New York State Bowhunters, are you set for the 2025 deer and bear season? The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation announced that in the Northern Zone, bowhunting season for bear began on September 13, and on September 27 for deer. Bowhunting in the Southern Zone began today, October 1st, for both deer and bear. So, what's new this year (2025) for New York State? - NYS DEC Commissioner Amanda LeftonFor more information, visit the NYS DEC crossbow hunting website.