Small game includes upland and migratory game birds, small game mammals, certain furbearers, and reptiles and amphibians.
Please read general hunting regulations first on General Hunting Regulations.
General Regulations
- You may not use a rifle or handgun to hunt pheasant or migratory game birds. See Turkey Hunting Seasons for more information on turkeys.
- See Migratory Game Birds for additional information on migratory game birds.
- Air guns (see General Hunting Regulations) may be used to hunt squirrels, rabbits, hares, ruffed grouse, furbearers that may be hunted (e.g., raccoons and coyotes) and unprotected species (see General Hunting Regulations). Air guns may not be used to hunt waterfowl, pheasant, wild turkey, or big game.
- Crossbows may not be possessed afield in the Northern Zone when hunting small game (except coyotes) with the aid of a dog or when accompanied by a dog. Crossbows may be used to take any other small game or game birds during their respective open seasons except in Westchester and Suffolk counties.
- In WMU 2A, hunting is permitted by falconry only.
Reptiles and Amphibians
Frogs—“Frogs” are defined as eastern spadefoot toad, eastern American toad, Fowler’s toad, northern cricket frog, northern gray treefrog, northern spring peeper, western chorus frog, bullfrog, green frog, mink frog, wood frog, northern leopard frog, southern leopard frog, and pickerel frog.
A fishing or hunting license is required to take frogs with a spear, club, hook, or by hand. A hunting license is required to take frogs with a gun, bow, or crossbow.
Snakes, Lizards, and Salamanders—You may not harvest, take, or possess any native snakes, lizards, or salamanders at any time.
Turtles—The only turtle species for which there is an open hunting season is the snapping turtle. You may not harvest, take, or possess any other turtle species at any time.
You may not take or possess diamondback terrapins at any time.
Snapping turtles—A hunting license is required to take snapping turtles. The only legal implements for taking snapping turtles are a gun, bow, or crossbow.
If you choose to eat snapping turtles, you should carefully trim all fat and discard fat, liver, and eggs prior to cooking to reduce exposure to contaminants. For information on these health advisories, call 1-800-458-1158 or visit the website www.health.ny.gov/environmental/outdoors/fish/health_advisories/advice_on_eating_game.htm.
Possession and Release of Game Birds
It is illegal to possess or release migratory game birds and upland game birds without the proper license(s) from DEC. Before you take possession of any captive-reared or wild game birds, contact the DEC Special Licenses Unit, 625 Broadway, Albany, NY 12233-4752, or call 518-402-8985, or email [email protected].
Falconry Seasons
To hunt small game species with trained raptors, you must possess a Falconry License and a hunting license. Licensed falconers may take small game from October 1 through March 31 in any area of the state open to hunting these species except:
- Common crow may only be taken during the open firearms season.
- A licensed falconer may take both male and female pheasants anywhere in the state when hunting under a Falconry License.
Waterfowl may be taken via falconry during the following seasons:
- Northeast, Southeast, and Western Waterfowl Zones: Oct. 1-Jan. 13
- Long Island Waterfowl Zone: Nov. 1-Feb. 13
- Lake Champlain Waterfowl Zone: Only during the regular hunting season for each species (see map on Migratory Game Birds).
For more information on falconry, contact the DEC Special Licenses Unit, 625 Broadway, Albany, NY 12233-4752, or call 518-402-8985.
