State Hunting
Seasons
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              THIS NEWS ITEM IS PERTINENT TO THE NORTH COUNTRY NATIONAL SCENIC TRAIL

Spring, Fall and winter include many hunting seasons which vary from state to state. Hunters have rightful access to many forest areas, and often use segments of the North Country Trail. Hiking "smart" during these times can prevent conflict and injury. Also remember that where the NCT crosses State Game Area lands, the hunters' monies and priorities are first served. There is greatest danger during firearms deer seasons or other large game seasons. Wear blaze orange. (In Pennsylvania State Game Areas this is law!) Know the rules wherever you hike. Remember that in some locations where the trail crosses private land the agreement with the landowner is such that the trail is closed during certain hunting seasons.

It is increasingly likely that you might meet hunters in the woods throughout the year. There is open season in some states on animals such as Woodchuck, Skunks, etc. Links to the various states' hunting web sites will lead you to complete information.

General information on deer and bear seasons- NOT FULL REGULATIONS- use links for full information to learn details
This list may not include all small game seasons
This list may not include all special seasons, such as junior, senior, and disabled permits
Michigan has limited Elk permits.
North Dakota has limited permits for hunting Moose, Pronghorn, Elk, Bighorn Sheep.

NEW YORK: Hunting Year Oct 1, 2005- Sept 30, 2006

New York deer seasons:

  • Bow: Northern Zone: Sept 27- Oct 21, 2006
  • Bow: Southern Zone: Oct 15- Nov 18 and Dec 12-20, 2006
  • Regular Firearms: Northern Zone: Oct 22- Dec 4, 2006
  • Regular Firearms: Southern Zone: Nov 19- Dec 11, 2006
  • Muzzleloaders: Various Zones (check web site): Oct 15- Dec 20, 2006

New York bear seasons:

  • Various Zones (check web site): Sept 17- Dec 20, 2006

New York turkey seasons:

  • Various Zones (check web site): Oct 1- Nov 18, 2005 and April 22,23, 2006, and May 1-31, 2006

New York all other small game seasons:

  • Various Species and Zones (check web site): Sept 1, 2005- March 26, 2006

PENNSYLVANIA

PA site not yet updated- should be approximately same 2006 dates

Pennsylvania deer seasons:
PA site not yet updated- should be approximately same 2006 dates

  • Bow: Oct 2- Nov 13, 2004 and Dec 27, 2004- Jan 15, 2005
  • Regular Firearms: Nov 29- Dec 11, 2004
  • Special Permits: Oct 21- 23, 2004
  • Muzzleloaders: Oct 16- 23, 2004
  • Flintlock: Dec 27, 2004 -Jan 15, 2005

Pennsylvania bear seasons:

  • Various Areas (check web site): Nov 22-24, Nov 29- Dec 4, 2004

Pennsylvania turkey seasons:

  • Various Zones (check web site): Oct 30- Nov 20, 2004 and April 23, 2005, and April 30- May 28, 2005

Pennsylvania all other small game seasons:

  • Various Species and Zones (check web site): Oct 9, 2004- Apr 3, 2005

Special Note for PA State Game Lands- NCT crosses several! It is unlawful for non-hunters to be present on State Game Lands from November 15 through December 15 inclusive without wearing at least a Fluorescent Orange hat (a vest or jacket of 250 sq. inches is of Safety Orange is recommended ). Orange material must be visible from 360 degrees.

OHIO

Ohio deer seasons:

  • Bow: Oct 1, 2006- Jan 31, 2007
  • Regular Firearms: Nov 28- Dec 4, 2006
  • Muzzleloaders: Dec 27- 30, 2006
  • Special Permits: Oct 24-29, Nov 19-20, 2006

Ohio turkey seasons:

  • Various Zones (check web site): Oct 8- Nov 27, 2005 and April 22- May 21, 2006

Pennsylvania all other small game seasons:

  • Various Species and Zones (check web site): Sept 1, 2005- Feb 28, 2005, crows June 9, 2006- March 18, 2007

MICHIGAN

MI site not yet updated- should be approximately same 2006 dates

Michigan deer seasons:

  • Bow: Oct 1- Nov 14, 2005, and Dec 1, 2005- Jan 2, 2006
  • Regular Firearms: Nov 15-30, 2005
  • Muzzleloaders: Dec 2-18, 2005 varies by zone- check web site
  • Special Permits check web site: Dec 19, 2005- Jan 1, 2006

Michigan bear seasons:

  • Varies by permit: Sept 10- Oct 26, 2004

Michigan elk seasons:

  • Dec 7-14, 2004

Michigan turkey seasons:

  • Various Zones (check web site): Oct 4- Nov 9, 2004 and spring dates by license

Michigan all other small game seasons:

  • Various Species and Zones (check web site): Aug 1, 2004- Apr 15, 2005

WISCONSIN

Wisconsin deer seasons:

  • Bow: Sept 16- Nov 16, 2006 and Nov 27, 2006- Jan 3, 2007
  • Regular Firearms: Nov 18- 26, 2006
  • Muzzleloaders: Nov 27- Dec 6, 2006
  • Youth Deer Hunt: Oct 28, 2006
  • Various special permitted areas including some State Parks: Oct 26- Dec 10- see web site

Wisconsin bear seasons:

  • Varies by zone: Sept 6- Oct 10, 2006- see complete info below

Wisconsin turkey seasons:

  • Various Zones (check web site): Apr 12- May 21, 2006 and Oct 1- Nov 9, 2006

Wisconsin all other small game seasons:

  • Various Species and Zones (check web site): Sept 16, 2006- Mar 20, 2007

MINNESOTA: Hunting Year Mar 1, 2006- Apr 30, 2007

Minnesota deer seasons :

  • Bow: Sept 16- Dec 31, 2006, various zones- see web site
  • Regular Firearms: Nov 4- Nov ?, 2006, various zones- see web site
  • Muzzleloaders: Nov 25- ?, 2006
  • Youth Deer Hunt: Oct 23-24, 2005

Minnesota bear seasons:

  • Sept 1- Oct ?

Minnesota moose seasons:

  • Sept 30- Oct 15, 2006, Oct 25-29, 2006

Minnesota turkey seasons:

  • Various Zones (check web site): Apr 12- May 27, 2005 and Oct 18-22, 2006

Minnestoa all other small game seasons:

  • Various Species and Zones (check web site): Mar 1- 31, 2006, Dec 31, 2006

NORTH DAKOTA

North Dakota deer seasons:

  • Bow: Sep 1, 2006- ?
  • Regular Firearms: Nov 10- ?, 2006
  • Muzzleloaders: Dec 1- ?, 2006
  • Youth Hunt: Sept 15- ?5, 2006

North Dakota Elk, Moose, Pronghorn, Bighorn Sheep, Mountain Lion seasons:

  • Various Species and Zones (check web site): Sept 1, 2006- March 11, 2007

North Dakota turkey seasons:

  • Various Zones (check web site): Apr 8- ?, 2006

North Dakota all other small game seasons:

  • Various Species and Zones (check web site): Aug 12, 2006- Dec 10, 2006

For complete information: