Hunting in New York: 4 Animals Designated Nongame, Endangered, Threatened, and Protected Species

Hunting is a popular pastime in New York where thousands of acres of public wilderness areas are home to a rich diversity of wildlife. The state offers opportunities for hunting big game, small game, turkey, migratory birds, waterfowl, and furbearers with both modern and more traditional methods.


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Some animals, however, are off limits, being designated as endangered, threatened, or special concern. By protecting these animals from hunting in New York, the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) strives to "perpetuate and restore native animal life within New York State for the use and benefit of current and future generations, based upon sound scientific practices and in consideration of social values, so as not to foreclose these opportunities to future generations." Here is a look at four protected animals in the state of New York.

1. Cougars


Having once roamed the eastern United States and southern Canada, the eastern cougar is endangered. It is thought to be possibly extinct within New York, although unconfirmed sightings are reported occasionally. Scientists believe these reports may be cougars passing through New York or possibly escaped or released pets of other varieties.


2. Peregrine Falcons

Globally widespread, the peregrine falcon is endangered in New York. Pesticides and other pollutants greatly reduced the populations of these birds of prey, although release programs and the elimination of DDT use have led to gains in some areas. In New York, where peregrine falcons had disappeared by 1965, the birds are nesting and breeding again. Pesticide use continues to harm peregrine falcons outside the United States, causing thin eggshells and reduced breeding success.


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3. Canada Lynx

The Canada lynx is classified as threatened, but it is believed to be extirpated, having no evidence of a resident population, within the state. While this animal is classified as small game in New York, current regulations do not permit hunting, providing the lynx with full protection. Some credible lynx sightings are believed to be lynx traveling through the state.


4. Cottontail Rabbit

The New England cottontail is a special concern animal in New York. Previously this rabbit flourished throughout New England, but its distribution has been reduced to isolated pockets in the region including eastern New York.


This article is for information only. Please check current regulations before hunting.

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