Raccoon Hunting in New York

Raccoon hunting is a popular pastime in New York. The animals are considered pests by many, and their numbers have exploded in recent years. As a result, the state has issued permits for hunters to help control the population. In this blog post, we will explore the ins and outs of raccoon hunting in New York. From the best times of year to hunt to what equipment you need, we will cover everything you need to know to get started.

Raccoon Hunting Laws in New York

In New York, raccoon hunting is only legal if the animal is causing damage to property or poses a threat to public safety. If you are planning on hunting raccoon, you must first obtain a permit from the DEC. The DEC will only issue permits for raccoon hunting if there is documentation of damage caused by the animal. Raccoon hunting is not allowed in any state park or preserve.

If you are lucky enough to obtain a permit for raccoon hunting, there are still some regulations that you must follow. You can only hunt during the day and must use a shotgun with non-toxic shot. You are also required to wear fluorescent orange while hunting. These measures are in place to protect other hunters and keep everyone safe while enjoying the sport.

Do you need a license to hunt Raccoons in New York?

Yes, you need a license to hunt raccoons in New York. You can get a hunting license from the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). The DEC website has information on how to get a hunting license and what types of licenses are available.

Raccoon Hunting Seasons in New York

The hunting season for raccoons in New York runs from October 1 through March 31. However, there are specific dates when raccoon hunting is allowed and when it is not. For example, raccoon hunting is not allowed from November 15 through December 15. This is the time of year when the animals are mating and giving birth, so hunters are asked to respect this time and refrain from hunting them.

There are also specific areas where raccoon hunting is not permitted. These areas include:

-New York City and Long Island ( Nassau and Suffolk Counties)
-Westchester County
-Allegany, Cattaraugus, Cayuga, Chautauqua, Chemung, Erie, Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Niagara, Onondaga, Ontario, Orleans, Schuyler, Seneca , Steuben , Wayne , Wyoming and Yates Counties

Can you hunt Raccoons at night in New York?

In New York, it is legal to hunt raccoons at night with a few exceptions. You cannot use artificial light to help you see the raccoon, and you can only shoot the animal if it is causing damage to your property or posing a threat to public safety. If you are hunting on someone else’s property, you must have their permission first.

If you are planning to hunt raccoons at night in New York, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, make sure you are familiar with the state’s hunting regulations. Second, be prepared for the possibility of encountering other wildlife while you are out hunting. Finally, take necessary safety precautions to ensure that both you and the animals you are hunting are safe.

Bag limits for hunting Raccoons in New York

There is no bag limit for hunting raccoons in New York. However, there are some regulations that hunters need to be aware of. For example, it is illegal to shoot a mother raccoon with young in her den. Additionally, all raccoons MUST be checked in with a wildlife officer within 24 hours of the kill.

Legal ways to hunt Raccoons in New York

Hunting Raccoons in New York is regulated by the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). There are three legal ways to hunt Raccoons in New York: with a shotgun, a bow and arrow, or a trapping device.

Shotguns must be larger than 20 gauge and may be no larger than 10 gauge. Bows must have a minimum draw weight of 40 pounds. Trapping devices include foothold traps, body-gripping traps, or snares.

Raccoons may be hunted during the day or at night. Night hunting is only allowed from sunset to sunrise. When hunting Raccoons at night, hunters must use artificial light that does not exceed 300 candlepower.

The DEC regulates the taking of Raccoons because they are a protected species in New York State. The DEC website has more information on hunting Raccoons in New York, including season dates and bag limits.

Can you use dogs to hunt Raccoons in New York?

In New York, raccoon hunting with dogs is only allowed on private property with the landowner’s permission. While there are no state-wide regulations prohibiting the use of dogs to hunt raccoons, some localities may have their own rules in place. Be sure to check with your local DEC office before heading out on a hunt.

Dogs can be an effective tool when hunting raccoons, as they can help to flush the animals out of hiding and track them down. If you do choose to use dogs for hunting, be sure to train them well in advance and keep them under control at all times while in the field.

Can you hunt Raccoons from a vehicle in New York?

It is illegal to hunt any animal from a vehicle in New York State, with the exception of crows. This includes hunting raccoons from a car or other motorized vehicle. If you want to hunt raccoons in New York, you’ll need to do so on foot.

Final Thoughts

After spending a day out in the field hunting raccoons, it’s time to sit back and reflect on the experience. Overall, it was a successful hunt and I was able to take home a few good pelts.

There are a few things that I would do differently next time, however. First, I would start my hunt earlier in the day. The raccoons were most active at night, so I missed out on some good opportunities.

Secondly, I would set up my blind closer to where I knew the raccoons were coming from. I spent a lot of time walking around looking for them, when I could have saved myself some effort by being in their path from the start.

All in all, it was a fun and challenging hunt. Raccoon hunting is definitely something I’ll be doing again in the future!