The State DEC is announcing the opening of Deer and Bear hunting season beginning at sunrise on Saturday, November 15.

The season will close on at sunset on Sunday December 7.

After regular Deer and Bear season closes, late bowhunting and muzzleloading season will open from December 8 to December 16.

The DEC is also reminding hunters of some important programs and recent changes for the 2014 hunting season:

Crossbows: Crossbows can be used during the regular deer seasons in all parts of New York State, except Westchester and and Suffolk Counties, and parts of Albany and Monroe Counties.

Reducing Harvest of Young Bucks: Mandatory antler restrictions are in effect for all hunters 17 years and older. Bucks must have at least 3 points on one side.

Junior Hunters: Hunters 14 and 15 years old can hunt bear and deer with a firearm when appropriately accompanied by an experienced adult.

Harvest Reporting: All successful hunters are required to report their harvest of bear and deer within 7 days. Failure to report harvested deer or bear is a violation of NYS Environmental Conservation Law. Hunters can report via the DEC's online system on their website.

Black Bear Tooth Collection: Successful bear hunters are asked to submit a tooth of their bear so the DEC can age the bear and monitor bear population dynamics.

For more information visit the DEC website.

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