By Brandon Kyc
Published: Jun. 19, 2026 at 4:36 PM EDT
Hunters now allowed to hunt more antlerless deer in effort to curb growing population
ALBANY, N.Y. (WBNG) — The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation is changing deer hunting regulations to increase the harvest of antlerless deer, primarily does, and improve the agency’s ability to manage areas with abundant deer populations, the DEC announced on Wednesday, June 17.
“Deer populations are growing across much of New York and, in many areas, are increasing to levels that are detrimental to deer, their habitat, and the public,” Lefton said. “These regulatory changes are a result of robust public engagement and reflect DEC’s continued commitment to conservation.”
Among the changes, DEC is expanding the nine-day mid-September antlerless season by adding 10 Wildlife Management Units: 3P, 6P, 7F, 7H, 7J, 7R, 8H, 8R, 8S and 9G.
DEC is also designating 23 WMUs as having no Deer Management Permit quota in 2026. Hunters who harvest and report an antlerless deer using a DMP in a no-quota unit would be eligible to have the permit automatically replaced. The no-quota units for 2026 are: 1C, 3M, 3P, 3R, 3S, 4J, 6P, 7F, 7H, 7J, 7R, 8A, 8C, 8F, 8G, 8H, 8J, 8N, 8R, 8S, 9A, 9F and 9G.https://0bc179232998a5cb107a7166393ab190.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-45/html/container.html?n=0
The DMP application process is being modified to allow hunters to apply for up to four permits — two in WMUs with a quota and two in WMUs with no quota. DEC will also allow unlimited transfers of DMPs between hunters.
To further encourage antlerless harvest, DEC is establishing a statewide Earn-a-2nd-Buck system. Under the new approach, hunters will receive a first Antlered Deer Tag that can be used during any season with the appropriate privileges, except the September antlerless season. Hunters who harvest and report an antlerless deer using a DMP, Bow/Muzzleloader Antlerless Deer Tag, or Deer Management Assistance Program tag will be eligible for a second Antlered Deer Tag, also usable during those same seasons.
To support the new system, DEC is reclassifying the former Regular Season Deer Tag as an Antlered Deer Tag, and the former Bow/Muzzleloader Either-Sex Deer Tag as a Bow/Muzzleloader Antlerless Deer Tag. Hunters who purchase bowhunting and muzzleloading privileges will receive a Bow/Muzzleloader Antlerless Deer Tag for each privilege.
DEC said the changes were developed with input from hunters and deer managers, including focus groups and surveys, and after review of more than 1,000 public comments submitted on the proposal announced in March 2026. While many commenters supported steps to increase antlerless harvest to reduce impacts to ecosystems and the public, DEC said others raised concerns about potential overharvest in some areas and urged safeguards to validate harvests tied to the Earn-a-2nd-Buck system.
The agency said it closely monitors harvest success and can reduce antlerless harvest if the new regulations are more successful than anticipated. DEC also said it will take steps to deter and detect fraudulent harvest reports, including required attestations, law enforcement field checks, and requiring hunters to provide proof of an antlerless harvest within seven days if requested. Proof could include a photograph, the deer’s head, or contact information for the processor.
The DEC said the full text of the adopted regulation and a summary of the agency’s responses to common public comments will be posted on DEC’s website when the rule is published in the state register on Wednesday, July 1. The agency said answers to common questions are also available in its “Antlerless Deer Hunting Q & A” online.
DEC noted the finalized regulations are separate from proposed legislative changes that would grant the agency new authority to issue DMPs in Northern Zone WMUs. No DMPs will be issued in those units during the 2026 season, DEC said.