, Environmental Conservation Law - ENV § 11-0905. Open hunting seasons and bag limits for upland game birds and small game - last updated January 01, 2026 | https://codes.findlaw.com/ny/environmental-conservation-law/env-sect-11-0905/

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