Syracuse.com - CNY fall hunting season kicks into full gear during month of October

[HuntingNY-News]

From deer to bears, from wild turkeys to ruffed grouse, from rabbits to coyotes -- and more. Take your pick. There's a lot to hunt out there this month.

Submitted photoSteve Alkins, of Jamesville, poses with his first wild turkey, which he shot last year.

October marks phase two of hunting season in Central New York, and there’s no shortage of animals that can be hunted.

Seasons that have already started or begin later this month, are:

Deer: The bowhunting season began Monday and extends until Nov. 16. For the first time this year, there’s a special youth firearms hunt during the Columbus Day weekend, which begins at sunrise Saturday and ends at sunset Monday. Licensed junior hunters, ages 14-15, will be able to hunt for deer with a shotgun or rifle, depending on the area, but must be accompanied by an unarmed, licensed adult mentor.

Turkey: The fall turkey season also began Monday and extends until Nov. 16. The daily and season bag limit is two birds of either sex, and they can be taken on the same day.

Bear: The bowhunting season for bear in certain designated parts of the DEC’s Region 7 started Monday and extends until Nov. 16. The season bag limit is one animal. Hunters may not shoot a cub or a bear from a group of bears, and they cannot take a bear from its den. Local areas that can hunted include portions of Madison and Cortland counties, along with a sliver of southern Onondaga County in Fabius and Tully.

Ruffed grouse/woodcock: The ruffed grouse/woodcock season started Monday and extends until Feb. 28. The daily bag limit is four birds. Hunters may also shoot woodcock (no more than three a day) from now until Nov. 14, but they must be registered with the Harvest Information Program. To do that, call 888-427-5447 or go to NY-HIP.com.

Cottontail rabbit: This season also kicked in Monday. The Northern Zone season extends until March 17; the Southern Zone season ends Feb. 28. The daily bag limit is six.

Fur-bearers: The season for coyotes opened Monday and extends until March 31. In certain parts of the Tug Hill region, bobcats can also be hunted from Oct. 25 to Dec. 10. Weasel, opossum, skunk, raccoon and fox can be hunted from Oct. 25 to Feb. 15. There are no bag limits for these animals, and they can be hunted day or night.

Pheasant: The Northern Zone season began Monday, but the Southern and Northwestern zones won’t start until Oct. 20. The season lasts until Feb. 28. The youth hunt weekend (ages 12-15) is Oct. 13-14. The daily bag limit is two birds.

Waterfowl: Several waterfowl hunting seasons have either started or get under way later this month, including snow and Canada goose, ducks, mergansers, brant and coot.

For a rundown on the specific seasons, license requirements, hunting zones and bag limits, see the DEC website or the DEC’s 2012-13 hunting guide.

View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog