Fall Deer Hunting Opens in a Park Near NYC
Hunt whitetail on weekdays across the northern zones, then hand the trails back to hikers every weekend and holiday.
🦌 Inside the Weekday Deer Season
Harriman State Park opens its northern forest to whitetail deer hunting this fall, part of a state program to help the woods regrow. The 2026 season runs November 2 to December 16 and December 26 to 31, on weekdays only, across four zones covering about 20,000 acres. Bow, crossbow, shotgun, and muzzleloader are allowed, while rifles and handguns stay banned.
Access comes through 500 free permits drawn by lottery, and a second round on October 23 may release unclaimed spots. Weekends and holidays stay free of hunting, and 118 miles of marked trails sit outside the zones entirely. Hikers crossing the hunting areas should wear bright colors.
