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Hunting Seasons in the Adirondacks

Unlike the National Park System, public lands within the Adirondack and Catskill parks are open to sport hunting. There are separate rules and seasons for each type of hunting (small game, waterfowl, and big game), but it is the big-game season, deer and bear, that is most likely to concern hikers.

Dates for big-game seasons, both in the Adirondacks and in other parts of the state, can be found here.

During any of these open seasons, wear a bright-colored outer garment for safety; orange is recommended. The chance of encountering hunters on mountain trails in the Adirondack High Peaks is relatively small because the game being pursued do not favor steep mountain slopes.

Note: The private land portions of the Elk-Lake Marcy Trail and the Dix Trail are closed to the public during big-game hunting season.

The Adirondack Mountain Club does not promote hunting as one of its organized activities, but it does recognize that sport hunting, when carried out in compliance with the game laws administered by the DEC, is a legitimate sporting activity.