johnandmare

Hello, I used to hunt Westchester County where it was bow only for the whole season. Now I am in Dutchess, and i am confused about what the bowhunting season is. When i go to the DEC, I am not sure if they mean we bowhunters are not allowed to be in the woods during regular season, which sounds weird to me. I do not want to be doing something that is not legal, so now i have turned to this site because i am confused with all the different info I am getting around here. I think we are allowed to be in the woods - from what I have heard - but are not required to wear hunter orange, although if their was a chance in this world i was hunting where there was possible gun hunters, I would where it regardlesss. But my question is, can i bowhunt now, or do i have to wait until December 14th??
Thanks!!!!

WNYhunter

johnandmare,

In new york you can bow hunt the hole season if you want. The difference is, you have to abide by the rules in whatever season you hunt. Shoot a buck with your bow during gun season, you have to have a gun buck tag to tag it with. And as far as hunter orange, I'm not sure if there is law yet requiring to wear it, but I would have it on the entire time. Plus I have had deer right next to me and never see me with orange anyways.

StraightArrowNY

That's right. You can hunt with your bow in any season, but you can only use your archery tags during those designated seasons. So, until the late archery/muzzleloader season opens up, you'll need to use your regular season tags.

Good luck.

johnandmare

Thank you both very much!!!!