New York State Comments On The Hunting Contest Ban

The whitetail deer season will start in just a few days in New York State! Hunters from all over New York State are getting excited to hit the woods this year, as a new crossbow policy has been put in place and begins immediately. But before you get to the tree stand or ground blind, do you know the rules about whitetail deer hunting when it comes to contests?

The deer numbers seem to be pretty strong here in New York State, and you likely have seen a good amount of bucks wandering around, or on your trail camera photos. Mixed in the herd are some good-sized bucks and some really good racks! By this time of the year, deer hunters have a pretty good idea of which buck they are waiting to see when they are hunting.

New York State has some new laws pertaining to hunting contests. But do whitetail deer fall under those laws? Turns out, they are not.

Read More: New Paper Licenses Now Available To Hunters In New York State.

The opening day of archery season will be here soon, and you can feel the fall creeping in. In fact, the cooler mornings have started, and the leaves are starting to change. While many hunters think "the rut" is the ideal time to hunt, early-season deer hunting can be very good if you are in the right spot.

Deer Hunting Contests In New York State

There are some laws that went into place recently that, according to New York State, "make it unlawful for any person to organize, sponsor, conduct, promote or participate in any contest, competition, tournament, or derby with the objective of taking or hunting wildlife for prizes, inducement or entertainment".

But if you read further on the DEC website, it specifically mentions that deer are NOT part of that ban.

"The new law does not apply to field trials with dogs and does not prohibit contests, competitions, or tournaments for fishing or for hunting white-tailed deer, turkey, or bear".

That being said, you are still required to hunt in an ethical way, with conservation and respect for wildlife as the main goals. Opening day for archery hunters in the NORTHERN ZONE of New York State will begin on September 27th.