September deer season starts Saturday
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September signals the unofficial start of big-game hunting season in New York, and hunters across Western New York will have expanded opportunities to head into the woods and hunt deer (doe only) starting this weekend, but only in designated areas.
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has announced that the early antlerless deer season opens Sept. 12 and continues through Sept. 20 in 23 Wildlife Management Units statewide, including many areas across Western New York. Several local units -- including 8A, 8C, 8F, 8G, 8H, 8J, 8N, 8R, 8S, 9A, 9F, and 9G -- are participating, giving hunters additional opportunities to help manage deer populations while enjoying an early start to the season.
This year, DEC expanded the early antlerless season into additional WMUs, increasing access for hunters and supporting wildlife management goals. Only antlerless deer may be harvested during this season, and hunters must possess a Deer Management Permit or Deer Management Assistance Program tag.
Hunters in participating WMUs can apply for unlimited DMPs, and those who report an antlerless harvest may qualify for Bonus DMPs in the same unit. In addition, DEC's "Earn-a-2nd-Buck" program rewards hunters who harvest and report an antlerless deer with a second antlered deer tag later in the season.
Bear hunting seasons begin on September 19th and run through Dec. 6 in the Northern Zone.
In WMUs 3M, 3P, 3R, 6P, 7F, 7H, 7J, 7R, 8A, 8F, 8G, 8H, 8J, 8N, 8R, 8S, 9A, 9F, and 9G, hunters may use firearms, crossbows, or vertical bows during the early antlerless deer season, but only vertical bows or crossbows can be used in WMUs 1C, 3S, 4J, and 8C. Hunters may use firearms, crossbows, or vertical bows in all WMUs enrolled in the early bear season. The use of rifles is prohibited in Rockland County (most of WMU 3R) during any season.
Hunters using firearms, including muzzleloaders, during any season must wear a solid or patterned fluorescent orange or fluorescent pink hat, vest, or jacket while hunting. Legal hunting hours for deer and bear include the full period of ambient light from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset.
DEC officials encourage hunters to review current regulations, secure permits early, and report harvested game promptly. These early seasons provide a welcome start to autumn traditions, support sound wildlife management, and offer hunters' additional time in the field before the regular big game season begins.
For complete regulations and season details, visit DEC's hunting webpages or consult the 2026-27 Hunting and Trapping Guide.
Gotta love the outdoors.
CALENDAR
Sept. 10: Erie County Federation of Sportsmen, monthly meeting, 6:30-9 p.m., Springville Field & Stream, Chaise Road, Springville, Info: 716-592-7941.
Sept. 10: 3D Archery, 20 targets Bear Lake Rod and Gun, 4 p.m. start, $10 fee, open to public, 4391 Stockton-Cassadaga Road, Stockton; 716-397-9717.
Sept. 12: NYSDEC Hunter Ed, Erie County Cornell Cooperative Extension, 21 South Grove St., East Aurora, taught by Robert J Avery, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., register at: https://decals.events.east.licensing.app/em/events/190, or call 585-226-5463.
Sept. 12: Combined Trap/Skeet Tournament, benefit for Great Falls Council Scouting America (Buffalo office); 8:30 a.m. registration, 9:00 a.m. shooting starts; team, adult and youth categories; East Aurora Fish/Game, 1018 Luther Road, East Aurora; Info: 716-876-7735.
Sept. 12: Southern Tier Bassmasters tourney, Chautauqua Lake - Long Point State Park, $35 entry, visit www.southerntierbass.com or call 585-314-7142.
Sept. 12-13: Dunkirk Sportsman Show, 30 Lakeshore Drive (Clarion Hotel), Dunkirk; will feature gun sales, hunting and fishing gear, boat displays and sales, live seminars, food, crafts, outdoor TV show hosts/personalities; Info: Josh Larsen, 716-490-4226.